LOCAL BUSES
Each town has its own local bus network and some are quite extensive. Check our city guides section for details on the larger cities. Most local bus stops have clearly indicated route markers or a friendly local might help you. You can usually buy single route tickets or purchase books of tickets in advance from newsagents. For single route tickets you can pay onboard.

INTER-REGIONAL BUSES
The train system in France is so effective so inter-regional services tend to be limited, a little slower but slightly cheaper. Buses are used for short distance travel within regions, particularly in rural areas where there are fewer train lines, for example around Brittany and Normandy.

PAYING
Depending on what type of bus you get will determine the ticketing process. If you are getting a long distance Eurolines bus you need to purchase the ticket beforehand at the Eurolines office and sit n the seat indicated on the ticket. For local buses you can purchase the ticket on board.

BUS PASSES
Eurolines www.eurolines.com is the largest network of international buses in Europe and they operate through major towns in France. In Paris they operate from the Gare Routière Eurolines in Bagnolet (mètro: Gallieni).

People under 26 years are around 10% less than the adult full fare. There are several circular explorer routes and passes available. Individual tickets are available on all routes with a number of circuits available allowing the traveller to travel along a pre-determined circular route taking in various destinations along the way. These passes are supplemented by the more flexible Eurolines pass. The Eurolines pass is probably the best travel deal in Europe allowing unlimited travel between 46 destinations in 26 countries on the Eurolines network. This pass is great value particularly during summer when it is a cheaper travel option than the equivalent Busabout pass.

Busabout (busabout.info@virgin.net) is another pass option for travellers and will also book accommodation for you in advance. However most of these are camping sites outside major towns. Eurobus also operates providing a hop on and off service. Busabout buses serve the following French destinations - Avignon, Bordeaux, Nice, Paris and Tours.

USEFUL LINKS
Here is a list of some helpful links and bus services: