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RER Guide - About, Maps, & Fares

  The RER and Transilien networks are Paris’ suburban train systems. RER Line A is the busiest train line in all of Europe with a daily ridership of 1.2 millions riders on that line alone. The different RER lines travel straight across the center of Paris undeground making it convenient to travel inside Paris. 

What is the RER & Transilien (and what’s the difference)?

The RER is a mix of both rapid transit and regional rail. It operates quite frequently, but still slightly less frequently than a regular métro system and often uses double decker trains. The RER also travels across the center of Paris underground making several stops in the city. Transilien is more a true commuter rail system where trains terminate in a major railway station often with trains operating every hour.

How To Ride

  1. Get to a station: Look for the RER in a circle logo for an RER station, or the M in a circle for a métro station. A sign outside the station tells you the station name and what lines go there.
  2. Purchasing your ticket: If you don't already have an unlimited (and plan on getting a single-use ticket), you should get your ticket at the station you start at, even it the RER/Transilien doesn't stop there, because you get free transfers between the métro and RER/Transilien if you begin or end your trip within Paris. Select "buy tickets" then "Île-de-France ticket" on the screen, and enter in your start and end stations as the cost of your trip varies based on how far you go. If traveling to the airport, select "airport tickets".
  3. Pass through the gates: Insert your ticket into the slot or tap your card if using a travel pass. Retrieve your ticket from the other slot and pass through. Keep your ticket with you at all times as you will need it to exit and as a proof of payment.
  4. Follow signs to your platform: Look at the timetable located somewhere between the faregates and the stairs to the platform. The screen tells you where the next trains go, when they arrive, and on what platform they depart from. 
  5. Wait for your train: There are also screens on the train platform which are the same as the ones next to the faregates. Also check the line map on the platform to make sure that the train stops at your station. 
  6. Enjoy the ride: You will need to push the button to open the door. There are line maps (usually digital) that tell you at what stations the train stops at. 
  7. Exit the station: You will need to validate your ticket or card when you exit the station.

Fares

When traveling on the RER into the suburbs you use an Île-de-France ticket. The cost varies based on how far you go, so use the online trip planner to determine the cost of a journey. \

You can also use a travel pass as long as you have the necessary fare zones (If you were traveling from a zone 1 station to a zone 3 station, you would need zones 1-3 at least.) 

You can use Navigo day, weekly, monthly, youth weekend, and annual passes on the RER and Transilien. Mobilis tickets, Paris Visite tickets, Imagine R passes (for students), and solidarity passes can also be used.

Maps


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