The Paris Metro
The Paris Metro is traditionally the fastest way to get around the city. It is comprised of 16 lines and 245 stations that run from 5:30am until 1:15am during the week, and until 2:15am on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. This ultimate guide will provide you everything you need to know about the Paris Metro in order to navigate Paris in a comfortable and reliable manner.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or with an agent at kiosks in the station. Although physical tickets can be purchased and used on the Paris Metro, the government is looking to shift to a completely digital system. Many stations have already stopped accepting physical tickets all together, so we recommend to get them electronically.
There are two ways to get tickets electronically: by phone and by the navigo pass.
Tickets can be bought and used on your phone; however, we recommend avoiding this option. At the moment, it does not consistently work for any type of phone besides android. So to all the iPhone users of the world, we recommend to avoid using this method.
Instead, we advise that everyone get a NAVIGO card. This card can be purchased at machines with the Pink banner as shown below:
You can purchase tickets for your navigo pass at any of these machines throughout the different train stations of Paris; however, we recommend avoiding the larger stations like Chatalet, Gare du Nord, and Gard de Lyon as lines will be hectic. You will more likely save time just walking over to the next station than waiting in line. Furthermore, you will lower the risk of being pickpocketed.
Ticket Options
- Regarding tickets, the Paris Metro offers many different ticket options which are listed as followed:
- single ticket (t+ ticket) for Paris metro, bus, or RER = €2.10
- Package of 10 t+ tickets = €17.35
- Reduced-Fare tickets (children ages 4-10) = €8,65
- for children under the age of 4, they are able to ride for free (as long as they do not take up a spot)
- Day ticket for all zones = €20.10
- We recommend staying away from this one as it is highly volatile and cost inefficient. There are only a few specific cases in which a day ticket would be beneficial.
- Weekly tickets = €30
- Weekly tickets reset on the Friday of each week; therefore, if you plan on doing a week trip in Paris and arrive on Wednesday, buying a weekly pass would only last you until that Friday. We recommend staying away from the weekly pass unless it falls perfectly within your schedule.
- Monthly tickets = €86.40
- Good for those staying for long periods of a month or longer.
Each ticket package has its own unique purposes; however, the 10-ticket package is generally the most cost-efficient option for tourists.
Congratulations! You just made the first step in navigating the Metro. Now its time to board your fist train! Oh, you want to go to the Eiffel Tower, but you are unsure which line to take, or where to find your train? Don’t worry, we got you.
Navigating the Metro
There are two things that you absolutely must know before boarding your first train: first, which lines connect to your destination and second, where to find your train.
In order to discover the most-time efficient routes to your destination, we recommend downloading the Bonjour RATP app on your phone. It is completely free and provides in depth details on how to get from your exact location to anywhere in Paris. It includes a detailed map outline to your destination, which lines to take, and even which cart to board to avoid unnecessary traffic and long walking times.
The Paris Metro can seem overwhelming at first, but it is actually very user-friendly. There are signs posted throughout the Metro that will guide you exactly where you need to go.
Furthermore, if you are ever lost anywhere in the city with no data, do not panic! There are metro lines everywhere. If you walk around and look for a metro sign, you should find one within a few minutes.
We hope this article answered all of your questions and reduced your stress about using the Paris metro.
Happy Travelling!
Article written by My Private Paris
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