Paris Métro & RER Guide – Lines, Tickets, Navigo & Getting Around Paris

The Paris Métro is designed for frequent journeys across the city. Each line has a number, a colour and two principal directions.

• Follow the line number and colour shown on station signs.
• Choose your platform using the final station, or terminus, displayed for that direction.
• Look for Correspondance signs when changing lines.
• Follow Sortie signs to find the correct exit.

Large stations may have several exits, so checking the exit number can save time when meeting someone or visiting a nearby attraction.

The RER is a regional express network serving Paris and destinations beyond the city. Its lines are identified by letters A, B, C, D and E.

• RER A: Connections through central Paris towards destinations including Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy.
• RER B: Connections including Gare du Nord and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
• RER C: Regional connections including Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
• RER D and E: Additional connections across the regional rail network.

Important: some RER lines divide into branches. Check the train's destination and stopping pattern before boarding.

Paris transport tickets vary depending on the type of journey. Make sure you have the correct ticket before entering the Métro or RER network.

• Metro-Train-RER: For eligible Métro and regional rail journeys. Special airport ticketing conditions may apply.
• Bus-Tram: A separate ticket category for eligible bus and tram journeys.
• Mobile ticketing: The Île-de-France Mobilités app allows travellers with compatible smartphones to purchase and use transport tickets without a physical travel card.
• Navigo Easy: A rechargeable physical card for compatible tickets. No photograph is required.
• Navigo Découverte: A personalised travel card that requires a photograph and correctly completed identification details. An incomplete or incorrectly personalised card may result in a fine during inspection.

Always validate your ticket
Validate your ticket or pass when entering the network and whenever required during your journey. Keep it available until you have completed your journey and passed any exit controls.

Ticket inspections & fines
Ticket inspections take place throughout the Paris transport network. Travelling without a valid ticket, using the wrong ticket or failing to comply with validation requirements can result in a fine.

TLC Paris tip: For visitors with a compatible smartphone, mobile ticketing is often the simplest option. It avoids purchasing and personalising a physical travel card. If you choose Navigo Découverte, make sure the required photograph and identification details are correctly completed before travelling.

Ticket prices, conditions and accepted payment methods may change. Always consult official transport information before travelling.

Several Paris stations are major interchange points where multiple Métro, RER or national rail services connect.

• Châtelet–Les Halles: One of the city's busiest transport interchanges.
• Gare du Nord: International and national trains alongside Métro and RER connections.
• Gare de Lyon: Major railway station with Métro and RER connections.
• Saint-Lazare: Important station for suburban rail and Métro connections.
• Montparnasse: Major railway terminal with connections to several Métro lines.

Allow extra time for transfers at large stations, particularly when travelling with luggage.

Official transport apps can help you compare routes, check service disruptions and find suitable connections.

• Bonjour RATP: Route planning and transport information for Paris.
• Île-de-France Mobilités: Regional transport information, ticketing and travel passes.
• Station information: Check line changes, closures and accessibility before travelling.

When choosing between two routes, consider the number of transfers as well as the estimated journey time.

Paris has a historic transport network, and accessibility varies considerably between stations and lines.

• Some Métro stations have several flights of stairs.
• Long interchanges can be inconvenient with large suitcases.
• Check lift availability before relying on an accessible route.
• Keep bags secure and valuables close in crowded stations.
• Check the last available service when travelling late in the evening.

For travellers with reduced mobility, an accessible bus, tram or alternative transfer may sometimes be more practical.

Use official maps and journey planners to check current routes, station access and service information before travelling.

Official transport resources

• RATP – Paris Transport
• Île-de-France Mobilités

Paris Métro Map

The map shows the Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station area. For the complete Métro and RER network, consult the official transport maps.