Paris’s Metro map can look confusing at first, but it becomes much easier once you understand a few basic principles. With clear routes, frequent trains and simple connections, the system is one of the most efficient ways to move around the city. This guide explains how to get tickets or passes, make transfers and move through stations so you can use the Paris Metro confidently and treat it as an everyday convenience during your trip.

TL;DR

  • Paris Metro lines are numbered and color-coded; follow the line number plus the terminus name (end station) to choose direction.
  • Since 2025, single tickets are simplified: €2.50 for Metro-Train-RER trips and €2.00 for Bus-Tram, regardless of distance (airports extra).
  • Visitors can buy a €2 Navigo Easy card or use a virtual Navigo on their phone to load single tickets, day passes or weekly passes.
  • Transfers inside the metro/RER are free once you’ve tapped in; Bus-Tram tickets allow 90 minutes of transfers on surface lines.
  • Classic cardboard tickets are being phased out and are no longer widely sold; most riders now use Navigo cards or smartphones.
  • The metro has many stairs; Line 14 and RER/bus/tram offer much better accessibility for wheelchair users and travelers with heavy luggage.

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Understanding the Paris Metro in Simple Terms

Think of the Paris Metro as a web of numbered lines crisscrossing the city. Each metro line has a specific number and color on the map, and each line runs in two directions – the direction is indicated by the name of the last station at each end.

For example, Line 1 runs east-west across Paris, so you’ll see signs for “Line 1 – La Défense” in one direction and “Line 1 – Château de Vincennes” in the other, named after their terminus stations. The key is simply to know which line you need and which end station lies in the direction you’re heading. Everything else falls into place once you know those two things.

The metro is the backbone of Paris transit, but it’s not the only rail system in town. You’ll also encounter the RER, a set of express commuter trains labeled with letters (A, B, C, etc.) that run both through the city and out to the suburbs. The RER is like a faster, regional metro – for instance, RER Line B is what connects central Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The tram lines, meanwhile, are modern street-level trams mostly running around the edges of the city. The important thing to know is that all these modes (metro, RER, trams, and buses too) are integrated under Île-de-France Mobilités. That means once you have a valid ticket or pass, you can typically use it on any of these within the city.

In fact, as of December 2025, the fare system has been greatly simplified: a single “Metro–Train–RER” ticket costs €2.50 and covers any one-way trip on the metro or RER/trains in the Paris region (except trips to the airports), no matter the distance. Likewise, a “Bus–Tram” ticket for €2.00 covers rides on buses or trams with free transfers within 90 minutes.

In other words, you don’t have to calculate zones for metro trips – if you’re traveling within Paris or even out to a nearby suburb on the metro or RER, it’s one flat fare, and you won’t be tapping out at the end as there’s no distance-based charge in the city. Once these patterns click – numbered lines, end-station directions, and unified tickets – the whole system starts to feel predictable and easy to navigate.

Getting a Ticket or Pass Before Your First Ride

Before you take your first metro ride, you’ll need to sort out a ticket or transit pass. You can do this as soon as you arrive – for example, at the airport train station or the first metro station you encounter.

Paris has largely moved away from old-fashioned paper tickets; in fact, as of November 2025, the classic paper metro tickets are no longer sold at stations or on buses. Instead, you’ll be using a contactless card or your smartphone.

The most straightforward option for visitors is the Navigo Easy card, a reusable plastic smart card that you can buy from any metro or RER station ticket machine or booth for a one-time cost of €2. This card doesn’t need your photo or any paperwork – it’s anonymous and can simply be loaded with whatever fare products you need (much like London’s Oyster card).

At the ticket machine, you can select your language (French, English, Spanish, and others are available) and then choose to purchase a Navigo Easy. The machine will dispense the empty card, and you can immediately load it with rides. What to load onto it? For a short stay, you might start by loading a few single-trip tickets (called “Ticket t+” in the old terminology, now just digital single tickets).

Each single ride ticket on Navigo Easy will be either the €2.50 Metro/RER ticket or the €2.00 Bus/Tram ticket, depending on which mode you intend to use. If you’re mostly sticking to the metro and central RER routes, just load the Metro tickets.

You can put multiple tickets on the card at once – for example, add 10 rides – and they will sit on your Navigo Easy until you use them (the days of the cardboard “carnet” of 10 tickets are gone, but loading 10 digital rides is still possible, just without the old bulk discount). The machine will clearly indicate your options, and you can pay by credit/debit card (almost all machines accept cards, and larger stations also accept cash).

If you plan to use transit a lot in a day, consider loading a Day Pass (Navigo Jour) instead of single tickets – it costs €12 for unlimited travel that day on all metros, RER, buses, and trams within Paris (all zones except the airports). For longer stays, a weekly pass (Navigo Semaine) might be a great deal at €31.60 for a week of unlimited rides in all zones , including to the airports.

Just note that the weekly pass always runs Monday through Sunday (it’s tied to the calendar week, not 7 days from purchase). If your trip straddles a Sunday, you may need to decide whether a weekly pass is worth it or if you should use daily or single tickets for the partial week. There’s also a monthly pass and other options, but for most visitors the single, day, or weekly options suffice.

The machines and station staff can load any of these onto a Navigo Easy card. And if you prefer using your phone, you’re in luck: as of 2024, you can add a virtual Navigo card to an iPhone or Android phone and buy tickets or passes through the app, then simply tap your phone at the gates. It’s a very convenient option – no physical card needed if you set this up.

One thing you cannot do in Paris (at least not yet) is simply tap a contactless bank card or credit card at the turnstile for entry, the way you might in London or other cities. Paris’s system still requires a transit pass or ticket on a recognized medium. In other words, you need to have either a Navigo card (physical or on your phone) loaded with a valid fare, or a paper ticket in the rare case you have an old one.

You cannot just wave your Visa or Apple Pay at the gate to pay for a ride on the fly as of December 2025. There are limited pilot programs (for example, some airport buses allow contactless card payment on board ), but for the metro and most of the network, you should plan to use the Navigo system. So, before that first ride, get your Navigo Easy card or set up your phone, load it with the right type of tickets or pass, and you’ll be ready to go.

Entering the Station and Finding Your Line

With your card or ticket in hand (or loaded on your phone), it’s time for your first metro journey. Stations are marked by those iconic “Métro” signs – some are the classic Art Nouveau entrances and others simply a big “M” logo or a sign saying METRO at street level.

Head down the steps into the station. In most stations, you’ll immediately find a large wall map of the metro system and often a local neighborhood map as well. If you haven’t already, this is a good moment to double-check which line number you need and the name of the station at the end of the line in your direction.

For example, if you’re at the Louvre and heading to the Eiffel Tower, you might have decided to take Line 1 toward “La Défense.” Knowing “Line 1” and “La Défense direction” is your mental compass for the journey.

As you approach the turnstiles or gates, have your Navigo card or phone ready. To enter, simply tap the Navigo Easy card (or your device) on the yellow or purple circular sensor on the gate. The machine will beep, a green light will show, and the turnstile will unlock.

Go through, and hold on to your card (in the old days you’d also hold onto a paper ticket – nowadays there’s nothing to hold onto except keeping your card; just don’t lose it as you’ll need it for transfers or future rides). If you are using a paper ticket for some reason, you’d insert it into the slot and retrieve it, but again, paper tickets are now essentially phased out for tourists. The Navigo card method is tap-and-go, very quick and easy.

Once inside, follow the signs to your line. Every station has clear signage – usually white signs with a colored circle and number for each metro line. Look for your line number and, just as important, the direction. The sign will list the terminus station name to indicate direction (and often it lists a few major stops in parentheses).

For example, you might see “M7 Villejuif-Louis Aragon” on one arrow and “M7 La Courneuve – 8 Mai 1945” on another arrow, both pointing down different corridors – that’s Line 7 splitting in two directions. If you know you need to go south, toward Villejuif, you’d follow the arrow pointing to “Villejuif – Louis Aragon”.

Don’t worry if those end station names sound unfamiliar – the stations are also listed on the sign, so you can usually spot a station you recognize along the way to confirm you’re going the correct direction. The signage in the Paris Metro is very consistent: line number in a colored circle, plus the name of the last stop in that direction. Just keep following those signs through any corridors or stairways.

When you reach the correct platform, you’ll often see an electronic display indicating how many minutes until the next train (most lines have these now). On older lines it might just be a sign with a light that flashes when a train is approaching, but generally you’ll have a sense of timing.

Trains in Paris run frequently – usually every 2-4 minutes during peak hours and not much more than 5-7 minutes apart even off-peak, with perhaps up to 10 minutes between trains late at night or early Sunday morning. In other words, you rarely have to wait long.

As you stand on the platform, mind the yellow or white safety line on the ground and be aware that some stations have curved tracks or narrow platforms. You’ll notice other passengers naturally position themselves where the train doors will open (often indicated by worn areas on the platform or by platform screen doors on the automated lines like Line 1 and 14). Now you’re ready to ride.

Making Transfers Without Getting Lost

Sooner or later, you’ll need to transfer (make a correspondance, as the French say) from one line to another. This is where many first-timers get nervous, especially in the big hub stations where multiple lines intersect. The key to transferring is the same as entering: follow the signs and arrows, and give yourself a little patience.

When you step off your first train at a transfer station, pause and look for signs with “Correspondance” or just the line numbers. They will be pointing toward various exits or connecting lines. For instance, if you’re riding Line 1 and need to transfer to Line 8 at Concorde station, as soon as you step off Line 1 you’ll look for a sign with M8 (often with its color, which is purple, and direction terminus names) indicating which way to walk.

In large stations like Châtelet–Les Halles, Montparnasse–Bienvenüe, Gare de Lyon, or Saint-Lazare, transfers can involve a fairly long walk through tunnels and up and down escalators. These stations are so big because they connect a lot of lines (Châtelet–Les Halles, for example, connects five metro lines and three RER lines and is one of the largest underground stations in the world ).

It’s normal in these hubs to walk for several minutes following signs for your next line – don’t panic that you’re going the wrong way just because it’s a bit of a hike. Parisian commuters do this every day. The designers often had to link together stations that were originally separate, resulting in some labyrinthine passages. Montparnasse is famous for its long moving sidewalks; Châtelet has endless corridors. The trick is keep following the same line number/direction signs at each junction.

Every time you might doubt if you missed a turn, you’ll usually see another sign reassuring you that Line 8 (for example) is straight ahead or down a certain staircase. The signs are color-coded by line which helps a lot visually. If you do feel lost, you can always ask a fellow traveler or a station staff member (there are often uniformed agents in major stations). But most of the time, the arrows will lead you reliably; you may just need to trust that the corridor that seems to go on forever is indeed the right path.

Stay alert for moments where multiple lines’ directions diverge. Sometimes a single corridor serves several lines initially and then they split off – e.g. a sign might say “M8 and M9 this way” and later you’ll see where M8 goes left and M9 right. Just keep your line in mind. One practical tip: if the transfer involves a long walk, it’s okay to slow down and let crowds rush past you, especially if you’re new to the station. There’s no penalty for taking an extra minute to reach your next platform.

Your ticket or pass covers the transfer with no extra cost as long as you stay inside the secured area. And importantly, you don’t need to re-validate your Navigo card for a transfer within the metro – once you’ve entered through the first gate, you just switch trains.

If you transfer to a different mode, like from metro to a bus or vice versa, then you do tap again on boarding the bus, etc., but within the interconnected metro/RER system, you typically only tap at entry. So, take a breath, follow the signs, and you’ll get there. When you finally see the platform and the tracks of your next line, you’ll often feel a small sense of victory – even seasoned travelers do, especially at the tricky stations!

Leaving the Station and Orienting Yourself at Street Level

When you step off the train at your destination, your final task is to exit the station and find your way above ground. Follow the signs marked “Sortie” – that’s the French word for exit. Major stations will have multiple sorties, often numbered or labeled with the street name or a nearby landmark.

For example, you might see “Sortie 3 – Avenue de l’Opéra” or “Sortie – Rue de Rivoli” on the signs. These point toward different stairways leading to different corners of an intersection or sides of a large station complex. If you’re not in a rush, it’s worth taking a second to look at the station’s area map (usually posted on a stand or wall near the exits).

This map will show the streets around the station and often mark each exit number, so you can figure out which one is closest to where you actually want to go. Choosing the right exit can save you a block or two of walking on the surface. For instance, at a big station like Châtelet, exits are spread out over a wide area – one exit could pop you out by the Seine, another near the shopping mall of Les Halles. The maps usually make it clear which is which.

If the station is small or has only one exit, that part is easy – just follow any “Sortie” sign up the stairs. If there are escalators, by all means use them, but note that not every station has escalators to street level. Many require climbing a final set of stairs. As you ascend, be prepared for a quick re-adjustment: the sudden switch from the enclosed, subterranean world to the open city streets can be a little disorienting for a moment.

This is normal – you might need to get your bearings when you come out, especially if the exits led you somewhere you didn’t expect. Look for street signs on the buildings or check a map app if you’re unsure. Often, there will also be a city map or neighborhood map on a sign right outside the exit.

Give yourself a minute to match the map to the environment (“Ah, there’s the cafe on the corner, so my hotel should be one block this way”). Paris streets can be a bit winding, but usually once you walk a half-minute from the station, you’ll spot a familiar landmark or street name.

Don’t be shy about stepping aside for a moment to orient yourself – you’ll see plenty of other people, tourists and locals alike, pausing near a metro exit to check where they’re headed. And if you do emerge on the “wrong” side of a large boulevard, it’s okay.

In Paris, each metro exit is labeled, but they often don’t allow you to cross underground to a different exit without exiting and re-entering through the turnstiles. Rather than going back into the station, it’s usually faster just to cross the street outside.

Finally, take a quick glance back at the metro entrance you came out of – it’s a good habit to note which station exit you used, especially in a big station, so that if you need to get back on later or direct someone to meet you, you know exactly where that metro access point is. Now you’re on the streets of Paris, exactly where you intended to be (more or less), having successfully used the metro to get around!

Using the Metro with Luggage, Kids, or Mobility Needs

The Paris Metro is fantastic for quick travel, but it was built over a century ago and, truth be told, it’s not the most accessible system in the world for those with heavy luggage, strollers, or wheelchairs. If you’re navigating with any of these, here’s what to expect and some tips.

First, stairs, stairs, and more stairs – most metro stations were constructed long before accessibility standards, so they often have multiple flights of stairs. Elevators (lifts) are relatively rare. In fact, currently the only fully accessible metro line for wheelchair users is Line 14 (the newest line), which has elevators at all its stations.

A few other stations on various lines have elevators or ramps, usually because they interchange with accessible RER stations or were recently renovated, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. If you use a wheelchair, the metro itself is unfortunately largely off-limits except Line 14 and certain RER stations; the bus and tram networks are the go-to option since 100% of city buses and all tram lines are low-floor and accessible.

Buses in Paris kneel to the curb and have ramps, and major bus stops are being adapted for wheelchair access. Likewise, the RER trains have elevators to platforms in Paris (RER Lines A and B have elevators at all their city stations) , but gaps to the train may require assistance from staff with a ramp.

Now, if you’re not in a wheelchair but have a baby stroller or heavy suitcases, those same challenges apply in a milder form. You can definitely use the metro – Parisians do it with strollers and luggage – but you’ll need to lift and carry on stairs at times. Some stations have escalators, but usually those only go one direction (often up) or only cover some levels.

For example, you might go up one escalator only to face another set of steps later. So plan for a bit of lifting. If you have a travel companion, you can tag-team carrying luggage up stairs. If not, don’t hesitate to ask for help – while Paris has a reputation for people minding their own business, many locals will offer a hand when they see someone struggling with a baby buggy on the stairs. And station staff can also assist or at least advise on the easiest route if you ask.

When traveling with luggage from the airport, consider using the RER train or the dedicated airport buses if possible. The RER B from Charles de Gaulle Airport, for example, has space for luggage and you avoid multiple transfers. If you take the metro from a train station or airport bus drop-off, just be prepared: some older station entrances have revolving door gates or narrow turnstiles that are tricky with big suitcases.

Almost all stations now have at least one wide gate (usually marked with a wheelchair symbol or a suitcase symbol) – use that gate by waving your Navigo card, and it will swing open to let you through with bags. Inside the trains, try to tuck your luggage in a corner or area near the door out of people’s way.

There aren’t dedicated luggage racks (except on some airport trains), so it’s about finding a low-traffic spot. Stand with your luggage so it doesn’t roll or slide. It’s normal to see people with bags, especially on routes to airports or major stations, so you won’t be out of place.

For families with children, the metro can actually be quite convenient because it’s fast – kids often enjoy the ride (it’s like a horizontal elevator ride to them). But keep them close, as crowds can cause separation in a blink. Hold hands, especially when boarding or exiting crowded cars.

Strollers (pushchairs) should be collapsible if possible; on a very full train, you might need to fold it. Parisian parents often use lightweight, compact strollers for this reason.

Also, note that children under 4 travel free, and there are discounted fares for kids under 10 (but with the Navigo Easy phasing out paper tickets, you’d load a reduced-fare ticket on the card for them). If you have a toddler in a stroller, using a carrier (baby-wearing) can sometimes be easier for transit days given the stairs.

If you or someone with you has mobility challenges but can walk some, you might plan your trips to minimize staircases. This could mean choosing routes that use a transfer through an elevator-equipped RER station or involve a tram or bus for part of the journey.

For example, if you need to avoid stairs between two particular points, the RATP “Bonjour” app and the official journey planner allow you to select wheelchair-accessible routes – which by extension are routes with fewer obstacles for anyone with limited mobility. You might end up taking a slightly longer path, but it could spare you some tough stairways.

When in doubt, ask a station agent if there’s an elevator – a few big hubs like Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, and some others do have elevators hidden away for access to certain platforms, primarily for staff and disabled access. They may allow you to use them if needed.

Above all, if you’re using the metro with luggage or special needs, factor in extra time. Don’t rush. A 20-minute metro trip can turn into 30 with a toddler or suitcase simply due to moving carefully. And if you ever feel uncomfortable – say it’s late at night and you’re on a nearly empty platform with a stroller and lots of bags – remember that Paris has a robust night bus (Noctilien) network as well.

After the metro’s closing time (around 1 AM weekdays, 2 AM weekends ), the Noctilien buses run across the city, and those are all accessible and might be a more reassuring option if, for example, an elevator is out of service somewhere. But in general, thousands of visitors manage with luggage and kids on the metro daily.

It might be a bit of a workout, yet it’s usually the fastest way to get where you’re going. Just think of it as part of the adventure – and maybe skip the gym on a day you’ve hauled suitcases up Montmartre’s metro steps!

The Takeaway

The Paris Metro can feel intimidating at first, but most travelers find that it becomes familiar very quickly. After a bit of practice, the system starts to feel logical and predictable, and using it becomes part of the routine of being in Paris. Even locals occasionally make mistakes or choose the wrong corridor, so there is no need to feel pressured to get everything perfect on the first try.

Following a simple, step-by-step approach makes the experience much easier. Planning your route, choosing the right ticket or pass, reading the signs and observing how people move through the station all help build confidence. What initially looks complex often turns into a practical tool that saves time and simplifies your days.

With a little patience and the basics you have learned here, the Metro becomes a reliable way to reach almost any part of the city. Once you feel comfortable using it, Paris opens up in a much more convenient way. You can focus less on transport and more on enjoying the city, knowing you can move around smoothly and confidently.

FAQ

Q1. Do I need to tap out when leaving the Paris Metro?
No. In Paris you only validate your ticket or pass when entering. You do not tap out on the metro or buses. Exit gates simply open when you walk through from the inside. The only exception is certain RER or suburban trips outside Paris, where you tap out or insert your ticket when leaving.

Q2. Can I use the same ticket for the metro and the bus or tram?
Only if you have a pass. Navigo day and weekly passes cover metro, RER, bus, and tram, so you can transfer freely. Single tickets are mode specific: a €2.50 metro or RER ticket allows transfers only within metro or RER, and a €2.00 bus or tram ticket allows transfers only between buses and trams for 90 minutes. If you switch between metro and bus, you need a second ticket unless you use a pass.

Q3. What happens if I forget to validate my ticket or my Navigo card does not scan?
If your ticket or card is not validated, inspectors will treat you as riding without a valid fare and can fine you. Always tap your Navigo and wait for the green light or arrow. If a gate misreads your card and you tailgate through, find a staff member right away to fix it.

Q4. How late does the Paris Metro run, and is it safe at night?
The metro runs until about 1:15 a.m. on weeknights and about 2:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. It is generally safe, with lighting, cameras, and other passengers around. Use basic precautions: stay aware, keep valuables out of sight, and choose cars where other people are seated rather than completely empty ones.

Q5. What if I take the metro in the wrong direction or miss my stop?
It is easy to correct. Get off at the next station and follow signs to the platform for the opposite direction. You can backtrack without paying again as long as you stay inside the system and do not exit through the gates. If you overshoot your stop, simply ride back on the next train.

Q6. Are there any etiquette tips for riding the Paris Metro?
Yes. Let passengers get off before you board, move away from the doors, keep your voice low, and keep backpacks and bags in front of you when it is crowded. Offer your seat to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers. Avoid eating strong smelling food and take your trash with you. On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left when possible.

Q7. Do metro tickets or Navigo passes work for trips to Versailles or Disneyland?
Yes for passes, and now also for standard tickets. Navigo day and weekly passes cover all zones, which include Versailles and Disneyland Paris. Under the new flat fare system, a €2.50 metro or RER ticket on your Navigo Easy also covers trips to Versailles and Disneyland within Île de France. You must tap in at the start and tap out at the RER gates when you arrive.