In big cities like Paris, the subway is often the fastest way to get from point A to point B. Buses and trams serve the suburbs efficiently and are also widely used. To travel between cities, the train is unbeatable in terms of comfort and speed. And of course, in some situations, biking and walking are great options.
This article explores in detail the various public transport available for a foreign student in France. It provides practical information about costs, schedules, routes, and much more. The aim is to give newcomers all the keys in hand to move freely and easily during their studies.
How to get around on a daily basis in France?
Here are the most used means of transport in France.
Buses and trams
The majority of French cities are littered with public transport, which is provided by buses and trams. Ask students or companies located on your campus to subscribe and find out bus stop schedules.
The majority of French cities are served by bus and tram networks. Check with students or local transport companies to subscribe and find out when to stop at your station.
Some large cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lille, Lille, Lille, Lille, Lille, Lille, Lyon, Lyon, Rennes or Toulouse also have one or more metro networks, which are essential for getting around quickly. Most metro stations have automatic terminals that allow you to buy tickets or take out a subscription.How to benefit from advantageous rates?
The French State and transport networks have put in place preferential rates to facilitate the travel of young people and students. To benefit from it, simply present your student card or an identity document proving your status when taking out the subscription.
For example, in Île-de-France, the Imagine'R card allows students under 26 to travel unlimited throughout the region for 350 euros per year.
Another option: the Youth ticket, reserved for children under 26, which for only 4 euros gives access to all lines in a limited area on Saturday, Sunday or public holidays.
Thanks to these discounts, getting around on a daily basis will not weigh too much on the budget of foreign students in France.
Self-service bikes and scooters
More and more cities in France are making self-service electric bikes and scooters available. It is an excellent solution for short trips, complementary to public transport.
Regarding bicycles, the most widespread system is “Vélib' Métropole”, present in a hundred French cities. In Paris, it has more than 1,800 stations for more than 20,000 classic or electrically assisted bikes. To unlock a Vélib, you must take out an online subscription: preferential rate of €10 per year for students. Afterwards, trips under 30 minutes are free. Beyond that, they are paid in time slots. Long-lasting formulas are also available.
Self-service electric scooters work on a similar principle. Among the operators present in Paris and big cities, we can mention Lime, Dott or Tier. Accessible via a mobile application, they generally cost between €0.15 and €0.50 per minute depending on the operator. Some offer student discounts or packages.
Thanks to the numerous developed bike paths, these new “micro-mobility” solutions offer a fun and environmentally friendly means of transport. Enough to quickly explore campus or downtown! It is simply mandatory to take out civil liability insurance as a user.
Take a taxi
A taxi can actually help you with your errands. The rates charged are strictly regulated by law and are rather high compared to international averages.
All taxis must have a meter that measures the price of the trip. To get around, you have the choice between shared taxis and VTCs.
Use a car
It can be practical to have a car to travel daily in certain cities in France. A few things to note: driving is on the right with the steering wheel on the left, wearing a seat belt is mandatory and using a telephone while driving is prohibited.
If you have a European license or an international license outside Europe, you can drive in France and use your own vehicle. But staying longer than six months requires an international permit and a technical inspection for your vehicle.
SNCF: TGV, Intercities, TER
SNCF offers a wide choice of trains with the TGV for long distances, the Intercities for medium trips and the TER for regional trips. The SNCF Connect site or application allows you to consult the timetables and book your ticket. Discounts of up to 50% are available to young people aged 12 to 27 depending on the period with the Avantage Jeune Week-End card. For a study stay of several months, the Enfant Plus 12-18 year old card offers a 75% discount.
Cars Macron
Appeared after the liberalization of coach transport in 2015, Macron buses offer thousands of trips in France at low prices. Some operators like FlixBus offer up to 30% discounts to students aged 16 to 26. Tickets can be booked online on the companies' websites. Wifi and electrical outlets are generally available on board. Be careful, however, as arrivals and departures often take place in remote bus stations.
Thanks to these options combining accessibility and savings, traveling or moving around France has never been easier for students. It is easy to find what you are looking for at the best price according to the frequency of your trips. 
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