The Paris métro becomes much easier once you understand the difference between métro lines, RER trains, directions and tickets. This TLC Paris guide gives a simple first overview before opening a transport app.
TLC PARIS METRO QUICK VIEW
Quick Metro & RER Line Guide
Line 1 — Yellow
Louvre, Palais Royal, Champs-Élysées, La Défense.
Louvre, Palais Royal, Champs-Élysées, La Défense.
Line 2 — Blue
Arc de Triomphe, Pigalle, Anvers, Nation.
Arc de Triomphe, Pigalle, Anvers, Nation.
Line 3 — Olive
Opéra, Saint-Lazare, République, eastern Paris.
Opéra, Saint-Lazare, République, eastern Paris.
Line 4 — Purple
Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Germain, Montparnasse.
Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Germain, Montparnasse.
Line 5 — Orange
Gare du Nord, République, Bastille, Place d’Italie.
Gare du Nord, République, Bastille, Place d’Italie.
Line 6 — Light Green
Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Montparnasse, Eiffel Tower views.
Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Montparnasse, Eiffel Tower views.
Line 7 — Pink
Opéra, Louvre-Rivoli, Châtelet, Latin Quarter edges.
Opéra, Louvre-Rivoli, Châtelet, Latin Quarter edges.
Line 8 — Lilac
Concorde, Madeleine, Invalides, Bastille.
Concorde, Madeleine, Invalides, Bastille.
Line 9 — Light Olive
Trocadéro, Champs-Élysées area, Grands Boulevards.
Trocadéro, Champs-Élysées area, Grands Boulevards.
Line 10 — Pale Yellow
Saint-Germain, Odéon, Javel, Left Bank route.
Saint-Germain, Odéon, Javel, Left Bank route.
Line 11 — Brown
Châtelet, Hôtel de Ville, République, Belleville.
Châtelet, Hôtel de Ville, République, Belleville.
Line 12 — Dark Green
Montmartre, Saint-Lazare, Concorde, Saint-Germain.
Montmartre, Saint-Lazare, Concorde, Saint-Germain.
Line 13 — Light Blue
Saint-Lazare, Champs-Élysées, Invalides, Montparnasse.
Saint-Lazare, Champs-Élysées, Invalides, Montparnasse.
Line 14 — Purple
Fast modern line, Saint-Lazare, Châtelet, Gare de Lyon, Orly connection.
Fast modern line, Saint-Lazare, Châtelet, Gare de Lyon, Orly connection.
RER A — Red
La Défense, Châtelet, Disneyland Paris, La Vallée Village.
La Défense, Châtelet, Disneyland Paris, La Vallée Village.
RER B — Blue
CDG Airport, Gare du Nord, Saint-Michel, Orly connections.
CDG Airport, Gare du Nord, Saint-Michel, Orly connections.
Métro vs RER
The métro mainly covers central Paris, while RER trains travel longer distances to airports, suburbs, Disneyland Paris and Versailles. RER stations can feel larger and more complex.
Line Numbers & Colours
Paris métro lines are numbered and shown in different colours. First check the line number, then check the final station to choose the correct direction.
End Stations
Directions are shown by the final station. If the app says “Line 1 direction La Défense,” follow signs for La Défense even if you leave before the final stop.
Transfers
Changing lines can involve long corridors, stairs and several signs. Leave extra time at large stations such as Châtelet–Les Halles, République, Montparnasse or Gare du Nord.
Ticket Basics
Central Paris journeys and airport journeys can require different tickets. Buy the correct fare before boarding and keep the ticket or phone pass until the end.
Useful Apps
Bonjour RATP, Île-de-France Mobilités and Google Maps can help with live routes. Use apps for exact timing, but understand line numbers and final stations before boarding.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes include taking the right line in the wrong direction, missing RER branch changes, buying the wrong ticket or leaving the ticket behind before exiting.
Stairs & Luggage
Many Paris métro stations have long stairways and limited elevator access. With heavy luggage, strollers or mobility concerns, taxis or direct transfers can sometimes be easier.
Line maps, routes, colours, schedules, ticket systems & prices may change over time. Always confirm final details before travelling.
Explore Paris métro basics, RER notes, official maps, ticket guidance & selected transport tips through the official links.