5 Things To Remember On The Métro

5 Things to remember when riding the metro, RER, etc.

How frustrating can it be when you get a fine for something you didn't even know about? When most visitors ride for the first time, they get the ticket that seems right to them and hopefully get to their destination. That's until - yeah. They're unable to exit the RER because the ticket they purchased wasn't valid. And later, they get the hefty fine for throwing their paper ticket away earlier. Anyways, here are 5 tips to not end up in a situation like that one.

1. Always keep your ticket with you until you exit the station.

Very simple. If a fare inspector comes, just show them your ticket and you're good. And why not keep your paper ticket as a souvenir? In a few years, reloadable plastic cards (Navigo Easy cards) will become mandatory as the single-use paper ticket will become obsolete.

2. T+ tickets (métro tickets) cannot be used on the RER when traveling out of Paris

I hear about this mistake all the time. Here's what happens: they enter a station in Paris (and the gate opens), but when they get to the exit (in the suburbs, usually the airport) the gate won't open for them. That's because they used a t+ ticket which cannot be used here. Remember, the t+ ticket can be used on the:

• Métro
• RER within Paris (fare zone 1)
• Bus
• Tramway

So, if you wanted to travel on the RER into the suburbs, you must use an origin-destination ticket (RER ticket). And no, please don't try to cheat - you know the gate won't open for you anyway at the exit.

3. When riding the bus, purchase your tickets ahead of time

Tickets sold on the bus cost 2,00 and do not allow any transfers, and unless it's very last minute, stop by a métro or RER station first and get 10 tickets for a cost of only 1,49 each.

4. Transfers

Remember - with a single-use ticket you cannot transfer between heavy rail (métro/RER) and the street level network (bus/tramway). If you have an unlimited pass, all transfers are available because the pass allows unlimited rides for one price.

5. It's always faster to take the métro or RER during the day

If you have an early flight in the morning, you can go ahead to take a taxi to same some time, but during the day, the traffic never stops especially in the touristy areas, so do yourself a favor and skip the taxi. Plus they're SO EXPENSIVE. And, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have been banned by the city - so no sneaking past that!