Paris Metro Guide
Your complete guide to navigating the Paris Metro - maps, hours, tickets, passes and how to ride like a Parisian.
Metro Overview
The Paris MĂ©tro is one of the world's densest metro systems, operated by RATP. Opened in 1900, it features 16 lines (numbered 1-14, plus 3bis and 7bis) covering the 10Ă—10km central Paris area. Stations are on average just 500 meters apart. The Metro is entirely underground (mostly) with multiple entrances per station.
Metro Maps
Download official Paris Metro maps to help plan your journey. Maps are available in PDF format for offline use.
Operating Hours
Sunday - Thursday
Last trains depart terminal stations around 00:40.
Friday, Saturday & Holiday Eves
Extended service on Friday and Saturday nights, plus nights before holidays.
Train Frequency
Tickets & Passes
Paris offers a wide variety of tickets: single ride tickets, day passes, multi-day passes, weekly passes, and rechargeable cards. All new tickets are digital-only on Navigo Easy or phone.
Metro-Train-RER Ticket
€2.55Valid for Metro, RER and Transilien trains in zones 1-5. Unlimited transfers within 2 hours. Digital only.
Child (4-9): €1.30
Navigo Day Pass
€12.30Unlimited travel for one day on Metro, RER, Bus and Tram. Does not include airport stations.
Paris Visite Pass
€30.60+1-5 day unlimited travel including airports. Perfect for tourists who want everything covered.
Navigo Week Pass
€32.40Monday-Sunday unlimited travel. Best value if arriving Mon-Thu. Includes airports and Disneyland.
Navigo Month Pass
€90.80Full calendar month unlimited travel. Best for stays longer than one week. Includes all zones.
Not sure which ticket to buy?
Use our ticket planner to find the best option for your trip based on your travel dates and destinations.
Find my best ticketSmart Cards
You'll need one of these cards to load your tickets or passes:
How to Buy Tickets
Smartphone App
Stations
- Ticket counters at metro, RER, or Transilien stations
- Automatic ticket machines
RATP Approved Stores
Many tobacco shops and newsagents sell tickets. Find stores
Payment Methods
Ticket machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Euro coins (up to €30), and contactless payments. American Express is NOT accepted anywhere.
How to Ride the Metro
Enter the Station
Look for the Metro entrance with the iconic 'M' sign. Head to ticket machines or windows to buy tickets if you don't have one.
Pass Through Turnstiles
Tap your Navigo card or phone on the purple reader. For paper tickets (if you still have one), insert magnetic stripe down. Collect your ticket after it pops out - keep it until you exit!
Find Your Platform
Follow signs showing your line number and direction (terminus station name). Metro lines are color-coded and numbered. Platform displays show next train arrival time.
Board the Train
Most Metro doors require you to push a button or lift a lever to open (except automated Line 1 and 14). Let passengers exit first. Move to the center of the car during busy times.
Exit the Station
Follow blue 'Sortie' (Exit) signs. Choose your exit by street name or landmark. Most exits don't require ticket validation, but keep your ticket until you're out.
Transfers
The new Metro-Train-RER ticket allows 2 hours of transfers from first validation. Here's what you need to know:
Transfers Allowed
- Metro to Metro - unlimited line changes within the network
- Metro to RER - within zones 1-5 on the same ticket
- RER to RER - within zones 1-5 on the same ticket
Not Allowed
- Exit station, walk on street, enter different station (except marked 'correspondances par la voie publique')
- Metro/RER to Bus or Tram - need separate Bus-Tram ticket
- Return trips - can't use same ticket to go back the way you came
Essential Tips
Do
- Keep your ticket until you exit - inspectors check at any point
- Stand to the right on escalators, walk on the left
- Let passengers exit before boarding
- Download the Bonjour RATP app for real-time schedules
Avoid
- Rush hour travel (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:00-7:00 PM) if possible
- Keeping valuables in back pockets - pickpockets target tourists
- Blocking doors when the train is about to depart
- Using Metro tickets for airport stations (buy dedicated airport ticket)
Ticket Fines
Traveling without a valid ticket: €50 fine on the spot. Having a ticket but not validated: €35 fine. Inspectors check frequently - always keep your validated ticket with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same ticket for Metro and RER?
Yes! The new Metro-Train-RER ticket works on Metro, RER and Transilien trains in zones 1-5, with 2-hour transfers. The old t+ ticket (being phased out) only works in Zone 1.
What's the difference between Metro and RER?
Metro is a classic subway system - mostly underground, many stops, frequent service, covering central Paris. RER is a commuter rail system going much further - to airports, Disneyland, Versailles. RER is faster with fewer stops but has zone-based pricing.
What's the best ticket to buy?
If arriving Monday-Thursday: Navigo Week Pass is nearly always best value. Arriving Friday-Sunday: consider Navigo Day Pass or Paris Visite. For just a few rides: Metro-Train-RER tickets on Navigo Easy.
How do I know which direction to take?
Metro lines are labeled by their terminal stations. Signs show the direction (e.g., 'Direction: La DĂ©fense'). Check your route using the Bonjour RATP app or station maps posted on platforms.
Is the Paris Metro safe at night?
The Metro is generally safe, but stay alert late at night. Avoid empty cars, keep valuables secure, and stick to well-lit areas. Major stations have security presence.
Are Paris Metro stations wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, most Metro stations are not wheelchair accessible due to their age. Line 14 and some stations on Line 1 are fully accessible. For accessible travel, consider buses or the RER.