Paris RER Guide
The Paris RER trains are 5 express train lines connecting Paris city centre to surrounding suburbs, airports, Disneyland Paris and Versailles.
RER Overview
The Paris RER trains are 5 express train lines connecting Paris city centre to surrounding suburbs. In Paris, the RER acts as an express underground train. Beyond Paris city centre, the RER is a ground level commuter train connecting outlying suburbs and popular destinations such as CDG Airport (RER B), Disneyland Paris (RER A) and Versailles (RER C) to the heart of Paris.
RER Maps
Download official Paris RER maps to help plan your journey. Maps are available in PDF format for offline use.
The 5 RER Lines
RER A - East-West Line
Zones 1-5 (La DĂ©fense to Disneyland)
RER B - Airport Line
Zones 1-5 (CDG & Orly Airports)
RER C - Left Bank & Versailles
Zones 1-5 (Versailles, Eiffel Tower)
RER D - North-South Line
Zones 1-5 (Stade de France)
RER E - East Line
Zones 1-5 (Haussmann to East)
Operating Hours
Paris RER trains operate as a scheduled service, unlike the Paris Metro which runs on frequency. Here are first and last train times for popular routes:
CDG Airport → Paris (Gare du Nord)
Paris (Gare du Nord) → CDG Airport
Paris (Châtelet) → Disneyland
Disneyland → Paris (Châtelet)
Tickets & Passes
As of January 2025, the new Ticket Metro-Train-RER covers all RER and Metro travel within Paris' 5 fare zones. Airports require a special ticket.
Ticket Metro-Train-RER
€2.55Covers all RER and Metro within zones 1-5 (except airports). Includes 2-hour transfers.
Child 4-9: €1.30
Paris Airport Train Ticket
€14.00Required for CDG Airport or Orly Airport travel on RER.
Navigo Day Pass
€12.30Unlimited daily travel on all transport in zones 1-5 (excluding airports).
Paris Visite Pass
€30.60+Tourist pass for 1-5 days. Includes all zones and airport access.
Navigo Week Pass
€32.40Unlimited Mon-Sun travel. Includes CDG, Orly, Disneyland, Versailles.
Navigo Month Pass
€90.80Unlimited monthly travel on all transport in all zones.
Not sure which ticket to get?
Answer a few questions and we'll recommend the best ticket option for your Paris trip.
Use Ticket PlannerSmart Cards
All RER tickets and passes require a reloadable smart card or smartphone app to use.
Where 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
RER ticket machines accept credit/debit cards (chip & contactless). Some machines also accept coins. Cash notes are rarely accepted.
How to Ride the RER
Enter the Station
Tap your Navigo card on the purple reader or insert your paper ticket. Wait for the green light and retrieve your ticket before passing through the turnstile.
Find Your Platform
Follow signs for your RER line. Check the overhead display panel on the platform - lit squares show which stations the next train will stop at.
Open the Doors
RER doors do NOT open automatically. Press the button or lift the handle near the door to open it. Don't wait for it to open on its own!
Ride & Monitor Stops
Watch the line map above the doors or listen for station announcements. Some RER trains skip stations, so verify your stop is lit on the platform panel.
Exit the Station
Keep your ticket until you exit! RER stations require ticket validation to leave. Insert your ticket or tap your card at the exit turnstile.
Transfers & Connections
The Ticket Metro-Train-RER allows free transfers within 2 hours of first validation. Here's what you need to know:
Transfers Allowed
- RER to RER (any line)
- RER to Metro (any line)
- Metro to RER (within zones)
Not Allowed
- Exiting and re-entering stations
- Bus/Tram connections (separate ticket)
- Airport routes (special ticket required)
Essential Tips
Do This
- Keep your ticket until you exit - you need it to leave RER stations
- Check the station panel for your stop before boarding
- Stand clear of doors and let passengers exit first
- Use folding seats only when the train isn't crowded
Avoid This
- Don't assume doors open automatically - press the button
- Don't stand at platform ends when 'Train Court' is lit
- Don't eat or drink on trains (fine up to €68)
- Don't block doors or aisles during rush hour
Ticket Fines
Random ticket inspectors check for valid tickets. Fine is €50 on the spot (€35 if paid within 3 days). Always keep your ticket until you've completely exited the station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the RER open?
The RER opens between 5:20-5:30AM in central Paris. First trains from CDG Airport start at 4:50AM, and from Gare du Nord at 4:53AM.
How often does the RER run?
The RER runs every 6-15 minutes between trains during rush hour and off-hours, depending on the line and time of day.
What is the first RER B train?
The first RER B is 4:50AM from CDG Terminal 2 to Paris. The first RER B from Paris Gare du Nord to CDG is 4:53AM.
Can I buy RER tickets at Metro stations?
Yes, you can buy RER tickets at any Metro station ticket office. However, only some newer ticket vending machines can sell/distribute the Navigo Easy card required for the new Ticket Metro-Train-RER.
How do I know which RER train to take?
RER lines have multiple branches. Check the destination displayed on the train and overhead platform screens. The 4-6 character code (like NELY or KNUT92) indicates the train's route and which stations it will stop at.