Master Paris public transport with this essential guide covering metro, RER, and buses. Learn ticket options, navigation tips, and money-saving passes to explore Paris like a local.
Paris is one of Europe's most walkable cities, yet when your feet need rest, the metro, RER, and buses become essential companions. With over 300 metro stations and trains reaching every corner of the city, public transport in Paris proves fast, affordable, and remarkably reliable. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything needed to navigate Paris like a local, from ticket options to underground wayfinding.
Understanding Paris Public Transport Networks
Three main systems form the backbone of Paris transportation, all operated by RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) or SNCF, creating a highly integrated network where tickets work seamlessly across services.
Metro (Métro): The underground rail system covers inner Paris with 16 lines numbered 1-14 plus extensions. Operating hours run from approximately 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM on weekdays, extending until about 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Average waiting time between trains stays around 2-4 minutes during regular hours. Look for the distinctive "M" sign marking station entrances.
RER (Réseau Express Régional): These suburban express trains connect central Paris to outlying areas, airports, and attractions. Five main lines (A, B, C, D, E) serve different destinations. Within central Paris zones 1-2, RER functions similarly to metro. Beyond these zones, distance-based pricing applies.
Bus and Tram: Surface transport provides scenic routes and serves neighborhoods lacking metro access. Buses display line numbers and route maps at stops. Night buses (Noctilien) operate after metro closing times.
Simplified Ticket System in Effect
Paris recently introduced a streamlined fare structure making transportation more straightforward for visitors. As of early this year, the system uses two main ticket types with flat-rate pricing across most zones.
Metro-Train-RER Ticket: A flat fare of €2.50 covers all metro lines, RER within Paris, and Transilien suburban trains throughout zones 1-5. This ticket remains valid for two hours from first validation, allowing transfers within the rail network. However, airport stations require separate tickets.
Bus-Tram Ticket: Priced at €2.00 for any bus or tram journey regardless of distance. When purchased directly from bus drivers, the fare increases to €2.50 to encourage advance ticket purchase. This ticket allows transfers between buses and trams for up to 90 minutes, though return journeys are not permitted.
Where to Buy Tickets and Passes
Multiple purchasing options accommodate different preferences and technology comfort levels. Ticket vending machines accept both coins and contactless cards, available at all metro and RER stations. RATP ticket windows staffed by employees offer assistance and answer questions.
The official RATP smartphone app provides digital ticketing, allowing ticket purchases and storage directly on mobile devices. Apple Wallet also supports Paris transport tickets for iPhone users.
Navigo Easy Card: This reloadable contactless card costs €2 initially and stores single tickets or multi-trip packages. The card can hold up to 20 Metro-Train-RER tickets or 20 Bus-Tram tickets simultaneously, though not both types together. This physical card option benefits travelers preferring not to use phones for ticket validation.
Important Note: Airport tickets and regular Metro-Train-RER tickets cannot coexist on the same device or card. Travelers needing both should obtain two separate Navigo Easy cards or use a combination of card and smartphone app.
Travel Pass Options for Visitors
Frequent travelers often save money with unlimited travel passes rather than single tickets. Several options cater to different visit lengths and travel patterns.
One-Day Navigo Pass: Priced at €12, this pass offers unlimited travel on metro, RER, bus, tram, and funicular within zones 1-5 for one calendar day. The pass remains valid from midnight to 11:59 PM, with extended validity until 5:59 AM on night buses. Purchasing five or more single tickets equals this pass cost, making it valuable for active sightseers. Airport stations are excluded.
Navigo Liberté+: This subscription-based pass charges per journey at reduced rates—€1.99 for rail trips and €1.60 for bus/tram rides. A daily cap of €12 applies excluding airport travel. Connections between rail and surface networks require payment only for the first trip. The subscription itself carries no cost, and the pass bills monthly based on usage.
Weekly Navigo Pass: Covering Monday through Sunday, this pass starts at approximately €32 for all zones. It provides unlimited travel including airport access if zones cover the relevant stations. This option suits longer stays.
Paris Visite Pass: Marketed specifically to tourists, this pass offers unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days starting around €13 per day. It includes airport connections and provides discounts at certain attractions, though major sites like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are excluded.
How to Use Your Ticket
Validation procedures differ slightly by transport mode. For metro and RER, insert paper tickets into turnstile slots or tap contactless cards/phones on designated readers. The gate opens when validation succeeds. Keep tickets throughout journeys—inspectors conduct random checks with fines exceeding €50 for ticketless riders.
On buses and trams, tap cards or phones on validators near entrances immediately upon boarding. Bus drivers can sell Bus-Tram tickets at premium prices, but have limited change available.
Metro and RER tickets expire when exiting station gates. Pay attention to "Correspondance" (connection) signs allowing transfers between lines without exiting the ticketed area. Some stations require ticket insertion to exit, so retain tickets until completely leaving the station.
Navigating the Metro System
Metro navigation becomes intuitive with practice. Each line has a number and color, with trains labeled by their final destination rather than direction. To ride from Louvre (Line 1) to Montmartre (Line 2), one would transfer at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station, following signs for "Direction Nation" initially, then "Direction Porte Dauphine" after transferring.
Station maps posted throughout platforms show the complete line network with transfer points clearly marked. Digital displays indicate next train arrivals and current delays. Most metro stations feature multiple exits—checking the "Sortie" (exit) signs helps determine which exit leads closest to your destination.
Metro accessibility varies significantly. Newer stations include elevators and escalators, while older stations may require stair climbing. Visitors with mobility concerns should research specific station accessibility beforehand or consider bus travel as a more accessible alternative.
Using RER for Longer Journeys
RER lines excel for reaching destinations beyond central Paris. Line B connects to Charles de Gaulle Airport (approximately 35 minutes from Gare du Nord), Line C serves Versailles (about 35-40 minutes from St-Michel), and Line A reaches Disneyland Paris (approximately 45 minutes from Châtelet).
The airport ticket costs €13 as a flat rate from any Île-de-France station to either major airport. RER trains to other suburban destinations require tickets corresponding to the zones traveled.
RER platforms can confuse first-time users because multiple destinations share the same line. Digital displays and platform signs clearly indicate each train's specific route. For Versailles, look for "RER C Direction Versailles Château Rive Gauche." For Disneyland, identify "RER A Direction Marne-la-Vallée Chessy."
Making the Most of Buses and Trams
Buses offer unique advantages—above-ground routes provide sightseeing opportunities while traveling. Certain lines pass major landmarks naturally. Line 42 travels near the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées. Line 69 connects major attractions across the city. Line 72 offers Seine riverbank views.
Bus stops display route maps showing all stops along that line. Real-time displays at major stops indicate next bus arrivals. Bus frequency varies from 5-20 minutes depending on line and time of day.
Trams primarily serve peripheral areas and newer neighborhoods. The three tram lines operating outside typical bus-tram fare zones (T11, T12, T13) currently require Metro-Train-RER tickets, though integration into the bus-tram network continues throughout the year.
Essential Tips for Smooth Travel
Safety and Security: Pickpocketing remains the primary concern on crowded trains and at tourist-heavy stations. Keep bags zipped and in front, avoid displaying expensive electronics unnecessarily, and remain aware of surroundings particularly during rush hours. Empty metro cars late at night warrant caution—sitting in moderately populated cars proves safer.
Peak Hours: Morning (8:00-9:30 AM) and evening (5:30-7:30 PM) rush hours bring intense crowding. When possible, schedule major journeys outside these windows for more comfortable travel.
Strike Days: Public transport strikes occur occasionally in France. The RATP website and app provide strike notices and service updates. During strikes, reduced service operates with longer wait times.
Navigation Apps: The official RATP app, Citymapper, and Google Maps all provide real-time route planning and service updates. These apps calculate fastest routes considering current conditions and show walking distances between connections.
Children: Kids under 4 ride free. Children ages 4-10 receive 50% discount on most ticket types. Families should consider whether multiple single tickets or day passes prove more economical.
Station Etiquette: Stand right on escalators to allow passing on the left. Allow exiting passengers off trains before boarding. Priority seating near doors is reserved for pregnant women, elderly passengers, and those with disabilities.
Sample Itinerary: First Day in Paris
Understanding how to combine transport modes efficiently enhances any Paris visit. Consider this sample route:
Morning: Start at your hotel, take metro to Trocadéro station (Line 6 or 9) for Eiffel Tower views. Walk across Pont d'Iéna to tour the tower. Afterward, catch metro Line 6 from Bir-Hakeim station toward Nation, transfer at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile to Line 1 toward Château de Vincennes, exit at Louvre-Rivoli.
Afternoon: Explore the Louvre, then walk along the Seine toward Notre-Dame. Take metro Line 4 from Cité station toward Porte de Clignancourt to reach Montmartre. Exit at Abbesses for the authentic neighborhood experience.
Evening: Descend from Montmartre using the funicular (included with metro tickets), catch metro from Anvers station back to your accommodation.
This sample day requires only a single One-Day Navigo Pass (€12) or multiple single tickets totaling more depending on your exact route.
Quick Reference Guide
Typical Costs:
- Single metro/RER ride: €2.50
- Single bus/tram ride: €2.00
- One-day unlimited pass: €12.00
- Airport connection: €13.00
- Weekly pass: Approximately €32
Operating Hours:
- Metro: 5:30 AM - 12:30 AM (extended weekends)
- RER: Similar to metro, varies by line
- Bus: Varies by route, night buses operate after midnight
Useful Phrases:
- "Un ticket, s'il vous plaît" (One ticket, please)
- "Est-ce que ce train va à...?" (Does this train go to...?)
- "Où est la sortie?" (Where is the exit?)
Conclusion
Paris public transport transforms from intimidating to indispensable once understood. The integrated system of metro, RER, and buses provides access to every corner of this magnificent city quickly and affordably. With the simplified ticket structure now in place, navigating Paris has become even more straightforward for international visitors.
The key lies in choosing the right ticket type for your journey pattern, understanding basic validation procedures, and staying aware of your surroundings for security. Armed with this knowledge, exploring Paris becomes limited only by your curiosity and energy, not by transportation logistics.
Whether racing to catch a train to Versailles, leisurely riding a bus past the Eiffel Tower, or diving underground to discover a hidden neighborhood, Paris's transport network awaits. The city truly opens up once you master these systems, revealing layers of culture and history accessible to those willing to venture beyond tourist centers.