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Métro Guide - About, Maps, & Fares

 The métro can get you around Paris and its nearby suburbs rapildy. With over 300 stations on only 220 km of track, it is one of the densest métro systems in the world. On this page I talk about operating hours, fares, and other useful information

Hours of Operation

The métro operates from 5 AM to 1 AM. Between 12:30 AM and 5 AM, the Noctilien night bus service provides alternate transportation options.

How to ride

Most of the métro is pretty straightforward and easy to understand, but I explain in depth down here.
  1. Find a station: Look for the red métro sign, the métropolitain sign, or the M in a circle directly outside the entrance of a métro station. A sign at the entrance indicates the name of the station and what lines go there.
  2. Purchasing your fare: If you don't already have a fare, you will need to get one. All machines have fare vending machines where you can reload your card or buy tickets. Additionally, there is also an information booth where you can buy a new Navigo card.
  3. Pass through the gates: Before going through the faregates, make sure to look at the sign to make sure that you are using the right faregates. In most stations you can switch platforms after going through the gates but in some rare cases you can't, so always double-check. To enter, tap your card on the purple (or light blue) reader or insert your ticket in the slot. If using a ticket, remember to retrieve it before passing through the gate. Always keep your ticket/card with you as proof of payment.
  4. Follow signs to your platform: You will need to know which line you are taking and in what direction. The direction of a train is referred to by the last station on the line. Countdown clocks on the platform tell you the wait time for the next train.
  5. Enjoy the ride: Line maps above the doors let you know where the train goes and sometimes each station has a light which tells you what the next station is. In some cases, you must turn the handle or push the button to open the door. 
  6. Finish your trip: When you exit the train follow the signs:
    • If you are at your destination, look for the blue "sortie" signs. Most stations have more than one exit, and all the exit are numbered. You do not need your ticket/card to exit.
    • If you are transferring, follow the signs to your line. When transferring to/from the RER you will have to go through faregates, make sure that you use the same ticket/card you use at the beginning of your trip.

Fares

A regular t+ ticket is good for one trip on the métro and and also allows you to make free transfers to the RER/Transilien within Paris. Transfers to/from the bus/tram are not possible with the same ticket. Travel passes with zone 1 can also be used on the métro. 
As explained above you can reload your card or buy tickets in métro, RER, and tramway stations. To purchase a new Navigo card, go to the information booth in any métro/RER station in Paris.

Maps

  • The métro map shows métro, RER, Transilien, and tramway lines within Paris.
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