How To Use the Paris Metro System

After many trips to Paris, we believe the best method of transportation across Paris is our own two feet.  However, for times when we need to travel distances that are farther afield that one can reasonably walk, we always turn to the Paris Metro. The Paris Metro system is an underground train network that 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 we thought we’d share some advice to help our guests navigate the system with ease.

For many visitors, the idea of using public transportation is overwhelming - especially when it’s in a foreign language. We hope this guide will give you all the basic information needed on what the Paris Metro is, how it works, which Paris Metro pass to purchase, and where to buy metro tickets. We will also share some tips to help our guests navigate one of Europe’s most efficient public transit systems with confidence and efficiently.

What Is the Metro in Paris?

One of the oldest subway systems in the world, Paris opened its first Métropolitain (or simply “Métro”) line in 1900, just in time for the World’s Fair.  Today, the Metro enjoys 16 interconnected lines (each with a specific number) that transports over 4 million passengers per day.  This amazing public transportation system resides under the city’s streets and extends out to the city’s nearby suburban areas. The Paris Metro consists of over 300 metro stations, meaning a station is almost always close to one’s destination, making the system a great choice for getting you as close as possible to your destination. One of the first Metro facts one needs to understand to use the system efficiently is the RATP (Paris’ name for its public transportation system) includes, obviously, the Metro (underground subway) but also includes city buses, and the RER regional trains system.

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).  The Paris Metro subway operates exclusively in zones 1-3, with the overwhelming majority of stations in zone 1.

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

Zones 4
Zone 4 is the location of the very popular Chateau Versailles and Orly Airport. The Paris Metro underground does not reach these destinations. To get to Versailles, one must take the RER C train to Versailles-Rive Gauche.  To travel to (or from) Orly Airport, one must take the RER B train to Antony and then the OrlyVal train (the airport’s free automatic train).

Zone 5
Zone 5 is the location of the all-important Charles de Gaulle Airport and Disneyland Paris. To get to CDG Airport, one must take the RER B train to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 (for flights arriving or departing from Terminals 1 & 3) or Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 (for all travel needs involving Terminal 2).

For travel to Disneyland Paris, one must take the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée — Chessy.

Where To Buy Metro Tickets In Paris

You can purchase Metro tickets and passes on your phone from user-friendly Bonjour RATP app or the IDF Mobilites App, then use your phone to scan in and out at the metro turnstiles. These apps also provide directions and routes from point-to-point so you can easily find your way around the city using public transit. These apps also display up-to-date service delays/disruptions and line closures.

Bonjour RATP:

IDF Mobilites:

Paper tickets and passes, along with the reloadable Navigo Pass are available 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)

Paris Metro Tips

Hold onto your paper ticket
One must have possession of his or her paper ticket until finished with all legs of the ride and have exited the Metro station.  Police regularly check passengers’ fares, so be sure to always have your proof of payment at the ready.  Failure to do so may well result in a significant fine. Many first-time visitors fall victim to this little-known rule.

Reduced Children Fares
Children under 4 ride free and children aged 4-10 ride at a 50% discount. However, when travelling with children, each child must possess his or her own ticket or pass.

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

Keep Watch on Your Possessions
As in most major metropolitan cities, one must use caution and exercise good judgement at all times when on the Metro.  Keep personal belongings zipped up and in the front of one’s body.  Travelers should keep important items such as wallets and phones in a zipped bag or, at the very least, in his or her front pocket.

Visit the iconic Art Nouveau Metro Entrances
Visiting one of the iconic and historic Art Nouveau Metro entrances is a wonderful treat.  At the turn of the century, the city hired French architect Hector Guimard to design these aesthetically pleasing entrances to the city’s brand-new Metro system.  Today, 86 remain. Some favorites include: Palais-Royal–Musée-du-Louvre, Cité, and Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame. – all of which are an easy walk from the studio.

You Might Need to Open the Door Yourself
Often, one will need to manually open the carriage door to enter and exit.  About half of the current carriages in use have doors that open automatically.  Simply watch how others do it and emulate the process.  It’s quite simple but one must be aware that it’s a “thing.”

We hope you find this information helpful during your stay at YOUR PERFECT PARIS VACATION STUDIO RENTAL.