The Pros & Cons of Commuting in Paris

If you're moving to Paris soon, I suggest getting used to commuting. Good for you if you could afford to drive your own car here, but even my friends who do have told me that they prefer to take public transport instead. Most, however, are divided, and perhaps you might be too. Much like everything else out there, commuting in Paris has its pros and cons. One of the most well-known pros is how commuting can save you a lot of money and allows you to walk around and make you fit. As for the cons, there are issues with safety, especially at night, and how public transport in Paris isn't always the most efficient.

Pros

You Spend Less Money

Did you know that one liter of gas in France costs around €1.88? You might not think this is all that much, but trust me, it's a lot! And if you buy a car here in Paris, it'll take you back about €30,000.00 to €35,000.00 each, possibly even more depending on the model and brand. So do you think you can still afford to drive a car here? If you do, good for you, but if not, there's no need to worry! Public transport in Paris is fairly cheap, costing about €2.50 for the metro and only €2.15 for the bus.

You Get More Used to The City

When I first moved to Paris, commuting helped me get used to the city more. Before that, I only knew about the famous landmarks and the 18th arrondissement, which is the area of the hotel I would frequent. I barely had to go any place else as a tourist, but now, as a local, I know a lot more through taking public transport. It's not just that knowing where the other metro stations and bus stops either. Commuting helped me know the distance between arrondissements, shortcuts to get to my work, and more.

You Get to Walk Around

Since moving to Paris, I've never felt fitter! My figure is trim, my energy is off the charts, and my doctor told me that I'm as healthy as can be. Do you know what helped me get to this state? You guessed it—commuting! Walking from metro station to metro station or bus stop to bus stop helped me maintain my fitness just as well as going to the gym does. I don't even think I get as much cardio in the gym as I do when I commute! What's not to love?

You Can Discover New Sides to The City

You don't need me to tell you that there's more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the like. The city is a lot more fascinating when you get past its most famous landmarks. And you know what? Commuting helped me discover different sides to Paris too. When I'd take the bus and peek out through the window and just look at the French capital. I'll see places where many people are going to or coming out from and discover that they're actually amazing!

You’ll Travel Faster

I've always found it faster to commute than to drive in Paris. Especially when I take the Paris Metro! There was this one time when my friend offered to drive me to work, which isn't really that far from my place. Because of the winter traffic, however, I was almost late! Then on the next day, when I took the metro like usual, lo and behold—not only was I on time, but I was even a few minutes early. From that day on, I'd turn down offers from friends to drive me to work!

Cons

It's Not Always Safe

Unfortunately, the crime rates in Paris are far from low. In fact, it's even said that the capital is one of the most dangerous cities in France. And the worst part? Some of the sketchier areas in the city are those that are near the metro stations and bus stops. As a tall, white American cisgender man, I know I'm far from the usual target of whatever deviants are lurking near the public transport spots. Nevertheless, I'm sure some of you, especially women, won't feel all that safe commuting in Paris.

It's Often Crowded

“Crowded” doesn't even accurately describe it when it's rush hour! At times, metro stations turn into cans of sardines with so many people on their way to work, school, and the like. I've gotten used to it, but at times, I still feel hassled by it all. So if you're not into facing such crowds, you might not find commuting in Paris all that comfortable. Either you wait until rush hour is over or you simply buy a car and drive in the city instead.

It's Far from Peaceful

Have you seen those French films where the lead rides the bus or metro, peeks out the window, and looks all dramatic and stuff? Well, that's just in the movies! Commuting in Paris is a lot busier than what movies will show you. People are talking loudly beside you, someone raging on who they're talking to on the phone, and of course, those trusty subway performers! I'm not saying it's always like this, but I ought to warn you that it does get this crazy from time to time.

It Sticks to a Schedule

It goes without saying—public transport in Paris sticks to a schedule. This makes it easier to commute since you only have to look at the timetable to know when the next bus or train arrives. However, as someone who's constantly on the go, it can be a bit stressful. I suppose it's a good thing that the trains and buses in the city are efficient enough to arrive on time, but I often find myself rushing to the station or top to get on board. It's because of this that I still get envious of people who drive their own cars throughout the many neighborhoods in Paris.

It Sucks When There’s an Accident

When there's an accident, which is rare but does happen from time to time, all hell breaks loose! Even more so if it happens to the Paris metro! Not only will your train be late, but all the others will be too since they'll have to fix the accident before the system can run smoothly again. Now, you're late, stressed out, and your day is ruined. At least, that's what I've felt when it happened a couple of times. Even remembering it now stressed me out!



Commuting in Paris is as complex as the city itself. Much like living here, taking the city's public transport comes with some pros and cons. It's important to know what they are before deciding to move here and if you're better off driving in Paris or not.