2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games: how to get around Paris?
Will you be visiting Paris this summer for the Olympic Games? Do you want to be part of the 2024 Olympic Games festivities? Do you have a ticket to watch the badminton competition or other emblematic events? Are you eagerly waiting for your favorite athletes to win medals in their disciplines? You're one of the lucky ones to be a part of this extraordinary event!
The capital of France will be full of festivities and sports competitions. This exciting event will begin on July 26th with the Opening Ceremony happening on the Seine. Obviously, the capital will have undergone many changes to welcome spectators from all over the world. So, let's take a look at how to get around Paris during the Games.
Getting around Paris by public transport during the Olympic Games
The French capital is expecting more than 15 million additional visitors this summer for the Olympic Games. A large number of competitions, including badminton, will take place throughout Paris. The Games Transportation Planning Committee is aiming for a 15% increase in bus, métro and train service during that time. Promising: all Olympic venues will be accessible by public transport. Let's see the most important information on how to get around Paris during the Games.
Take the metro to all the exciting events during the Summer Olympics
It's no surprise that Paris is going to be a very busy city this summer. The French capital will be abuzz with exciting events, athletes' festivities and eagerly awaited medals. Up to 500,000 spectators are expected each day. And that number doesn't include the residents of the Paris region. To help you prepare, let's take a look at the main métro lines and the stations that will be closed during the Olympics.
Paris Summer Olympics: main métro lines for access the Olympic events
The busiest métro lines during the Olympics will be the: 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14. Note that some stations will be marked as red during the day such as Gare du Nord (lines 2, 4 and 5) and Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7). Other stations in Paris are likely to be extremely busy, including Miromesnil, Havre-Caumartin, Madeleine, Saint Augustin, Saint-Lazare, Châtelet-les-Halles (near Westfield), Porte de Clichy, Pigalle, Porte de Saint-Ouen, Jaurès, Laumière, Stalingrad, Jacques Bonsergent and Porte d'Orléans.
Paris Olympics: closed métro stations near Olympic events
Before you travel to the French capital to support your favorite athletes, be aware that some stations will be completely closed during the Olympics:
- Tuileries (line 1);
- Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau (lines 1 and 13);
- Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12).
Getting around Paris by bus during the Summer Olympics
Do you want to travel by bus to watch the badminton competition? Or to cheer on the extraordinary athletes? Or attend an exciting event like the medal ceremony? As promised by the Games Transport Planning Committee, every Olympic venue will be accessible by public transport. 300 buses will be added to provide transportation to all venues.
How to get around Paris during the Games: driving to the Olympic venues and festivities
If you plan to drive in Paris during the Olympics to cheer on the badminton players, there are a few things you need to know. First, a security perimeter will be set up around all Olympic venues . The Olympic venues will be accessible to the spectators who have a traffic permit. This authorization will be a QR code stored on your mobile phone.
Applications must be submitted online. This permit should be in use one week before the opening ceremony of the Games. Second, please note that you don't need to apply for a permit if you want to access the venues set up in this zone (museum, exhibition, concert, train station). All you need to do is show your entrance ticket or train ticket. Paris wanted to be the first city to offer a flying cab service during the Olympics, but unfortunately, it won't be possible.
How to get around Paris during the Games: cycling to an event or exhibition
Getting around Paris by bike can be an exciting way to visit the City of Light! The French capital has an excellent bike network. For the 2024 Olympic Games, the network is being strengthened! Tracks will be widened and 20,000 bike racks will be installed.
If you're looking for a way to rent a bike during the summer, the Vélib Métropole is one of your best options. You can buy a daily or a weekly subscription. Once you have your subscription, you'll be able to pick up and return bikes at hundreds of rental stations throughout the city. Good to know: there are no restrictions on bikes within the Olympic security perimeter.
How to get around Paris during the Games: walking to Olympic venues and events
The major events of the Olympic Games will take place right in the heart of the city. The distances between many of the venues are short, so it's easy to walk from one venue to another. Not only is this a budget-friendly option, but walking is a great way to enjoy the city and its extraordinary monuments.
How to get around Paris during the Games: the Opening Ceremony venues
If you're one of the lucky ones who will be attending the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games , you should know that a protection perimeter will be set up by the French police. All users (pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles/residents and professionals in the venue area) will be asked to register in advance on a dedicated system. On the day of the Opening Ceremony, July 26, 2024, no motorized traffic will be allowed inside the red perimeter except for local residents and accredited guests.
How to get around Paris during the Games: the exciting Marathon Pour Tous
Save the date! On the evening of August 10th, you'll be able to participate in the emblematic and exciting marathon in Paris! During the Marathon Pour Tous, which is expected to attract a large number of participants and spectators, certain public transport services will be in operation throughout the night of August 10th. The RER C is also expected to run that night. You'll be able to enjoy the event throughout the night and return to your residence after the festivities are over.
Getaround accompanies you during the Olympic Games in Paris. Need a car to get to one of the Olympic venues in Paris? Need a ride to the badminton competition or your residence? Need a ride to Westfield or to an exhibition? We offer you an easy and safe car rental service. All you need to do is go online and create your profile with your ID card and driver's license. Once your profile has been verified, search for a car near your residence in Paris and book it!
Looking for more information about the 2024 Olympic Games? Don't worry, we have everything you need. Check our blog in the coming weeks to learn more!
Check out our other articles:
