best way to travel paris metro

How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024

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A very common questions in my Paris Travel Group ( join here, it’s free! ) are about how to get around in Paris . But also, what is the best Paris Metro pass or travel card for the Parisian Metro.

And of course: how to use the Metro in Paris in the first place. I genuinely understand that public transportation in Paris can be confusing. 

It was for me as well. But after living in Paris for more than 16 years, the Parisian Metro plan is imprinted in my brain, and I am here to help you out.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

Hence, in this article, I am sharing everything you need to know to ride the Parisian Metro confidently, how to pick the best Metro ticket for your situation, and how to pay for the Metro in Paris.

NEW : updated information regarding Metro prices during the Olympics Games in Summer 2024 at the end of the article.

Paris Metro Tickets: Easy Solution for Convenience:

Before explaining the Parisian Metro Ticketing System in all details, here’s the ticket option that suits the needs of most tourists. This is particularly handy if sticking to a strict budget isn’t your top priority, and you’re okay with possibly spending a few Euros extra for convenience and peace of mind.

• Go to the RATP ticket counter and buy a Navigo Easy Pass for €2 (one pass per person)
• Ask the clerk to top it up with a bundle of 10 tickets for €17.30. Alternatively, use the vending machines
• Recharge with a bundle or single tickets if needed.
• If you visit Disneyland, Versailles, etc., buy a destination ticket for €3 to €5

If you are planning your Paris trip, you will also be interested in these articles:

• How to get from the Airport to Paris Center
• Most common SCAMS and cons in Paris – and how to stay safe
• Paris Packing Essentials: Don’t travel without those items
• How to get from CDG to Disneyland Paris? (5 Airport Transfers)

Orly Airport to Disneyland Paris: How to get there best

Being a traveler myself, I know how silly I feel when I don’t know how public transportation works in a foreign country. Believe me, I took a taxi or walked way more often than I dare to admit…  just because I couldn’t figure it out.

But I got you! I will help you out and share everything you need to know before you go to rock Paris Public Transportation services. Read on because this guide equ ips you with enough know-how to get around Paris without issues.

The Parisian Metro – The 3 Big DONT’s

In the following, I will explain everything you need to know to use the Parisian Metro, but let’s start with the most important: the top 3 things you should know to avoid a fine .

If a visitor complains about getting fined in the Parisian Metro, it’s usually because of one of these three mistakes:

• They trashed their Metro ticket before they left the station
• They bought a kid fare for a 10-year-old child – the reduced fare is only for children until 9!
• If your ticket has a field for you to add your name and the date, do it. Otherwise, your ticket is not valid

Tickets and fares for Public Transportation in Paris

The first question everyone asks who plan to use the Parisian Metro is “What ticket do I need for the Paris Metro” ?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, as it heavily depends on what your plans are.  For tourists, there are overall 3 tickets interesting. The single fare ticket, the day pass, and the week pass.

There are 4 different Metro ticket variations

• the ticket+ paper strip (slowly phasing out since 2023)
• Navigo Easy: a Paris Metro pass that serves as a support for single-fare tickets and day tickets
• Passe Navigo Decouverte : a card that serves as support, mainly used for week and month tickets
• Destination Tickets in paper strip form if you travel outside Paris (Disney, Versailles etc.)

Here’s a quick overview of the relevant ticket types and the support you need to use them

Single-fare tickets for the Metro in Paris

As you just learned, there are different ticket options for the Parisian Metro, the single-fare tickets are, however, the most standard option . You simply buy a ticket and validate one ticket per trip and person. 

You can buy one single ticket, or top up your Navigo Easy Pass with a bundle of 10, which is cheaper.

All tickets are purchasable for different zones – the further you are moving away from Paris, the more expensive gets your ride. 

Paris Metro Tap to Pay : Unlike in many other countries, you can’t pay for the Paris Metro directly with your credit card. You are required to obtain a Navigo Pass and to top it up with a ticket of your choice.

You can buy the tickets for the Navigo Pass with your credit card at the machines, of course.

How much does transportation in Paris cost? Know what to expect:

The good ol’paper strip – the classic billet

If you’ve been to Paris already, you probably remember these famous paper strips. Well, they are history. Since a few years – and then delayed due to a certain health crisis – they intend to phase them out .

At the time of writing, you can’t purchase them anymore in a bundle of 10, but might still use them if you have any left.

Single tickets to be used inside Paris are still sold, though. (It’s complicated and confusing, I know)

A numeric version replaces the paper strip. Either in the form of a travel card, or even by an app.

The base ticket: the ticket+.

The base ticket for the Parisian Metro is a ti cket t+.  It costs €2,15 (1,73 € if you buy a bundle of 10) and is valid within Paris and all adjacent suburbs.

You can change Metro lines as often as you want, as long as you are not exceeding 2 hours and don’t leave the station.

You can purchase a single-ride ticket or a bundle of 10 on the ticket machines that you find in every metro station and load it on your Navigo Easy travel card.

Digital ticket+ Paris Metro Contactless

Since 2019 you can use single-ride and bundle tickets digitally. To do so, you need a Navigo Easy Card to charge your tickets.

You can easily load single rides or a bundle of 10. The latter is financially very interesting, as you save 20%. Hence, 10 rides are only €17.30, while you’d be charged €2.15 if you’d buy a single ride.

You can purchase the Navigo Easy card at the ticket counter or RATP info point at every Metro station. It costs 2€. To charge your card, you can either use the RATP App, the vending machine or you pay at the RATP ticket counter.

2024 Tip: Get the Bonjour RATP Paris App and top up your Navigo easily from your phone.

Good to Know: You can’t split the Navigo Easy Card up between several passengers. It’s always one card per person, and each person in your group needs their personal card. 

Are kids riding the Parisian Metro for free?

Only Kids under 4 are traveling for free on Paris public transportation. Kids of the age of 4 to 9 (not 3 anymore, and not yet 10) are eligible to travel at a reduced fare of 50%.

Reduced fares are also available as a bundle of 10 (carnet). Children need their own Navigo Easy Card.

Paris Day Travel Passes

You also have the option to purchase a Paris Metro day pass for the public transportation system.

This option allows you to take as many rides as you like within one day . The pass costs 8,45€ for zone 1-2 and is valid from 00-24h. Hence, if you buy a pass at 10 am, you can ride for free until midnight, not until 10 am the next day. 

The day ticket is available with the Pass Navigo Easy and Navigo Decouverte.

The big advantage of a day pass is of course that you don’t have to think at all about any further costs when riding the Parisian Metro. But you should consider that it requires 5 rides for your day pass to be beneficial (compared to the 10 ticket carnet). From my experience, 5 rides are quite a lot for one day in Paris . 

That’s because Paris is smaller than you may think. You will rarely need more than 3 or 4 rides a day. 

If you consider purchasing a day pass, keep in mind that a trip to Versailles for example, requires a higher price class. At the time of writing, a day pass that includes Versailles costs around €13.

Week and tourist passes for the Paris Metro

If you stay a few days longer in Paris, a ticket that is valid for a few days could be interesting for you. You have two options:

Navigo Semaine – week pass

The Navigo Semaine cartd is a transport pass for 7 days and comes at a very interesting price. It allows you to travel in all 5 zones, hence even to the airport, to Disneyland and Versailles for only 30,00€.

But all good things come with a catch: the Navigo Semaine is not obtainable at all stations and is only valid from Monday morning to Sunday night. You can’t pick your dates. 

As a tourist, you need to purchase a Passe Navigo Decouverte for €5 as support. However, you can also use the Navigo App . 

Paris Visite Passe: Tourist Pass for Public transportation in Paris

The tourist pass covers a maximum of 5 days, and you can choose both, the dates and the zones that you require. Even though the flexibility is a strong point of the Paris Visite Pass, it is quite pricy .

Conclusion – which Metro ticket is the best for Paris?

Personally, I think single fare tickets are the best option . In a bundle, they are cheap. It’s very convenient that they require zero preparation, you can just buy them at the multilingual vending machine, and you’re good to go. Especially as you will rarely take more than 4 rides a day. 

The single fare tickets are your best option if:

• your accommodation is in Paris or adjacent suburbs ( click here to see a list of good budget hotels in Paris )
• you plan to leave Paris only once or twice (for example to visit Disneyland or Versailles) on your own and are not taking one of the really well organized day tours from Paris
• you are not having reduced mobility and walking is no problem

Compared to single-ride tickets, you need to take the Metro too often to benefit from a day pass. The cheap week pass is, however, not easy to get and not flexible when it comes to dates. The Paris Visite Pass is disproportionally expensive. 

Below, you find a review of the different ticket options in Paris:

How to use the Metro in Paris?

Now that you know the essentials about the different Ticket options for your Paris vacation, let’s move on and see where to buy them, how to validate your tickets and how to ride the metro in the first place.

Where to buy the Tickets for the Parisian Metro?

You can purchase your Metro ticket at ticket machines that are available at every train, tram, and metro station. The ticket machines are multilingual . Most train and metro stations are also having a RATP info point, in case you require help.

Note : RATP employees are always wearing green uniforms. If someone approaches you without this uniform and offers help, watch out! It became a somewhat common scam to sell already used tickets to tourists. You can read more on Paris tourist scams here .

How to use the vending machines 

If you are buying a ticket at the ticket machine, you will be prompted to choose your language first. Makes it easier, doesn’t it? However, while most machines are equipped with a touchscreen, some older models have a kind of role that helps you scroll through the menu.

The menu is pretty intuitive and self-explanatory. Many popular destinations like airports or Disneyland are preselected. 

How to pay for the Metro in Paris?

When you are in Paris, you can’t pay the Metro directly with your credit card. You need to get a Navigo Pass, either a physical or a digital one on your phone, and top it up with the ticket of your choice.

You pay for the tickets at the vending machine with a credit card (American Express is not accepted) or cash. At the time of writing, you can’t pay for the Paris Metro contactless with your credit card. It requires your pin code.

How to validate a ticket on the Parisian Metro?

Buying your ticket is not enough, you need to validate it before each ride. If you are using a paper ticket, you need to pass it through the slot on the right side of the turnstile. However, in 2023, you won’t find many machines, that are still equipped with this form of validation.

If you own a Navigo Decoverte or Navigo Easy Pass, simply place your card over the purple reader to unlock the turnstiles.

If the flap doors are open, still validate your ticket. If you get controlled without a validated ticket, you’ll receive a fine. 

Using the Metro in Paris with luggage or strollers

If you find yourself in a situation where it’s not possible to use the turnstiles or flap doors, don’t worry. Every metro station has a gate, that can be opened on request. Just don’t forget to validate your ticket though!

Is the Metro in Paris barrier-free?

Unfortunately, no. Not at all. Many stations were built more than 100 years ago and barrier-free access wasn’t on the radar of anyone back then. Some stations got reequipped with elevators during the last years, but it’s by far not enough to rely on the Metro as public transportation if you need barrier-free access.

Solely line 14 is completely barrier-free. However, the good news is, that Paris has a great bus network as well and all busses are barrier-free. 

How to read the Metro plan?

At the first glimpse, the Metro plan does look indeed like a huge mess. But don’t worry, it’s actually quite easy to understand. Each Metro line crosses Paris from one side to another and back and consequently has a starting and end station. Just check in which direction your destination lays and you’re good to go.

For example : If you are at the station at Hôtel de Ville and you intend to visit the Arc de Triomphe, you need to take line 1 direction La Defense. If you want to visit the Bastille, you would need to board Metro 1 as well, but heading in the opposite direction of Château de Vincennes.

It helps a lot that each Metro stairway features a signpost that indicates exactly which station this very line and direction will serve. Each Metro line has its own platform – contrary to Berlin, for example, where several lines stop at the same platform. 

A good piece of advice is to get familiar with the plan before traveling to Paris. Check which Metro station is the closest to your accommodation, how to get from there to the Eiffel Tower etc. and you will see that it quickly makes sense.

You can download the plan here . If you prefer the paper version, you can get one for free at every Metro station.

What changed since the Health Crisis? Is it safe to use the Metro?

While things are calming down, measurements and rules will probably change in the future again to respond better to the changing situation; however, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Face masks are not obligatory when entering any station, but are recommended (updated November 2023).
• Some stations are equipped with sanitizer

Safety in Paris’ Public Transportation

I read very often that people are worried about their safety when traveling to Paris . One of the main concerns is getting scammed or robbed.

I can’t deny that there is a certain risk. Especially since a couple of years, reports of scams and pickpockets are rising. However, we should keep in mind, that the Parisian Metro transports more than 4 Million passengers per day. And only a small hand full experiences any issues at all.

Well, except for delays and technical problems, that’s another story.

Paris is a metropolis, after all. But did you know that Paris ranks just behind London and Malmö, Sweden in the international safety ranking?

I’d say the Paris Metro is safe. Every Parisian takes the metro at all times, often you’ll find the Metro fuller at midnight than at 3 pm and the passengers are not any dodgy weirdos but absolutely random folks.

There are still some things you should keep in mind:

• take care of your stuff and be conscious about your belongings while traveling on the Parisian Metro. Don’t have your bag just above your shoulder, but hold the string. You don’t need to hold your bag like a maniac but show that you’re wary
• and try to avoid using your phone. It can happen that someone grabs it and runs just at the very moment the doors are closing.
• if there is a safety announcement about pickpockets, DO NOT check if your wallet is still where it should be. Someone might check for exactly this reflex and you happily tell the thief where he has to look for your treasures
• don’t get distracted and forget about your belongings. I got my wallet stolen once; while I was trying to push a stroller with one hand while trying to hold a gate with the other.

Other means of public transportation in Paris

If you are traveling to Paris, the Metro is the most obvious public transportation to take. However, there might be many reasons why this is not possible or appealing to you. Luckily, there are other means of public transportation that belong to the RATP network.

What does RATP stand for ? Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens , Autonomous Operator of Parisian Transportation. RATP is your point of contact and the operator of every sort of public transportation within the Paris region.

Which ticket do I need for public transportation that is NOT the Metro?

Luckily, there is no different ticket needed. No matter what kind of public transportation you choose, the ticket remains the same. It just might vary depending on the distance or the zones, but that’s about it. This applies especially to buses and trams.

Tickets for busses and trams in Paris

One ticket t+ is valid for 90 minut es while using buses and trams . You can transfer between both services, but you need to revalidate your ticket when boarding a new vehicle.

Exception: If you purchase your ticket on the bus, you can’t make a transfer. The tickets sold onboard are only for one bus trip without transfer.

update 2021 – you can buy your bus ticket by SMS now. Simply send an SMS with the text BUS+Number to 93100 , and you receive a ticket by SMS.

It costs 2,50€, and counts only for the bus trip, not for transfers. If you are on Bus 26 for example, send BUS26 to the number 93100, and you’ll receive your ticket on your phone. 

More public transportation in Paris

If you are traveling only in Paris, you have only the option to hop on a bus or Metro. If you venture a bit outside the capital, you have more options.

RER (Suburb train)

The RER is much like Paris Metro, but a little faster and with fewer stations. However, the RER is basically a suburban train that connects Paris with surrounding cities. If you want to visit Versailles for example, you would take the RER C, Disney is served by RER A.

If you are not using the Navigo Decouverte for all zones or a 5 zones day pass, make sure to purchase a ticket with the appropriate amount of zones or a ticket that indicated your destination.

Paris and its surrounding are divided into 5 zones. You need to purchase a ticket for all zones that you cross on your way. But don’t worry too much about it, if you are at a ticket machine, you can simply click on “Ticket Île-de-France” ( Billets Île-de-France ) and pick your destination. You will obtain a station-to-station ticket that covers automatically the appropriate amount of zones.

Paris by Bus

Busses are running everywhere: inside Paris, outside Paris, from Paris to suburb, and from suburb to suburb. The tickets are the same as for Metro, you need a Ticket t+. You can transfer with the same ticket from bus to bus or to tram, but not to Metro or RER, which would require a new ticket.

If you are not depending on getting around by bus (Busses are barrier-free), I’d recommend avoiding them during a short-term stay. Schedules and maps are rather complicated and due to the Parisian traffic, they can be really sloooow.

Noctilien Night Buses

To fill the gap between the last and first Metro/Tram/RER, night buses are operating in Paris and connecting the city with the greater Paris area. Noctilien busses are clearly the cheapest way to get home after a long night as you can board them with the usual ticket t+. Just keep in mind that your fellow passengers also had a long night out and might be everything but sober.

Taking the tram in Paris

The Tramway is relatively new in Paris and is built roughly as a circle around Paris, more or less parallel to the freeway. In order to board the tram, you need a ticket t+. With one validated ticket, you can transfer from tram to tram or from tram to bus, but you need a new ticket to transfer to Metro or RER.

Orlyval Skytrain

The Orlyval is the sky train that operates between the Orly Airport and the next RER Station Anthony. The one-way ticket costs 11,00€ if you purchase the Orlyval in combination with an RER ticket to Paris, it’s around 13€.

If you’re traveling in a group, it might be cheaper to take an Uber from the RER station in Anthony to Orly Airport for about 10-15€.

Are you landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG)? Don’t miss our detailed guide on how to get to Paris from the airport!

Metro & Trains during the Paris Olympics in 2024

In November 2023, it was announced, that for the month of July and August, when Paris is hosting the Olympic Games, the prices for public transportation will be augmented. Here’s what you can expect:

The Olympics are still a bit ahead and the Parisians are rather opposed to this rise in price. So the pricing might be subject to change. However, I will update this post as soon as I get new information. So, stay tuned!

Voilà, the Parisian Metro explained – hopefully in an understandable way! If you have any questions about it, don’t hesitate to join our Facebook community . It’s a great knowledge hub with many experts, happy to help you out. Join here today for free .

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Must Have Paris Travel Essentials

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PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

• 20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)
• Paris hidden gems: 80+ well kept secrets you shouldn’t miss
• What NOT to do in Paris -23 (costly) Paris Mistakes you need to avoid!
• 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
• Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
• 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris – THE complete guide!
• Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons

FAQ: How to use the Paris Metro

You need to purchase the travel card Navigo at the station and load it up with the tickets of your choice. Alternatively, you can also get the App Île-de-France Mobilités that not only serves as a travel planner but also as a ticket device.

You can purchase your Metro ticket with a credit card, but your credit card can’t be used directly at the barriers to entering the Metro.

The Metro is as safe at night as by day and is always heavily used. 

A Metro Ticket for a single ride costs 2,10 € in 2023. A bundle of 10 tickets costs 16,90 €.

You use the roll to scroll up and down the menu and pick the ticket of your choice. Most popular picks are single-ride tickets, bundles of 10, and destination tickets, where you choose your destination station outside of Paris. To charge your Navigo pass, place it on the purple field, so the machine can read it.

The popular cardboard tickets are currently phasing out. The process was delayed to to delivery delays of Navigo Cards, but at the time of writing, it’s moving on. Many stations are not equipped with paper ticket readers anymore and you can’t purchase them anymore at the vending machines.

You place your Navigo Carte on the card reader before the turnstiles and wait until it “beeps”. You can pass then through the turnstile or gate.

Pin it now – and find it back later!

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19 Comments

Hey, I will be in Paris this year so perfect moment for this read! Thank you so much for all the helpful insights.

This is the kind of posts I like to read (and write), where you can get all the information you need to move around or plan something/your stay/etc before even getting there. Pretty good post, I may say.

thank you! 🙂

This was a very useful article! I’m definitely going to refer to this when we visit Paris

thanks a lot and I hope you can come to visit Paris soon 🙂

Shame on me I have not yet been to Paris. But, when I do, this will come in very handy. Public transportation is a minefield…

Oh my gosh, thank you! When I was in Paris with my husband, there were several times we were just baffled trying to figure out the system One of the things that tripped me up was RER. Because I couldn’t figure out what it was, we avoided taking it our first day – when it would have been better for us. Pinned this!

Thank you!!! Glad you find some value in it and sharing it around! 🙂

I must say Paris is one of the best cities for well-connected local transport. Since its so large in size, one does end up walking A LOT despite taking the metro or the bus from one spot to another. And not to mention the long distances between metro lines inside the stations 🙂 But its all very convenient. And enjoyable.

oh I am sure you talk about Montparnasse when thinking of long distances between Metro lines! We try to avoid that change by all means haha 😀

I will never get tired of reading about Paris. But all glitz and glamor of Paris comes with the super expensive transportation if hired privately. So, this post on public transportation and all teh tips you have mentioned ( especially the one about red and green indicators after parking the bike) would definitely help any one willing to explore the city on budget.

yeah, getting around privately is really expensive! We often use a mix of public transportation and Uber

A very useful post for everyone who want to get acquainted with the transport system of Paris city. You have listed dowm every single useful information regarding the topic and I can see how much effort you taken. I usually take up metros and buses rather than taxis as its very economical but as there’s Uber in the city I sometimes just go for it.

awww thank you for your kind words; I really appreciate it <3 the combination of public transport and Uber is perfect for us, too... especially when going out 🙂

It’s so nice that the metro runs late on the weekends! Also, good to know that buses are a bit complicated so not that great as an option for short term visitors. You’re article on all transport options is very thorough and complete! A great guide!

thank you <3 🙂

Any ideas about Accessibility for a wheelchair?

Hi Mona, sorry for my late reply, I simply missed your question 🙁 Paris is not really barrier free, unfortunately, and many (most) Metro Stations are not equipped with elevators. It’s probably easiest to get around by Bus. However, some Metro stations do have elevators, maybe this page helps: https://parisbytrain.com/map-paris-wheelchair-reduced-mobility-accessibility-metro-rer-bus-tram/ best, Lena

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Best Ways to Get Around Paris: Metro, Public Transport & Best Apps

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: November 14, 2022

There’s a lot to organize when you plan a trip to Paris: what to see, where to stay and what to pack. One detail that you may not think about until you touch down in the French capital is how you’ll get from Point A to Point B.

Paris has great public transportation, but you might feel uncomfortable using it if you’re only used to driving your car on a daily basis.

We’ve laid out all your transport options for you so you can choose what’s right for you and feel confident getting around in the City of Lights.

Last Updated: August 3 2020

Tips & Structured Options

Looking for a place to rest your head in the city of lights? Check out our guide to picking a place to stay in Paris !

Wandering around Paris aimlessly sounds romantic but not for four days.  Check out our best Paris tours and allow a local expert to show you around the charming city.

In this article we will go over:

Getting from the Airports to Paris

Paris metropolitan system, paris bus system, biking in paris.

• Paris by Food
• Taxis & Uber in Paris

There are tons of transportation options from the three Parisian airports to the center of Paris or Gare du Nord.  Check out our full article on how to get from the airports to Paris .

Paris’s metro system is incredibly well-connected and convenient. With 16 metro lines and over 300 stations, you can cover a lot of ground in Paris using the metro.

The city’s first metro line opened in 1900, so they’ve had quite a few years to perfect the transport system.

A single metro ticket costs 1.90€. You can save money if you purchase a carnet of 10 tickets for €14.90. You can also purchase Paris metro passes for 2 or 3-day durations (called Paris Visite), or even for 1 week or 1 month (a Navigo pass).

Whether you purchase a batch of single tickets or a 2 or 3-day pass depends on how much you actually think you’ll use the metro.

Where to Buy Metro Tickets

The easiest place to purchase metro tickets is inside a metro station. Most stations have automated machines you can use (an English language option is available) and some stations also have a help desk with metro attendants who you can purchase tickets from.

Make sure to keep your metro ticket with you at all times until you’ve exited the metro entirely. There are occasionally checkpoints in stations or on trains, as many people jump the barriers, and if you do not have your ticket on you, you could be fined.

• Normally fast
• Average 2-3 minutes between trains
• Great directions inside each station
• Not super clean, but not terrible
• Pickpocketing is common.

Best Mobile App

Free – RATP (official)

Paid – Paris Metro Map

The city’s bus system is also convenient, with dozens of lines connecting across the city. When you take the bus, m ake sure you push the red buttons when you see that your stop is coming up next.

If no one pushes the button, the bus driver may not stop. When you hit one of the red buttons, you will see the words Arret Demande light up in red above the space where the driver sits.

Likewise, if you are at a stop waiting for a bus, make sure you give a sign to the bus driver that you would like him or her to stop when you see the bus approaching, much like hailing a taxi.

The tickets you use on Paris’ buses are actually the same on the metro. You can purchase the tickets from metro stations or directly from the bus driver for a slightly more expensive 2.00€.

If you want to purchase tickets from the bus driver, you need to have cash. If you’re only planning on purchasing one ticket, realize that the driver most likely will not have change if you hand him a 20€ bill, so it’s best to have some coins or small bills on you, and these tickets can only be used on the bus.

• Great views from the window
• Buses are clean and come frequently

If the weather is nice and you feel like getting a little exercise in, try out Paris’s bike-sharing program, Vélib .

When you return a bike to one of the stations, make sure you have correctly locked the bike back into position.

To do this, you can pull on the bike as if you were trying to remove it from the station (and make sure it can not be removed). If the bike is not placed correctly into the hold, you can get charged for extra time.

You can purchase a one-day “V-Découverte” pass or a seven-day “V-Séjour” pass. The card can be used to borrow up to five bikes at one time, which means you’ll need only one pass for a family or small group.

The first 30 minutes with a mechanical bike are actually free, and the first 30 minutes with an electrical bike only come with a small fee.

Bike sharing can be cheap

Motorcyclists and drivers can be very aggressive. 

Paris by Foot

Paris is a very walkable city, and it’s often just as fast to walk somewhere as it can be to take the metro or bus.

Before heading anywhere, we suggest looking up how long your walk should be and compare it with the estimated public transportation times.

Free, unless you stop for a croissant along the way.

Great way to get acquainted with the city

• Great exercise and free!

Paris is large.  Walking is not always a reasonable option.

Taxi and Uber

Taxis and Ubers are used frequently in Paris, and are normally a quick and easy option.

The initial cost of a taxi ride is normally about 2.60€ – this is the amount the meter will start at.

For more exact figures, you can check online or with an app from one of Paris’s main taxi companies, like G7 . Using the Uber app, you can see the estimated cost of your total ride.

Most direct option from Point A to Point B

• No need to worry about language barrier

Most costly option

I Want More Paris!

• Not sure what to do in Paris? Check out our step-by-step guide about how to do  Paris in a Day . If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our  Paris tours .
• Parlez-Vous Francais ? Learn some of the most  important French phrases  before your trip to Paris.
• Follow our European adventures on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  YouTube . Then, comment and tell us what you want us to cover next.

About Brandon Shaw

Brandon is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He left the States to travel the world at 18 and never looked back! As an official Tour Guide of Rome and Certified Sommelier, he loves to travel the world and share these experiences with his readers.

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Comment (1).

July 13, 2019

When we do citybreaks we tend to do a LOT of walking and don’t use public transport all that much. So for us, Paris’ Metro Carnet (book of 10 tickets) is perfect. Two great things about them:

1: They don’t expire so any leftover tickets can be kept & used for the next time you visit Paris. 2: They’re 10 individual tickets so you can hand tickets to friends who’re travelling with you and you both benefit from the cheaper price per ticket.

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How to Use The Paris Metro In 2024 (+ Practical Tips)

Traveling to Paris for the first time but you’re not sure how to navigate the metro? Then this article will show you exactly how to use the Paris metro !

If you’re traveling to Paris, you’re likely to use the metro since it’s connected to most parts of the city, and is the cheapest way to get around! Although it’s easy to use, it can be tricky for first-time visitors.

So in this article, I’ll show you exactly how to use the metro in Paris! From how to locate a metro station, how to buy tickets, how to navigate the subway, and so much more!

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5) 

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook .
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter , a travel neck pouch , and comfortable walking shoes .
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

How to Use The Paris Metro In 2024

Without any further ado, let’s dive in!

 How to Find a Metro Station in Paris 

The first thing you’ll need to know is how to find a metro station. All you have to do is locate the Metro sign which comes in 3 different types.

The first is a pole with the word metro , the second has Métropolitain on it and the third is a giant letter M in yellow. If you spot any of these, just walk towards it and you’ll find the staircase to the metro station.

Tickets You’ll Need to Use the Paris Metro + How to Buy Them

After locating a metro station, you’ll need to buy a ticket! There are a few different ways to do it, so I’ll quickly go through them.

The first is the single-ride t+ ticket which costs just 2.15 € for the full fare and half the price for children between 4 and 11. Kids below 4 years old ride the metro for free. 

How to Purchase the T+ ticket

As for how to purchase the ticket, you can do so from the machines or at the RATP counters in the metro stations.

If you opt for the machines, select your language and choose the option “I don’t have a Navigo pass”.

There are a number of tickets but we are going to choose the single ticket t+. Select the number of tickets you want, validate, and then later pay. 

There is another type of ticket machine, so in case you come across that, it’s the same idea but instead of a touch screen, you just turn the roller to select your preferred options.

You should also note that you can also use this ticket for the bus, Tram, and the RER. Although it works only within Paris for the RER.

Navigo Easy Pass

The other alternative is loading tickets on a Navigo Easy Pass . The Pass itself costs 2 € which you can then load any amount of tickets you want. 

However, if you buy a bundle of 10 tickets known as the carnet, you save some money since it costs 17.35 € compared to the 21.5€ if you buy 10 individual tickets.  

If you plan on using the metro a lot, this is the option I recommend as you won’t have to queue at ticket machines every time you need a new ticket. 

Plus, you can recharge your Navigo Easy Pass directly on your phone with the IDF Mobilités or RATP apps. I’ll show you how to do that later in the article.

The only limiting thing about this pass is that you can only use it within the Paris region. This means that if you want to go to Disneyland Paris or Versailles, you’ll need to buy other tickets.

Paris visite Pass

The other way to use the metro is by buying the Paris Visite Pass which starts at 13,95€ a day but you can buy one for up to 5 days. 

The advantage of this pass over the Navigo Easy is that it gives you unlimited access to all forms of transportation (be it the metro, bus, tram,  RER, and SNCF trains) in the Île-de-France region.

This means that you’ll be able to go to Disneyland Paris , Versailles , and the airports with it. Just remember to write your name and the dates on the ticket for it to be valid.

How to Use The Ticket

If you have a physical ticket, just slide it into the slot of the fare gate and it will pop out from the other side and the gate will open for you.

If you slide the ticket in and hear a beep with a red light, it means that your ticket has already been used, so you’ll need a new one.

However, in very rare cases, you may be buzzed red on a new ticket. If this happens, then there could be a problem with the machine, so it’s best to inquire from the RATP staff on the counters at the station.

This is also the same way to use the Paris visite card .

One thing you should know is that not all fare gates have a slot for the paper ticket! If the one you go to doesn’t have it, simply go to the next one. 

How to Use The Navigo Easy Pass

If you’re using a Navigo Easy pass, you just have to validate it by placing it on the pad of the fare gate and it will let you through.

Before we move on, I should also mention that some metro stations, for example, Trocadero currently don’t have the traditional fare gates but rather validation points (shown in the photo above)!

These are so easy to miss so make sure you look out for them, or you might be fined if you don’t validate your ticket or pass. 

How to Reload Your Navigo Pass

Reloading your Navigo Easy Pass is quite easy. You can either go directly to the RATP counters in the metro, recharge on the ticket machines, or directly on your phone.

To do it on the ticket machine, simply place the pass on the Navigo reader, select the single journey t+ ticket, and either choose from buying individual tickets or a carnet of 10 tickets to save money.

To do it on the phone, you can either use the IDF Mobilités app or the RATP Bonjour App. With the IDF Mobilités App, go to “purchase”, then click  “on my Navigo pass”. Select “read my pass” and hold it above your Phone’s front camera.

Click on “Buy ticket” and select the amount of tickets you want. You can also choose the carnet option to get 10 t+ tickets for a reduced rate.

For the RATP App, the steps are pretty much the same. Go to “tickets”, click “Read Pass” and bring your pass behind the top of your phone. Select “Buy on Pass” and choose from either a single journey ticket or the carnet of 10 tickets.

How to Check The Remaining Number Of Tickets on Your Navigo Easy Pass

If you want to know the remaining tickets on your Navigo, simply put your card on the ticket machine, and it will show you how many are left.

Alternatively, you can do it on your phone with the IDF Mobilités and the Bonjour RATP apps.

On the IDF App, go to “purchases”, click on “on my Navigo pass”, select “Read my Pass” and place the card at the top of your phone and it will display how many tickets are left.

For the RATP app, go to “tickets”, click on “Read my Pass”, and place the pass on top of your phone and it will display the number of remaining tickets.

How To Navigate The Metro

Now that you know how to buy and use the tickets, let’s look at how to navigate the metro.

There are 2 options. You can either read the Metro map but the easier choice would be using apps like Bonjour RATP, Google Maps, SNCF Connect, IDF Mobilites, and Apple Plans, although I recommend City Mapper.

For this article, we’re going to assume that you’re trying to go from Galeries Lafayette to the Louvre Museum . 

Since the app suggests taking line 7, walk to Chaussée d’Antin — La Fayette metro station, get your ticket, and go through the fare gate as we saw earlier. 

Be careful here, because there are 2 directions! Take one suggested by the app and follow the signs carefully to not end up on the opposite side of Paris.

What Happens If You Take The Wrong Direction

If you accidentally take the wrong direction, leave the train at the first stop and change platforms by following the signs.

As long as you don’t exit the station, you don’t need to buy another ticket or even validate one. 

How to Open the Doors of the Metro

Paris has 3 types of metros so opening each will be a bit different! The newest type will automatically open at every stop.

For the second type, you’ll need to push the green button to open the door. 

The 3rd type, on the other hand, requires turning the handle up to open it. It can be a bit clunky so use some energy. 

How to Exit The Metro

Exiting the metro station is straightforward! Just look for the “Sortie” sign (which means Exit)! However, in stations with multiple exits, picking the correct one is crucial to avoid losing time once you’re above ground.

If you’re going to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum, and other famous attractions, finding the right exist won’t be a problem because the names of the attractions are clearly marked.

For other destinations, check the app (Bonjour RATP, City Mapper, Google Maps, etc) to see the best exit.

Is The Paris Metro Safe

The Paris metro is generally safe to use. However, it’s important to stay vigilant to avoid pickpockets, who are known to be quick and often work by distracting you. 

Always keep your bag closed and close by, and be cautious if someone tries to divert your attention — this could be a setup for theft. 

Also, watch out for people offering help at ticket machines as they might be trying to spot if you’re carrying a lot of cash, making you a target for pickpocketing. 

If you need any help, it’s better to go to RATP counters in the stations rather than accept help from strangers. 

I am not saying this to scare you away from Paris, as the risk of being pickpocketed is low, and such incidents can happen in any major city. 

Metro Price Changes During the Paris 2024 Olympics

If you’re visiting Paris during this time, you should note that the metro ticket prices will go up from July 20 to September 8, 2024.

The cost for a single ride t+ ticket will jump from €2.15 to €4, and a bundle of 10 tickets from 17.35 € to €32. 

However, a special pass will be available for €16 a day or €70 a week, covering travel in Paris and to both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.

Operating Hours of the Paris Metro 

Finally, you’ll need to know the operating hours of the metro, especially if you plan to go out late or want to use it early in the morning.

The metro runs every day from 5:30 am to about 1:15 a.m. but extends up to 2:15 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and several bank holidays.

If the metro is closed and you can’t get a taxi, there is an option for a night bus known as Noctilien from 12:30 am to about 5:30 a.m.

Although as a tourist, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you go out late, always use a taxi/Uber.

Final Thoughts on How to Use The Paris Metro

And that’s it guys! I hope you enjoyed this article! Let me know in the comments below if you found it helpful and if you did, please share it with other travelers to help them plan their trip to Paris with ease.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Big Mistakes to Avoid in Paris
• What Not to Wear in Paris
• Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Paris
• The Ultimate Paris Bucket List

Was this post on how to use the metro in Paris helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

Sharing is caring!

Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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Paris Public Transportation

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Learn to Use the Paris Metro, Bus, RER & Tramway System With Zero Stress

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Paris boasts one of the world's safest and most efficient public transportation systems. While the metro subway system is extensive, it's generally safe and easy to use once you familiarize yourself with it a bit. Trains usually arrive on time; buses are well-appointed and spacious, and commuter express (RER) trains service the city's most important stops in record time. What's not to love?

There are admittedly a few things that travelers can find confusing or downright unnerving about the French capital's transportation system. For one thing, trains and buses are more often than not overcrowded — and Paris' status as one of the world's most-visited cities doesn't help matters. For another, many metro lines lack air-conditioning — positive from an ecological standpoint, but watch out for those summer steambaths (and grouchy travelers). Public transportation here is also notoriously lacking with accessibility to disabled visitors. Gym rats may rejoice at the endless tunnels and stairs that snake through the Paris underground, but after a day visiting the city, the lack of elevators or escalators in some stations can be a real headache. Parents with young children or strollers may find this point particularly frustrating.

The good news? The Paris city government takes public transport very seriously, and every year a big chunk of the budget is reserved for improving traffic and passenger conditions in Paris trains, buses, and tramways. In the coming years, you can expect Paris public transportation to become more efficient, accessible and comfortable. Lots of new stations are also being added, making it easier than ever to get around.

Keep reading to learn how to navigate Paris public transport like a pro, including advice on the best tickets and passes, plotting your trip, safety and more.

How to Ride the Paris Metro: Tips & Tricks

• The Paris metro system has a total of 16 lines identifiable by number, color, and end-of-line names. These will help you figure out whether you're heading in the right direction and assist in planning line transfers.
• For example, line four is magenta, currently has 27 stations, and is called "Porte de Clignancourt/Mairie de Montrouge" because it runs from the Mairie de Montrouge station south of the city to Porte de Clignancourt in the north.
• Accordingly, you should always first figure out which direction you need to go relative to the line's endpoints. If you are at Chatelet and need to get to Odeon, you'd look at the map and see that Odeon is located south of Chatelet, toward Porte d'Orléans.
• This is important because once you take the metro in one direction, it's impossible to change directions without exiting the turnstile and going through again. This becomes a costly mistake if you have single tickets, rather than a weekly or monthly pass. In addition, certain lines (notably lines 7 and 13) fork in several different directions at key points, so make sure to check your destination carefully before getting on one of these trains, ensuring that the train you're boarding goes to your stop.

Hours of Operation

• During normal operating times, the metro runs Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:40 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 1:40 a.m. The same late services also run the night before a public holiday.
• To ensure you catch the last train, you should generally aim to arrive at the station approximately 30 minutes before closing, as final trains depart at different times depending on the station.
• Certain metro lines open all night long for certain holidays and city events, including New Year's Eve and the October museum and exhibitions event known as Nuit Blanche (White Night). If participating in these events, check the official Paris public transportation authority website for more information .

Safety on Paris' Public Transportation

The metro and other public transport is generally safe, but pickpockets operate on many lines. Keep your wits about you and your valuables close to your person. See this page for more information on traveling safely , including advice on what to do in case of an incident or emergency.

Accessibility

• Only certain Paris metro lines are wheelchair accessible. If you have disabilities or limited mobility, check the box for accessible itineraries at this page .
• Onboard trains, passengers are obligated to give up their seats to travelers with disabilities, elderly passengers, pregnant women or passengers traveling with small children. Don't hesitate to ask for a seat if you need one, and remember to look out for any travelers who may have difficulty standing, and offer them your seat.

Where to Buy Paris Metro Tickets

You can buy tickets and passes for Parisian public transportation networks at any metro, RER or tramway station, and when boarding buses. They are also available at Paris Tourist information centers around the city, and can sometimes be found at newsstands or tabacs (tobacco vendors).

• When purchasing tickets from an automatic distributor in a Metro or RER station, only debit cards and coins are accepted in some stations. If you have only bills you may need to purchase tickets from a vendor at the "Vente" (Sales) desk.
• When boarding Paris buses, pay in exact change. Remember that your metro ticket usually does not allow for transfers to the bus; you'll need to pay for a transfer by asking the bus driver. Tell the driver your destination when you board so he or she can charge the correct fare. If you plan to use the bus frequently, buy a " carnet " (packet) in advance from a metro station.
• You can change the interface language of the self-service ticket machines to English. This should make it easier to find the tickets you need, despite the machines' reputation for being a little less than user-friendly.

Paris Metro Tickets and Passes: What Kind Should You Buy?

Depending on the length of your stay, how much you'll use public transport, and whether you plan on day trips to places like the Chateau de Versailles or Disneyland Paris , you'll need to choose between single metro tickets, packs of tickets (called "carnets"), or one of several useful transport passes. Below is a rundown of your options and some tips on how to choose the right one. Never purchase tickets from vendors on the street or vendors hovering around the entrance to stations; these tickets might be counterfeited and could cost you later in fines and extra time and money spent.

Standard "T+" Metro Tickets

• These tickets are good for one metro, RER, bus, or tramway ride within Paris (zone 1 only), including transfers. You may transfer from the Metro to the RER for two hours between the first validation, as well as buses or tramways up to 90 minutes from the first validation. Always keep your ticket in hand.
• Special tickets are required for buses and trains traveling to and from Paris airports. See our Paris airport ground transport guide for more details.
• Buy these if you're staying for a short time and will use public transport sparingly. You don't plan to take day trips.
• As of October 2020, a single ticket costs 1.90 euros, while a bus ticket purchased onboard is 2 euros. A package of 10 tickets (" un carnet ") may be purchased for 16.90 euros, or 8.45 euros for children under 10. Airport tickets range from 2 euros to 17 euros depending on the mode of transport chosen.

The Paris Visite Pass: For Unlimited Travel

• This pass is good for unlimited travel in Paris (Metro, RER, bus, tramway, and regional SNCF trains) and the greater Paris region, for up to five days. Also provides special offers at select museums, attractions, and restaurants. For a list of current fares and details on how to use the pass, see this page .
• Choose this pass if you're planning to travel extensively around the greater Paris region. Choose the zone 1-5 card to see Versailles or Disneyland Paris, and 1-8 for greater coverage. As we explain in our complete guide to the Visite pass , it may be worth your while to buy this special ticket that allows you to ride freely on metro, RER, and buses and also allows entry to many popular Paris attractions . If you're planning on hitting several major museums and monuments on your trip, it's worth considering.

For more information on using the Paris Metro system, see the local transport authority RATP's official website (in English). You can download free maps, search timetables and plan your itinerary, as well as find information on current rates, network issues and other information.

How to Ride the Paris RER (Commuter-Line) Train System

The RER, Paris' commuter train system, consists of five express trains that travel within Paris and the greater region (contrary to the metro, which stops just outside the city limits). The RER can get you to your destination much faster since it stops at far fewer stops than the Metro.

The primary hub for outgoing and incoming RER trains is the Châtelet-Les Halles station. Other major hubs include Gare du Nord, St. Michel/Notre Dame, and Gare de Lyon. The RER, which is run by a different (public) company than the Paris Metro, can be a bit complicated at first, but the time gained is generally worth it.

For example, it takes roughly 10 minutes to get from Denfert-Rochereau in South Paris to Gare du Nord in the North on RER. The same route by metro adds at least ten minutes to your journey.

RER Lines, Routes, and Hours

Like the metro, RER lines are identifiable by letters (A through E) and end-of-line names. However, the RER is more complicated than the metro because each line breaks into different directions at a certain point, making it easy to get lost (and waste funds and time) if you hop on the wrong train. Follow these tips to make your journey go more smoothly:

• To avoid surprises, check your direction carefully before boarding, and use the train itineraries located in RER stations to help you get oriented. If in doubt, ask for help. If you have a smartphone or tablet, consider installing a Paris Metro/RER app. Many are free, and are very handy to have so you can navigate what even locals often consider to be a confusing system .
• Another tricky point in riding the RER is getting the fares straight. The RER covers five zones within the Paris region, and if you travel further than your ticket or pass allows for, you can be fined. Make sure your metro ticket or pass covers the zones you need for the destination, and if in any doubt, double-check your destination's zone and required fare with a ticket agent before boarding.
• Remember that you'll need to save your ticket in order to exit most RER stations.

Operating hours for RER lines vary, but on average the commuter trains run from 4:50 a.m. to midnight or 12:30 a.m. For itineraries and hours, consult the RATP itinerary-finder page.

How to Ride the Bus in Paris

When visiting Paris, trying to figure out how to use buses to get around the city can seem like a challenge. Yet the bus can be both more scenic and less claustrophobic than the metro or RER. Taking time to get familiar with the city's clean and pleasant buses can pay off. With a total of 64 lines operating within the Parisian city limits, you can get just about anywhere the metro will take you — and often to a wider variety of destinations.

If you're a disabled or elderly traveler, you may find taking the bus much easier: most are now equipped with ramps, unlike the metro which is still woefully inadequate where accessibility is concerned.

Lines and Stops

Bus stops are found all around the city and more often than not are hubs for several different lines. Recently, a majority of bus stops were equipped with electronic information systems that tell you when to expect the next bus. Neighborhood maps and bus routes are also displayed at most stations, as well as at Paris tourist information offices.

Paris buses are marked by double numbers and the name of the end of the line marked on the front. You can use T+ metro tickets or weekly and monthly passes to ride the bus, but if you've already used a single ticket in the metro, you can't transfer to the bus. You can, however, transfer between two buses without extra cost providing you do so within 90 minutes of boarding the first bus. Ask the driver to stamp ("valider") your ticket when you board the first bus.

Using Buses to Tour the City: An Inexpensive Alternative

Certain bus routes are particularly scenic and can be a cheap alternative to Paris bus tours. You can view a map of bus lines in Paris here .

• Line 38 runs north to south through the city center and provides memorable views of the Latin Quarter , the Seine river, or Notre Dame Cathedral .
• Line 68 offers a vantage of the Musee d'Orsay , Saint-Germain des Pres , the Seine, The Louvre , and the Opéra Garnier .
• Line 28 offers lovely views of the École Militaire, the Assemblée Nationale, the Seine River, the Grand Palais , and the Champs-Elysées .
• Line 96 winds through beautiful spots on the right bank, including Hotel de Ville, the medieval Marais neighborhood , and trendy Bastille.

Hours vary considerably, but major lines run from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. On Friday and Saturday, buses run up until 1:45 a.m. Buses leave from most spots around the city at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes.

How to Ride the Tramway in Paris

Paris had a tramway in the 19th century, which was subsequently dismantled and replaced with the metro. But a swelling city population and a need to connect Paris with its suburbs has led to the revival of the tramway in the city of light.

The city now has a total of 10 tramway lines running within Paris' city limits , mostly around the outer bounds and numbered T1 through T11.

• You can ride the tramway using regular metro tickets and passes, and it can be a nice way to see the city from above-ground and experience some of the capital's lesser-known areas.
• On the downside, trams almost never serve the city's big-ticket tourist attractions. This isn't the mode of transport most visitors will end up privileging, unless you choose to stay near the outer limits of the city.
• For itineraries on the Paris tramway, consult the RATP itinerary-finder page. Please note that you cannot purchase tram tickets on board, but tram stations are equipped with ticket vending machines.

Taking a Taxi in Paris

Many tourists wonder when or whether to take a taxi in Paris. The short answer is that you won't usually need to, unless you have special needs owing to a disability or limited mobility, or you don't like walking or taking public transportation.

If you do choose to take a taxi, make sure to keep these tips in mind:

• Never get in a taxi or agree to a ride unless it is equipped with a red and white "Taxi Parisien" sign on its rooftop and has a visible meter inside. Scams are common, and it can also be unsafe — especially for women traveling alone — to accept a ride without verifying the status of the driver.
• For short fares, drivers often prefer cash. For longer rides (e.g., across town or to the airport, Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted. It is unusual for cabs to accept American Express and traveler's checks are not generally accepted. Ask the driver before agreeing to a ride what forms of payment are allowed.
• Don't hesitate to give your driver a desired route. Be aware, however, that it is not unusual for drivers to have minimal English. Loading a map on a digital device and showing them your preferred route or destination can be helpful.
• At rush hour and during peak tourist months, traffic can be quite heavy. It may end up taking quite a bit longer to travel by taxi — which is why many tourists opt against it.

Getting Around by Bike in Paris

If you enjoy getting around by bike, you may wonder whether it's a good idea to attempt to do so during your stay in the French capital. While Paris does have a bike rental scheme called Velib', it has numerous downsides:

• Helmets, which are highly recommended, are not provided, so you'll have to bring or buy one yourself.
• Cycling lanes do exist in the city, but are inconsistent and safety conditions are often less than optimal for bikers, even experienced urban cyclists.
• The payment scheme for Velib' isn't especially well adapted to travelers, especially for short visits.

For all these reasons, we don't generally recommend Velib' to tourists. However, many tour companies offer guided bike and Segway tours around the city, including fun night tours. They generally provide helmets, know the best and safest routes to take, and watch out for visitors' general safety and well-being.

More Tips for Getting Around Paris

Paris is a relatively easy city to get around if you arrive armed with the right information. Here are some tips to help you navigate public transport like a local — and avoid unnecessary frustration and claustrophobia en route.

• Get a decent metro map. These are available free of charge from any metro information booth, and can also be downloaded online . There's no use scurrying around through the underground tunnels struggling to find your way. A map will do the trick.
• Some great free apps are now available for your smartphone, iPhone or tablet. The RATP transport company's own app, downloadable here, works well.
• Avoid riding the metro or RER (express trains) at rush hour, if you can. During these times, opt to walk or take the bus. One word of warning, though: some bus lines are also swamped at these hours.
• Metro lines 1, 2, 4, 11, 12, and 13 are generally the most overcrowded lines, especially at rush hour. Bus lines 38, 28, 68 and 62 are among the most cramped — but they also service many of the city's most central areas.
• Metro lines 6 and 2 run above-ground much of the way, sometimes offering impressive views of the city. Line 6 offers spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower near the Bir-Hakeim station. From line 2, a less striking view of the Sacré-Cœur can be seen.
• Learn to ride the RER when it makes sense to. Many visitors to Paris never set foot on board Paris' five higher-speed commuter trains, but they can be a boon if you need to traverse the city quickly from one point to the next. The RER is also quite useful if you're planning on taking a day trip to destinations including Disneyland Paris, Versailles, or the large park and "wood" known as the Bois de Vincennes.
• Take advantage of extended Metro hours on weekend nights; the last trains arrive at their final stop by 1:40 am between Sunday to Thursday. On Friday, Saturday and the evening before public holidays many lines run until 2:15 am. See the RATP timetables for full hours and schedules .
• Taxis can be a more time-consuming — and far more costly — way to get around. Especially in the city center and during rush hours, you can expect taxi trips to take quite a bit longer than the metro and even bus journeys. Buses often have dedicated lanes, while metro, RER and tramway lines avoid surface traffic altogether.
• In some cases, walking may be your best bet for a quick and more stimulating journey from one point to the next. Don't automatically hop on the metro or bus to your next destination. Instead, use Google Maps, a street map or the RATP Itinerary planner to check whether walking would actually be speedier. It's almost guaranteed to be more interesting — and you'll get some fresh air, too.

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How To Get Around Paris: A Guide to All the Transport Options in Paris

Last updated: June 24, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 14 Comments

We love visiting Paris. The city has so much to offer, from iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower , through to world class museums like the Louvre and famous shows like the Moulin Rouge .

Then there are all the fun neighbourhoods to explore, the fantastic dining options, the cafes – the list goes on!

Paris isn’t exactly compact though, so when you visit you are going to need a plan for how to get around. While you certainly can walk, you will be able to fit more sights in if you take advantage of one of the many transport options available to you.

There are quite a few of these in the city. In this guide, I’m going to share with you all the options you have for how to get around Paris. This will cover all the transport options in Paris, including public transport (e.g., metro, bus, tram etc.) and private hire (e.g. taxi, ride-share etc.).

This guide accompanies our other Paris content, which includes itineraries for Paris , guides to where to eat in Paris , and many other posts. See more of these in the resources section at the end of the post.

Public Transport Zones in Paris

Before jumping into the individual transport options for Paris, I will share a quick overview of the zone system in Paris so you have an idea of how this works.

Like many cities in the world, the public transport system in Paris is divided into zones. There are five transport zones in Paris, which are formed as circles.

Zone 1 is the inner zone and covers the centre of the city, and the zones then radiate outwards to Zone 5.

Zones 1 to 3 cover the majority of the city centre and most attractions that visitors will want to visit.

There are some locations that are outside of zones 1-3. For example, Versailles and Orly Airport are in Zone 4. CDG Airport, Disneyland Paris, and Château de Fontainebleau are located  in Zone 5.

Unlike a city like London, the fare zones in Paris do not affect individual metro ticket pricing. A single metro ticket in Paris is good for any journey, regardless of zones covered. Instead, the zone system is primarily for pricing transport passes.

For example, you can buy a Paris Visite transport pass which covers all your public transport journeys in Zones 1-3, or Zones 1 – 5. The latter will be more expensive.

How to Buy Tickets for Public Transport in Paris

There are a number of ticket options for using the public transport in Paris, which includes the Paris metro, bus, tram and RER trains. These transport options are all operated by RATP, and you can see the English version of the RATP site here for more information.

Tickets for Travel in Central Paris

For a single journey, you can buy an individual ticket known as a t+ ticket. This currently costs €2.10 when bought in advance (price valid as of April 2023). These can be bought from any station, and can be used for any of the following:

• a single journey on the metro in any zone (you can transfer lines and travel for up to 90 minutes from validation). You can also transfer to the RER for Zone 1 travel.
• zone 1 travel on the RER
• a bus journey of up to 90 minutes from the first to last validation, including bus changes and change to the tram
• a tram journey of up to 90 minutes fro the first to last validation, including changing to another tram.
• a single ride on the Montmartre Funicular

It is also possible to purchase a single t+ ticket when boarding a bus, this costs €2.50.

If you will be doing more than one journey, it will generally be more cost effective to buy a packet of 10 t+ tickets, known as a carnet. You can also buy a pass that covers multiple journeys over a period of time.

A carnet of 10 t+ tickets used to be available as a pack of physical tickets, however Paris is transitioning from a cardboard based ticketing system for single tickets to an electronic card system known as Navigo Easy .

Now you need to buy a Navigo Easy card onto which you can load a pack of 10 t+ tickets for €16.90 (as of April 2023). You can also load it with individual t+ tickets for €2.10.

The only downside to a Navigo Easy carnet of 10 t+ tickets compared to the former cardboard system is that you can no longer buy a pack of 10 t+ tickets to share between a few people as each person needs their own Navigo Easy Card.

A Navigo Easy card costs €2 to buy, and can be purchased from ticket offices at most metro stations. It’s about the same size as a credit card. Once purchased, you preload it with tickets.

Both the Navigo Easy cards and single t+ cardboard tickets can be purchased from metro stations, as well as some bus stations, tram stations, train stations and tabac stores.

At metro stations, there will be vending machines selling paper tickets, and these accept both card and cash payments. The machines also allow you to top up your Navigo Easy card. There will also often be machines solely for recharging the Navigo Easy card. These are purple and say “Rechargement Navigo”.

For the Navigo Easy card, these need to be purchased at ticket offices.

These machines are also multilingual, so you can choose your preferred language when you buy the ticket.

Often there will also be a ticket window where you can purchase tickets. This is also where you will need to go to buy a Navigo Easy card.

If you would prefer to use your smartphone to pay for your travel in Paris, this is an option. You can use the Bonjour RATP app on your smartphone. This can be used instead of a Navigo Easy card, and saves you the €2 fee for the Navigo Easy card.

The app is available in English, however you do need a compatible smartphone and some users do report difficulties getting it to work. Most modern smartphones should work, although sometimes you need to install an additional app like Mes Tickets Navigo and / or Ticket Sans Contact .

Once you have the Bonjour RATP app up and running though you can preload it with t+ tickets and a carnet for the same price as preloading a physical Navigo Easy card. You can also use the app to manage physical Navigo Easy cards, you can check the balance of tickets on a Navigo Easy card by holding it to the phone for example, or reload a carnet.

Note that to top up cards and purchase tickets your device will need an internet connection.

The Bonjour RATP app also includes journey planning capabilities as well as offline mapping.

Passes for Travel in Paris

There are also other ticket options for using Paris Public transport, including day passes and multi-day passes.

Passes to consider that include transport in Paris include the following:

• Paris Visite Pass
• Navigo Decouverte
• Navigo Jour 1 Day Card (loaded onto a Navigo Easy or Navigo Decouverte Card, can buy online here if you have one of these cards already)

Which of these is best for you will depend on the types of transport you intend to use in Paris, and how often you will use them.

Tickets for Travel to Charles de Gaulle Airport and Versailles from Paris

If you plan to travel outside of central Paris, you will need a different ticket. Common destinations from central Paris that visitors want to get to include Charles de Gaulle Airport, Versailles and Disneyland Paris. These are all accessible via the RER train lines.

Versailles can be reached via RER line C, Paris CDG airport is on RER line B and Disneyland Paris is on RER line A.

Ticketing for the RER varies depending on where you are going. For travel inside Zone 1 only, you can use a standard t+ ticket as discussed in the previous section.

If you want to travel outside Zone 1, you will need a different ticket, marked “iledeFrance”. You can see the difference between a metro ticket (left) and an IledeFrance ticket (right) in the image below.

You can also use the Paris Visite card for travel on RER trains. However it is very important to check the zones you are travelling through when using these cards.

Paris Visite cards come in Zones 1-3, or Zones 1-5.

You can also buy individual tickets to specific destinations. The ticket machines at all metro and RER stations are capable of issuing both RER and Metro tickets. If you put in Versailles as your destination, it will give you the correct IledeFrance ticket for the journey.

This IledeFrance ticket can be used across the metro and RER system to get from your starting point to your ending point.

Summary of Ticket Options for Travel in Paris and Recommendation

We usually find that the 10 pack of t+ tickets work fine for us when visiting Paris, with the Navigo Easy card on a smartphone being the most cost-effective way of buying these tickets, and the physical card being a bit easier to use in our opinion.

We then buy individual tickets when travelling to Paris CDG airport or Versailles.

If you think you will be doing a lot of travel on public transport, then a Paris Visite card might work out to be better value.

How To Get Around Paris

There are many options for getting around Paris. Below I will go through each of these options so you can pick the right one for your needs.

Some of these are public transport options, such as the Metro, bus and RER. These are operated by RATP, and you can see full fare information and schedules for these services here .

Other services include taxis, ride shares, and bicycle hire. I will link to the relevant websites for these under each entry.

The Paris Metro is our preferred way to get around the city when we travel around central Paris. This is because it is fast, affordable, has a regular service, and it covers the majority of the attractions in the city centre.

The Paris metro system is currently made up of 16 lines and 302 stations. It primarily covers transport zones 1 and 2. Basically wherever you are in central Paris you shouldn’t be too far from a metro stop.

Each line has a number, from 1 to 14. The two extra lines are labelled 3bis and 7bis – these were originally branch lines that have since become separate lines.

As well as a number, each line also has its own color. The street level entrance to each metro stop will  usually have signs denoting which line or lines the station serves. The number of the line will be surrounded by a circle that denotes the line color.

When you enter the station you will need to know which direction to take the line in. The direction is indicated by the station at the end of the line. So you need to know which end of the line you want to move towards when searching for the platform.

Let’s look at an example. To travel from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre by metro, you would take metro line 1. This is indicated in yellow.

You would enter the closest metro to the Arc de Triomphe, which is called Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. Line 1 runs from La Defense in the west to Chateau de Vincennes in the east.

If you check the metro map, you will see that to go from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre, you need to take the train in the direction of Château de Vincennes. So you will need to follow signs for Line 1, direction Château de Vincennes.

To enter the platform you will need a valid ticket, either a physical ticket or a Navigo Easy card which you will scan on the turnstiles on your way through the station.

The metro in Paris operates from around 5.30am through to 00.40am Sunday to Thursday, and 5.30am through to 1.40am on Fridays and Saturdays. Of course, this will vary by station, so I would advise checking the official timetables here .

Note that due to the age of the metro network in Paris, there is limited accessibility for those with reduced mobility. You can see information on accessible travel in Paris, and download a map of accessible stations here . The RATP website also has a guide to accessibility across their network here .

There are around 70 bus routes across central Paris. These are primarily found across zones 1-3. You can see a full map of the bus network operated by RATP here .

The labelling for Bus routes is similar to the metro routes, in that they have both a number and a colour. As there are so many bus routes, not all the colours are unique, but each number is unique.

Depending on the route you want to take, you might find that the bus is faster than the metro, especially if you can find a direct bus route that replaces an indirect metro route.

However, obviously traffic plays a factor, even though many roads have dedicated bus lanes.

There are other advantages to using the bus. In terms of accessibility for example, nearly every bus is wheelchair accessible with roll on roll off electric ramps. You can see a list of accessible bus routes here .

You also get a much better view of the city if you travel by bus versus underground on the metro.

To use the bus, you just need to find a bus stop. Each bus stop will have a sign indicating which bus routes service it. They may also have an electronic information board showing upcoming bus arrivals.

Note that many bus stops are request only, so when you see your bus approaching be sure to indicate you wish to board by signalling at your drive. A raised arm will usually suffice.

The Paris bus system uses the same tickets as the metro, and so fares are the same. Again, you can use paper tickets or a Navigo Easy card.

With single paper tickets, when you board the bus you must validate your ticket on the machine, and then hold onto it as proof.

If you are using the Navigo Easy card, you must validate it on the round purple Navigo reader on the bus.

You can also use the Paris Visite pass on buses. You do not validate these cards, instead, show them to the driver when boarding.

If you are not in possession of a ticket when boarding the bus, you can usually buy a single ticket from the driver for €2.50 – slightly more than the price if you buy it from the machine. You will need to have the exact change.

Otherwise, tickets can be purchased from metro stations or tabac (tobacco) stores. We recommend having tickets or a pass before boarding so you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket from the driver.

The bus service in Paris generally runs from 5.30am until midnight. There are also night buses, known as “Noctiliens”, which continue a limited service throughout the night. These can be a good option if you are out late and the metro has stopped running, assuming you can find a route that goes where you are going.

RER & Train Lines

As well as the metro service, there is also a rail network across Paris.

The Paris rail network is divided into RER (Réseau Express Régional) trains, and a series of other train lines.

Both the RER and other trains primarily connect the suburban parts of the city with the city centre. In the city centre they run underground and some of them share some of the same stations as the metro, so it is important to be able to differentiate between the metro and the train lines.

There are five RER lines, which are labelled from A to E. There are  8 non RER train lines, which are lines H, J, K, L, N, P, R and U.

The RER lines have a letter inside a circle, with both the outline of the circle and the letter sharing a unique color. For example, RER line A features a red letter A inside a red circle with a white background.

This is usually accompanied by the letters “RER” in blue inside a blue circle, to really make it clear this is an RER line. Here’s an example of what you will likely see.

The other, non RER train lines in Paris are similar in design, but have a square outline instead of a circle.

There are far fewer train stops in central Paris than metro stops, so most journeys by visitors will likely take place on the metro rather than the RER or other train lines.

However, there are scenarios when visitors to Paris will use one of these train lines. For example, the easiest way to get to Versailles from the city centre is to take RER line C.

Other popular destinations for the RER are Paris CDG airport (RER B) and Disneyland Paris (RER A).

RER trains run to a scheduled service. Most trains start at around 5am and run until just after midnight. You can see a detailed timetable for all the RER routes here.

In terms of accessibility, many of the train stations and trains on the RER and Transilien network are fully accessible. You can see a map of the accessible routes here .

Paris sure has a lot of rail based transport options! As well as the metro, RER and standard suburban rail lines, there are also 10 tram lines.

The tram is actually the oldest public transport rail network in Paris, and dates from 1852. Back then it was pulled by horses, although by 1914 there was a fully electrified tram system in place. This covered the whole city, and there were in excess of 100 tram lines in Paris!

Unfortunately, the rise of the automobile meant the end of the tram, which was discontinued in 1937.

However, I’m not writing about a discontinued service. A resurgence of interest in environmentally friendly public transport options meant that the tram reappeared in Paris in the 1990s.

Today there are 10 tram lines across Paris, the majority of which operate in the suburbs. As such, most visitors to the city centre are unlikely to use the tram, or even be aware that there is a tram system.

The tram system is operated by RATP, and accepts the same tickets as the metro. So you can use the single t+ tickets, Navigo, or travel passes.

Tram stops are located above ground, and the tram system using a similar marking system as the RER. Tram lines each have their own number and color, which is displayed in a circle matching the line color. This will be prefixed with a blue circle containing the letter T. For example, Tramway 7 would have the following symbol.

Tickets for the tram, which are also valid on other RATP services, can be bought at tram stops as well as metro stations, some bus stations, and RER stations.

Using the tram is like using the bus. For T+ tickets you need to validate them on board. Navigo Easy users can validate their tickets on the purple readers. Holders of the Paris Visite card will need to show this to the driver.

Ok, I’m including this one for completeness, because Paris actually only has one funicular. And technically, whilst it was originally a proper funicular service, today the system is actually a double inclined elevator.

Anyway, the Montmartre Funicular is, as the name suggests, in the Montmartre region of Paris. Those of you familiar with the geography of Paris will know that Montmartre has a large hill, atop which sits the beautiful Sacre Coeur.

Since most standard forms of rail would struggle to ascend such a hill, in 1900 a funicular was opened to serve the residents of Montmartre.

Today this is still operated by RATP, although the version in operation today was fully rebuilt in 1991. It’s a popular option for getting to the top of the hill, as you avoid the steep steps.

There are two stations for the funicular, the lower station and the upper station, with a vertical distance of around 40 metres / 131ft between them. These are served by two cabins which operate independently of each other.

The funicular works much like the Paris metro in terms of ticketing, and so all the tickets that you can use on the metro will work here. These include the T+, Navigo passes, and Paris Visite pass.

There is a turnstile you have to pass through where you validate your ticket before accessing the platform. You can also buy tickets on site, there is a machine and a service window. However, there are not many ticket machines, so you will likely want to have picked up tickets in advance in case it is busy.

The only thing to bear in mind is that you can’t “transfer” to the funicular from another metro line. So if you have a carnet of T+ tickets, or a Navigo Easy card, the funicular will use up a whole ticket.

As with most other cities in the world, Paris has an extensive taxi network. Taxi services in Paris fall into two main categories – the taxis that you can hail on the street or at taxi ranks, and private hire firms.

The former operate a metered service across the city, with fixed pricing available for some routes such as from the Paris airports into the city.

For example, in 2019 the fare from Paris CDG to anywhere in Paris north of the river Seine has a flat fee of €50, whilst it’s €55 to the south bank. From Orly Airport to the south bank is €30, and €35 to the north bank.

Licensed taxis in Paris are officially marked and have a taxi light on the roof. If the light is green, the taxi is available for hire, if it is amber it is not.

Be wary of unsolicited offers from anyone claiming to be a taxi driver, especially at popular public locations like airports and train stations. At venues like this, if you want to hire a taxi, always go to the official taxi stand.

We have found pricing to be reasonable for both the fixed price and metered routes in Paris.

For private hire, there are a number of services offering pre-booked private hire rides. For example, Taxi2Airport lets you book a private transfer to or from the airports in Paris. You can check prices and book in advance online here .

Rideshare Options

Paris also has rideshare firms, including popular global ridesharing apps like Uber .

The ridesharing service that we have found to offer the best value in Paris is called Free Now. This gives you a fare up front, so you know what you are going to be paying, and is the service we usually use when travelling in Paris.

Hop on Hop off Bus

One popular way to get around a new city is to take a Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus service.

These are usually open top buses that operate a route or routes which visit the major attractions in the city. The best part is that you normally get a ticket which is valid for at least 24 hours, and in the time period you can get on and off the bus as many times as you like.

This means you can get between the sites you most likely want to see, without having to worry about navigating the public transport system or buying tickets.

Most hop on hop buses come with an audio narration, which is sometimes pre-recorded and sometimes done with a live guide. This makes the ride an attraction in itself, as you learn all about what you are seeing as the bus travels around.

On a nice warm day, riding an open top bus, seeing all the sights and learning about them is a great way to spend a couple of hours – even if you don’t get off!

Of course, the Hop on Hop off bus model isn’t perfect. Buses can be slower than if you took public transport or a taxi, and you don’t generally have a wide choice of routes. They are also more expensive than normal forms of public transport.

There are a number of hop on off bus services in Paris, including Big Bus Paris , which is the one we’ve used.

A hop on hop off bus pass is also included with the Paris Pass , which you can buy here .

The River Seine runs right to the centre of Paris, and goes directly by a number of the cities major attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Musee D’Orsay, the Louvre and Notre Dame.

As such, you can actually get around Paris by river boat.

There are two options for doing this. The first is to take a sightseeing river cruise. The majority of these are round-trip excursions where you stay on the boat and get off where you got on. These aren’t necessarily a great way to get around Paris, but they are certainly a lovely way to do some sightseeing!

If you are interested in this, see our guide to taking a Seine River Cruise for a full guide to all your options. A Seine river cruise is also include with the Paris Pass , which you can buy here .

If you actually want to use the river as a means of transport rather than just sightseeing, then we recommend the Batobus service . This is a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing cruise which has 9 stops around the city.

It’s a great way to combine a river cruise with a means of transport, and it’s also quite an efficient way to get around as you skip the traffic on the roads. Boats run approximately every 30 minutes, but there’s no audio commentary as with most of the other Seine river cruise options.

You can buy hop on hop off tickets for the Batobus here .

One of the cheapest options for getting around Paris, other than walking, is to cycle.

There are a number of bicycle hire schemes in Paris, with the largest being Vélib’ Métropole . This has been in operation since 2007, and tens of thousands of bikes are used via this scheme every day. Some of these are standard bikes, whilst some are electric.

There are a range of pricing options for the Vélib’ service, depending on how often you want to use the service. For occasional users, the basic service fee is €1 for a 30 minute hire of a standard bike, and €2 for 30 minutes with an electric bike.

They also have 1 day and 7 day passes. These offer a fixed up front fee, after which the first 30 minutes of standard bike hire is free, or electric bike hire is €1. Following the first 30 minutes pricing reverts to the standard model of €1/€2 per 30 minutes.

For occasional bike riders the basic service will likely be most cost effective. If you think you will be riding quite a bit, and don’t mind switching bikes every 30 minutes, the 1 or 7 day passes offer good value for money.

There are also subscription versions, but you have to commit to an annual charge. These are more suited to long term residents of the city.

There are Vélib’ bike stations all around the city. You will need a credit or debit card to rent a bike, and you will need to register and pay a security deposit at the Vélib’ machine. These can be found at the Vélib’ stations around the city.

You can also sign up and register using the iOS Vélib’ app , the Android Vélib’ app , or the Vélib’ website . The apps also allow you to find a bike, and will give you the necessary access code and PIN number to actually rent the bikes.

Vélib’ is definitely the biggest cycle network in Paris, but it is by no means the only one. You can also rent electric bikes using Jump by Uber (look for the bright orange bikes), and there are also a range of electric scooter rental companies available.

These are going through a period of regulation, and companies are appearing and disappearing quickly, so a list would likely go out of date quite quickly. However, all these services are app based, so all you have to do is find a scooter or bike and then download the relevant app to rent it.

Please be careful when riding a scooter or bike in Paris, as cycle lanes are not available everywhere and drivers are not always looking for cyclists or scooter riders. You will also want to read up on the laws regarding where you can and cannot using bikes or scooters.

Bike tours are also a popular option in Paris, and they can be a great way to see the city and enjoy the fresh air. Some options to consider are as follows:

• This four hour tour that visits the highlights of the city
• A four hour tour that uses electric bikes to tour the city highlights
• This day tour from Paris that visits Versailles

Yes, you can, of course, also get around Paris by car. You can drive you own car (if in Europe) or rent a car at the airport or from central Paris.

However, I would suggest you don’t! The roads are busy, parking is expensive, and it’s going to end up being a far more stressful experience than pretty much any of the other options on our list.

In addition, if you have your own car, you need to make sure it means the Paris clean air standards, and has the right sticker in the window to prove it. You can read more about this here .

If we travel to Paris by car, we usually park it in a long term parking lot outside of the city centre, and then use public transport for our time in the city. We use the popular Parclick service to find parking, you can see car parks in Paris on their site here .

One of our favourite ways to get around any city if we can is on foot. Paris is a fairly walkable city for the most part, with plenty of sidewalks and features that make walking in the city safe and enjoyable for pedestrians in most areas of central Paris.

Distances are also not too great, although if you want to expedite your visit, public transport will of course be quicker in many cases.

However, nothing beats wandering along the Left Bank, exploring the Tuileries Gardens, or getting lost in the backstreets of Montmartre. If you can, we definitely recommend spending at least some of your time in Paris getting around by foot.

If you are looking for guided walks, two of our favorite walking tour companies in Paris are Take Walks and Context (10% discount on Context walks with our link). You can also find many more options here .

Some examples to consider include:

• A  full day walking tour of Paris which includes many of the highlights of Paris, including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River Cruise
• A  three hour tour that includes Saint Chapelle and the area around Notre Dame
• A food tour of Paris , which includes some of the best flavours of the city
• There are also have more tours in Paris, see all the options here

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. We’ve stayed in a variety of places, from hotels to homestays to apartments.

Ideally you want to be fairly central if you can, to minimise your travel time. Our suggestion is to take a look at the listings for Paris on booking.com . They’re our favourite booking engine when we travel, `usually giving us the best choice and the best prices. They also have everything, from apartments and hostels to high end hotels. Here are some options we suggest, depending on your budget.

• Hotel Dress Code & Spa , a highly reviewed centrally located 4 star hotel right a few hundred yards from the opera house
• Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , a well rated 3* hotel within a ten minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
• Ateliers de Montmartre , an apartment in Montmartre with views of the Sacre Coeur
• Vintage Paris Gare du Nord by Hiphophostels , a Hostel just next to Paris Gare du Nord

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. See their listings for Paris here .

If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find  here .

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to how to get around Paris! We’ve visited the city a number of times, and we hope our experiences have helped inform you how to get around when you visit.

We’ve also written lots of other Paris content, which we think you will find useful for your trip. There are also some third party resources we recommend.

• The official RATP website , which is useful for fares, timetables, and updates on any delays that might be affecting the Paris public transport network.
• To help you make the most of your time in Paris, we have a series of itineraries. These cover spending a day in Paris , 2 Days in Paris and 3 Days in Paris
• If you’re looking for good photos, we have a guide to the  best photography locations in Paris
• We have detailed guides to  choosing a Seine River cruise , choosing a Seine River dinner cruise , buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and  saving money on Michelin starred restaurants in Paris
• We have a detailed  review of the Paris Pass , to help you decide if it might save you money
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous  Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• Are you coming to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• For walking tours in Paris, we can recommend both  Context Tours  (link gives 10% off) and   Take Walks  who both offer tours in Paris.
• If you want a guide book to Paris, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition. We also recommend the Lonely Planet guides, and they have a  guidebook on Paris .

And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions or comments about this guide to getting around Paris, just let us know in the comments below. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

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There are 14 comments on this post

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26th July 2023 at 6:58 am

Thanks a lot for great article….i was wondering, is it possible to buy different types of tickets at a time and pay the total bill ?

Laurence Norah says

26th July 2023 at 9:25 am

Yes, the ticket machines normally let you add multiple tickets to your basket and then buy them all together. They also can be changed to multiple languages to make things easier 🙂

Have a great time in Paris, let me know if you have any further questions!

Dave C. says

28th May 2023 at 4:44 pm

If you get one of the Navigo cards for the metro, you’ll need to get a photo to put on it. It can be as simple as a copy of your driver license photo.

DO NOT blow this off. You are likely to be asked to show your pass, and if you don’t have your photo on it, that will be a 35 Euro fine on the spot.

29th May 2023 at 8:17 pm

I think this depends on the type of Navigo card you get. I recommend the Navigo Easy as it’s the easiest way to get the T10+ tickets which are what we find easiest and is aimed more at visitors. The Navigo Decouverte card is the one which can hold passes and has the requirement for a photo which needs to be put on the associated paper card as described here . For shorter visits to Paris I think it’s easier to skip the ND card and just get the Navigo Easy, but it’s up to each individual of course.

22nd April 2023 at 8:22 am

Hi. Thanks for the detailed information. I also ready your Paris Pas blog. You have mentioned in it that as of 2021, the transport pass is NOT included in the Paris Pass but am getting contradictory information from other sites and has confused me. Would you be able to confirm if the transport pass is included or not in the Paris Pass please? Thanks

22nd April 2023 at 10:11 am

It’s our pleasure. So the Paris Pass definitely doesn’t include a transport pass. They removed it in 2021 and as of 2023 it’s still not included. Unfortunately many sites have not been updated to reflect this change. A hop on hop off bus is included.

I’d also add that there are ongoing changes to the pass in terms of inclusions, most importantly right now only the 4 and 6 day Paris Pass currently includes the Paris Museum Pass. We have tried to keep our content up-to-date but since December 2022 things have changed so often that we are currently waiting on more information from the folks at the Paris Pass.

Have a great time in Paris and let me know if you have any more questions!

25th April 2023 at 3:48 pm

Hey Laurence, many thanks for the response and noted on the same. Shall reach out should I have any more questions :-).

17th March 2023 at 6:47 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, Thank you both for running this wonderful site with very useful contents. I have gone through your posts regarding Paris and I have few queries for my upcoming trip. Following are points where I’m a bit confused and need your help –

– The carnet is nowadays a plastic card or a bunch of physical tickets? – Can the 10 t+ carnet be used by multiple persons? For example, to make 1 trip on the metro by 3 persons, instead of buying 3 carnets, can the 3 persons use up 3 tickets from 1 carnet and use it up for the same? If it can be done, then in case of a single plastic card, how to do it? – Regarding validity of of 1 ticket, it is mentioned that its 2 hours from first validation. Does it mean that the journey must get over in 2 hours?

Hoping for your insights on these,

Best regards,

19th March 2023 at 8:24 am

So the paper carnet tickets were phased out by the end of 2022, I need to update the content but was waiting until we were in Paris next month to make sure everything is accurate! However, as far as I understand it, the t10+ cards are now plastic and you need one per person.

For the travel, my understanding is that from validation you can take a single, one-way trip lasting up to two hours. So yes, after two hours the journey should be finished.

Thanks for your input, and I’ll be updating this post soon!

Heather says

26th May 2022 at 10:15 pm

Kia Ora! We are travelling to Paris in a weeks time. We have purchased a Paris Pass. I read on some site that the paris pass no longer is valid for amount of days you purchase. It actually works on consecutive hours. So if you buy a three day pass and activate it Monday 12pm it would expire 72hrs from this time and not the Wednesday. Does the Museum pass also work like this? Any feedback appreciated.

27th May 2022 at 10:24 am

Hi Heather!

This is a great question. So I will respond with the information I have, but I have also reached out for clarification to the Paris Pass.

As you probably know, the Paris Pass is made up of two parts, the Paris Pass itself, and then the Paris Museum Pass.

The main Paris Pass is valid for consecutive days, so if you activate a 2 day Paris Pass on a Monday, it will work on the Monday and the Tuesday.

The Paris Museum Pass changed in 2019 to be valid for consecutive hours. So a 2 day (48 hour pass) activated at 2pm on a Monday should be valid until 1.59pm on the Wednesday.

As I said, I have reached out to confirm this is correct, but as far as I am aware the above is the current situation. I’ll update when I hear back from the Paris Pass 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions!

27th May 2022 at 4:03 pm

Just to add that I have heard back from the Paris Pass folks and what I have posted is correct 🙂

Sandeep says

28th February 2022 at 3:28 pm

Hello Jessica and Laurence!

Am visiting Paris this May and came across your very useful content on the transport system. I have a question, ans that is, if I buy a single ticket, can I use it for multiple modes of transport, within its validity period? For example, if I am travelling from point A to point B and there is no direct connection between them, can I travel from A to C by metro and from C to B by tram, on the same ticket?

28th February 2022 at 4:17 pm

Hi Sandeep!

Glad you find our content useful! The good news is that yes, with a single ticket you can use multiple modes of transport. For the metro / RER it’s 2 hours from the first validation, and on the bus / tram for 90 minutes. So as long as your journey falls within the time limit, you can do it. You can see more details in English on the official RATP site here . Hopefully this answers your question – let me know if I can help anymore and have a great time in Paris!

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How to navigate your way around Paris

Mar 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Find your way around Paris with this guide to public transit, bike hire and taxis © Charday Penn / Getty Images

Alexis is one of the authors of our  latest Paris guidebook . Here she shares her tips on navigating Paris' public transport, taxis and more.

Paris is a gorgeous sprawl of beautiful monuments and interesting neighborhoods and, for many, walking is the way to go.

To cover the most ground, the convenient Paris metro blankets the city. Meanwhile, the comprehensive bus system allows you to sightsee while traveling , and cycling in the open air is as delightful as it looks. Here's what you need to know about Paris’ transport network, tickets and taxis.

The quickest way to get around is on the metro and RER

Paris’ train network consists of two separate but linked systems: the metro and the RER. The metro currently has 16 lines (numbered 1–14, plus two secondary lines, 3bis and 7bis). The network is currently being expanded to add another four lines as part of the Grand Paris Express project. The RER has five main lines, A to E. The systems are fully integrated and you can easily transfer from one train to another. RER express trains save time crossing the city and serve the suburbs.

Escalators and elevators ease long climbs within the stations, but are not available at every station. Service is very frequent, with wait times generally under five minutes. Some metro lines run above street level, offering scenic views. It's usually quicker to walk than to take the metro for only one or two stops.

For a better look at the city, hop on the bus

With no stairs, buses are widely accessible and are good for parents with prams/strollers and people with limited mobility. Bus lines complement the metro: for some journeys a bus is the more direct – and scenic – way to go. Stops show schedules, routes and often the wait time until the next bus.

A local’s tips for taking the metro, RER and bus

Use the RATP , IDF Mobilités and SNCF apps for journey planning, route maps and wait times for the next train or bus, or to charge up your travel passes. Also, metro and bus maps of various sizes and degrees of detail are available for free at metro ticket windows.

In metro stations and on board, keep an eye out for pickpockets – they’re top zones of action.

Sail in style on the Batobus

Combining scenery and convenience, the Batobus is a handy hop-on, hop-off service stopping at nine key destinations along the Seine. In warmer months the service runs regularly through the day and offers a chance for a river cruise at a fraction of the price of a tour boat.

Cycle the streets with Vélib’ bike-share

The Vélib’ bike-share scheme has over 20,000 bikes, both classic (green) and electric (blue) at 1400 stations citywide. Buy a subscription online using your RATP Navigo transit pass or credit card, or at docking stations (it only accepts European-compatible chip-and-pin credit cards). There are single-trip, day and multiday pass options. App-based electric trottinettes (scooters), wildly popular with tourists, were discontinued in September 2023 by popular vote.

Consider getting a Navigo transport pass

The cheapest and easiest way to use public transport in Paris is via the Navigo Easy card. Sold for €2 at all metro and RER ticket windows as well as RATP-affiliated outlets (eg tobacconists and markets), this credit-card-sized farecard is used for all your ticketing needs. You can also charge one up virtually on the RATP app for free.

Navigo, like London’s Oyster card or Hong Kong’s Octopus card, is a system that provides a full range of fare options. You load the card with value which is then deducted for each ride. To save money, buy carnets, which are credits for 10 rides sold at a discount (this is the cheapest way to ride the metro and buses). You can also buy various passes that are good for unlimited rides across a range of fare zones and durations (such as Mobilis, with one day of unlimited travel). However, one disadvantage of passes is that they are tied to the calendar eg a one-day pass starts at 12:01am, a seven-day pass always begins on Monday, and a monthly pass always begins on the first day of the month.

Paris transportation FAQ and things to consider

Is parking widely available in paris .

Parking in Paris is costly and difficult. If you’re renting a car to take to the countryside, don’t pick it up until you are leaving town. And if you’re driving your own car, know that to enter the city within the Boulevard Périphérique (ring road) between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, a Crit'Air Vignette (compulsory anti-pollution sticker) is needed for all cars, motorcycles and trucks registered after 1997, including foreign-registered vehicles. Older vehicles are banned during these hours. The sticker is not necessary for the ring road itself.

Can I use taxis and ride-share apps?

Find taxis at official stands or via private companies and apps. There are queues of available cabs at major train stations. Paris taxis are expensive but can be a blessing if you have a lot of luggage and can't face the metro steps. Ride-share apps like Uber are active.

What’s the best way to get into the city from the airport?

Trains are the best ways to get to and from Paris' airports. The RER B line from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) crosses under the middle of Paris, with stops that include Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, St-Michel–Notre Dame and Luxembourg. Some trains run express through the suburbs, saving about 10 minutes. An even faster express route is slated for 2027. From Orly Airport, you can connect to the RER B. Beginning in mid-2024, the airport will also be served by Line 14 of the metro. Aéroport de Beauvais, used by some budget airlines, is a long and slow 75km (47 miles) by bus from Paris.

Taxis and ride shares are also convenient, but can get mired in traffic and become costly.

Paris is working to make its transportation more accessible

Paris is an ancient city and therefore not particularly well equipped for visiteurs handicapés (disabled visitors): kerb ramps are few and older public facilities and the metro are mostly inaccessible for those in a wheelchair (fauteuil roulant) . Efforts are being made to improve things, however, especially ahead of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games .

Paris’ airports are fully in line with international standards for accessibility. Note however that transport to and from the airports may be an issue as many metro stations in the city are not fully accessible – the RATP makes info available through its app and website. Paris buses, however, are all accessible, with low floors and wide doors.

The SNCF has made many of its train carriages more accessible to people with disabilities, including the RER trains. For information and advice on planning your journey from station to station, contact the service Accès Plus .

Taxis G7 has hundreds of low-base cars and over 100 cars equipped with ramps, and drivers trained in helping passengers with disabilities. Guide dogs are accepted in its entire fleet.

An excellent first stop is the Paris Tourist Office 's website for a wealth of useful information organized by theme as well as practical information such as where to rent medical equipment or locate automatic public toilets. You can download the up-to-date Accessible Paris guide , which is also available in hard copy from tourist information centers in the city.

This article was first published May 2021 and updated March 2024

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Paris Metro

Paris metro subway – maps, hours, tickets, passes & more.

Below you’ll get Paris subway maps, hours, info on tickets, day passes & Navigo week passes, zones and learn how to use the Paris Metro in this first of a series of articles.

Paris Metro entrance sign art nouveau

Paris Metro Maps

Here you can download three different Paris subway system maps to help you see all 16 Paris Metro lines and help you plan a route:

a basic Paris Metro map of lines with stations and interchanges (PDF – opens a new window)

a condensed small format Paris subway map

a Paris Metro map with city streets

Other Metro maps such as individual line maps can be downloaded directly from RATP.fr (in french).  Note that there are no Paris Metro Zones for the Metro system. The Paris Metro is a single zone (even if some lines reach into zone 3).  The zones visible on some older Paris Metro / RER maps are for RER trains which are subject to fare zones.

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Paris Metro Hours

Paris metro service disruptions.

• Some Paris Metro lines are running at reduced frequency during Paris Train strikes in March 2020. See the Paris train strike page for more information.

Download a Paris Metro timetable showing first and last Paris Metro trains . Paris Metro hours change very little year-to-year and the RATP has stopped producing this full schedule in 2013 so this timetable of Metro Paris times is still useful to find Paris Metro opening hours and closing time.  Times are approximate! This includes times of first train / last train of Paris RER A ( Disneyland ) and RER B ( airport ).

Route Planning

The RATP offers a route planner via their website which can use street addresses, station names or well known locations to create a travel itinerary for you, including necessary connections and total travel time. Route options under “Criteria” can be chosen for fewest connections, least amount of walking and quickest route (the default).

Tickets & Passes

The Paris tube has a wide variety of tickets available while I’ll describe in detail below: single ride tickets, books of 10 or 20, preloaded ticket cards, single day passes, multi-day passes, youth weekend passes, Monday to Sunday week passes, monthly passes and year passes.

Regarding fares for different zones: Paris Metro zones don’t exist! The entire Paris underground is one zone, unlike the Paris RER trains which have zones & different fares per zones traveled.  Even though a few Paris Metro stations are actually outside of Paris fare zone 1, a single Paris Metro ticket is still valid for travel from inside zone 1 and ending at a Metro station outside of Paris zone 1.

Paris Metro Prices

Paris Metro prices as of Jan. 4, 2024 is 2.15€ for a one-way ride lasting up to 2 hours. There are a variety of Paris Metro tickets to buy and several Paris Metro Pass options shown in detail below.

Single Use Tickets

Basic Paris Metro tickets are known as “Ticket t+”. These tickets are valid for a single continuous journey of any length throughout the Paris Metro system, including changes to other Metro lines and RER interurban trains within Zone 1 . These tickets are sold as single one-way fares or in books of 10. If you want a return ticket, you simply buy two Metro tickets. Paris Metro tickets have no expiry; You can use them at any time in the future.

Tickets can be purchased from ticket windows inside stations or through automated ticket vending machines accepting Euro coins and smart chip credit cards. The single ticket price as of Jan. 4, 2024 is 2.15€.

Books of ten, called a “carnet” [kar-nay], are sold at a discount for 17.35€ when put on Navigo Easy or Paris transport mobile phone app (1.96€ / 1.74€ each, a little under 20% off the regular fare). Children from ages 4 to 9 years old (inclusive) can use reduced fare tickets, which are available only in books of 10, for 9.80€ per book of ten. Children 3 and under ride for free. Keep in mind that non-smart chip credit cards will not work at either the automated ticket machines nor at ticket windows, thus Euro cash or coin would be required.

Read more about Paris Metro Tickets and transfers allowed.

Ticket Cards

In 2019 Paris introduced a ticket card called Navigo Easy which holds digital single-use Paris Metro tickets. Holding up to 30 Paris Metro tickets, a Navigo Easy ticket card can be reloaded and used over a period of ten years. Navigo Easy also holds Navigo Day Passes and tickets for Roissybus and Orlybus .

Read more about Paris Metro ticket cards on the Navigo Easy page.

Day tickets

Day tickets (unlimited rides until midnight) are available in two formats: the Navigo Day Pass and the Paris Visite ticket .

The Navigo Day Pass is put onto a Navigo Découverte smart card (or compatible mobile phone Paris transit app ) that allows tap entry to Paris Metro, RER, bus, and trams. The Paris Visite ticket is a paper-based ticket that is inserted into ticket readers aboard Paris buses, trams and at Paris Metro/RER station turnstiles and fare gates.

The basic difference between the two options:

The Navigo Day Pass by default has all 5-zones of coverage and must be scheduled for use either immediately or up to 6 days in the future and needs to be put onto a plastic smart card (5€ fee) or onto an Android phone (no fee). Navigo Day Pass doesn’t cover the Orlyval train for Orly Airport (but does include the Orlybus bus and Tram 7 + Metro 7 from Orly). See details on the Navigo Day pass .

The Paris Visite ticket includes the Orlyval Orly airport train, has some discounts to popular Paris tourist attractions and can be used immediately or anytime in the future without scheduling. But it costs more. See details on the Paris Visite pass .

Multi-Day Paris Metro Tickets

Multi-day tickets aimed at tourists and visitors are known as the Paris Visite , available in 3 zone and 5 zone versions, for 1, 2, 3 or 5 day lengths. For details on the Paris Visite, please see the Paris Visite pass page.

The Paris Visite is a multi-use paper ticket coupon (similar to a Paris Metro Ticket t+). Formerly (prior to 2014) the Paris Visite also came with a black folding card which required the printed name of the bearer and the ticket coupon requires the card number and date of use to be written on in pen, as to avoid ticket sharing between passengers. This is no longer in practice as of mid-2014. You will only receive the white paper Paris Visite ticket itself.

Paris Visite Pass 5-day 3-zone

Discounts to attractions in and around Paris are included with the Paris Visite card. (See the discounts on Paris Visite .) To take advantage of the discount at the attractions, simply present your Paris Visite ticket during its validity period (which you must mark on the ticket itself using a pen, along with your first & last name).

Buy Paris Visite Online – You can buy Paris Visite tickets online for home delivery through the Paris Visitor Bureau website, but I wouldn’t recommend it due to the delivery cost. For USA/Canada/Australia/Japan (anywhere overseas) the cost of delivery is 24€ through DHL Express. In United Kingdom, delivery of Paris Visite is 14,50€. There is one free “delivery” option for buying Paris Visite online – pickup your Paris Visite at the Paris Visitor Bureau. But, I can’t imagine why you’d purchase Paris Visite online to have it delivered to the Paris Visitor Bureau, in Paris, which would require a Metro ride in itself, a trip that would likely take 30+ minutes round-trip from your hotel. You could just purchase the Paris Visite at any Metro ticket machine or ticket window, anywhere in Paris, at CDG/Orly airports or at any of the major intercity train stations throughout Paris.

Week Pass – Navigo

Week long Paris transport passes, known as the “Navigo Week Pass”, are bought & put onto a plastic contactless smartcard known as a Navigo card or more precisely the Navigo Decouverte card . (Navigo Découverte card is for visitors while the regular Navigo card with a permanently printed photo & name of owner is for local residents).

Paris Navigo Decouverte card – 2019

A Navigo Week Pass is valid for travel strictly from Monday till Sunday, rather than any continuous 7 day period, which makes it less attractive for visitors arriving mid-week.  You can buy a Navigo Week Pass fare for use in the current week from ticket windows at most Paris Metro, RER and large train stations up until Thursday 11:59 PM. Starting from Friday, week passes for the following week are on sale. The Pass Navigo Découverte week pass is available for renewals from automated ticket vending machines, but not for initial sales as you need the physical plastic smart card first, which are not available from automated ticket machines. 4 different fare zones are available although nearly everyone will want all zones which covers central Paris out to zone 5 which includes CDG Airport & Disneyland.  The other three zones available (2-5, 3-5, 4-5) do not include central Paris . Navigo Week Pass prices are as follows (Tarifs Semaine = Weekly Price, Tarifs Mois = Monthly Price, updated as of Jan 4, 2024):

Zones 1-5 will cover travel to & from Airports Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY, by Orlybus, not Orlyval train), which are in zones 5 and 4 respectively and Paris-Versailles trains (zone 4).

The prices above do not include the 5€ fee for the plastic card itself, non-refundable, unlike the London Oyster card.

To purchase the pass Navigo Découverte you will be required to present and attach a face photo measuring 3cm tall x 2.5cm wide to the paper nominative card that comes in addition to the plastic smart-card. The paper identification part of Navigo Decouverte has a peel-off sticky section for holding your headshot photo.

Navigo Week Pass on Navigo Découverte card

Home printing of this photo is OK and colour is recommended. (There’s no official statement that a black & white photo for Navigo is not accepted but I have been asked to use a color photo when presenting a black & white photo.) You will be required to print your first name & last name on this card as well. The contactless smart card and the paper card must be carried together to be valid for travel.

There is some confusion between the Carte Orange and Pass Navigo in terms of week passes. Carte Orange was previously a physical coupon like ticket (much like the now discontinued Ticket Mobilis) and paper nominative photo card that is now no longer in use. This coupon and paper card has been replaced by the new contactless smart cards known as the Navigo Pass and Navigo Découverte Pass (for non-residents of France). The Paris regional transit authority has phased out the name “Carte Orange” as the name of the weekly or monthly “subscriptions” that you must purchase and “add” to your Pass Navigo or Navigo Découverte Pass .

Read more about the Navigo Decouverte card

Riding the Paris Metro

Paris airports.

Paris airports are accessible via the RER train system, rather than the Paris Metro. See instructions on the RER B from CDG to Paris , Orly to Paris and Paris Beauvais Airport Train for more information.

Paris Stations & Metro Tickets

Most of Paris’ 300 Metro stations are located underground with a handful above ground. Stations are marked with various styles of signs as shown below.

Paris Metro Sign at Bercy – style circa 2010

Paris Metro entrance – art nouveau style – at Place d’Italie

Some Metro stations are joined with large train stations (“gare”) serving other types rail transport such as intercity surface trains and RER regional express trains which travel both above and below ground. Some notable large stations within Paris serving all three types of train transport include: Gare St. Lazare, Gare du Nord , Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon , Gare d’Austerlitz and Gare Montparnasse . Most stations and Paris Metro lines are not handicap accessible save for a few exceptions . Stations have multiple entrances/exits, up to ten for the largest underground station, Chatelet Les Halles.

Street maps are posted throughout central Paris providing information on the local district (“arrondissement”). These maps can be useful in locating nearby Metro stations.

How to buy Paris Metro Tickets

This next section shows how to buy tickets for Paris Metro at ticket machines , staffed ticket windows and how to buy Paris Metro online tickets (with a delivery fee).

Buying Paris Metro Tickets at Ticket Machines

Within a Paris Metro station, Paris Metro tickets (but not all pass cards) can always be purchased from automated vending Metro ticket machines .  You can buy Paris Metro cards / day / week passes from any Metro station ticket window, but only a few multiday Paris Metro cards can be bought through Paris Metro ticket machines such as the Paris Visite card .

Metro Ticket Machine Payment Methods

Paris Metro ticket machines all accept Euro coins (for purchases up to 30€) and European debit cards (with smart chip) as payment.  Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted for buying tickets at most Paris Metro ticket machines and ticket windows.  American Express / Amex is not accepted for Paris train tickets at vending machines nor ticket windows. Some combined Metro/RER/Transilien ticket machines (one example pictured below) at major train stations ( Gare du Nord , Gare de Lyon , etc.) and airports such as CDG Airport train station or Orly Airport , accept Euro coins, Visa & Mastercard credit cards, French and foreign chip debit cards, but Paris Metro station ticket machines inside of central Paris Metro stations usually do not accept cash notes for payment.

Below is a photo of several combined Paris Metro / RER / Transilien ticket machines found at RER train stations, large main-line ( Grandes Lignes ) train stations like Gare du Nord , and any combined Metro/RER station.

Paris Metro, RER, Bus, Tram Ticket Vending machines

Every Paris Metro/RER ticket vending machine accepts Visa/Mastercard credit cards (not AMEX), Carte Bleu (French debit card), foreign chip-enabled debit cards, and Euro coins (2€, 1€, 0.50, 0.25, 0.10, 0.05 Euro coin denominations). The newest machines accept Visa Mastercard tap to pay option as well, visible as the yellow pad. The blue square pad to the right of the PIN pad is a Navigo reader, used for recharging Navigo cards .

Paris Metro RER Ticket vending payment methods and screen

Paris Metro ticket machine Navigo card reader recharge pads are often circular and purple like in the below photo:

Navigo card reader recharge pad on Paris Metro ticket vending machine

See Paris Metro ticket machines for step-by-step details on buying Paris Metro tickets from automated ticket vending machines inside central Paris or combined Metro/RER/Transilien ticket machines for buying Paris transportation tickets/passes from machines found at major Paris train stations and Paris airports.

If you need to use a credit card to buy Paris Metro tickets or Paris Metro pass card  and the automated ticket machine doesn’t show a Visa or Mastercard symbol, then visit a ticket window to buy Metro tickets & Metro pass cards where you’ll be able to use a credit card for the purchase.

Buying Paris Metro Tickets at Ticket Windows

You can also buy Paris Metro tickets from personnel staffed ticket windows at any Paris Metro station.  Keep in mind that Paris Metro stations often have several entrances and a manned ticket office is usually only open at one of those entrances at any given time.  The other Metro station entrances will have ticket machines and fare gates / turnstiles for pass card & ticket holders to enter without human staff nearby to help.

There are several different Paris transit passes / unlimited ride tickets and single-use tickets for Paris Metro, bus, tram or Paris RER and specific tickets for CDG airport and Orly airports by RER or Roissybus / Orlybus as shown on the below fares sheet:

Paris Metro tickets, passes (Navigo / Paris Visite) and other fares posted at Paris Metro ticket window

The basic Paris Metro ticket is the Ticket t+ .  When buying single Metro tickets you would ask: “Un ticket Metro” [ungh-teekay-mehtro].  This ticket is good for a single ride anywhere on the Paris Metro system, including transfers between Metro lines without zone limitations (or RER lines within Paris Zone 1 ), within 2 hours of validating the Paris Metro ticket using a turnstile or fare-gate.  Paris Metro tickets can be bought one day and used at any time in the future as they are validated / activated upon use (in a turnstile or fare-gate), not upon purchase.  See Paris Metro ticket t+ for detailed information on the basic Paris Metro ticket, costs, how to use it, etc.

Buy Paris Metro Tickets Online

You cannot buy single/individual Paris Metro tickets online. You can only purchase a Navigo Easy card pre-loaded with 10 tickets from a 3rd party reseller that must be picked up in-person by you inside Central Paris, not at either Paris airport and it cannot be mailed/couriered/delivered anywhere. To buy a pack of 10 Paris Metro tickets online for in-person pickup ( inside central Paris ), you can visit the ParisJeTaime.com website .

Please see the note about Can I buy Navigo Easy Online for more information about buying online. (Note: I don’t recommend you do this. Consider using the official Paris transportation mobile phone app for purchasing Paris transport tickets abroad.)

How to Use Paris Metro Tickets & Passes

After buying your Paris Metro ticket, we’ll now show you how to use your ticket or Navigo pass card to get past fare gates, then get to train platforms, opening train car doors, etiquette on boarding, exiting, seating and more, to help you ride the Metro like a Parisien.

This section explains:

• where to go after buying Metro tickets or passes from ticket windows or vending machines
• how to use your Metro fare to pass through gates & turnstiles
• how to get to the right Paris Metro train platform

Ticket Gates

Access to Paris Metro train platforms is controlled via turnstiles or gate type barriers.  After buying Paris Metro tickets from ticket windows or ticket machines make your way to the closest fare gates or turnstiles.  Below is a photo of typical Paris Metro fare gates which separates public spaces from areas reserved for Metro ticket & Navigo pass card holders.

Recognize Different Fare Gates

Things to note about Paris Metro turnstiles & fare gates pictured above:

• All  green/green arrow Paris Metro turnstiles / fare gates accept Navigo pass cards
• Some turnstiles are reserved for exiting the fare-paid area (red with X’s)
• Most Paris Metro fare gates accept both paper tickets & multi-use Metro cards
• A few fare gates will only accept Navigo pass cards and no paper coupon-style tickets of any sort

The key point: choose an appropriate fare gate depending on the Paris Metro ticket or card you are holding.

Navigo Only Fare Gates

You don’t want to walk up to a Navigo-card-only “reserved” gate holding a paper ticket, which won’t be accepted, while a horde of hurried Parisians wait impatiently behind you to pass through and you are forced to apologize & weave your way back out past them to a line up for a different gate that will accept paper tickets.

Navigo reserved gates  often have a sticker on the front indicating that no paper coupon Metro tickets can be used. If you’re using Paris Metro Ticket t+ … don’t use these turnstiles / fare gates.  There are no slots for inserting paper coupon tickets and only have Navigo pass card readers.

Open/Entry Gates vs. Closed/Exit Gates

Also, don’t walk up to red color fare gates which are open by default, expecting to get past without using your Metro ticket or Navigo card.  These red exit gates will slam shut as you approach, preventing you from passing through and you cannot use your pass or ticket to open them.  They are reserved for exiting passengers only.

Most Paris Metro fare gates will have a ticket slot on the front, some with a green arrow pointing towards it, indicating this fare gate is open and ready to accept magnetic stripe coupon-style tickets such as Paris Metro Ticket t+ , Paris Visite, RER tickets, etc.  Underneath the green arrow can be a sticker reading: NaviGO, showing that this turnstile also accepts Navigo pass cards, which are used by holding the Navigo card on the top of the ticket slot device, where a large purple circular reading pad is located (see image further below).

Inserting Tickets into Gates

To operate a Paris Metro fare gate barrier or turnstile such as the ones pictured above with a Paris Metro ticket , insert the ticket magnetic stripe side down, into the barrier’s ticket slot.  The ticket slot should be on your righthand side while inserting the ticket.  If you find yourself inserting a ticket on your left, you’re opening the next gate over to your left, not the one you’re currently standing in.

Upon inserting your Paris Metro ticket, it will be read, stamped (with a validation code) and then ejected at the top of the machine where you need to retrieve your ticket to open the gate / unlock the turnstile.

Collect Your Ticket to Pass

If the ticket is accepted, a short high pitched buzzing sound will be emitted, sometimes along with a message displayed on the turnstile requesting you take your ticket back (“Reprenez votre ticket”). Remove the ticket and walk through the turnstile or approach near the gate barrier and wait for it to open. Some gates are slow to open, especially double door gates which slide/retract outwards to let you pass. If your ticket appears to have been accepted, yet the gate has not swung open, be sure you have retaken your ticket from the top of the machine and that you’re standing near enough to the gates in order to trip the visual sensor.  Be patient and don’t panic. The gate should swing open within 5 seconds maximum. A ticket that is not accepted will cause the turnstile to emit a longer, lower pitched (unpleasant) buzzing noise, sometimes with a message in red indicating your ticket was not valid. Show your ticket to an employee at a ticket window or information booth for help in this case, saying your ticket does not work. They will usually open a wheelchair accessible gate for you to pass through.

Using Barrier Turnstiles

Pictured below is a turnstile barrier gate inside a Paris Metro station with a locking barricade behind the rotating arms of the turnstile to prevent people jumping over the bars.  Notice there is no green arrow near the ticket slot (it’s located further below on the front face) nor is there a Navigo sticker on the front (although you will see a large purple Navigo card reader area on top of the machine).  After the turnstile has been unlocked/opened with your ticket inserted into the front slot, you will need to retrieve your validated ticket from the top of the barrier machine.  Your validated ticket will be located past the purple card reader, where there is a rectangular depression in the metal and a dark area, which has the ticket exit slot and a little mechanical rotating sign that will read: “Reprenez votre ticket” / “Retrieve your ticket”.  Collect your validated ticket and walk through the barrier.  Be sure to keep your Metro ticket with you until you complete your journey and exit your final destination Metro station.  If you are intercepted by a ticket controller without your validated ticket or Navigo pass, you will be fined on the spot for 35€ for having a valid, but non-validated ticket (i.e. a ticket that wasn’t put through a ticket reading machine on the turnstile or fare gate) or 50€ for not producing any valid ticket at all.

Using Navigo Passes

See the Paris Navigo pass article for details on using a Navigo on turnstiles & fare gates.

Find Your Metro Platform

Many Metro stations serve multiple lines through several different train platforms within a single station. To find your way to the correct platform in the correct direction requires that you to keep a mindful eye on signs posted throughout the pedestrian tunnels.

Paris Metro Platform platform direction & stations

Metro Destination & Station Signs

At each subterranean intersection you will see Metro line numbers and possibly station names which are used to denote direction of travel. Direction of travel is always denoted by the terminus station, the last station or stop on the line, rather than magnetic pole directions such as north, south, east, west. To understand whether the line is going in the direction you wish to travel, you should refer a Paris Metro map , which are posted near station entrances and on all train platforms.

Next Train Signs

On rare occasion, but worth mentioning, some Metro line platforms are accessed by traversing another platform for a different line. This means you’ll arrive at a platform and think the current platform is the correct one, but in reality, your desired line is further along. Pay special attention to the overhead signs and the system maps posted on the platform walls to ensure you’re on the correct platform.

How to Ride the Paris Metro

Now that you’ve got tickets and passed through Paris Metro turnstiles & gates we’ll show you the physical details on how to ride a Paris Metro train such as opening train car doors, etiquette on boarding, exiting train when arriving at your Metro stop, seating and more, to help you ride the Metro like a Parisien.

Metro train cars come in a variety of different shapes, colors and sizes. Some Paris Metro trains are completely automated, without a driver/conductor, with automatically opening doors and in some stations, gates on the train station platform which close and open in sync with the Metro train car doors.

Opening Metro train car Doors

Nearly all Paris Metro train cars require a rider to use a lever or a button to manually open the train car door. If you are the person nearest the Paris Metro car door when the train arrives and there are no passengers exiting, who will open the door as they need to exit before you can enter, you will be expected to open the train car door. This is done through either a lever (older) or a button (newer) on the door itself near the center of the two sliding doors of a Metro car. Metro Line 14 is a notable exception being completely automated and driver-less.

To operate the lever, take hold of the handle that points toward you and rotate the lever upwards to unlatch the train car door. The doors will then slide apart (they are assisted by springs/air pressure) to allow you to enter. On occasion the Metro car doors can be sticky and do not slide open fully to let you enter. In this case a firm pull to the side with your hand on the door itself in the direction it was attempting to travel, will usually suffice to open the train car door the rest of the way.

Using Paris Metro Seats

Fold-down seats are available just inside Metro train car doors (called strapontins ), but these seats should only be used when there is sufficient space for travelers to easily enter and exit the train car. This means you shouldn’t use these seats during rush hours as generally the Paris Metro will be too busy to use these seats. Instead, stand where the fold-down seats would otherwise be. Rush hour travel on the Paris Metro is a chance to exercise your “personal space” limits. Don’t be surprised if you end up completely pressed up against other passengers. It’s normal and commonplace, happening every rush hour… it’s simply a slice of commuter life in Paris.

During busy hours on the Paris Metro, passengers are expected to move towards the center of the train car in order to make more space for passengers wanting to board the train car. There will be Metro passengers standing in the aisles of the train car holding on to the many hand holds placed at the tops of seatbacks, to vertical poles throughout the train car and poles attached along the ceilings of the train car, some with straps, some without.

If you find yourself in the middle of the train car with your stop nearing, try to move closer to the doors during the arrival at the station before your desired stop. This puts you in a better position to exit the train when your Metro stop arrives. At each Paris Metro stop there will be an exchange of passengers getting off the train car and entering the car. When arriving at the station before your desired stop, join the group of passengers moving toward the exit, but stop short of the doors to allow other passengers to pass you to exit (and to enter). You want to be close to the doors for your exit, but not right in front as you would block those who need to exit/enter at this stop. Don’t worry about not being able to descend the train when your stop arrives. Simply say “Excusez-moi” and people will immediately begin making room for you to alight, even if it requires that they descend the train also, just to let you off. Parisiens are very well versed in Metro manners and if you’ve read up to this point… you are now as well.

Exiting a Paris Metro station

After having arrived at your desired station you can make your way out of the station by following the blue “Sortie” signs.

Paris Metro exit signs from platform

Each exit is usually referred to by the street or landmark upon which it exits.

Photo carboncopyrocks!

To determine which exit is best for you refer to an exit map located within the Metro station, usually just after exiting the fare paid zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Difference between paris metro and rer.

The Metro is a classic subway system: mostly underground, many stops, frequent service, short line distances, serving the urban city centre, non-scheduled train timings. The Paris RER (Réseau Express Régional) is a commuter train system that covers much of the greater metropolitan area of Paris ( Ile-de-France ), much further out than that covered by the Metro, including specifically both Paris Airports: Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris-Orly (ORY) , Disneyland® Paris , and Chateau Versailles . The confusing part is that the RER traverses central Paris with a handful of stations, acting like an express Metro system with fewer stops, larger trains and faster movement. Paris fare zones apply to the RER train system, unlike the Metro and there are five of them. Using a Paris Metro ticket , the Ticket t+, is permitted on the RER, but only to the limits of Zone 1, the true center of Paris, bordered by the ring road surrounding it, the Boulevard Periphérique .

What’s the best ticket to buy?

If you arrive Monday to Thursday, Navigo Découverte week pass is nearly always your best option. If you arrive Friday to Sunday Navigo Day Pass , Navigo day pass , Paris Visite tickets are other options to consider. More info on choosing a Paris Metro pass and choosing what tickets to buy .

Have a question? Ask here and I’ll answer it. Commonly asked questions will be reposted here.

Further Reading

Guides on Paris Airport trains , Paris Disneyland train and Paris train stations

History, facts and figures of the Paris Metro (wikipedia, en français )

Paris Regional Transport Authority, RATP (partial site available in in English )

• STIF: Les Chiffes, 2005. “Le Reseau du Transports en Commun”. http://www.stif-idf.fr
• Extension of M14 & M13 lines in 2007 & 2008 has added 3 new stations, now totalling 300. http://extension-reseau.ratp.fr
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How To Use The Metro In Paris

A fter countless trips to Paris as the founder of En Route to Rêverie , I can confidently say my preferred method of transportation in the city is my own two feet (I guess that’s the New Yorker in me!) However, for times when I need to travel further distances or the weather is uncooperative, I always turn to the Paris Metro. 

How to Use the Metro in Paris

This underground train network provides an affordable and efficient way for locals and visitors to get to any part of the city. For a lot of first time visitors the Paris metro system can be a daunting experience. So today I’m sharing a guide to help you navigate the Paris Metro with ease. Be sure to save this video on Instagram as well to bookmark for your next trip.

Related: Paris First Time Visitors Guide

I find the idea of using public transportation abroad can be overwhelming for a lot of people, especially when it’s in a different language! This post will give you all the basic information you need on what the Paris Metro is, how it works, which Paris Metro pass to purchase, and where to buy metro tickets.

I’ll also share some of my tried and true tips so you can confidently navigate one of Europe’s best subway systems. My En Route to Rêverie clients also get additional insights, advice, and guidance on navigating the Paris metro system as well as my most trusted alternative transportation options.

What Is The Metro in Paris

One of the oldest subway systems in the world, the first Paris Métropolitain (or simply Métro) line was opened in 1900, just in time for the World’s Fair. Today, there are 16 interconnected lines (each with a number) and the subway system transports over 4 million passengers per day! This extensive public transportation system is built under the city of Paris and extends out to nearby suburban areas of the city.

The Paris Metro is a densely packed system (there are over 300 Paris metro stations), meaning stations are not too far apart which is great for getting as close as possible to your destination. I personally find the Paris Metro to be one of the most efficient, reliable and affordable subway systems.

It’s important to note that the RATP (the name for Paris’ public transportation system) includes the metro (underground subway), buses, RER Paris regional trains (sort of a metro-rail hybrid), and trains. 

Paris Metro Zones

Paris operates on a “zone” system for public transportation. The city and surrounding areas are divided into 5 transportation fare zones (this is different from the 20 neighborhoods or arrondissements!) It’s important to note that the metro zones really only come into play for travel passes. Or if you want to take something other than the Paris Metro – like RER trains or buses. The Paris Metro subway operates exclusively in zones 1-3, with the overwhelming majority of stations in zone 1. 

Zones 1-3 include the majority of major tourist attractions in Paris. Most visitors will never even leave zone 1. Here you’ll find most hotels as well as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Trimophe.

Zone 4 is where you will find Chateau Versailles and Orly Airport. The Paris Metro underground does not reach these destinations. To get to Versailles, you will have to take the RER train to Versailles-Rive Gauche . To get to Orly Airport you will have to take the RER train to Antony and then the OrlyVal train (the airport’s specific automatic train).

Zone 5 is where you will find Charles de Gaulle Airport and Disneyland Paris. To get to CDG Airport you will need to take the RER train to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 (terminals 1 & 3) or Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2  (terminal 2).

To get to Disneyland Paris you will need to take the RER train to Marne-la-Vallée — Chessy. 

Paris   Metro  Passes

With such a sprawling RATP network, there are endless public transportation pass options. Below are the Paris travel passes I would most recommend for visitors. Unfortunately (and probably the only major downside of the Paris metro), unlike in other cities you cannot just tap-to-pay with your credit card. You will need to purchase some type of pass.

Single Tickets

One of the easiest options for riding the Paris Metro is a single ticket, or a t+ ticket. A single ticket costs €2,10 and gives you access to travel to any metro station regardless of zone, including metro transfers, as well as the Montmartre funicular. Historically these have been sold as small paper tickets that you can purchase in a packet of 10 (a carnet) for a slight discount, but these paper tickets are being phased out. However if you do use the paper tickets you will need to physically insert the ticket into the gate, it will be validated, the doors will open, then you need to take the ticket with you.

Navigo Easy Pass

As the paper tickets are phased out, the Navigo Easy Pass is far and away the best option for Paris Visitors. It’s similar to an Oyster card in London or a Washington, DC SmarTrip card. It’s a reusable, refillable plastic metro card (no more losing paper tickets!) that costs €2 to purchase – you can then add a single ticket, or a digital packet of 10 tickets at a discount.

With these passes, you will tap them at the gate to open. You will need to purchase your Navigo Easy Card from a booth with an attendant at a metro station, major train station, or CDG airport. And you can reload your pass with a credit card at any of the purple kiosks you see at metro stations.

You cannot share a Navigo Easy pass between multiple people on the same journey. And you will need to purchase a separate ticket to get to the airport, Versailles, or Disneyland Paris via RER. You can purchase those tickets at the RER station.

Navigo Decouverte Pass

This is a bit of a tricky pass, but you can get a lot of bang for your buck if the conditions are right. Similar to the Easy Pass, the Navigo Decouverte is also a reusable, refillable plastic metro card. The difference is that this card is a week-long, unlimited pass for the Paris Metro, all RER trains, all buses and trams. It includes travel to CDG, Disneyland Paris, and Versailles and costs €30 for the week.

The catch is that regardless of when you purchase a weekly pass, coverage is only valid from Monday morning at 12:01AM to Sunday at 11:59 PM. If you buy the pass after Thursday at midnight you cannot use the pass for that current week. Like the Easy Pass, this pass must also be purchased from a booth with an attendant. It costs €5 and also requires a small passport photo (another tricky aspect) so you will need to either bring one with you or use one of the photo booths in the station. Like I said, this pass is complicated but can be an amazing deal if your travel dates line up and you don’t mind the extra hoops.

Paris Visite Pass

The Paris Visite Pass is a multi day pass marketed specifically to visitors and offers unlimited public transportation on the Paris Metro, RER, and buses for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. You must select how many days and which zones you’d like access to (either zones 1-3 or all zones). Depending on how much you anticipate taking public transportation this can be a great deal! They also offer discounted passes for children. These are paper passes that can be purchased at the ticket booth or kiosks in metro and RER stations, train stations, airports, and tourist offices.

Where To Buy  Metro  Tickets In  Paris

Metro tickets and passes can be purchased at:

• Paris metro stations
• RER stations
• Train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, Gare Saint-Lazare)
• Airports (CDG and Orly)

Keep in mind that travel passes like the Easy Pass and Decouverte need to be initially purchased at a manned ticket booth inside the stations, but then can be topped up at a kiosk. You can still purchase paper tickets at most automatic ticket kiosks. You can always use a credit card to purchase your ticket(s) or pass.

Paris   Metro  Tips

Hold onto your paper ticket.

You need to be in possession of your paper ticket until you’ve finished your ride and left the Metro station for good. Police are regularly checking passengers’ fares. So be sure you always have your proof of payment at the ready otherwise you may land a fine. I know many travelers who have fallen victim to this often forgotten rule! This is another reason why I suggest purchasing the Navigo Easy Pass.

Kids don’t always travel free

While children under 4 ride free, children 4-10 can ride at a 50% discount. Remember, when traveling with kids they need to have their own Navigo Easy pass or their own paper ticket.

Know the Paris Metro operating hours

The Paris Metro operates from 5:30AM to 1:15AM daily. On Friday and Saturday evenings it operates until 2:15AM. Rush hour for the Paris Metro is usually 8 – 9 AM, and 6 – 7:30 PM. 

Keep an eye on your things 

As in most major metropolitan cities, use caution and exercise good judgement. Keep your personal belongings zipped up and in front of you, important items like wallets and phones should also be in your bag or front pocket. This should be followed for your entire metro experience – not just on the train itself.

Visit the iconic Art Nouveau metro entrances

It’s always such a treat to visit one of the iconic and historic Art Nouveau metro entrances. At the turn of the century, French architect Hector Guimard was hired to design these aesthetically pleases entrances to the city’s brand new metro system. Today, 86 still remain. Some of my favorites include Palais-Royal–Musée-du-Louvre, Cité, and Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame. 

You might need to open the door yourself

On most of the metro cars, you will need to manually open the door to get on and off. Only a couple of lines have automatic doors! My tip is to watch how others do it your first time. It’s very easy!

I hope you find this post helpful for your next trip to Paris!

Heading to Paris? Book  En Route to Rêverie  with me and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip to Paris the best one yet.

You may also like:.

• How to Plan a Trip to Paris .
• How to Plan a Girls Trip to Paris .
• Best Time to Travel to Paris .

Getting Around Paris

Paris has an extremely extensive public transport system , which usually works quite well. In this section, we introduce the main means of transport in Paris.

Means of Public Transport

Paris metro, paris city buses, montmartre funicular, paris tramway, paris taxis, tourist routes, paris city bus tours, paris batobus.

Travelers can buy single tickets (Ticket t+) or two different types of travel cards , recommend if you plan to move a lot on public transport. 

Paris Visite

Passe navigo, you may also be interested in.

Beauvais Airport

Officially called Beauvais-Tillé Airport, Beauvais Airport is a small airport located in Tillé, near the city of Beauvais, 53 miles north of Paris. Beauvais is normally used by low-cost and charter airlines like Ryanair. 

Paris Metro (Métro in French, Subway or Underground in English) is the fastest way of getting around the city. The underground system has 14 interconnected lines (and 4 others under construction) and is also linked with the other RER trains.

Paris   Travel Guide

Courtesy of James Farley | Getty Images

Getting Around Paris

The best way to get around Paris is on foot and by metro. The elegant arrondissements are practically made for pedestrians. Still, Paris is very big, so you should take the efficient metro to travel long distances. The Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens or RATP system, which runs the metro, also offers several bus routes around the city. Those traveling to Paris by plane can arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), about 22 miles northeast of the city center, or Paris Orly Airport (ORY), about 11 miles south of the city.

To get to Paris from CDG, you can take a bus (No. 350 or No. 351), hop an RER train (an airport shuttle from CDG takes passengers to the Terminal 2 RER station and the nearby Roissypole RER) or hop on the  RoissyBus . Travelers with a late arrival time can also take advantage of the Noctilien night bus, which runs to Paris from midnight to 4:30 a.m. For those coming into ORY, travelers can take an airport shuttle to the nearest RER station (Pont de Rungis) or hop on the Orlyval shuttle train that goes to the Antony RER station. Both RER stations go straight to Paris. Taxis are another option, but can be quite costly averaging anywhere from 30 to 55 euros (around $33 to $61); driving is not recommended.

If you're traveling from other French or European cities, you can also take the train to Paris.  SNCF rail  and  TGV high-speed trains  run throughout France (the former also travels to other European countries). The city has six main train stations, all of which also act as bus stops and metro stations, so you'll be able to get from the station to your hotel quite easily. You can also take the Channel Tunnel (aka the "chunnel") underwater rail service via Eurostar from London .

Explore More of Paris

Things To Do

Best Hotels

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All You Need to Visit France

Getting Around Paris, a Comprehensive GUIDE

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and that’s no secret. The City of Light is known for its incredible monuments, picturesque neighborhoods, and, of course, its delicious food. Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe beckon tourists from all over the globe.

If you’re visiting this wonderful city, you’ll want to make the most of your stay and see all it offers. That’s why we’ve penned this article where you’ll find everything you need to know about how to get around Paris with the ease of a local . From navigation apps to top tips for taking taxis, we’ve got you covered.

Fortunately, Paris has an efficient public transportation system that will take you everywhere. Most of these services also provide information in English, making it easier for tourists to use them.

Public transportation in Paris comprises a network of buses, subways, streetcars, and trains covering every corner of the city.

But if you prefer walking or moving around on your own steam, perhaps exploring smaller neighborhoods around your hotel, we will also discuss those options.

Let’s get started!

Available Public Transport in Paris

As a grand European capital, Paris offers many means of transport. However, the best way to get around Paris is to use the metro system .

The Metro is a subway train system that covers most of the city. It is fast, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a single-ride ticket, a day pass, or a week pass using a convenient app.

Taking the bus is an option, yet it does not provide the same coverage and speed that the Metro offers.

Trains work very well in some areas. Taxis are also an option but are more expensive. If you’re fluent in French, a friendly conversation with taxi drivers can give you incredible local tips. If you plan to stay in the city longer, you can also buy a monthly metro pass.

Each of these options will be discussed in detail below. But first, we need to understand how zoning works in Paris.

• READ: The best free walking tours of Paris

Paris Public Transport by Zones

To understand how to move around Paris, we must know that the city is divided into zones and public transport uses a pricing system according to these zones.

This means that the ticket may be more expensive or cheaper depending on the area you choose to visit.

The central areas where most of the main attractions are located are from zone 1 to zone 3 . If you visit Paris as a tourist, you will need to use public transportation between these areas; the good thing is that they are the cheapest areas.

On the other hand, zone 5 is where you will transit if you visit the Palace of Versailles , Disneyland Paris, or the two main airports .

In this case, the tickets that include the transfer to zone 5 have a higher price and differ from those used in zones 1 to 3.

Paris Metro, the Best Way to Transport in Paris

The Paris metro is hugely popular with both visitors and locals alike due to its efficiency, affordability, and simplicity. It includes vast amounts of infrastructure, such as 300 stations and 219 kilometers of track, proving that Paris really is large.

Signs indicating a station may bear the inscription Métro, Métropolitain, or just the letter M.

The Parisian metro has 16 lines, which are color-coded and numbered. With these tips and tools at your disposal, the city of Paris will feel like a walk in a delightful park.

These range from 1 to 14; the additional ones are called 3 bis and 7 bis. Among these, you can find various exciting destinations to explore on your journey through the city. Passengers can enjoy the activities that each of the stations has to offer.

If your journey needs to take you to an area not exclusively on the axis covered by the metro, rest assured that the metro integrates seamlessly with the RATP’s RER (suburban train) and buses, even using the same ticket.

This makes it easy for travelers to transition from one section of the city to another without having to worry about purchasing separate tickets.

If you want to see a Paris metro map here, I will share one with you. This map can guide passengers on their journey, showing all the possible destinations and routes available.

Paris Metro timetables

Monday through Friday, the subway runs from 5:30 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. The early morning start and late close of operations ensure that both early bird travelers and night owl passengers can get to their destinations.

On Friday and Saturday nights and on the eve of holidays, they operate until 2:15 a.m. This extension is designed to cater to passengers participating in nightlife activities or those returning from holiday festivities.

Although Paris maintains a relatively low crime rate, there have been reported cases of pickpocketing. Particularly in some areas close to high tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower and major attractions, there are scammers targeting unsuspecting travelers, which I’ll detail in another post.

Tourists have reported having their wallets or cell phones stolen on the subway without realizing it. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all passengers stay vigilant and protect their belongings while traveling on the subway.

Additional information

The Eiffel Tower is located in Zone 1 of Paris and has three metro stations nearby: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9), and Ecole Militaire (Line 8).

From the Trocadero station, you can take a beautiful walk through the gardens of the Palais de Chaillot before arriving at the Tower.

Outfit Planner

EXTRA TIP : plan what you will take in advance so you take everything you need and do not have to make extra expenses at the destination. You can download the PDF here; the price is up to you!

Types of Paris Transport Tickets

In terms of journey fares, there are different types of tickets according to the time to be used and the zones included in the pass. The options range from single rides to unlimited passes, each of which will be discussed in more detail below.

It is important to note that the fares mentioned below apply for:

• Use all subway lines,
• RER (suburban train) lines,
• Ile-de-France bus lines (except Orlybus and Roissybus),
• Tramway lines
• and the Montmartre funicular.

You can buy tickets at ticket vending machines and ticket offices on the subway and RER trains, operated by RATP. Certain bus and tram stops also contain automatic machines for purchasing tickets.

You will be charged a few more cents if you buy the ticket directly on the bus.

The most popular ticket options for public transport in Paris (including RATP’s services) are:

Pass Ticket t+

This single or one-way ticket can be purchased individually or in a block of 10 tickets.

Prices are as follows (2023):

• The individual trip costs €2.10.
• While the 10 single 10 costs €16.90 for the general public.
• Children under 4 years of age are free of charge.
• Children over 4 years old but under 10 years old pay a reduced rate of 50% less.

Paris Visite

The Paris Visite ticket offers unlimited travel for a specific period of time , which can be 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. This option is popular among tourists who have many destinations on their itinerary.

This pass allows you to travel freely in Paris (zones 1 to 3) or the Paris Ile-de-France region (all zones, with access to airports including Orlyval, Disneyland Paris, and the Palace of Versailles).

The prices of the Paris Visite pass are as follows:

• 1 day costs 13,55€ or 6,75€ (reduced rate).
• 2 days cost 22,05€ or 11€ (reduced rate).
• 3 days cost 30,10€ or 15,05€ (reduced rate).
• 5 days cost 43,30€ or 21,65€ (reduced rate).
• 1 day costs 28,50€ or 14,25€ (reduced rate).
• 2 days cost 43,30€ or 21,65€ (reduced rate).
• 3 days cost 60,70€ or 30,35€ (reduced rate).
• 5 days cost €74.30 or €37.15 (reduced rate).

If you are on vacation and plan to visit places like Disneyland or Versailles, you have to choose the second option, which includes zone 5, where both places are located.

In conclusion, the Paris Visite pass is perfect for you if you want to travel without limits in Paris by all means of transport.

Navigo Pass

The Navigo pass allows unlimited travel in Paris on all public transport (except Orlyval) for a week or a month .

The validity of the weekly pass is from Monday to Sunday, just like the validity of most credit card statements. This makes it easier to plan your weekly tours and trips around the city.

In addition to this choice of time, you can opt for the “ all zones ” pass, which gives you access to all zones daily. You can freely roam from world-renowned museums to delicious restaurants.

Alternatively, the “2 zones” pass allows you to travel in the chosen zones, perfect for when you want to explore specific neighborhoods or train stations.

The Navigo pass prices for “all zones” are as follows:

• For one week 30€.
• For one month 84,10€.
• If you decide to use it only for “2 zones,” the price drops very little, and you can consult it here .

While the prices of the Navigo pass are excellent, the way to get it is more cumbersome than the Ticket t+ and Paris Visite passes.

In this case, you must bring a photo and a card, which is why this pass is mainly recommended for Parisians and residents of Ile-de-France who travel regularly or those people who will stay in the French capital for a considerable period, just like an extended tour.

Paris RER Trains

Paris RER (Réseau Express Régional) trains are regional trains. This extensive rail network connects the center of Paris with the suburbs and complements the metro network.

The RER rail network has 5 lines identified by letters (A, B, C, D, and E) and color, something like a coded guide leading you to your desired attractions or museums.

In addition, if you combine the RER with the metro, you can often use it to replace the metro, and you will be able to move faster since it has fewer stops.

Train service runs from approximately 5:00 a.m. to midnight, perfect for catching those romantic late-night dinners at Parisian restaurants or late tours around the city.

Train service runs from approximately 5:00 a.m. to midnight.

The main places that tourists access with the RER are:

• Disneyland Paris : using the RER line A, you can reach the park in about 40 minutes.
• Versailles Palace : taking line C of the RER trains.
• Charles de Gaulle Airport : Line B takes you from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the center of Paris in approximately 35 minutes.
• Orly Airport : Line C connects the Pont de Rungis station (near the airport) with the center of Paris.

Now you know how to get around Paris by train. If you prefer to avoid the confinement of the metro and see the city from the window, Paris buses are ideal for you, offering a panoramic tour-like experience.

Buses in Paris

Going to Paris by bus is a common way for Parisians and tourists. The city’s bus network is extensive, with more than 60 day lines and 40-night lines.

If you prefer to avoid the confinement of the metro and see the city from the window, Paris buses are ideal for you.

Although they work very well, you must remember that there is usually a lot of traffic during rush hour , and bottlenecks can occur. So, if you have a scheduled reservation and choose to take the bus, keep this in mind.

As with the RER trains, the buses complement various metro stops very well, allowing you to make the most of your limited time, even when you have much luggage to lug around.

You can buy the ticket directly on the bus, but in that case, you will be charged a few cents more. Alternatively, you can save those extra cents by paying with your credit card beforehand.

Below, you can find a Parisian bus map , a guide to your city-wide tour.

Daytime bus schedules generally run from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., except for the most important routes, which extend past midnight.

Night buses operate between 00:30 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Now you know how to get around Paris by bus, enabling you to travel like a local and feel the pulse of the city.

Montmartre Funicular

In the bohemian district of Montmartre, there is a funicular, which is similar to a tramway, that connects the lower part of the district with the upper part where the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur and the famous Place du Tertre are located.

To get to the top of the neighborhood, you can go traditional and climb more than 190 steps, or take a taxi if you’re carrying heavy luggage.

The ticket for the funicular is included in the Ticket t+, Paris Visite and Navigo, making it as accessible and easy as swiping a credit card.

Streetcars, another Public Transportation option in Paris

In recent years, the tramway network in Paris has expanded and now boasts 10 lines connecting the city center and part of the periphery.

Along with the tramways, bus services also adorn the city infrastructure, providing a variety of bus routes that enhance Parisian life and culture, offering unique views and accessibility to various things and places of interest.

From a tourist point of view, the T7 line is the most important as it connects Orly airport with the Villejuif-Louis Aragon metro station. This line also intersects with several bus routes, providing a comprehensive network of transportation options for tourists and residents alike.

The streetcar is a comfortable and practical transport. It encapsulates Parisian culture in a unique way, but it is also easily replaceable with the subway or bus services for the tourist.

In the following link, you can find a map of Parisian tramways .

Taxi and ride-sharing services in Paris

In Paris, while taxi services are plentiful and operational throughout the day, they may not be the most cost-effective option for transportation.

It should also be noted that taxis in Paris are regular cars, lacking a particular shade; the only way to recognize them is by the indicator on the roof that reads ‘Taxi.’ Within each vehicle, there is a taximeter and registration number.

In the city of Paris, Uber is a viable option for transportation that often costs less than the more conventional taxis, especially if you choose the UberPool selection to ride with other people.

How to Get Around Paris by Car

If you decide to visit Paris by car, you will be interested in knowing this website that shows you the parking lots in the city and their prices.

In addition, you can buy full-day passes for a single parking lot or multi-parking so that you can enter and leave as if it were your own parking space. It is a very convenient service if you travel to the city by car.

If you decide to park on the street , the price will depend on the area but can range from 1€ for 15 minutes.

You can use the “Paris Carte” card (purchased at all tobacco shops or Tabac), a bank card, or the PaybyPhone application to pay at the parking meters.

Paris by Bike, a Fun Way to Get Around in Paris

If biking is your thing, you should know that in Paris, there is a public bike rental system called Vélib .

More than 20,000 bicycles, including classic and electric bikes , are scattered throughout the city in more than 1,800 parking spots. The system operates seven days a week and 24 hours a day.

Temporary tickets are for a certain period; you can choose to take just one ride or have the bike for a few days. Subscriptions of up to 12 months are also available for longer stays.

The ticket can be obtained at the stations or parking lots, or you can consult the official Vélib ‘ website.

Paris on Foot, Walking the City of Lights

Paris has so much to see, so touring the city on foot is always a fantastic idea.

You can stroll along the Seine, listen to a street musician in Montmartre, lose yourself in the little stone streets of historic neighborhoods like Le Marais, and enjoy a stop for a croissant before continuing.

Now that you know how to get around Paris by public transport and on your own let’s see which are the best tourist routes.

Getting around Paris via Sightseeing Tours

These are some of the best sightseeing tours you can do in Paris:

• Sightseeing bus in Paris: This is a convenient way to visit the city, as the bus stops at the main attractions, and you can get on and off as many times as you wish.
• Paris tourist boat Batobus sails along the Seine River and hops on and off as many times as you want at each of the strategic stops of the Batobus.
• Seine River cruise with gourmet dinner. If you are looking for a romantic plan or an incredible way to experience the city of light, you can’t miss this night cruise on the Seine.

We hope this guide on how to get around Paris has been helpful, and we wish you an excellent trip.

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How to get around Paris: Navigating like a pro

Paris is a city made for walking, but the efficient and well-connected public transportation system makes it a pretty great way to get around the city, too.

Here’s our guide to the best ways to get around Paris that will have you navigating the city like a pro.

Getting around Paris on foot

Best for: Discovering hidden gems

One of the best ways to get around Paris' districts, or arrondissements, is by walking. Regardless of where you are staying, its charming and compact neighborhoods are perfect for exploring on foot. Unearth hidden corners, streets, and quaint Parisian cafes , and immerse yourself in the architecture, history, and magical vibe of the city.

If you’re staying in the city center, you’re in luck—many of the famous attractions are within walking distance. Join a walking tour of Paris and explore must-see sights like the Champs-Élysées , Moulin Rouge , and the Arc de Triomphe .

Walking is also a great way to explore the city’s parks and boulevards. Check out our 2-day itinerary of Paris that’s perfect for sightseeing on foot. Make sure you’re dressed for the weather though—it gets chilly from December through March.

Getting around Paris by metro and RER

Best for: Traveling in and out of the city, fast

If you are venturing outside the city center, you might want to rely on the Paris Metro , which runs 16 extensive routes throughout the city. The system connects over 300 stations, which means that you’re never really far from a metro station.

Keep a look out for the ‘Metro’ or ‘M’ signage, usually located near major intersections or spots like the Notre Dame Cathedral . With various transportation mobile apps available—like Paris Metro Map and Routes —you can easily plan your metro routes on the go and receive real-time journey updates.

The Réseau Express Régional (RER) train line complements the Metro and connects the city center to nearby suburbs and neighboring regions. If you intend to visit out-of-town attractions like Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles , we recommend you take the RER.

Depending on your length of stay and how frequently you’ll be using public transportation, there are various types of tickets and passes available on both train systems. With ticket prices as low as $1.90, the Metro is the cheapest way to get around the city. To find out more, here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about traveling by metro in Paris .

Getting around Paris by bus

Best for: Enjoying the views while on the move

You’ll see much more of the city's attractions and neighborhoods while on a bus. Buses are also more accessible—no metro station stairs to climb!—but their routes can be less intuitive and journeys slower.

Get your bus ticket from ticketing counters or vending machines at any subway station, or directly from the bus driver—though for an extra $0.20. Just note that these tickets can’t be used on other transportation systems.

You can get all the information you need at each bus stop—waiting times, first and last service times, and route maps. Some even have charging ports for your mobile devices!

Plan ahead though—Paris’ roads often see heavy traffic during peak hours, making it difficult to get seats and causing unexpected delays that could affect your itinerary. But don’t worry if you’ve missed the last bus or train, the Noctilien makes sure that you still have a way to get home. This night bus service has four lines, each of them operating from midnight until 5 a.m.

Bus tours are also a great way to tour the capital and take in the wonders of Paris, especially if you’re traveling with children or seniors. The Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tour features open-top, double-decker buses that allow you to explore the city’s main attractions at your own time.

Getting around Paris by taxi

Best for: Comfort

A private taxi is a hassle-free option for travelers who value comfort above all, especially for those traveling with kids or the elderly. Taxi fares are calculated based on distance traveled, with the minimum fare starting from $7.10. A trip from the 1st arrondissement to the Eiffel Tower will cost you about $9.90. Tip: Use this taxi fare calculator before your ride.

You can call a taxi or hail one at any taxi stand located all over the city or book a ride with apps like G7 TAXI , which allows you to choose your vehicle of choice and pay via contactless methods. Just make sure the taxi is a licensed one before boarding—look out for the “Taxi Parisien” roof sign, meter, and a badge with the driver’s license number.

You can also get an Uber ; the fares are competitive with official taxis (sometimes cheaper), and drivers are usually available almost immediately.

Getting around Paris by bicycle

Best for: Active and eco-conscious travelers

Paris has a large network of cycle lanes along the main roads, quays, and little streets, making it an economical and environmentally-friendly way to get around and explore areas that are typically inaccessible by car. These lanes are clearly marked with white lines and bicycle symbols and are designed to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

You can rent a bike from various bike rental services available, with the biggest one being Velib Metropole . The cost of renting a Velib bike depends on the subscription tier and type of pass. Under the free V Libre subscription, rental starts from $1 for every 30 minutes.

Cruise through Paris’ alleyways at your own time or sign up for guided bike tours . There are cycling tours to explore the city like a local , pedal through the City of Lights at night and uncover stories off the beaten track . Some tours offer electric bikes for you to zip through the city.

Getting around Paris by boat

Best for: Scenic views on the Paris waterfront

Take a break from the hubbub of the city and sail down the Seine River on a boat.

With the Batobus boat cruise , you’re free to hop on and off as often as you like and sightsee at your own pace and comfort. The river bus glides past well-known Paris sights such as the Louvre , Musee d’Orsay , and the Eiffel Tower.

The boat runs every 20 to 30 minutes depending on the season and tickets are available at any of the Batobus stops, starting at $20. There are usually online-exclusive prices offered as well, so make sure to pre-book your tickets.

When the sun sets in the capital and the city lights glow, hop on a romantic dinner cruise under the stars as you sail past Paris’ most picturesque landmarks.

Getting to Paris from the airport

To get from Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) to the city center of Paris, you can take the RER B train. These express trains run every 10 minutes between the airport and the city center, including the Gare du Nord . A one-way trip will set you back $11.40, making it a great option if you’re on a budget.

Private airport transfers are another great and convenient option, with everything arranged for you prior to your arrival. Some companies offer private shuttles too, transporting passengers directly to attractions like La Vallee Village and Parc Asterix .

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Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, paris metro tickets – using the navigo easy card, paris metro tickets & the navigo easy card.

The Paris transportation system (Metro, bus & RER) is the best way to navigate the city. Now, with the Navigo Easy card, it's even easier to zip around Paris with a single swipe. You can obtain Navigo Easy at virtually any Metro station and use the machine to reload your card using either cash or a credit card, and instructions are available in English. Here's what you need to know.

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Navigo Easy – The New Way to Buy Paris Metro Tickets

There's a new, modern way riding the Paris Metro. The traditional rectangular cardboard Metro tickets have been replaced with a rechargeable plastic card called Navigo Easy — aimed specifically at visitors and occasional users. There is a one-time cost (about €2) to purchase a permanent card that can be loaded with Metro "tickets" at machines or ticket counters at every station across the Paris region. You can also reload the card from your phone using the Bonjour RATP app .

Recharge your Navigo Easy with either individual tickets or carnets (a pack of ten tickets, which costs less per ticket). A carnet is around 15€, versus around 2€ for a single ticket. The traditional paper tickets have been completely phased out.

Each ticket is good for one ride on the Metro, no matter how many changes you have to make. So, you can get from Parc de la Villette (in the far northeast of central Paris) to the sports complex at Porte de St Cloud (in the far southwest) on one ticket! (That entire journey, by the way, takes 45 minutes and only involves one Metro change.)

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Discover what's on when you're here, then & now – paris metro tickets vs navigo.

How it Used To Be – Using Paper Tickets

As you entered the Metro station, you would dig around in your pocket or bag to find a valid Paris Metro ticket. Then, you'd put the ticket into the slot on the front of the turnstile machine and push through. But, you also had to make sure to grab your ticket out of the machine as you left because you may have needed to show it to Metro security to prove you paid.

That Was Then, This is Navigo Easy

Take your card out of your pocket. Walk up to an entry gate. Tap your card on the sensor (like above). Walk through. That's it… you're in! You can lend card to someone else if you like, no ID is required.

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Paris metro etiquette & safety.

Just as in Paris restaurants , there is a certain etiquette observed on the Paris Metro.

• Speak softly.
• Don't eat or drink on the Metro.
• Keep your personal belongings on your body.
• Move aside for people who are leaving the train.
• When on the platform waiting for a train, leave some space around the doors for departing passengers.
• As a car fills up, move back to provide space for new passengers.
• When you have to get around other passengers to leave the train, simply say " pardon " (PAHR-doh) and they will let you by.

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Useful underground information.

You can find additional helpful information about the Paris Metro in some of our other guides —

• Reviews of Metro Maps …
• Guide to the RER Rail System …

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Copyright © 2010-2023 Voconces Culinary Ltd, all rights reserved. Original photos © Mark Craft, all rights reserved.

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Single tickets and carnets

The traditional Métro ticket is a small piece of cardboard (formerly mauve, now white) with a magnetic strip that costs €2,10 . It's issued by RATP, the transportation authority for the Paris region, and at some point it will be replaced by electronic cards such as Navigo Easy (see below).

If you're traveling with a children, see the "Tips" section below.

You can also use single-journey tickets and fares on buses or trams, although you can't transfer between the Métro and RER and buses or trams on the same ticket.

Important: During the Paris Olympics (July 20 - Sept. 8, 2024), fares will almost double. See the Paris Olympics special fare table below for details.

Unlike T+ tickets, bus tickets purchased on board are good only on buses and trams (they also cost 40 cents more at €2,50 ).

Métro ticket machines accept coins and credit cards, but many machines don't take banknotes. If you pay by credit card, don't withdraw the card too quickly: It may take half a minute or longer for the machine to scan the card and process the transaction, especially if you're using a magnetic-stripe credit card from abroad.

Children under age 4 travel free. Kids from ages 4 through 9 pay the full adult fare for single tickets, but a children's carnet of 10 tickets is half price, so it pays to plan ahead.

Important: T+ cardboard tickets will remain valid for the foreseeable future, but expect to see fewer ticket machines as the RATP continues to promote electronic fare alternatives.

For details on the current generation of tickets and carnets , including what kinds of transfers are allowed, see the RATP's " T+ tickets " page.

Navigo Easy : a replacement for paper tickets

In June, 2019, the RATP introduced Navigo Easy , a rechargeable stored-value plastic card designed for tourists and other non-commuters who use the Paris public-transportation system.

Navigo Easy will eventually replace the traditional T+ tickets altogether, but you can purchase and use it right now.

To use Navigo Easy, you first buy a card for €2,-- from a ticket booth in any Paris Métro station. You then top it up with fares, which cost the same as today's existing paper tickets: €2,10 for a single ride,wih a big discount if you buy a carnet of 10 rides.

For now, Navigo Easy is just an optional alternative to T+ tickets, but the convenience of not having to carry a stack of cardboard tickets makes it worthwhile if most of your travel will be on the Métro--especially since T+ tickets are notorious for becoming demagnetized, which makes them unusable until a station agent runs them through an electronic device to fix them.

See: Navigo Easy guide (with step-by-step photos)

Money-saving passes

If you plan to use public transportation extensively, you may find it worthwhile to buy one of the passes described below. Or maybe not: As we point out under "Tips," a carnet of electronic tickets is simpler to buy and is likely to be cheaper if you don't spend a lot of time on trains and buses.

Paris Visite is an unlimited tourist travel pass that you can buy for one, two, three, or five calendar days. The "Paris Centre" version covers transportation in zones 1-3. For travel to zones 4 and 5 (including Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Versailles), you'll need the more expensive "Paris and Île-de-France region" version, which covers all zones.

Children from 4 to 10 pay half-price (again, kids 4 and under are free), and Paris Visite offers discounts on boat cruises and certain other tourist attractions.

Mobilis is a pass for one calendar day. The price depends on the zones where you intend to travel; if you plan to stay within the city, a Zone 1 pass is all you need.

In addition to the Navigo Easy stored-value ticket card, the Paris transportation network offers Navigo Weekly and Navigo Monthly passes. (The weekly passes run from Monday through Sunday, and the monthly passes are for a calendar month.)

For more information on these and other tickets, see the RATP's Travel passes and prices page.

Where to buy passes: You can buy Paris Visite, Mobilis, and other passes at major Métro stations, RER stations, and railroad stations in the Ile-de-France region, including those at Paris airports. Paris Visite is also available at branches of the Paris tourist office.

Paris is a city that's best enjoyed on foot, so a carnet is likely to be your best value unless you have limited mobility, are pressed for time, or are staying a long way from tourist attractions.

Métro and RER ticket machines accept nearly all credit and debit cards, including American Visa and MasterCards that lack PINs.

Back to: Paris Métro

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After 4-1/2 years of covering European travel topics for About.com, Durant and Cheryl Imboden co-founded Europe for Visitors (including Paris for Visitors) in 2001. The site has earned "Best of the Web" honors from Forbes and The Washington Post .

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How to Get from Paris to Versailles

• See & Do
• Palace of Versailles
• Getting from Paris to Versailles

How to Get from Paris to Versailles Palace

Planning your first trip to the Palace of Versailles?  If so, you may be wondering: "What's the best way to get there from Paris?"

Most Popular Paris Day Trips to Palace of Versailles

These top-rated day trips to Versailles fill up fast, so book early to get the dates you want:

Popular Versailles day trips with transportation from Paris:

• Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Gardens  - Optional garden tour
• Palace of Versailles & Gardens - Audio tour; choose a full-day or half-day trip
• Giverny & Versailles Guided Day Trip - See 2 iconic attractions in one day
• Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance  - Highly-rated

Traveling to Versailles on your own?  Book a ticket with a reserved time slot for fast entry:

• Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket - Includes entire Estate, including 3 palaces, the gardens (including Musical Gardens or Fountain show from April-October), & Marie-Antoinette's Hameau (farm and village)

If you're like many visitors, the opulent Palace and its vast Estate and Gardens may be near the top of famous attractions you want to see during your time in the City of Light.

And for good reasons.  The spectacular architecture, lavish interiors, and magnificent gardens of the Château de Versailles and its surrounding Estate dazzle and enchant visitors today just as they did when the French monarchy called it "home."  From Louis "The Sun King" XIV who created the Palace to the doomed Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette who fled in disgrace to escape an angry mob on the eve of the French Revolution, each generation of kings and queens contributed to the over-the-top luxury you see today.

Fortunately, the Chateau's location just 12 miles (20 km) outside Paris makes it ideal for a day trip.

You can choose from six ways to get from Paris to Versailles Palace, although some may work better for you than others. In this article, we point out the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you decide which way to travel will be the best fit for you.

Here's what you'll find in this article:

• How to get from Paris to Versailles with a tour group
• How to go from Paris to Versailles by train
• How to get to Versailles from Paris on the bus
• When to consider going to Versailles by car
• Should you use Uber to go from Paris to Versailles?
• Can you bike to Versailles from Paris?

Top photo: The Palace of Versailles and Apollo Fountain - Photo credit: Tiffany Cade/Unsplash

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1.  How to Get from Paris to Versailles with a Tour Group

The easiest and most stress-free way to get to Versailles Palace is to join a group tour that includes transportation from Paris on a luxury coach or train.   Then, all you have to do is show up at a designated meeting spot in central Paris. 

Your tour organizer handles everything else, including transportation, your ticket to the Palace, and fast-track priority entry through a special gate available only to guided tour groups.  And of course, you also get the benefit of an expert guide who will make sure you see all the most spectacular rooms such as the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and Royal Apartments, the magnificent Gardens, and perhaps other parts of the estate.

If you want to make the most of your visit to Versailles while not spending (and perhaps wasting) time figuring out all the details, these transportation-included tours are the way to go.

What's the Difference between Coach & Train Tours to Versailles?

So which is better:  tours offering transportation to Versailles by coach (ie, luxury bus or sometimes even a minivan) - or by train? 

Both ways of travel are quite comfortable, but there is a key difference.  When you choose a coach tour, you'll re-board the bus  at a designated time and ride back to Paris with your group. 

However, when you choose a guided tour with train transportation included, you'll receive a ticket for your return trip by train back to Paris.  This gives you a lot of flexibility.  

When your tour ends, you usually have the choice of returning to the city by train with your guide and perhaps others from your tour group - or head back whenever you please, which allows you to spend time exploring Versailles on your own or perhaps even have dinner at one of the local restaurants. 

You will need to walk back to the train station on your own, but that's super-easy to do.  The station is only a 5-10 minute walk from the Palace gates and you'll see plenty of signs and directions along the way. 

Of course, if you come to Versailles from Paris by coach or minivan with a group tour and want to stay longer, you can always return to Paris on your own on the train.  Tickets cost only a few euros.  Just be sure to get a 1-way ticket - and let your tour guide know you'll be returning on your own.

Popular Versailles Tours with Coach or Train Transportation from Paris

Here are three of the most popular choices:

• Full-Day Guided Tour of Versailles by air-conditioned coach from Paris - On this comprehensive tour, you will visit the most spectacular Palace attractions such as the Hall of Mirrors, the beautiful Palace Gardens, and other important sights such as the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Estate including her charming Hamlet before re-boarding your coach for your relaxing return to Paris.
• Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Tour by Train - If you choose this guided tour of Versailles, you'll travel with your guide by train from Paris to the Château, where you'll enjoy a 3-hour tour of the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and other rooms, as well as the gorgeous Gardens.  Depending on which day you visit, you may also see the enchanting Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains show.  Use your return train ticket to head back to Paris whenever you choose. 
• Half-Day Versailles Guided Tour from Paris - This small-group guided tour from Paris by minivan includes pickup and drop-off at selected hotels, giving you the ultimate convenience when you have limited time.  Your guide will enrich your experience with stories about Versailles' famous history while taking you to see the most important rooms in the Palace as well as a quick visit to the Gardens.  Choose a morning or afternoon excursion.

Another excellent choice, especially if you have limited time but want to see both the Palace of Versailles and Monet's home in Giverny with its colorful garden and water lily pond is to join a day trip from Paris that includes coach transportation, lunch and guided or audio tours of both attractions, depending on which option you select.

Find more Versailles tours from Paris with transportation, including group bike tours

2.  How to Go from Paris to the Palace of Versailles by Train

Although three different trains to Versailles - RER C and SNCF Lines L and N - offer service from Paris, only one of them (RER C) stops at the Château Versailles Rive Gauche, the closest station to the front entrance gates at the Palace of Versailles.  Not surprisingly, this is the train most people choose because of the convenience, although depending on your location, you may want to opt for one of the others. 

Thanks to infrastructure and technology improvements made during the past decade, the trip to Versailles from Paris is now faster than ever.   It takes around 25-30 minutes on RER C and SNCF Line N, and between 35-40 minutes on SNCF Line L.

Here are the details for each option:

Getting to Versailles on the RER C Train

Going to Versailles on the RER C train is the easiest option and also the most popular because it puts you closest to the Versailles Palace entry gates.  In addition, trains on the RER C line typically run about every 5-10 minutes, vs about every 15 minutes for Line N and about every 20 minutes for Line L, so on average, you'll have less of a wait. 

Best of all, the RER C train runs along the Left Bank of the Seine River, and has nine stations within the city, so you can choose to depart from whichever station is closest to you. 

For most visitors to Versailles, RER C is the best choice.

Important to Know:  RER C has two branches in the direction of Versailles.  One of them terminates at the Versailles Château Rive-Gauche station (yes, that's the one you want), and the other terminates at Saint-Quentin en Yvelines but makes a stop at Versailles Chantiers (NOT the station you want). 

Once you're in the RER station and have your ticket, you'll see the announcements board for incoming trains.  Be sure to board one that's going to Versailles Chateau Rive-Gauche.  (But if the worst happens and you accidentally board the other train, get off once you reach Versailles Chantiers; the walk to the Palace will take you 10-15 minutes instead of 5-10, so it's not a big set back.)

Bonus:  If you take the RER-C, you may be in one of the new "Museum" train cars with interior decor featuring murals of Versailles or other famous Paris museums.

Getting to Versailles on the SNCF N Train

The SNCF N Train has only one Paris departure point:  the Montparnasse Station ( Gare ) located close to where the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements intersect.  In Versailles, it arrives at the Versailles Chantiers station, slightly over half a mile (1 km) from the Palace entrance and about a 10-15 minute walk from the Palace.  

Although the trip to Versailles takes about the same length of time (30 minutes) as the RER C train, departures happen slightly less frequently - about every 15 minutes, on average.  Unless you have a strong reason to take the Line N train (for example, you're staying close to Gare Montparnasse), RER C is likely to be a better choice because of the more-frequent departures.

Good to Know:   Although the N train has several branches, they happen after the Versailles Chantiers station - so no need to worry about them as long as you take one of the trains heading toward the Palace.

Getting to Versailles from Paris on SNCF Line L

The SNCF L train also has only one Paris station: Gare Saint-Lazare in the 8th arrondissement.  The trip to Versailles takes about 35-40 minutes, train frequency is about every 20 minutes, and it arrives at the Versailles Rive Droite station, about three-quarters of a mile (1.3 km) or an almost-20 minute walk from the Palace entrance. 

Similar to the N train, the SNCF L train may not be your best choice unless you're staying close to Gare Saint-Lazare, Galeries Lafayette, Opéra Garnier (the Paris Opera House), or possibly Montmartre.  Even if you are, you may still prefer to take the Metro to the nearest RER C station. 

Find details about getting your Vernon train tickets at Gare Saint-Lazare

Important to Know:  SNCF Line L also has several branches - so make sure you take the one to Versailles Rive-Droite, which is the last station on the line.

How to Get Your RER or Train Tickets to Versailles

When you arrive at your departure station in Paris, you will need to buy tickets for your trip. 

The only exception is that if you have a weekly or monthly "all zones" Navigo pass or an "all zone" Paris Visite travel pass that's valid for the day you want to travel (make sure sign and date your card), you can use it for the trip. That's because Versailles is in "Zone 4" of the Ile de France regional transportation network.  In other words, if you have the all-zone Navigo or Visite pass, you do not need an additional ticket so your trip to Versailles and back will cost you nothing extra.

Otherwise, you must buy a round-trip ticket (which means you'll actually get two 1-way tickets, one in each direction) at one of the ticket machines, whether you are going by RER or train.  Or, if that option isn't available, buy a 1-way ticket to the Versailles station and then when you return to the station later in the day, buy another 1-way ticket to Paris.  Select the language option for "English" (or another language), follow the instructions on the screen, and pay for your ticket with your credit card.  The process is quick and easy, but if you make a mistake, just hit "cancel" and start over.

Remember, if you're using a round-trip or 1-way train or metro ticket, keep your ticket once you get on the train because you'll need to show it to the conductor and then insert it in a turnstile in order to exit the station. If you don't have it, you'll most likely be fined.

Please note:   You cannot use a regular Metro ticket to travel between Paris and Versailles because regular Metro tickets include travel on the RER ( a suburban train line that is technically not part of the Metro system) only for Zone 1, which is central Paris.  Versailles is in Zone 4, which is why you need an RER ticket.  If you do try to use a Metro ticket for this trip, you risk a hefty fine.

3.  How to Get to Versailles from Paris on a Bus

To take a local bus to the Chateau Versailles Rive Gauche station, first take the metro to the Pont de Sèvres station on the western edge of the city.  Outside the station, find the bus stop for the southwest-bound #171 bus outside the station, and take the bus to Versailles. 

Here's the tricky part:   Not all #171 buses going in the direction of Versailles go all the way to Versailles; some terminate much sooner. 

You should see "Versailles" listed as the destination on the bus, but if in doubt, confirm with the driver when you get on.  Even if you don't speak any French, the polite way to do this is to say, "Bonjour, Monsieur (or Madame).  Versailles?" 

They'll understand what you're asking, and even if you don't understand their response, watch their gestures to figure out if you should find a seat on the bus or get off and wait for the next one.  In either case, nod and reply, "Merci, Monsieur (or Madame)."

The ride from the Pont de Sèvres station to the chateau takes about 30 minutes (occasionally longer if you hit traffic or road construction), and the cost is normally just one metro/bus ticket each way (unless somehow the length of your trip exceeds 90 minutes, in which case you'll need a second ticket).  If you have a valid weekly or monthly "all zones" Navigo pass or an "all zone" Paris Visite travel card, the cost is zero.

In case you're wondering, you cannot reuse your metro ticket to Pont de Sèvres for the bus, because metro/bus transfers using the same ticket are not permitted. 

You can find the #171 bus schedule on ratp.fr.

Should you consider taking the bus to Versailles?   It is slightly more difficult than taking the train, especially if you don't speak much French (but still relatively easy), and the possibility of boarding the wrong bus, however slight, also makes it somewhat more stressful. 

For most people, taking the RER C will be more convenient.  However, the bus is the cheapest option and if your travel budget means that every Euro counts (for example, if you're a student), then it's a fine choice.  It's also a wonderful way to see more of the Paris suburbs and Ile de France countryside.

Pro Tip:   If you do decide to take the bus, do yourself a big favor and download the RATP app on your phone, which provides clear directions and a useful map for finding the station location.

More about Visiting the Palace of Versailles

• Top Things to See & Do at the Palace of Versailles - Plus visitor tips
• Best Tours of Palace of Versailles
• Best Hotels & Apartments near the Palace of Versailles

4.  When to Consider Going to Versailles by Car

Normally, as a Paris visitor, you don't want to be burdened with a car in Paris because a) driving in Paris can be a nightmare if you're not used to it, and b) parking can cost more than dinner.  Getting around Paris on the metro is much faster, cheaper, and easier. 

But if you are planning to make a trip outside the city to multiple destinations including Versailles, then renting a car and stopping at the Palace for a day or more along the way can make a lot of sense. 

If you are considering doing this, here are a couple of tips:

First, instead of renting a car in Paris and having to battle city traffic on congested roads, consider picking up your rental in the nearby business district of La Défense, easily reached on Line 1 of the metro.  You'll find European, British, and even American car rental agencies such as Avis and Budget.  From La Défense, you'll have an easy drive to Versailles.

Second, consider departing Paris (or La Defense) in the evening before in order to miss rush hour traffic, and spending the night at one of the wonderful hotels or apartments in Versailles (make sure you choose one with onsite parking) where both hotel rates and parking fees are significantly cheaper than in Paris.  This also allows you to arrive at the entrance gate early in the morning and gives you more time to explore the Palace and its magnificent gardens.

5.  Should You Use Uber or a Taxi to Go from Paris to Versailles?

Should you consider using a ride-share service such as Uber or a taxi for getting to Versailles from Paris?

A one-way trip between Paris and Versailles by Uber or taxi will typically cost you a minimum of around 40€ - 50€, assuming no major traffic jams and depending on your specific Paris location. 

Transit time (again, depending on where you are in the city) might be 30-45 minutes, but it can easily be longer if you get stuck in city traffic or on the Péripherique, the ring road around Paris.  Add in road congestion (an almost-constant condition on the Périph', and your fare and travel time can soar. 

Because Paris has such an extensive, fast, and affordable public transportation network, going to Versailles by Uber or taxi doesn't usually make sense for most people - but, of course, your circumstances may vary, especially if you're part of a group of several (or more) people.

In that case, compare prices, and do what suits you best.

You might also want to consider a private transfer service which provides pre-set fixed rates.

6.  Can You Bike to Versailles from Paris?

Yes!   And if you love biking, this may become one of your favorite memories of your trip.

The 15-mile (24 km) route to Versailles is easy and scenic, starting with a lovely stretch through the Bois de Boulogne in Paris's 16th arrondissement.  Once you reach the Palace of Versailles, you can enter the estate for free through one of the bike-friendly gates, and ride along picturesque paths through the woods and meadows. 

Unless you have your own bike, you can easily rent one for a day at a reasonable cost. 

Although you may be tempted to use one of the Vélib bikes available throughout Paris, don't; you need a sturdier road bike or maybe even an electric bike for this trip.  (Also, the rental cost for Velibs goes up the longer you keep it, so you'll end up paying more than you would for renting a good bike.) 

Three good rental services are Paris Bike Tour, Paris à Vélo , and Paris Bike Company.

You'll also need a route map, such as this one from bikemap.net which starts at Bois de Bologna:

You can find  detailed directions here.

The only areas of the Estate where bikes are not allowed are in the gardens and the Palace (and other buildings such as the Grand and Petit Trianons). 

If you want to visit those places, you should bring a sturdy bike lock, which you can probably get wherever you rent your bike; if not, go to the nearest Decathlon, the huge French sporting goods store which has multiple locations in Paris.

You'll also need a "Passport" entry ticket for the Palace, Gardens, and other ticketed areas.

If your goal is to explore Versailles Estate by bike (an excellent approach, considering its vast size), you may want to consider the Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen's Farm Entrance,  which provides transporation to the estate but an extensive bike tour (plus free time) after you get there.

Bon voyage, and have fun!

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Paris metro prices will almost double during 2024 Olympic Games

The prices for metro tickets will almost double from July to September 2024 to help cover the cost of expanding the transport network for the Paris Olympic Games. Millions of visitors are expected in the capital, which will run from July 26 to August 11.

Issued on: 29/11/2023 - 16:26

Metro tickets will almost double in price during the Paris Olympics next year to help cover the cost of running urban transport with millions more visitors in the capital during the Games, the regional transport authority said this week.

Single tickets will be sold for four euros ($4.37), compared to 2.10 euros now, and 10-ticket blocks for 32 euros, compared to 16.90 currently.

The head of the Paris region's transport authority, Valerie Pecresse, said in a video posted late on Monday on X, formerly Twitter, that annual and monthly travel passes for residents would not be affected by the steep price rises.

"It is out of the question that people living in the Paris region should pay for the extra cost" brought on by the Olympic Games and estimated at 200 million euros, Pecresse said.

Some 10 million visitors are expected during the Olympic and Paralympic Games starting next July, requiring more frequent transport services.

Tourists will, however, be able to buy a special flat-rate pass for 16 euros per day or 70 euros per week during the Games for travel around Paris and its region, including to the Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.

Pecresse advised Paris residents to stock up on metro tickets before July to avoid the surcharge.

She said the surcharge would be effective from July 20 to September 8.

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