Paris, France, one of the largest cities in Europe, attracts crowds of tourists every year. It's among the most famous metropolises worldwide, which doesn't come as a surprise, given that it's home to the iconic Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Many visitors to France still prefer traveling by bus. Buses are among the best ways to see the country's many regions and cities. Since intercity coach services sprung up all over France in 2015, more and more travelers are opting to experience the country's romance and grandness via bus. Some of the most popular routes include journeys to Paris, where you can catch a bird's eye view atop the Eiffel Tower or visit the hidden catacombs 130 feet below ground. Lyon, also known as the French capital of gastronomy, is also a popular route among travelers. And a trip to France wouldn't be complete without a bus ride to Bordeaux for wine tours and tastings.
Buses in France will give you access to the country's major cities and remote locations where rail and airplane networks don't reach. Omio works in conjunction with the main companies operating buses in France so that you can book your tickets online in advance, find cheap deals, and keep track of your travels.
With Omio, you'll be able to check and compare different bus routes and timetables in France to suit your schedule. Omio will notify you about any price increases or reductions. For the lowest-cost buses in France, always book your tickets in advance. Thanks to the Omio mobile ticketing feature, you can easily book buses in France without having to go to the bus station. All you have to do is purchase your bus ticket online and show the QR code on your device upon entering the bus. Booking with Omio enables you to travel hassle-free.
There are five main companies operating buses in France, traveling both domestically and to other countries in Europe. The three main low-cost intercity bus services are provided by Ouibus, Eurolines, and FlixBus. Ouibus, also known as iDbus, transfers passengers to multiple cities and regions within France, as well as to some neighboring countries. The second bus service provider, Eurolines, specializes in long-distance journeys. Eurolines buses cover a few French national routes and several European routes. Meanwhile, German bus service FlixBus connects to 130 destinations and operates 60 bus lines in France. The FlixBus network has expanded quickly in the past couple of years and has connections all over Europe, from Paris to Barcelona and Luxembourg to Portugal.
The other two bus companies operating in France are ALSA and Isilines. ALSA is a Spanish bus provider that's very popular in France and the rest of Europe. ALSA's international network spreads across 12 countries, including Italy, Spain, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. Isilines serves more than 80 cities in France. The company also offers night buses on seven of its 15 lines. Isilines is another good option for anyone looking to extend their travels from France to other European destinations.
Thanks to the various bus service providers in France, passengers are able to travel to neighboring countries at a moment's notice. FlixBus, for example, services more than 20 European countries. You'll be able to book a bus from France to various destinations, including Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
ALSA offers some of the most popular international routes by bus. This Spanish-owned company operates buses from France to Spain and the rest of Europe. The company has extended its international network to more than ten countries, including Portugal, Belgium, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. By using the user-friendly Omio app, you'll be able to travel to neighboring countries and experience more of what Europe has to offer. Consider traveling by bus to get a more local feel.
France continues to be one of the most visited countries in the world. Consider using Omio to make your travel planning easy. To make your journey even easier, try learning a few French words, and keep the weather and travel schedules in mind. Summers can be scorching, while winters can be chilly. On public transportation systems, night buses take over after the trains stop running.
Another important tip is to keep in mind that Paris is the fashion capital of the world. Take time to dress up, as you'll likely stand out if you're wearing gym clothes. Pack clothes that are stylish and sensible-classically French!