308 stations, 16 lines, and a ticketing system that confuses most first-timers. Our complete Paris Metro guide covers everything from Navigo passes to CDG airport connections.
Last Updated: April 2026
The Paris Metro is one of the world’s most comprehensive urban rail networks — 16 lines, 308 stations, and a train every 2 minutes on busy lines. Once you understand the ticketing system and the quirks, it’s the fastest, cheapest way to move around Paris. This guide covers everything: buying tickets, navigating the RER, getting from the airports, and the traps that catch most first-time visitors.
Paris Metro quick facts (2026):
🚇 16 Metro lines + 5 RER lines
📍 308 Metro stations
⏱️ Trains run 5:30am–1:15am (Mon–Thu, Sun) / 5:30am–2:15am (Fri–Sat)
💶 Single ticket: €2.50 | Carnet of 10: €21.90 | Navigo week pass: €30.75
🏠 All zones 1–5 for weekly Navigo pass (flat rate)
Paris Metro Lines Overview
Paris has 16 Metro lines (M1–M14 + two Orlyval/automated lines). The most useful for tourists:
| Line | Colour | Key stops for tourists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Yellow | Champs-Élysées, Louvre, Châtelet, Bastille | Most tourist-used line; fully automated |
| Line 4 | Purple | Montparnasse, Saint-Michel, Châtelet, Gare du Nord | North-south spine of Paris |
| Line 6 | Green | Trocadéro, Bir-Hakeim (Eiffel Tower), Nation | Runs elevated — great Eiffel Tower views |
| Line 9 | Khaki | Opéra, République, Saint-Augustin | East-west across Right Bank |
| Line 12 | Dark green | Abbesses (Montmartre), Pigalle, Madeleine | Access to Montmartre village |
| Line 14 | Lilac | Saint-Lazare, Châtelet, Olympiades, CDG Airport (extended 2024) | Fully automated, fastest line; now reaches CDG |
Paris Metro Tickets: Everything You Need to Know
The t+ Ticket (Single Journey)
A single Metro, bus, or tram journey within zones 1–5 costs €2.50. One ticket covers any distance — Paris is divided into flat-rate zones for Metro travel, unlike London’s distance-based pricing. The t+ ticket is now contactless card format — paper magnetic tickets are being phased out by end of 2025. Tap your Navigo Easy card or use a mobile phone with NFC.
The Navigo Easy Card
The Navigo Easy card (€2 one-time card fee) is the replacement for paper carnet books. Load it with single tickets or day passes at any Metro station machine. Tap on entry and you’re done — no tapping on exit.
How to get one: Any Metro station ticket machine or staffed booth. Load it with 10 tickets (€21.90) on arrival for the best single-ticket rate.
Navigo Week Pass (Best Value for 3+ Days)
If you’re spending 3+ days in Paris, the Navigo weekly pass (Navigo Semaine) is almost always the best value. As of 2022 it covers all zones 1–5 for a flat €30.75 per week, meaning unlimited Metro, RER, buses and trams within the Paris region — including airport connections.
Key facts:
- Price: €30.75 (covers Mon–Sun, not any 7-day period)
- Requires a Navigo card with a photo (free to get; bring a passport photo or take one at a station photo booth)
- Covers zones 1–5: all of Paris Metro + RER to Versailles + RER B to CDG airport
- Buy at any staffed ticket booth at major stations
Best for: Anyone staying 3+ days who will take 2+ Metro journeys daily.
Navigo Day Pass (Navigo Jour)
A single-day unlimited pass for €8.65 (zones 1–5). Worth it if you’re making 4+ journeys in a day (e.g., airport arrival day plus sightseeing). Not worth it for lighter travel days.
Paris Visite Pass (Tourist Pass — Usually Not Worth It)
The Paris Visite tourist card is heavily marketed but usually offers worse value than the Navigo week pass. Compare carefully before buying — it’s zones 1–3 by default (extra for zones 1–5) and includes discounts at attractions that are often available elsewhere.
How to Navigate the Paris Metro
Reading the Maps
Each Metro line has a direction named after its terminal station. When you see signs saying “Direction Château de Vincennes” on Line 1, you’re heading east. “Direction La Défense” means west. The direction names are on every platform — always check you’re on the correct platform before boarding.
Changing Lines (Correspondance)
Follow the orange “Correspondance” signs at interchange stations. Major interchanges (Châtelet, Montparnasse, Nation, République) have long walks between platforms — up to 8–10 minutes to cross at Châtelet-Les Halles, one of the world’s busiest underground stations.
Exit Planning (Sortie)
Most large stations have multiple exits. The right exit saves 5–10 minutes of surface navigation. Check Google Maps before you travel for the specific exit number (e.g., “Sortie 4: Rue de Rivoli”). Some stations have specific exits named after streets or landmarks.
Accessibility Warning
Paris has one of Europe’s least accessible Metro systems. Only 9 of 308 stations are wheelchair accessible end-to-end. If you’re travelling with large luggage, a buggy, or have mobility limitations, plan for stairs. Line 14 is fully accessible. Use a carry-on backpack rather than a rolling suitcase → for Metro comfort.
Getting to/from Paris Airports by Metro
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) — RER B or Line 14
CDG is 35km northeast of Paris. Two public transport options:
| Option | Journey time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER B | 35–45 min to Châtelet | €11.80 (single) | Runs every 10–15 min; stops at Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Michel, Luxembourg |
| Metro Line 14 (extended 2024) | ~50 min to central Paris | €11.80 (zones 1–5) | New extension; fully automated; accessible; less crowded than RER B |
| Taxi (official) | 30–60 min (traffic) | €55–70 (fixed rate) | Right Bank €55, Left Bank €62; only use official taxis from designated ranks |
| Private transfer | 40–60 min door-to-door | From €45 | Book via GetTransfer for fixed prices → |
⚠️ RER B pickpocket warning: The RER B from CDG is a known pickpocket route. Keep bags in front of you and don’t leave luggage unattended.
Orly Airport (ORY) — Orlyval or Bus
| Option | Journey time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlyval + RER B | 35–40 min to Châtelet | €12.10 | Orlyval connects Orly to Antony (RER B); then RER B into central Paris |
| OrlyBus | 30 min to Denfert-Rochereau | €9.50 | Then Metro from Denfert-Rochereau |
| Taxi (official) | 20–40 min | €35 (Left Bank), €41 (Right Bank) | Fixed rates from Orly |
| Private transfer | 30–50 min door-to-door | From €35 | Book via GetTransfer → |
Paris Metro Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
- ✅ Download RATP app (official Paris transport app) — real-time disruptions, journey planning, maps offline
- ✅ Hold doors open by the lever, not your body — Paris Metro doors close on springs and will push back firmly
- ✅ Validate before you board — tap your Navigo/card at every gate entry even if the gate is open
- ✅ First class carriage — Line 1 and some other lines have a first class carriage (marked “1”). Check before standing there with a second-class ticket
- ✅ Avoid rush hour where possible — 8–9am and 5:30–7pm are crushingly busy on Lines 1, 4, 13
- ✅ Night buses (Noctilien) — Metro stops around 1:15am (2:15am Fri/Sat). Night buses run all night; use the RATP app to find routes
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Buying single tickets for a 3+ day trip — Navigo week pass is almost always cheaper
- ❌ Buying Paris Visite pass without comparing — often worse value than Navigo
- ❌ Forgetting that Navigo week runs Mon–Sun — arriving on a Wednesday means you only get 4 days; buy daily passes for arrival day instead
- ❌ Using Metro for airport run with heavy luggage — manageable but stairs are difficult; budget for a private transfer if you have large bags
- ❌ Relying on mobile data underground — Metro signal is intermittent; download maps offline before your trip
- ❌ Confusing Metro and RER — RER is a separate suburban express network that uses the same tickets within Zone 1 but requires separate tickets for outer zones
Paris Metro Safety
The Paris Metro is safe by global standards. Practical awareness points:
- The main risk is pickpocketing, particularly on busy tourist lines (Line 1, Line 4) and at major interchanges
- Keep bags zipped and in front of your body in crowded carriages
- Avoid displaying phones or valuables openly in busy carriages
- Some stations feel less comfortable late at night — Barbès-Rochechouart, Stalingrad, and far outer-zone stations. Use taxis or Uber after midnight if uncertain
- Emergency buttons are on every platform. RATP staff patrol all stations.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Paris (Alternative to Metro)
If Metro stairs are a problem, or you want a sightseeing experience while moving between attractions, the Paris hop-on hop-off bus circuits are a practical alternative. Routes cover major tourist sites with audio guides included.
Book hop-on hop-off Paris bus via Klook → | Via Tiqets →
Seine River Boats (Batobus)
A network of river boats stopping at 9 points along the Seine — Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Saint-Germain, Notre-Dame, Jardin des Plantes, Hôtel de Ville, Louvre, Palais Royal, and Champs-Élysées. Useful for scenic transport between riverside attractions and a pleasant alternative to Metro on a good weather day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Paris Metro cost?
A single t+ ticket costs €2.50. A book of 10 (loaded on a Navigo Easy card) costs €21.90. The best value for most tourists is the Navigo weekly pass at €30.75 for unlimited travel across all zones Mon–Sun.
Is the Paris Metro safe?
Yes — Paris Metro is safe with standard urban awareness. The primary risk is pickpocketing at tourist-heavy stations and on busy lines. Keep bags in front of you and avoid displaying valuables. Serious crime on the Metro is rare.
How do I get from CDG airport to central Paris?
The cheapest option is RER B (€11.80, 35–45 min). The newest option is Metro Line 14 (extended to CDG in 2024, fully accessible). For door-to-door comfort, a fixed-price taxi costs €55–70 to Right Bank Paris, or book a private transfer via GetTransfer →
Can I use the Metro to get to Versailles?
Not directly — Versailles is served by RER C (to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche station) and RER L train. RER C takes around 40 minutes from Paris and costs €7 return. If you have a Navigo weekly pass covering zones 1–5, the RER to Versailles is included.
Does the Navigo pass cover airport trains?
Yes — the Navigo weekly pass (zones 1–5) covers RER B to CDG airport and RER C to Versailles with no extra charge. It’s a major reason to buy the weekly pass if you arrive or depart by public transport.
What time does the last Metro run?
Last trains run around 1:15am Monday–Thursday and Sunday, and 2:15am Friday and Saturday. Night buses (Noctilien) cover major routes through the night for those staying out late.
More Paris transport & planning resources: