Paris Travel Costs Explained: Hotels, Food, Transportation, and Tours

Flights to Paris: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Airfare is often the single biggest expense when traveling to Paris. Ticket prices vary depending on your departure city, the season, and whether you book directly with an airline or through an online travel agency.

• Average cost of round-trip flights to Paris from the U.S.: $550 – $1,200 (economy class).

• Business class tickets: $2,500 – $5,000+ depending on the airline.

• Budget airlines from Europe: as low as $60 – $150 one-way if booked early.

Money-saving tip: Use travel rewards credit cards to earn points for your Paris flight. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Platinum often provide free lounge access and cashback on airfare purchases.

Hotels in Paris: Where to Stay and How Much It Costs

Paris offers everything from budget hostels to 5-star luxury hotels near the Eiffel Tower. Prices depend on the neighborhood (arrondissement), the season, and the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Average Hotel Costs:

• Budget hotels & hostels: €40 – €80 per night

• Mid-range hotels: €120 – €250 per night

• Luxury hotels (5-star): €500 – €1,500 per night

• Paris vacation rentals (Airbnb): €100 – €300 per night

If you want to be close to attractions like the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, or Notre-Dame, expect to pay a premium. On the other hand, staying slightly outside the city center (but near a metro station) can save you hundreds of euros during your stay.

Pro tip for families: Many travel agencies offer all-inclusive Paris vacation packages, which may bundle flights + hotels + tours, saving you money compared to booking separately.

Food & Dining in Paris: From Street Cafés to Fine Dining

Paris is a world capital of gastronomy, so food will definitely be part of your budget. Fortunately, there are dining options for every traveler.

Average Food Costs:

• Street food & bakeries (croissant, sandwich, coffee): €5 – €10

• Casual cafés & bistros: €15 – €30 per person

• Mid-range restaurants: €40 – €70 per person

• Fine dining & Michelin-star restaurants: €120 – €300+ per person

• Wine or cocktails: €7 – €15 per glass

Budget tip: Look for prix-fixe menus (fixed-price lunch and dinner menus), which usually cost €15 – €25 and include multiple courses.

Transportation in Paris: Getting Around the City

Paris is very walkable, but you’ll likely use the metro, buses, and taxis during your stay.

Transportation Costs:

• Single metro/bus ticket: €2.10

• 10-ticket carnet (bundle): €19.10

• 1-day unlimited travel pass: €8.45 – €14.90

• Taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport to city center: €55 flat rate

• Uber rides: €20 – €50 depending on distance

Tourist Passes: The Paris Visite travel card allows unlimited travel on metro, bus, and RER trains for 1–5 days (cost: €13 – €65 depending on duration).

For intercity travel, the high-speed TGV trains can take you to other French cities (Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice) or even other countries (London via Eurostar, Brussels, Amsterdam). Prices range from €40 to €150 one-way depending on booking time.

Tours & Attractions in Paris: Must-See Experiences

No trip to Paris is complete without exploring its world-famous landmarks. Guided tours and entry tickets will add to your total travel expenses.

Popular Attractions & Costs:

Eiffel Tower tickets: €18 – €28 per adult

Louvre Museum: €17 (skip-the-line tours €45 – €70)

Seine River cruise: €15 – €30 (dinner cruises €70 – €150)

Palace of Versailles day trip: €25 – €50 (guided tours €80 – €120)

Disneyland Paris: €62 – €100 per ticket

Money-saving tip: Consider the Paris Museum Pass, which gives access to over 50 museums and attractions for a flat rate (€55 for 2 days, €70 for 4 days, €85 for 6 days).

Travel Insurance for Paris: Do You Need It?

While many travelers skip this, travel insurance is strongly recommended for trips to Paris. It can cover flight cancellations, lost baggage, medical emergencies, or even last-minute trip changes.

Basic insurance plan: $50 – $80 per week

Comprehensive insurance (with medical + cancellation): $120 – $250 per week

High CPC keyword alert: “Best travel insurance for Paris trips” — providers like Allianz, AXA, and World Nomads are popular choices.

Flight Booking Providers

When searching for cheap flights to Paris, travelers often compare multiple platforms:

• Skyscanner – Good for comparing prices across airlines.

• Google Flights – Easy interface, shows flexible date options.

• Kayak – Offers price alerts and bundle options.

• Expedia & Priceline – Allow bundling flights + hotels for better savings.

Hotel Booking Sites

Finding the right accommodation in Paris depends on whether you want budget or luxury options. Popular providers include:

• Booking.com – Wide range from hostels to 5-star hotels.

• Hotels.com – Loyalty program gives free nights after multiple bookings.

• Agoda – Often competitive for European hotels.

• Airbnb – Great for families or long-term stays in Paris neighborhoods.

Local Transportation & Passes

For getting around Paris, consider these providers:

• RATP – The official Paris metro and bus service.

• Paris Visite Pass – Sold through official tourism offices and online.

• Eurail / SNCF – For train travel within France and across Europe.

• Uber & Bolt – Rideshare options available in Paris.

Travel Insurance Providers

To protect your trip, consider reputable companies such as:

• Allianz Travel

• AXA Assistance (based in Paris, widely used across Europe)

• World Nomads (popular among younger travelers and backpackers)

• Travel Guard by AIG

Traveling to Paris is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the world. While it can be expensive, planning ahead will help you control costs on flights, hotels, food, transportation, and tours.

Whether you’re booking a luxury honeymoon package or a budget trip with friends, Paris has something for everyone. With the right travel insurance, flight deals, and hotel packages, you can enjoy the City of Lights without financial stress.