Overview
The Paris Metro (Métropolitain) is a rapid transit system serving Paris and the Île-de-France region. It is the second-busiest metro system in Europe and carries approximately 4.17 million passengers daily. The system is mostly underground, spans 245.6 kilometres, and includes 321 stations across 16 numbered lines (plus two branches, 3bis and 7bis), with four additional lines under construction. To ride the Metro end-to-end, you purchase a ticket at a station, validate it at the turnstile or gate, board your train, and exit at your destination station. All trains run the full length of their line, stopping at every station along the way. Lines are identified by number and colour on maps, with the direction of travel shown by the terminus (final stop) displayed on the train.
The network
The Paris Metro comprises 16 principal lines numbered 1 to 14, plus Lines 3bis and 7bis. Three lines (1, 4, and 14) are fully automated, with four others planned for automation. The network is complemented by several other public transport systems operated by the RATP (Régie autonome des transports parisiens):
- RER (Regional Express Network): Five lines serving central Paris and suburban areas with higher-capacity standard-gauge trains, totalling 602 km with 257 stations.
- Tramway lines: Fourteen lines spanning 186.6 km with 278 stations.
- Transilien suburban trains: Nine lines covering 1,299 km with 392 stations.
- Buses: Extensive network operated by RATP throughout Paris and surrounding areas.
- People movers: Three VAL automated lines at Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport.
The most famous interchange is Châtelet–Les Halles, which connects five Metro lines and three RER lines, making it one of the world's largest metro stations. The system is notable for its uniform Art Nouveau architecture and historical station entrances, though accessibility is limited in older sections as most infrastructure predates modern accessibility standards.
Tickets & fares
As of January 2025, Paris has simplified its public transport ticketing system with flat-rate, distance-independent fares:
- Metro/Train/RER single ticket: €2.50 (valid for up to 2 hours from first validation; €1.25 for reduced-fare holders including large families and disability card holders).
- Bus/Tram single ticket: €2.00 (valid for up to 1 hour 30 minutes from first validation; €1.00 reduced). Note: bus and tram tickets cannot be used for round trips or if you interrupt your journey with other activities.
- Paris Region–Airport ticket: €13 (new unified ticket valid for travel to or from Orly or Charles de Gaulle airports via metro, train, RER, or Orlyval from any Île-de-France location).
Day and multi-day passes:
- Navigo Jour: €12 for unlimited travel across all zones excluding airport transfers.
- Paris Visite pass: Covers unlimited travel across the entire Île-de-France region including airport transfers. Prices (approximate and subject to change): 1 day €29.90, 2 days €44.45, 3 days €62.30, 5 days €76.25. Children aged 4–10 receive 50% discount. Passes require your name written on the Navigo Easy pass if used.
- Navigo Liberté+: A free pay-as-you-go system with reduced per-journey rates: €1.99 per Metro/Train/RER trip (€0.99 reduced) and €1.60 per bus/tram trip (€0.80 reduced). Daily maximum charge is €12 (excluding airport transfers); additional trips are free once the daily cap is reached. Transfers between all services are included.
How to buy and load tickets: Tickets are sold at station ticket windows and automatic machines. Tickets can be loaded onto the Navigo Easy contactless card, smartphones (Android and iOS), or smartwatches. Each device can store up to 20 tickets of each type. Note that tram lines T11, T12, and T13 require Metro-Train-RER tickets until full integration later in 2025. Transfers between metro and bus require separate tickets unless you use the Navigo Liberté+ pass. Old magnetic paper tickets remain valid until 31 December 2025.
From the airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport (Roissy): The primary airport is served by RER Line B, which is the fastest and most economical option for most travellers. Trains stop at Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Port-Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, and Cité Universitaire. Express trains with fewer stops operate during off-peak hours. A single Paris Region–Airport ticket costs €13 (approximately €5.50 cheaper than the former full-fare ticket), and trains run every 10 minutes. Your ticket allows transfers to the Metro and other RER lines. If you arrive at night (after 00:30), use the Noctilien buses N140 or N143, which depart every 30 minutes.
Orly Airport: The secondary airport is most quickly accessed via Metro Line 14, the fastest and most economical option. A single Paris Region–Airport ticket costs €13, and trains run every 5 minutes, with transfers included to other RER and Metro lines. Alternatively, the Orlyval people mover connects the airport to Antony (6-minute journey, €13) for onward connections via RER Line B. Tram Line T7 runs to La Fraternelle (8 minutes, €2) for connections via RER Line C. For late arrivals (after 00:30), use Noctilien buses N22, N31, N131, or N144, which depart every 60 minutes.
Beauvais–Tillé Airport: Located 85 km northwest, this airport is used by low-cost carriers. A shuttle bus service connects to the Metro at Porte Maillot station, with buses departing 20 minutes after each flight arrival and several hours before each departure. Journey time is approximately one hour in normal traffic; the shuttle costs €16.90 online or €18 at the airport, with no reduced price for children over 2 years old. An alternative train service runs between Gare du Nord and Beauvais with connecting shuttle or taxi, but this is slower and more expensive.
Etiquette & customs
- Queuing: Queue orderly at ticket machines and station entry points, especially during rush hours.
- Escalators: Stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to walk or run past on the left.
- Priority seating: Seats marked for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and those with young children should be vacated. Offer your seat to those who need it more.
- Eating and drinking: Food is generally discouraged on the Metro, though drinking water is typically acceptable. Avoid eating smelly or sticky foods that may disturb other passengers.
- Quiet and noise: Keep conversation quiet and avoid loud music or phone calls. The Metro can be crowded and noisy during peak hours, but maintaining a respectful volume is expected.
- Doors: Stand clear of closing doors and do not attempt to force them open. The system is designed to protect passengers, so respect the automated or manual closing mechanisms.
- Peak-hour behaviour: During morning and evening rush hours (approximately 07:00–09:30 and 17:00–20:00), trains are extremely crowded. Expect tight conditions and move toward the centre of the carriage to make room for others boarding.
Official links
- RATP (official Paris transport operator)
- Île-de-France Public Transport Tariff Information (Service Public – English)
Survival terms
- Métro (meh-tro): Metro/subway
- Ticket (tee-kay): Ticket
- Ligne (lee-uh): Line
- Entrée (ahn-tray): Entrance
- Sortie (sor-tee): Exit
- Correspondance (kor-es-pon-dahns): Transfer
- Tarif simple (tar-eef seem-pluh): Single fare
- Abonnement journalier (ah-bon-mahn jour-nah-lee-ay): Day pass
Download the official RATP app or use Google Maps for real-time journey planning and arrival times, as this will help you navigate transfers and avoid delays during your visit to Paris.