As a tour guide who has visited Paris often, one thing I love about it is that it is a very walkable city.
But it is also a big city and even if one stays in the center of Paris, it's necessary at some point to use the Métro to get to the best places to visit.
With over 300 stations, you can get just about anywhere and quickly.
On my trips, I've used the Métro countless times so I know the ins and outs.
Luckily, it's easy to use once you know how the system works.
In this article, I’ll share my knowledge so you can quickly get the hang of using the Métro and hit the ground running -- or rather riding!
- Ticket Prices and Buying Your Ticket
- Using the Métro
- Getting to Central Paris from the Airports
- Tips for Using Paris Metro Apps
- Good-to Knows and Etiquette
- Day Trips from Paris Using the Metro
Intro to the Metro
Paris has an exstensive public transport system run by RATP (Régie autonome des transports parisiens).
It includes the Métro (subway), RER suburban trains, buses and trams.
The Métro and RER trains connect at some stations.
Chances are you will travel on both, and likely in combination with each other.
In this article, I focus mainly on the Métro, with a bit about the RER.
Don't worry. Using the RER is not much different than using the Métro.
The Métro is open from 5:30 am to around 1 am (2 am on weekends/holidays).
While it's safe to ride any time, I suggest you wrap up your Métro travel before midnight since fewer people will be in stations and on trains.
I go over a few safety suggestions below.
Before diving in, here are the most important things to know about the Métro and RER trains.
This is followed by short answers to frequently asked questions.
Must-knows for taking the Metro and RER
1. Métro lines are numbered and color-coded. RER lines are lettered and color-coded. There are 14 Métro lines and 5 RER lines (A through E).
2. Each train line has its own platform. To find the correct platform, you must know the final stop on that line.
Then choose the platform in the direction of that final stop.
3. Some stations service multiple lines allowing for transferring between both Métro lines and RER trains.
My greatest challenge when I first rode the Métro was finding my way through big stations that had several lines.
One example is Châtelet–Les Halles station. This is about as big as they get! It's always crowded since so many trains pass through here.
I won't lie...it's pretty hectic down there and you'll need some perseverance to find your way through.
I think you will have to pass through this station at least once because it is close to many of Paris's best sites.
Stay calm and carry on! You will survive!
4. Once you enter the station, to find the platforms for your line, follow the signs and arrows directing you to the line you want.
You'll likely have to walk down several corridors in the big stations. You may have to use the escalators or in some cases, stairs.
This is a challenge if you have heavy luggage. Be prepared or pack light.
As a side note, I find it pretty frustrating that Métro stations are not as accessible as they should be for mobility-impaired individuals.
Keep this in mind if you do have mobility concerns.
FAQS
Does the Paris Métro system still use paper tickets?
No. These were phased out in 2024 and replaced by passes available as a physical card or a digital card stored on your smartphone.
Does the Paris Métro take credit or debit cards?
You can use a credit card (except American Express) when ticket vending machines and when you purchase your tickets using the app.
Can you tap-to-pay on the Paris Métro?
Yes, you can tap-to-pay with one of the travel passes or your phone.
You cannot use a credit or debit card to tap-to-pay at a turnstile.
I go over the passes below.
Is the Paris Métro the cheapest way to get around?
As I said above, Paris is one of the most walkable cities I have ever visited so the cheapest way to get around is on foot.
It's free, though it may take a toll on your feet.
If you can, walk everywhere you can. Every street and boulevard has charm. It’s what makes Paris such a wonderful place to visit.
Having said that, the Métro is the least expensive way to get around.
General Paris Metro Tips
One of the most useful tips given by frequent travelers is to keep your ticket until you are totally out of the Métro/RER system.
To read more useful tips about the Paris Métro, check out the Reddit post above.
Cost of Public Transportation in Paris
This is a brief overview. We go into a lot more detail in our article on Paris Métro tickets and passes.
The RATP divides the city transport into zones other big cities do, like London and Washington DC, for example.
Ticket prices correspond to the zones you will travel to. The farther you go from the center, the more zones you travel through.
The RATP serves five zones in the Paris area, but most of the sights you are likely to see are within Zone 1.
Some places you may visit are in Zone 2, but a few Zone 2 stations do not cost more to go to. So your Zone 1 ticket will be fine.
For destinations like the airports or Versailles, you’ll be traveling into a different zone so your ticket will cost more.
Ticket and Passes
One-ride t+ tickets are good if you plan to sightsee only in the center of Paris (Zone 1).
Single tickets cost €2.10 for one ride and €16.90 for 10 rides.
The 10-ride package is great since it reduces the price of a single ride to €1.69
There is also the Paris Visite Travel Pass. This is an unlimited pass sold in increments of 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day.
This is an excellent choice if you plan to take multiple rides every day.
It can be ordered for either zones 1- 3 (Paris proper) or zones 1-5 (which includes the airports, Disneyland Paris and Versailles).
Another option is the Navigo Pass, an unlimited ride pass sold as a weekly, monthly, and annual pass.
Again, I encourage you to read our Paris Métro tickets and passes to get the full scoop.
TIP: You can get unlimited free Métro rides with the Paris City Pass.
This concession pass offers reduced or free admission to many top attractions, and includes unlimited public transportation in central Paris!
Buying a Métro Ticket in Paris
This is a basic explanation of ticket types and how to buy them.
Paris has refillable cards for its transit system, similar to London’s Oyster card or the SmarTrip card in Washington, DC.
They are called the Navigo Easy pass and can be purchased as a physical card or a digital version added to your smartphone's wallet app.
Navigo has a few different pass options including individual tickets.
There is a 2€ fee to purchase this card. There is no fee to buy a digital pass from us on your smartphone.
In the photo, on the left is the Navigo pass physical card and on the right is the digital version stored in my smartphone wallet.
Ticket Machines
To buy a Navigo physical card you use ticket vending machines inside the Metro stations.
The ticket machines in the stations can be set to English and are easy to use.
They accept cash, coins and credit/debit cards that have a chip. They do not accept American Express cards.
Big stations have a ticket window where you can pay with cash and credit/debit cards even without the chip.
Paris Métro App Tickets
If you choose to use a digital card instead of buying a hard card, you can use either the Bonjour RATP app or the IDF Mobilités app. Both are official.
I used the IDF Mobilités app. It was so easy!
On my most recent trip, I used the app as soon as I landed to buy my Métro ride from CDG airport.
I downloaded the app, which has an option to use in English, I chose the ticket I needed and paid with my credit card.
Here are three screenshots from my phone. The first was when I downloaded the app.
I taped on 'Buy Passes' and the second screenshot came up.
Since I wasn't getting a pass yet, so I scrolled down and found the option for a CDG ticket (3rd screenshot).
I know not everyone likes to use their phone to pay for things, and the Navigo card works just fine.
But if you are comfortable using your phone as your ticket, I cannot tell you how much I love this option.
I still have my digital card in my smartphone wallet for my next trip to Paris!
Using the Métro
First, I suggest you look at least a few times at the Métro map before you arrive.
Here's the Métro map. It looks pretty intense, but remember you likely won't be going outside of the center.
There are Métro maps in each station by the ticket machines before you go through the barriers and on each platform.
Some stations have maps outside the station, which will save you the hassle of going down into the station only to find out it isn't the station you need.
Click the image for the Paris Métro and RER map and also individual line maps.
When you are looking at the map, stations that do not connect to other lines are solid circles.
Stations where you can transfer are denoted by a white circle. The image above shows an example.
Second, you need to know the name of the last stop on the line you are taking so you can choose the platform going in the right direction.
TIP: Not sure where you need to go?
Some stations have interactive kiosks where you can enter your destination and you will get information on the best way to get there.
Third, you'll need to find the Métro station you need.
I am a fan of apps and Google Maps, so before I left my accommodations, I would use Google Maps to see where the station was and how to walk there.
To spot the station on the street, look for the lampposts, kiosks or beautiful art nouveau wrought-iron entryways with a sign that says either red METRO, METROPOLITAN or simply has the letter M.
This picture shows the three different entrance signs.
Entering the Métro
When you reach the gate to enter the Métro and RER train stations, you must tap your Navigo card or your digital card on your smartphone on the automatic barriers.
Only fare gates with green arrows or lights can be used to enter. Red lights or X's can be used.
At the fare gate, tap your Navigo card or phone if you are using a digital card on the pink validator.
The gate will swing open. Walk through fast so you don't risk the gates closing before you've entered.
That happened to me once and I didn't want to pay again, so I somehow managed (in my broken French and some English) to ask a woman to let me go through the gates with her when she paid.
I lucked out and she both understood me and let me through! Don't count on this so as I said pass through the gates quickly.
When I have luggage I usually put it in front of me and push it as I walk through.
Exiting the Métro
This is the easy part! Look for the signs that say SORTIE. That means "go out" which is the equivalent of exit.
Stations with multiple exits that let you out on different streets. If you are using Google Maps, it will tell you which exit to use.
Public Transportation to Paris from:
TIP: If you'd rather avoid public transportation, the GO Airport Shuttle offers reliable 24/7 airport shuttles and car service from Charles De Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais airports.
With upfront pricing, you'll know exactly how much it will cost before you hop in!
Charles de Gaulle (Zone 5)
The RER B train line runs into Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
If you arrive at Terminal 2, follow the sign marked walkway to Terminal 2 station.
Read our complete guide on how to get to CDG Airport from Paris, which goes over modes of transport including the Roissybus.
Orly (Zone 4)
The OrlyVal shuttle train takes you from both airport terminals (West and South) to Anthony on the RER B.
Unfortunately, this is the exception to the rule and is not covered by other Paris transport tickets so you will need a separate ticket even if you have a pass for the rest of the system.
Tickets can be purchased from the airport terminal stations for the OrlyVal train and RER B into Paris. This costs 12.05€ (at the time of writing).
The OrlyVal trains run from 6 am – 11 pm and the RER from 5 am – midnight.
The OrlyVal link takes 10 mins to and from Anthony.
From Anthony, the RER B will take you to Saint Michel (20 mins), Châtelet-Les-Halles (25 mins), and Gare du Nord (30 mins).
Be aware of trains when returning to Orly the RER B splits. Some trains go to Robinson and do not pass through Antony.
You will need to take a train heading towards Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse which will pass through Antony.
You can also take the Orlybus which is convenient and comfortable. It is a direct bus, though if you hit traffic, the trip may take longer.
Beauvais (Outside of Paris Zones)
Many low-cost airlines fly to Beauvais but be aware the airport is 80km (55 miles) from the city.
The airport shuttle bus is timed to coincide with flights rather than having a regular timetable.
The bus takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes between the airport and the shuttle stop at Boulevard Pershing (near the Hotel Concorde Lafayette).
It’s about 300m from the Porte Maillot station exit.
(This is the stop during construction at Porte Maillot station, be sure to check the location in case it moves back to Porte Maillot before we can update this page)
Buses leave the airport (Terminals 1 & 2) 20 mins after each flight lands and leave Porte Maillot 3 hours before every flight.
You do not have to be on the bus scheduled for your particular flight, if another leaves 5 minutes later, you are free to take that bus.
But, be aware that if the next bus is not for 3 hours, then you will be stuck and probably miss your flight.
Single one-way tickets cost 17€ (free for children under 3) if purchased at the Airport or 16.90€ if purchased online.
When returning to Beauvais from Paris the bus leaves from the coach park on the Boulevard Pershing (near the Hotel Concorde Lafayette).
It’s about 300m from the Porte Maillot station exit.
Gare du Nord (Zone 1)
If you’re arriving in Paris by Eurostar or train from the north, the main station Gare du Nord is very centrally located and well connected by Métro (lines 4 & 5) and RER (lines B & D).
Tips for Using a Paris Métro App
The official RATP Mobile App is indispensable. I would have had a difficult time without it.
You can use the trip planner which will tell you which lines to take to your destination.
The app has maps of all the routes, a trip planner and gets real-time updates on service.
You can also pick up a paper map at any hotel or tourist venue. They make for a great souvenir!
Métro, bus, and neighborhood maps are posted in the Métro stations for you to consult.
You can always download maps on your phone to consult offline or use trusty paper maps.
Another app that I find helpful is the free Mapway's Paris Métro app. It is not the same as
Google Maps works fine in Paris as well.
TIP: During my many trips to Paris, I spent way too much time looking at Métro maps (paper maps, back in the old days, and now online maps) figuring out how to get to the key sites to visit.
To save you time, I made a list of popular attractions and which Métro station is closest. You can see it below.
Metro Lines to Popular Attractions
Louvre – Louvre Rivoli or Palais Royal Musée du Louvre – Metro Line 1, Chatelet Les Halles – RER/train A
Musee d’Orsay – Solferino – Metro Line 12 , Musee d’Orsay – RER/train C
Eiffel Tower - Champ de Mars / Tour Eiffel on line RER C., Ecole Militaire – Metro Line 8, or Bir-Hakeim – Metro Line 6
Arc de Triomphe – Charles de Gaulle Etoile – Metro Line 1 2 or 6, RER/Train
Champs Elysee – Concorde – Metro lines 1, 8, 12), Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau – Metro lines 1, 13, Franklin D. Roosevelt – Metro lines 1 and 9), George V – Metro line 1, Charles de Gaulle Etoile – Metro lines 1, 2, 6
Montmartre – Anvers – Metro Line 2, Abbesses – Metro Line 12, Blanche – Metro Line 2 (tickets are also good on the funicular to get to the top of the hill to visit the Sacre-Coeur
Notre Dame – St-Michel Notre Dame – RER B Train Line, St-Michel Notre Dame – RER C Train Line, or Cité – Metro Line 4
Good To Knows and Métro Etiquette
Ready to dig a little deeper?
Hours
Unlike other major cities like New York, Paris Métro runs from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m.
On Friday and Saturday evenings and the night before bank holidays, trains run until about 2:15 a.m.
Keep in mind that those are the times the last train arrives at its terminus.
Check the app, and there should be signs at the station for the last (dernier) train that leaves that particular station going in the direction you’re headed.
If you miss the last train, you can take a night bus (Noctiliens), which runs from 12:30 to 5:30, but be aware that they have much more limited coverage than the Métro.
Train etiquette
As in most city transit systems, a little consideration is key. Here are some things to keep in mind when using the Paris Métro:
Have your ticket or pass in hand before getting to the fare gate.
On the platform, stand to the side of the doors when the train arrives, and let people off the train before boarding.
It should not surprise you that France’s food culture of enjoying every meal means that eating on public transportation is frowned upon.
I have eaten a small snack like a granola bar when I am famished. This is usually when I arrive at the airport and haven't eaten in a while.
It's fine to drink as long as it is not alcohol. Of course, smoking or vaping is forbidden.
Avoid rush hour
If possible, avoid rush hours, which are 8 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 7:30 pm.
Impatient Parisian commuters may push past you with a curt 'pardon'.If someone is blocking you and you need to pass, feel free to say 'pardon' to them.
Suitcases and strollers
Use the wider gates when you have suitcases, strollers, or other bulky items.
If you’d like to ditch your luggage and explore the city as soon as you arrive, you can book a storage location through Eelway or Nannybag, contracted by RATP to provide storage booking.
If you’d rather leave your bags at a train station, Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare de Marne-la-Vallée Chessy have left-luggage areas for up to 72 hours.
Eelway also provides luggage transfers, say, from your hotel to the airport so you can enjoy the city up till the last moment without having to schlep your bags around town or go back to your hotel before heading out.
Accessibility
As I mentioned above, some Métro stations have elevators or escalators, but most don't. RER stations in the heart of Paris have elevators.
But people in wheelchairs need to ask station agents to place a ramp on the platform, and they’ll call ahead and have the station agents place a ramp at your final destination.
You can find accessibility information here.
Empty cars
A train pulls into the station, and all the cars are crowded except for one.
Nine times out of ten, that car is empty because there is something wrong with it.
Perhaps a rider relieved him or herself on the train, or the heating or air conditioning isn’t working.
When in doubt, choose a car with people inside.
Is the Paris Métro Safe?
The Paris Métro is safe. The biggest concerns are pickpockets.
Crowded trains are great for pickpockets, so stow your phone, wallet, and any valuables where you can reach them.
Also, don’t ride by yourself at night, don’t fall asleep on trains or buses, and be alert to any unusual situations or potential dangers.
In an emergency, call 112 for the police; see here for more safety information.
Most locals and travelers insist that even at night, you don't have much to fear while riding the bus, Métro, and other forms of public transportation.
You don't have to take my word for it, there are a lot of interesting and valid thoughts on the safety of the Paris Métro in the following Reddit post!
Day Trips from Paris:
Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles (Zone 4)
Louis XIV’s palace is 1 hour from the city center using RER C.
For example from Saint Michel station, see the RATP map for the best RER C station from your Paris base).
There are several Versailles stations. The best one for the Palace is Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
You can buy an integrated ticket to Versailles Château Rive Gauche from any central Paris station for 7.10€* (at the time of writing).
You will get two tickets - one for the outbound and one for the return journey.
When arriving at Versailles-Château Rive Gauche, exit the station and turn right towards the Palace.
There will be others heading in the same direction.
The palace is open 9 am – 5.30 pm year-round.
The incredible gardens are open 8 am – 6.30 pm year-round.
But, be aware the fountains are only active on certain days when there is an additional charge, and in winter many of the fountains and sculptures will be covered to avoid weather damage.
Read our full article on taking the train to Versailles for more information.
Day Trip to Disneyland Paris (Zone 5)
The RER A terminates at Marne La Vallee station by the entrance to Disney Village and the theme parks.
The main RER A stations are Châtelet or Etoile (but check the nearest station to your accommodation).
Return tickets cost 7.20€ (at the time of writing).
Trains run from 5.30 am–midnight every 15 minutes.
And voila! You will soon be a Métro master!
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