The Metro - Paris

Click the above for a clearer picture

Same as London, to backpack you have to know "The Metro" of Paris
The above is a small map of The Metro, Click here for a bigger map
The ticketing system is a big difference dough.. read the below for more information.

Ticketing

Tickets are valid on either the métro, buses, or the central Paris RER trains (zones 1 & 2), as well as certain select venues, such as the funicular at Montmartre. Single tickets (€1.60) may be purchased at the station counters each time, but the better value is a carnet of 10 (adults: €11.40; children ages 4-9: €5.70), which will save you queuing. Ticket books (and certain passes) may also be purchased from a network of 1,500 retailers approved by RATP — including bookstores, newsstands, and tobacconists.

Another option for frequent travel during a short visit is the Mobilis unlimited 1-day pass, available in various denominations according to the zones of travel (not valid to, or from, CDG and Orly airports). The pass may be purchased in advance; its day of validity starts upon the first use, and ends at around 12:45 or 1:00 a.m. the following morning, when métro service ceases.

Parisians themselves rely on either monthly or weekly passes (coupons) which are carried in a gray plastic slipcase with the Carte Orange. They are the most economical tickets to use on the entire RATP network, provided you are in Paris long enough to benefit from them. Although some station ticket agents may balk at selling these to tourists, anyone is permitted to buy them.

The weekly pass (coupon hebdomadaire) is valid for unlimited travel from Monday to Sunday; it may be purchased until Wednesdays for the current week, and starting on Fridays for the following week (no passes are sold on Thursdays). The monthly pass (coupon mensuel) begins on the first day of the month and may be purchased starting on the 20th of the prior month. You'll need a passport photo to place on the pass; be sure to bring extras from home or purchase one for about €4 from machines in the main stations.

There are also special passes offered only to foreign travelers, called Paris Visites, which are valid for either 1, 2, 3 or 5 days' unlimited use on the entire RATP network, and may be purchased online before your departure to France. For métro travel alone — within Paris city limits — these are not as economical as the coupon hebdomadaire, but they can begin on any day of the week (rather than just Monday to Sunday), and provide 20-35% discounts (or 2-for-1 tickets) on Paris boat trips and certain other attractions. Another advantage is that they can be purchased for certain travel zones, either just within Paris, or for trips as far away as Versailles, Disneyland-Paris, or the airports.Fares vary according to number of days and travel zones selected; children 4 to 11 years old are half-price (kids under 4 ride free of charge).

Have fun backpacking in Paris!

The Tube in London

To backpack in London, you must know the Tube lines.
The above is a small version of the map of line, for a clearer view please go to The Tube Map

The transportation payment card (smart card) in London is called OYSTER .
You would have to pay £3 as deposit for the card and Any amount additional as your transportation cost.

else you could choose to buy the
Oyster Visitor card,
The cards are sold with an initial £10 or £15 balance on them.
The cards cost £2 each (i.e. a card with a £10 pay as you go balance will cost £12)

But there are limited places to purchase the card.



For more information please visit
Transport for London

zuji.com.sg -->London Hotels

Mastering Public Transportation in Europe

Backpackers need to master public transportation. It’s a little overwhelming at first. However, most likely you’ll settle into it after your first few days as a globetrotter. Besides from dealing with transportation schedules, knowing how to get the best value on ticket prices is the biggest obstacle. I keen traveler will also have a grasp on what modes of public transportation are available in a specific region.

Especially in Europe, most major travel destinations have extensive public transportation systems that include buses and a metro system. Alternatively, taxis are usually available but are almost never worth what they cost. Taxis drivers are also known to take advantage of travelers by charging higher fares. Tour buses are another option. In addition to a lift to key tourist attractions, you’ll usually be provided with an overview of the sights. Of course, tour buses cost a little bit more. Further, backpackers, working off a limited budget, are usually better off exploring on their own.

Most metro systems are divided into zones. Therefore, you should be aware of what zones you will need access to. Metro tickets that permit travel in multiple zones cost more. Therefore, only purchase tickets for zones that are necessary. Pocket size metro maps are typically available for free at tourist office and metro station information desks. We recommend that you pickup one of these as soon as you arrive. Large wall maps are also on display at metro stations and act as a good reference when you’re on the go.

Depending on how much ground you plan to cover, multi-day passes might save you money. However, weighing the costs is advisable. If you only need to use public transportation a couple times a day, you’re probable better off purchasing single trip tickets. When purchasing single trip tickets, be sure you have the correct change. Ticket machines often do not give change and/or require exact change.

When you first arrive at the train station or airport, your first trip should be to the tourist office. Here you can pickup the all important tourist map. This map usually includes all the main tourist attractions and main metro stations. Backpackers often find themselves on foot quite a bit. The tourist map is a vital guide.