Why students are rethinking transport in Paris

Student life is all over the place: classes in one arrondissement, a part-time job in another, and social plans somewhere else. While the metro covers a lot of ground, it can feel limiting and expensive. A monthly Navigo pass easily passes €80, and that’s if you're staying within central zones.

Many students are realising that riding a bike gives them more freedom, at a lower cost. No time lost waiting for late trains. No stress during strikes. No worrying about missing the last metro after a night out.

Bikes fit student schedules

Bikes don’t follow a timetable, and that’s exactly why they work. Whether you're heading to an 8 a.m. lecture, a 5 p.m. tutoring gig, or a spontaneous picnic at Parc Buttes-Chaumont, having a bike means you move on your terms.

Services like Swapfiets in Paris are especially useful for students:

• Monthly subscription = no big upfront cost

• Free repairs and maintenance included

• You get a reliable city bike or e-bike, ready to go

• Bonus: it’s easy to swap or cancel if you're leaving for the holidays

Explore more, spend less

Paris isn’t just about getting from point A to B, it’s about discovering the city. And a bike is the perfect tool for that. Students who cycle say they’ve explored way more of the city than those who stick to metro lines. Montmartre in the early morning, canal-side cafés, hidden bookshops, cycling connects you with the real Paris.

Cheap, spontaneous weekend rides become the norm. You don't need to plan or budget for public transport. You just go.

What about rain, hills, and bad days?

Real talk: biking in Paris isn’t perfect. It rains. Some hills are annoying. But with a decent jacket, a waterproof bag, and a decent lock, you’re sorted. And for longer or tougher rides, e-bikes are a game changer. You still pedal, but you’ll fly up hills, even after a long day at uni.

Swapfiets offers e-bikes with full service, so you don’t need to stress about battery issues or breakdowns. Just ride, recharge, and repeat.

Budget bonus: it actually saves you money

Let’s break it down:

• Metro pass: ~€84/month

• Swapfiets student bike: way more affordable plus an extra student discount

• Savings = more budget for coffee, books, or croissants. Plus, it cuts down on Uber rides, especially late at night when public transport isn’t running.

• You’re also saving time (no delays), and getting in some daily movement without needing a gym membership.

Extra tip: With Swapfiets, you can refer a friend and earn credit. That’s several months of riding, basically for free.

Whether you’re racing to class, heading to a gig, or just soaking in the city, a bike makes student life in Paris easier, cheaper, and way more fun.