The 2026 Paris Motor Show takes place from October 12 to 18 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, in the 15th arrondissement. For a visit lasting several hours at a venue spread across multiple halls, your choice of transport and accommodation directly affects how comfortable your day will be. Travel time, parking costs and proximity to the right entrance are all worth comparing before you book anything.
Door-to-door travel times by hall: a comparison of transport options
Not all modes of transport drop you off in the same place. Porte de Versailles metro station (line 12) has two separate exits: exit 1 serves halls 2 to 7, while exit 2 leads to hall 1. Tram T3a also stops at Porte de Versailles. Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop passengers off on avenue Ernest-Renan, in front of gate A2.
| Mode of transport | Arrival point | Nearest halls | Suitable with luggage / stroller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro line 12 (exit 1) | Porte de Versailles – exit 1 | Halls 2 to 7 | Depends on which elevators are in service |
| Metro line 12 (exit 2) | Porte de Versailles – exit 2 | Hall 1 | Depends on which elevators are in service |
| Tram T3a | Porte de Versailles stop | Main entrance (gate A2) | Step-free access |
| Taxi / ride-hailing service | Avenue Ernest-Renan (gate A2) | Main entrance | Yes, drop-off close to the entrance |
| Vélib’ | Avenue Ernest-Renan station | In front of the exhibition center | Not suitable with luggage |
Tram T3a is a clear advantage for visitors carrying luggage or with reduced mobility: step-free access eliminates the need to deal with stairs or out-of-service elevators. The guide to getting to the Paris Motor Show by public transport also details routes from the ring road for those arriving by car.
Parking for the 2026 Paris Motor Show: public parking closures and alternatives to plan for
At several recent events at Paris Expo, the venue’s parking lots were completely closed to the public and reserved for organizers and exhibitors. The same arrangement was in place for other 2026 trade shows at the venue.
Visitors therefore need to use off-site parking. Several covered parking garages are within walking or shuttle distance of Porte de Versailles. Booking online several days before your visit is still the most reliable way to secure a space at a reasonable rate.
- P6 and P7 at the exhibition center have spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility, subject to proof of eligibility at the entrance.
- Nearby Indigo parking garages offer advance booking, so you won’t have to circle the neighborhood on a busy day.
- Arriving before 9:30 a.m. (when the venue opens to the public) reduces the time spent looking for a space in nearby garages.
For visitors driving in from the suburbs or elsewhere in France, combining a park-and-ride facility on the outskirts of Paris with the metro or tram reduces both stress and overall costs. Parking in the 15th arrondissement on a trade show day is so heavily congested that driving into the city center is rarely worth the time.
Accommodation near the Paris Motor Show: compare actual journey times, not straight-line distances
Most guides recommend staying “near Porte de Versailles.” In practice, what counts as nearby depends on whether you’re traveling light or with suitcases, and whether you’re on your own or with family.
Hotels in the 15th arrondissement: the shortest route isn’t always the easiest
A hotel a few streets from Porte de Versailles makes for a short walk. If you’re carrying luggage, check that the route doesn’t cross areas without usable sidewalks or underpasses without elevators. The door-to-door journey with luggage can take twice as long as the time shown by a standard pedestrian route planner.
Hotels on line 12 or tram T3a: the convenience of a direct journey
Staying along line 12 (Montparnasse, Saint-Lazare) or tram T3a means you can get to the show without changing. For a family with a stroller or a visitor with reduced mobility, a hotel three direct metro stops away is better than one 500 meters away if the shorter route involves stairs and narrow passageways.
Hotel rates in the 15th arrondissement rise during show week (October 13 to 18, 2026, for the public). Expanding your search to other arrondissements on a direct line often turns up better value without adding to your actual travel time.
Visitors with reduced mobility at the Paris Motor Show: dedicated entrance line and reserved parking
Accessibility is about more than having an elevator. The entire route, from the metro platform to the stand you’re visiting, determines whether the experience is truly accessible.
The Paris Motor Show website notes that a dedicated welcome line is available for people with reduced mobility at the entrance, upon presentation of proof of eligibility. Parking lots P6 and P7 at the exhibition center have reserved spaces. Tram T3a, with its step-free access, remains the most suitable way to reach gate A2 without obstacles.
- Check whether the elevators at Porte de Versailles station (line 12) are working on the day of your visit using the RATP app.
- Choose a weekday visit (Tuesday to Friday) to avoid weekend crowds, which make it harder to get around in a wheelchair.
- A taxi drop-off on avenue Ernest-Renan puts you right in front of the main entrance, without having to cross a parking lot.
The 2026 Paris Motor Show is open to the public from Tuesday, October 13 to Sunday, October 18, with extended hours on certain days. Monday, October 12 is reserved for accredited press. Choosing your visit day based on your personal circumstances, rather than just your schedule, can make a real difference to your experience at the venue.
