The Paris metro consists of 308 stations, sprinkled over 16 metro lines (1 – 14, 7bis, 3bis), making it one of the densest in the world, but do not worry it is fairly easy to use as long as you pay attention to a few important details.
There are a few golden rules to getting anywhere you want to go:
- The number metro line you need to be on.
- The direction you are headed; the final station is always listed as the direction in which the train is going.
- Validate your ticket and (if you are using paper tickets) keep your ticket until you exit the station
Your Ticket Options
Ticket-t
These single-use tickets are valid for one journey and can be used on the Metro, RER, Bus, and Tram within Paris and its immediate suburbs (do not try to use them to go to Versailles)!
While it is no longer possible to buy packs of 10 or 20 of these paper tickets at the station you can still buy individual tickets for your one-trip needs. This option works best for those only in Paris for a day or two or those who plan to walk their way through most of the city!
For those looking for a paperless experience, you can buy a Navigo easy card and top it up with individual tickets or even the 10 & 20-pack options.
Paris Visite travel pass
The Paris travel pass gives you unlimited travel in Paris and the Ile de France region and is valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. The different passes available cover Paris zones 1-3 which is valid for Paris only, and zones 1-5 which includes the Château de Versailles, Disneyland, and airport connections.
On-board bus ticket
A handy new feature for those with a local sim card, you can now text 93100 Bus + number” (the number of your bus route). Important: do not leave a space between Bus, and the line number.
For example: you would send Bus29 to 93100 if you are taking bus route 29.
The cost of the ticket gets charged to your phone bill and you can buy multiple tickets using the same phone just text 93100 as many times as the amount of tickets that you need!
Find out more information on Paris passes and ticket options.
Our own little tidbits for tackling the Paris metro
1. First and foremost, (and we cannot say this enough) validate & hold onto your ticket! Luckily, most stations in Paris don't let you through without validating, but if ever you make it to the train platform without passing a turnstile - you have skipped a step.
It can be tempting to throw your ticket away as soon as you enter but you must keep it on you. Staff members will often stop and check tickets and if you haven't got yours you can receive an on-the-spot fine of 60€ per person!
2. It is the unspoken rule of metro riding that you stand to the side of the door and let everybody off the train first before you board.
3. Always keep your personal belongings zipped up and in front of you, important items like wallets/phones should be in your bag or front pocket. This should be followed for your entire metro experience - not just on the train itself.
4. Transfer strategically - certain Parisian stations are best avoided when possible! Due to their sheer size, they can add at least another 15 minutes to your journey and are not fun to navigate with lots of luggage! Do yourself a favor and avoid changing at the following stations when possible: Montparnasse, Saint-Lazare, Opéra & Châtelet-Les Halles.
(Châtelet one of the largest metro stations in the world, even finding the correct exit at this station can be a 20-minute walk, our best advice would be to leave the station at the closest exit and find your way from above ground).
5. Know the final destination of your train. Knowing the final destination will have you speeding through transfers as you will know which direction you need to be going. The signs within the metro will tell you which terminus (final station) the train is going towards.
6. Some older train doors will not open automatically; you may need to lift a handle / push a button to exit.
7. If you are traveling outside of Paris, make sure that you have the correct ticket for your final destination.
8. To help ease congestion, some metro stations are exit only - don't panic! An entrance for that station will always be nearby.
9. Speaking of exits, look out for “Sortie”, some stations will have more than one exit and a map on the platform to tell you where each exit takes you.
Click here for a downloadable version of the metro map! Or plan your route!
