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Best Ways to Get Around Paris: Metro, Public Transport & Best Apps

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: April 29, 2024

There’s a lot to organize when you plan a trip to Paris: what to see, where to stay and what to pack. One detail that you may not think about until you touch down in the French capital is how you’ll get from Point A to Point B.

Paris has great public transportation, but you might feel uncomfortable using it if you’re only used to driving your car on a daily basis.

We’ve laid out all your transport options for you so you can choose what’s right for you and feel confident getting around in the City of Lights.

Last Updated: August 3 2020

Tips & Structured Options

Looking for a place to rest your head in the city of lights? Check out our guide to picking a place to stay in Paris !

Wandering around Paris aimlessly sounds romantic but not for four days.  Check out our best Paris tours and allow a local expert to show you around the charming city.

In this article we will go over:

Getting from the Airports to Paris

Paris metropolitan system, paris bus system, biking in paris.

• Paris by Food
• Taxis & Uber in Paris

There are tons of transportation options from the three Parisian airports to the center of Paris or Gare du Nord.  Check out our full article on how to get from the airports to Paris .

Paris’s metro system is incredibly well-connected and convenient. With 16 metro lines and over 300 stations, you can cover a lot of ground in Paris using the metro.

The city’s first metro line opened in 1900, so they’ve had quite a few years to perfect the transport system.

A single metro ticket costs 1.90€. You can save money if you purchase a carnet of 10 tickets for €14.90. You can also purchase Paris metro passes for 2 or 3-day durations (called Paris Visite), or even for 1 week or 1 month (a Navigo pass).

Whether you purchase a batch of single tickets or a 2 or 3-day pass depends on how much you actually think you’ll use the metro.

Where to Buy Metro Tickets

The easiest place to purchase metro tickets is inside a metro station. Most stations have automated machines you can use (an English language option is available) and some stations also have a help desk with metro attendants who you can purchase tickets from.

Make sure to keep your metro ticket with you at all times until you’ve exited the metro entirely. There are occasionally checkpoints in stations or on trains, as many people jump the barriers, and if you do not have your ticket on you, you could be fined.

• Normally fast
• Average 2-3 minutes between trains
• Great directions inside each station
• Not super clean, but not terrible
• Pickpocketing is common.

Best Mobile App

Free – RATP (official)

Paid – Paris Metro Map

The city’s bus system is also convenient, with dozens of lines connecting across the city. When you take the bus, m ake sure you push the red buttons when you see that your stop is coming up next.

If no one pushes the button, the bus driver may not stop. When you hit one of the red buttons, you will see the words Arret Demande light up in red above the space where the driver sits.

Likewise, if you are at a stop waiting for a bus, make sure you give a sign to the bus driver that you would like him or her to stop when you see the bus approaching, much like hailing a taxi.

The tickets you use on Paris’ buses are actually the same on the metro. You can purchase the tickets from metro stations or directly from the bus driver for a slightly more expensive 2.00€.

If you want to purchase tickets from the bus driver, you need to have cash. If you’re only planning on purchasing one ticket, realize that the driver most likely will not have change if you hand him a 20€ bill, so it’s best to have some coins or small bills on you, and these tickets can only be used on the bus.

• Great views from the window
• Buses are clean and come frequently

If the weather is nice and you feel like getting a little exercise in, try out Paris’s bike-sharing program, Vélib .

When you return a bike to one of the stations, make sure you have correctly locked the bike back into position.

To do this, you can pull on the bike as if you were trying to remove it from the station (and make sure it can not be removed). If the bike is not placed correctly into the hold, you can get charged for extra time.

You can purchase a one-day “V-Découverte” pass or a seven-day “V-Séjour” pass. The card can be used to borrow up to five bikes at one time, which means you’ll need only one pass for a family or small group.

The first 30 minutes with a mechanical bike are actually free, and the first 30 minutes with an electrical bike only come with a small fee.

Bike sharing can be cheap

Motorcyclists and drivers can be very aggressive. 

Paris by Foot

Paris is a very walkable city, and it’s often just as fast to walk somewhere as it can be to take the metro or bus.

Before heading anywhere, we suggest looking up how long your walk should be and compare it with the estimated public transportation times.

Free, unless you stop for a croissant along the way.

Great way to get acquainted with the city

• Great exercise and free!

Paris is large.  Walking is not always a reasonable option.

Taxi and Uber

Taxis and Ubers are used frequently in Paris, and are normally a quick and easy option.

The initial cost of a taxi ride is normally about 2.60€ – this is the amount the meter will start at.

For more exact figures, you can check online or with an app from one of Paris’s main taxi companies, like G7 . Using the Uber app, you can see the estimated cost of your total ride.

Most direct option from Point A to Point B

• No need to worry about language barrier

Most costly option

I Want More Paris!

• Not sure what to do in Paris? Check out our step-by-step guide about how to do  Paris in a Day . If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our  Paris tours .
• Parlez-Vous Francais ? Learn some of the most  important French phrases  before your trip to Paris.
• Follow our European adventures on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  YouTube . Then, comment and tell us what you want us to cover next.

About Brandon Shaw

Brandon is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He left the States to travel the world at 18 and never looked back! As an official Tour Guide of Rome and Certified Sommelier, he loves to travel the world and share these experiences with his readers.

Reader Interactions

Comment (1).

July 13, 2019

When we do citybreaks we tend to do a LOT of walking and don’t use public transport all that much. So for us, Paris’ Metro Carnet (book of 10 tickets) is perfect. Two great things about them:

1: They don’t expire so any leftover tickets can be kept & used for the next time you visit Paris. 2: They’re 10 individual tickets so you can hand tickets to friends who’re travelling with you and you both benefit from the cheaper price per ticket.

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Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Learn to Use the Paris Metro, Bus, RER & Tramway System With Zero Stress

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Paris boasts one of the world's safest and most efficient public transportation systems. While the metro subway system is extensive, it's generally safe and easy to use once you familiarize yourself with it a bit. Trains usually arrive on time; buses are well-appointed and spacious, and commuter express (RER) trains service the city's most important stops in record time. What's not to love?

There are admittedly a few things that travelers can find confusing or downright unnerving about the French capital's transportation system. For one thing, trains and buses are more often than not overcrowded — and Paris' status as one of the world's most-visited cities doesn't help matters. For another, many metro lines lack air-conditioning — positive from an ecological standpoint, but watch out for those summer steambaths (and grouchy travelers). Public transportation here is also notoriously lacking with accessibility to disabled visitors. Gym rats may rejoice at the endless tunnels and stairs that snake through the Paris underground, but after a day visiting the city, the lack of elevators or escalators in some stations can be a real headache. Parents with young children or strollers may find this point particularly frustrating.

The good news? The Paris city government takes public transport very seriously, and every year a big chunk of the budget is reserved for improving traffic and passenger conditions in Paris trains, buses, and tramways. In the coming years, you can expect Paris public transportation to become more efficient, accessible and comfortable. Lots of new stations are also being added, making it easier than ever to get around.

Keep reading to learn how to navigate Paris public transport like a pro, including advice on the best tickets and passes, plotting your trip, safety and more.

How to Ride the Paris Metro: Tips & Tricks

• The Paris metro system has a total of 16 lines identifiable by number, color, and end-of-line names. These will help you figure out whether you're heading in the right direction and assist in planning line transfers.
• For example, line four is magenta, currently has 27 stations, and is called "Porte de Clignancourt/Mairie de Montrouge" because it runs from the Mairie de Montrouge station south of the city to Porte de Clignancourt in the north.
• Accordingly, you should always first figure out which direction you need to go relative to the line's endpoints. If you are at Chatelet and need to get to Odeon, you'd look at the map and see that Odeon is located south of Chatelet, toward Porte d'Orléans.
• This is important because once you take the metro in one direction, it's impossible to change directions without exiting the turnstile and going through again. This becomes a costly mistake if you have single tickets, rather than a weekly or monthly pass. In addition, certain lines (notably lines 7 and 13) fork in several different directions at key points, so make sure to check your destination carefully before getting on one of these trains, ensuring that the train you're boarding goes to your stop.

Hours of Operation

• During normal operating times, the metro runs Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:40 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 1:40 a.m. The same late services also run the night before a public holiday.
• To ensure you catch the last train, you should generally aim to arrive at the station approximately 30 minutes before closing, as final trains depart at different times depending on the station.
• Certain metro lines open all night long for certain holidays and city events, including New Year's Eve and the October museum and exhibitions event known as Nuit Blanche (White Night). If participating in these events, check the official Paris public transportation authority website for more information .

Safety on Paris' Public Transportation

The metro and other public transport is generally safe, but pickpockets operate on many lines. Keep your wits about you and your valuables close to your person. See this page for more information on traveling safely , including advice on what to do in case of an incident or emergency.

Accessibility

• Only certain Paris metro lines are wheelchair accessible. If you have disabilities or limited mobility, check the box for accessible itineraries at this page .
• Onboard trains, passengers are obligated to give up their seats to travelers with disabilities, elderly passengers, pregnant women or passengers traveling with small children. Don't hesitate to ask for a seat if you need one, and remember to look out for any travelers who may have difficulty standing, and offer them your seat.

Where to Buy Paris Metro Tickets

You can buy tickets and passes for Parisian public transportation networks at any metro, RER or tramway station, and when boarding buses. They are also available at Paris Tourist information centers around the city, and can sometimes be found at newsstands or tabacs (tobacco vendors).

• When purchasing tickets from an automatic distributor in a Metro or RER station, only debit cards and coins are accepted in some stations. If you have only bills you may need to purchase tickets from a vendor at the "Vente" (Sales) desk.
• When boarding Paris buses, pay in exact change. Remember that your metro ticket usually does not allow for transfers to the bus; you'll need to pay for a transfer by asking the bus driver. Tell the driver your destination when you board so he or she can charge the correct fare. If you plan to use the bus frequently, buy a " carnet " (packet) in advance from a metro station.
• You can change the interface language of the self-service ticket machines to English. This should make it easier to find the tickets you need, despite the machines' reputation for being a little less than user-friendly.

Paris Metro Tickets and Passes: What Kind Should You Buy?

Depending on the length of your stay, how much you'll use public transport, and whether you plan on day trips to places like the Chateau de Versailles or Disneyland Paris , you'll need to choose between single metro tickets, packs of tickets (called "carnets"), or one of several useful transport passes. Below is a rundown of your options and some tips on how to choose the right one. Never purchase tickets from vendors on the street or vendors hovering around the entrance to stations; these tickets might be counterfeited and could cost you later in fines and extra time and money spent.

Standard "T+" Metro Tickets

• These tickets are good for one metro, RER, bus, or tramway ride within Paris (zone 1 only), including transfers. You may transfer from the Metro to the RER for two hours between the first validation, as well as buses or tramways up to 90 minutes from the first validation. Always keep your ticket in hand.
• Special tickets are required for buses and trains traveling to and from Paris airports. See our Paris airport ground transport guide for more details.
• Buy these if you're staying for a short time and will use public transport sparingly. You don't plan to take day trips.
• As of October 2020, a single ticket costs 1.90 euros, while a bus ticket purchased onboard is 2 euros. A package of 10 tickets (" un carnet ") may be purchased for 16.90 euros, or 8.45 euros for children under 10. Airport tickets range from 2 euros to 17 euros depending on the mode of transport chosen.

The Paris Visite Pass: For Unlimited Travel

• This pass is good for unlimited travel in Paris (Metro, RER, bus, tramway, and regional SNCF trains) and the greater Paris region, for up to five days. Also provides special offers at select museums, attractions, and restaurants. For a list of current fares and details on how to use the pass, see this page .
• Choose this pass if you're planning to travel extensively around the greater Paris region. Choose the zone 1-5 card to see Versailles or Disneyland Paris, and 1-8 for greater coverage. As we explain in our complete guide to the Visite pass , it may be worth your while to buy this special ticket that allows you to ride freely on metro, RER, and buses and also allows entry to many popular Paris attractions . If you're planning on hitting several major museums and monuments on your trip, it's worth considering.

For more information on using the Paris Metro system, see the local transport authority RATP's official website (in English). You can download free maps, search timetables and plan your itinerary, as well as find information on current rates, network issues and other information.

How to Ride the Paris RER (Commuter-Line) Train System

The RER, Paris' commuter train system, consists of five express trains that travel within Paris and the greater region (contrary to the metro, which stops just outside the city limits). The RER can get you to your destination much faster since it stops at far fewer stops than the Metro.

The primary hub for outgoing and incoming RER trains is the Châtelet-Les Halles station. Other major hubs include Gare du Nord, St. Michel/Notre Dame, and Gare de Lyon. The RER, which is run by a different (public) company than the Paris Metro, can be a bit complicated at first, but the time gained is generally worth it.

For example, it takes roughly 10 minutes to get from Denfert-Rochereau in South Paris to Gare du Nord in the North on RER. The same route by metro adds at least ten minutes to your journey.

RER Lines, Routes, and Hours

Like the metro, RER lines are identifiable by letters (A through E) and end-of-line names. However, the RER is more complicated than the metro because each line breaks into different directions at a certain point, making it easy to get lost (and waste funds and time) if you hop on the wrong train. Follow these tips to make your journey go more smoothly:

• To avoid surprises, check your direction carefully before boarding, and use the train itineraries located in RER stations to help you get oriented. If in doubt, ask for help. If you have a smartphone or tablet, consider installing a Paris Metro/RER app. Many are free, and are very handy to have so you can navigate what even locals often consider to be a confusing system .
• Another tricky point in riding the RER is getting the fares straight. The RER covers five zones within the Paris region, and if you travel further than your ticket or pass allows for, you can be fined. Make sure your metro ticket or pass covers the zones you need for the destination, and if in any doubt, double-check your destination's zone and required fare with a ticket agent before boarding.
• Remember that you'll need to save your ticket in order to exit most RER stations.

Operating hours for RER lines vary, but on average the commuter trains run from 4:50 a.m. to midnight or 12:30 a.m. For itineraries and hours, consult the RATP itinerary-finder page.

How to Ride the Bus in Paris

When visiting Paris, trying to figure out how to use buses to get around the city can seem like a challenge. Yet the bus can be both more scenic and less claustrophobic than the metro or RER. Taking time to get familiar with the city's clean and pleasant buses can pay off. With a total of 64 lines operating within the Parisian city limits, you can get just about anywhere the metro will take you — and often to a wider variety of destinations.

If you're a disabled or elderly traveler, you may find taking the bus much easier: most are now equipped with ramps, unlike the metro which is still woefully inadequate where accessibility is concerned.

Lines and Stops

Bus stops are found all around the city and more often than not are hubs for several different lines. Recently, a majority of bus stops were equipped with electronic information systems that tell you when to expect the next bus. Neighborhood maps and bus routes are also displayed at most stations, as well as at Paris tourist information offices.

Paris buses are marked by double numbers and the name of the end of the line marked on the front. You can use T+ metro tickets or weekly and monthly passes to ride the bus, but if you've already used a single ticket in the metro, you can't transfer to the bus. You can, however, transfer between two buses without extra cost providing you do so within 90 minutes of boarding the first bus. Ask the driver to stamp ("valider") your ticket when you board the first bus.

Using Buses to Tour the City: An Inexpensive Alternative

Certain bus routes are particularly scenic and can be a cheap alternative to Paris bus tours. You can view a map of bus lines in Paris here .

• Line 38 runs north to south through the city center and provides memorable views of the Latin Quarter , the Seine river, or Notre Dame Cathedral .
• Line 68 offers a vantage of the Musee d'Orsay , Saint-Germain des Pres , the Seine, The Louvre , and the Opéra Garnier .
• Line 28 offers lovely views of the École Militaire, the Assemblée Nationale, the Seine River, the Grand Palais , and the Champs-Elysées .
• Line 96 winds through beautiful spots on the right bank, including Hotel de Ville, the medieval Marais neighborhood , and trendy Bastille.

Hours vary considerably, but major lines run from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. On Friday and Saturday, buses run up until 1:45 a.m. Buses leave from most spots around the city at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes.

How to Ride the Tramway in Paris

Paris had a tramway in the 19th century, which was subsequently dismantled and replaced with the metro. But a swelling city population and a need to connect Paris with its suburbs has led to the revival of the tramway in the city of light.

The city now has a total of 10 tramway lines running within Paris' city limits , mostly around the outer bounds and numbered T1 through T11.

• You can ride the tramway using regular metro tickets and passes, and it can be a nice way to see the city from above-ground and experience some of the capital's lesser-known areas.
• On the downside, trams almost never serve the city's big-ticket tourist attractions. This isn't the mode of transport most visitors will end up privileging, unless you choose to stay near the outer limits of the city.
• For itineraries on the Paris tramway, consult the RATP itinerary-finder page. Please note that you cannot purchase tram tickets on board, but tram stations are equipped with ticket vending machines.

Taking a Taxi in Paris

Many tourists wonder when or whether to take a taxi in Paris. The short answer is that you won't usually need to, unless you have special needs owing to a disability or limited mobility, or you don't like walking or taking public transportation.

If you do choose to take a taxi, make sure to keep these tips in mind:

• Never get in a taxi or agree to a ride unless it is equipped with a red and white "Taxi Parisien" sign on its rooftop and has a visible meter inside. Scams are common, and it can also be unsafe — especially for women traveling alone — to accept a ride without verifying the status of the driver.
• For short fares, drivers often prefer cash. For longer rides (e.g., across town or to the airport, Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted. It is unusual for cabs to accept American Express and traveler's checks are not generally accepted. Ask the driver before agreeing to a ride what forms of payment are allowed.
• Don't hesitate to give your driver a desired route. Be aware, however, that it is not unusual for drivers to have minimal English. Loading a map on a digital device and showing them your preferred route or destination can be helpful.
• At rush hour and during peak tourist months, traffic can be quite heavy. It may end up taking quite a bit longer to travel by taxi — which is why many tourists opt against it.

Getting Around by Bike in Paris

If you enjoy getting around by bike, you may wonder whether it's a good idea to attempt to do so during your stay in the French capital. While Paris does have a bike rental scheme called Velib', it has numerous downsides:

• Helmets, which are highly recommended, are not provided, so you'll have to bring or buy one yourself.
• Cycling lanes do exist in the city, but are inconsistent and safety conditions are often less than optimal for bikers, even experienced urban cyclists.
• The payment scheme for Velib' isn't especially well adapted to travelers, especially for short visits.

For all these reasons, we don't generally recommend Velib' to tourists. However, many tour companies offer guided bike and Segway tours around the city, including fun night tours. They generally provide helmets, know the best and safest routes to take, and watch out for visitors' general safety and well-being.

More Tips for Getting Around Paris

Paris is a relatively easy city to get around if you arrive armed with the right information. Here are some tips to help you navigate public transport like a local — and avoid unnecessary frustration and claustrophobia en route.

• Get a decent metro map. These are available free of charge from any metro information booth, and can also be downloaded online . There's no use scurrying around through the underground tunnels struggling to find your way. A map will do the trick.
• Some great free apps are now available for your smartphone, iPhone or tablet. The RATP transport company's own app, downloadable here, works well.
• Avoid riding the metro or RER (express trains) at rush hour, if you can. During these times, opt to walk or take the bus. One word of warning, though: some bus lines are also swamped at these hours.
• Metro lines 1, 2, 4, 11, 12, and 13 are generally the most overcrowded lines, especially at rush hour. Bus lines 38, 28, 68 and 62 are among the most cramped — but they also service many of the city's most central areas.
• Metro lines 6 and 2 run above-ground much of the way, sometimes offering impressive views of the city. Line 6 offers spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower near the Bir-Hakeim station. From line 2, a less striking view of the Sacré-Cœur can be seen.
• Learn to ride the RER when it makes sense to. Many visitors to Paris never set foot on board Paris' five higher-speed commuter trains, but they can be a boon if you need to traverse the city quickly from one point to the next. The RER is also quite useful if you're planning on taking a day trip to destinations including Disneyland Paris, Versailles, or the large park and "wood" known as the Bois de Vincennes.
• Take advantage of extended Metro hours on weekend nights; the last trains arrive at their final stop by 1:40 am between Sunday to Thursday. On Friday, Saturday and the evening before public holidays many lines run until 2:15 am. See the RATP timetables for full hours and schedules .
• Taxis can be a more time-consuming — and far more costly — way to get around. Especially in the city center and during rush hours, you can expect taxi trips to take quite a bit longer than the metro and even bus journeys. Buses often have dedicated lanes, while metro, RER and tramway lines avoid surface traffic altogether.
• In some cases, walking may be your best bet for a quick and more stimulating journey from one point to the next. Don't automatically hop on the metro or bus to your next destination. Instead, use Google Maps, a street map or the RATP Itinerary planner to check whether walking would actually be speedier. It's almost guaranteed to be more interesting — and you'll get some fresh air, too.

Related Articles

More related articles.

How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024

A very common questions in my Paris Travel Group ( join here, it’s free! ) are about how to get around in Paris. But also, what is the best Paris Metro pass or travel card for the Parisian Metro.

And of course: how to use the Metro in Paris in the first place. I genuinely understand that public transportation in Paris can be confusing. 

It was for me as well. But after living in Paris for almost 20 years, the Parisian Metro plan is imprinted in my brain, and I am here to help you out.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

If you purchase through links on this site, I may earn – at no cost to you – a small commission. This helps me cover my costs and keep my website running. Thank you so much for your support 🙂   Learn more

Hence, in this article, I am sharing everything you need to know to ride the Parisian Metro confidently, how to pick the best Metro ticket for your situation, and how to pay for the Metro in Paris.

NEW May 2024 : No need for a physical Navigo Card anymore if you have an Android or iPhone. Just download the App Île-de-France Mobilités from the app store, buy your tickets right on your phone, and use your phone to validate your ride at the gates.

Every user needs their phone. If you don’t have a smartphone, you need to buy the physical Navigo Card for €2, read more below.

Update September 2024: Starting on January 1st, 2025, all transfers within the Île-de-France region will have a flat fare of €2.50, no matter the destination. This means whether you’re heading from Paris to Versailles or Disneyland, you’ll pay €2.50. However, the fare for trips within Paris itself will remain at €1.73 per ride.

Paris Metro Tickets: THIS is the Easiest Solution

Before explaining the Parisian Metro Ticketing System in all details, here’s the ticket option that suits the needs of most tourists.

➔ ➔ Physical Navigo Easy Card (if you don’t have a smartphone)

• Go to the RATP ticket counter and buy a Navigo Easy Pass for €2 (one pass per person)
• Ask the clerk to top it up with a bundle of 10 tickets for €17.30. Alternatively, use the vending machines
• Recharge with another bundle, or single tickets, if needed.
• If you visit Disneyland , Versailles, etc., buy a destination ticket at the station for €3 to €5

➔ ➔ Navigo Easy Card App on your phone

• Download the App Île-de-France Mobilités (one metro user per phone)
• Top it up with a bundle of 10 tickets for €17.30.
• Add it to your Apple or Google wallet and use your phone to validate your ride (works up to 6h if your phones run out of charge)
• Recharge with another bundle, or single tickets if needed

The Parisian Metro – The 3 Big DONT’S

Let’s start with the most important, so you don’t miss it even: Top 3 things you should know to avoid a fine .

If you come across someone who complains about getting fined on the Parisian Metro, it’s usually because of one of these three mistakes:

• They trashed their Metro ticket before they left the station
• They bought a kid fare for a 10-year-old child – the reduced fare is only for children until 9!
• They traveled on a simple ticket to Versailles or Disneyland

For further information and a detailed explanation on how to avoid fines on the metro, please read this article: 6 Reasons Tourists Getting Fined on the Paris Metro

Tickets and fares for Public Transportation in Paris

The first question everyone asks who plans to use the Parisian Metro is “What ticket do I need for the Paris Metro” ?

While I think that 10 ticket bundles are often the best solution, already because you will take the Metro less than you think. Paris is quite small after all.

But as there is never a one fits all solution, there is, once you dig into the details, no simple answer. It heavily depends on what your plans are. 

For tourists, these tickets are interesting The single fare ticket, the day pass, and the week pass.

• single fare ticket+ €2.15 (Navigo Easy Card, Mobilités App, paper strip)
• bundle of 10 ticket+ €17.35 (Navigo Easy Card, Mobilitiés App)
• day ticket €8.65 (Navigo Easy Card, Mobilitiés App, paper strip)
• week pass €30.75 (Navigo Découverte Card, Mobilités App, paper strip, valid Mon-Sun)
• Destination Tickets (Paper Strip) for destinations outside Paris (Disney, Versailles etc.)

Prices are subject to change. Source: Île-de-France Mobilités

Single-fare Tickets for the Metro in Paris

The single-fare tickets are the most standard option for the inner Paris public transportation services. You simply buy a ticket and validate one ticket per trip and person. 

You can buy them as single tickets, or in a bundle of 10, which is significantly cheaper.

All tickets are purchasable for different zones – the further you are moving away from Paris, the more expensive gets your ride. 

Paris Metro Tap to Pay : You can’t pay for the Paris Metro directly with your credit card. You are required to obtain either a Navigo Pass, download an app, or buy a paper ticket at the vending machines.

You can buy the tickets for the Navigo Pass with your credit card at the machines, of course.

Good to Know: You can’t split the Navigo Card up between several passengers. It’s always one card or device per person, and each person in your group needs their personal card. Children included.

If they don’t have a smartphone yet, you can buy a Navigo Pass for 2€ at every Metro Station.

How much does transportation in Paris cost?

The Base Ticket: the ticket+ for Paris

The base ticket for the Parisian Metro is a ti cket t+.  It costs €2.15 (€1.73 if you buy a bundle of 10) and is valid within Paris and all adjacent suburbs.

You can change Metro lines as often as you want, as long as you are not exceeding 2 hours and don’t leave the station. It is also valid on the RER, bus and trams within Paris.

You can purchase a single-ride ticket or a bundle of 10 on the ticket machines that you find in every metro station and load it on your Navigo Easy travel card.

Alternatively, you can buy your travel pass through the Île-de-France Mobilités App and use your mobile device to validate it at the turnstiles.

The good ol’Paper Strip – The Classic Billet

If you’ve been to Paris already, you probably remember these famous paper strips. Well, they are slowly but surely becoming history.

At the time of writing, single ride tickets+ are still available in paper form for occasional users. However, the practical and cheap bundle of 10, that you could split up between your travel party, is gone.

You now can buy the bundle, the carnet , only for mobile devices or your Navigo card.

The carnet is still very interesting, as you save 20%: 10 rides are only €17.35, while you’d be charged €2.15 if you’d buy a single ride. But you cannot split your rides up anymore.

Each member of your travel group has to buy their own carnet on their own device, mobile or Navigo.

Are kids riding the Parisian Metro for free?

Only Kids under 4 are traveling for free on Paris public transportation. Kids of the age of 4 to 9 (not 3 anymore, and not yet 10) are eligible to travel at a reduced fare of 50%.

Reduced fares are also available as a bundle of 10 (carnet). Children need their own Navigo Easy Card.

Are Seniors paying less on the Paris Metro?

Seniors in Paris are paying the full price on the Metro. The ticket + tarif reduit is only for children and certain groups, but not for Seniors.

Hence, if you are over 65+, you have to pay the full price on the Metro. However, you do find senior rates at some museums and sights.

Paris Day Travel Passes

You also have the option to purchase a Paris Metro day pass for the public transportation system.

This option allows you to take as many rides as you like within one day . The pass costs 8,45€ for zone 1-2 and is valid from 00-24h.

Hence, if you buy a pass at 10 am, you can ride for free until midnight, not until 10 am the next day. 

The day ticket is available with the Pass Navigo Easy, the App or as paper ticket.

The big advantage of a day pass is, of course, that you don’t have to think at all about any further costs when riding the Parisian Metro.

But you should consider that it requires 5 rides for your day pass to be beneficial (compared to the 10 ticket carnet). From my experience, 5 rides are quite a lot for one day in Paris . 

That’s because Paris is smaller than you may think. You will rarely need more than 3 or 4 rides a day. 

If you consider purchasing a day pass, keep in mind that a trip to Versailles for example, requires a higher price class. At the time of writing, a day pass that includes Versailles costs around €13.

Week and tourist passes for the Paris Metro

If you stay a few days longer in Paris, a ticket that is valid for longer period of time could be interesting for you. You have two options:

Navigo Semaine – Week Pass

The Navigo Semaine card is a transport pass for 7 days and comes at a very interesting price. It allows you to travel in all 5 zones, hence even to the airport, to Disneyland and Versailles for only €30.75.

But all good things come with a catch: the Navigo Semaine is not obtainable at all stations and is only valid from Monday morning to Sunday night. You can’t pick your dates. 

As a tourist, you need to purchase a Passe Navigo Découverte for €5 as support. However, you can also use the Navigo App now.

Paris Visite Passe: Tourist Pass for Public Transportation in Paris

The tourist pass covers a maximum of 5 days, and you can choose both, the dates and the zones that you require.

Even though the flexibility is a strong point compared to the week pass, the Paris Visite Pass is unreasonably expensive. It just makes no sense if I might be that honest. Don’t buy it.

For example: The Paris Visite Pass for 3 days including Disney, Versailles and Airport costs 62.30. If you’d buy a 3 day passes, you’d pay €61.80. Not much of a different, but noone who visits Paris uses the Metro that excessively, that 3 all-zones day passes would be worth it.

Even if you’d travelled every day outside Paris, you would still need to make 5 additional rides inside Paris.

Conclusion – Which Metro Ticket is the Best for Paris?

For most Paris visitors, single fare tickets are the best option . Buy them in a bundle of 10 to save money, and get an additional destination ticket if you want to visit Versailles or Disneyland.

If you know that on a particular day, you will use the Metro extensively, you still could get a day pass, to cover the costs.

It’s convenient and it requires zero preparation. Just download the app and buy your ticket right on your mobile device. Alternatively, you can get a Navigo Easy Card upon arrival and top it up on the vending machines.

The single fare tickets are your best option if:

• your accommodation is in Paris or adjacent suburbs ( click here to see a list of good budget hotels in Paris )
• you plan to leave Paris only once or twice (for example to visit Disneyland or Versailles) on your own and are not taking one of the really well organized day tours from Paris
• you are not having reduced mobility and walking is no problem

Compared to single-ride tickets, you need to take the Metro too often to benefit from a day pass. The cheap week pass is, however, not easy to get and not flexible at all when it comes to dates. The Paris Visite Pass is unreasonably expensive. 

How to use the Metro in Paris?

Now that you know the essentials about the different Ticket options for your Paris vacation, let’s move on and see where to buy them, how to validate your tickets and everything you need to know to travel around Paris with confidence.

Where to buy the Tickets for the Parisian Metro?

The easiest way: Download the app Île-de-France Mobilités and buy your Metro tickets through it.

You also can purchase your Metro ticket at ticket machines that are available at every train, tram, and metro station. The ticket machines are multilingual . Most train and metro stations are also having an RATP info point, in case you require help.

Note : RATP employees are always wearing green uniforms. If someone approaches you without this uniform and offers help, watch out. Even if they are wearing a badge and acting professional. If you need help, you get it at the RATP Info Point.

It became a common scam to sell already used or wrong tickets to tourists. You can read more on Paris tourist scams here .

Good to know: Tickets to Airports, Versailles or Disneyland are available at the vending machines in every station.

How to use the Vending Machines 

If you are buying a ticket at the ticket machine, you will be prompted to choose your language first. Makes it easier, doesn’t it?

However, while most machines are equipped with a touchscreen, some older models have a kind of role that helps you scroll through the menu.

The menu is pretty intuitive and self-explanatory. Many popular destinations like airports or Disneyland are preselected. 

How to pay for the Metro in Paris?

When you are in Paris, you can’t pay for the Metro with your credit card. You need to get a Navigo Pass, either a physical or a digital one on your phone, and top it up with the ticket of your choice.

You pay for the tickets at the vending machine with a credit card (American Express is not accepted) or cash. At the time of writing, you can pay for the Paris Metro only at some stations contactless with your credit card. It otherwise requires your pin code.

If you are using your smartphone to buy tickets, you can pay by Apple Pay, Carte Bleue, Visa or Mastercard.

How to validate a ticket on the Parisian Metro?

Buying your ticket is not enough, you need to validate it before each ride. If you are using a paper ticket, you need to pass it through the slot on the right side of the turnstile.

If you own a Navigo Découverte or Navigo Easy Pass, simply place your card over the purple reader to unlock the turnstiles.

If you are using your phone as a device, add the ticket to your Apple or Google wallet and hold it against the card reader. Even if your phone is off charge or off, you can still use this functionality for up to 6h. (I tried it after a few hours and it works)

Good to know: If the flap doors are open, still validate your ticket. If you get controlled without a validated ticket, you’ll receive a fine. 

Using the Metro in Paris with luggage or strollers

If you find yourself in a situation where it’s not possible to use the turnstiles or flap doors, don’t worry.

Every metro station has a gate, that can be opened on request by pushing a button. Just don’t forget to validate your ticket, though!

Is the Metro in Paris barrier-free?

Unfortunately, no. Not at all. Many stations were built more than 100 years ago, and barrier-free access wasn’t on the radar of anyone back then.

Some stations got reequipped with elevators during the last few years, but it’s by far not enough to rely on the Metro as public transportation if you need barrier-free access.

Solely line 14 is completely barrier-free. However, the good news is, that Paris has a great bus network as well and all buses are barrier-free. 

How to read the Metro plan?

At the first glimpse, the Metro plan does look indeed like a huge mess. But it’s actually straightforward to understand.

Each Metro line crosses Paris from one side to another and back, and consequently has a starting and end station. Just check in which direction your destination lays and you’re good to go.

For example : If you are at the station at Hôtel de Ville and you intend to visit the Arc de Triomphe, you need to take line 1 direction La Defense. If you want to visit the Bastille, you would need to board Metro 1 as well, but heading in the opposite direction of Château de Vincennes.

It helps a lot that each Metro stairway features a signpost that indicates exactly which station this very line and direction will serve. Each Metro line has its own platform – contrary to Berlin, for example, where several lines stop at the same platform. 

A good piece of advice is to get familiar with the plan before traveling to Paris. Check which Metro station is the closest to your accommodation, how to get from there to the Eiffel Tower etc. and you will see that it quickly makes sense.

You can download the plan here . If you prefer the paper version, you can get one for free at every Metro station.

Safety in Paris’ Public Transportation

I read very often that people are worried about their safety when traveling to Paris . One of the main concerns is getting scammed or robbed while riding the Metro.

There is a certain risk and since a couple of years, reports of pickpockets on the Metro are rising. Especially on social media.

However, the Parisian Metro transports well over 4 Million passengers per day. The % of people experiencing issues is close to 0.

Paris ranks just behind London and Malmö, Sweden in the international safety ranking and this data includes public transportation.

Parisians take the Metro at all times. If you board a train at 23h, you find teenagers, couples, elderly people, sometimes families and many are indeed traveling alone. it’s not a dodgy or creepy place, but well lit and rather clean.

Things to keep in mind to stay safe:

• take care of your belongings and be conscious about them. Don’t carry your bag just above your shoulder, but hold the string. Show that you’re wary.
• Try to avoid using your phone. It can happen that someone grabs it and runs just at the very moment the doors are closing.
• If there is a safety announcement about pickpockets, DO NOT reach for your wallet. Someone might check for exactly this reflex to know where you keep it.
• Don’t get distracted.

Other Means of Public Transportation in Paris

If you are traveling to Paris, the Metro is the most obvious public transportation to take. However, there might be many reasons why this is not possible or appealing to you. Luckily, there are other means of public transportation that belong to the RATP network.

What does RATP stand for ? Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens , Autonomous Operator of Parisian Transportation. RATP is your point of contact and the operator of every sort of public transportation within the Paris region.

Which Ticket for Public Transportation that is NOT the Metro?

Luckily, there is no different ticket needed. No matter what kind of public transportation you choose, the ticket remains the same.

It just might vary depending on the distance or the zones, but that’s about it. This applies especially to buses and trams.

Tickets for Buses and Trams in Paris

One ticket t+ is valid for 90 minut es while using buses and trams . You can transfer between both services, but you need to revalidate your ticket when boarding a new vehicle.

Exception: If you purchase your ticket on the bus , you can’t make a transfer. The tickets sold onboard are only for one bus trip without transfer.

Since 2021 you can buy your bus ticket by SMS. Simply send an SMS with the text BUS+Number to 93100 , and you receive a ticket by SMS.

It costs €2.50, and counts only for the bus trip, not for transfers.

Example: If you are on Bus 26, send BUS26 to the number 93100, and you’ll receive your ticket on your phone. 

RER (Suburb train)

The RER is much like Paris Metro, but a little faster and with fewer stations. However, the RER is mostly a suburban train that connects Paris with surrounding cities. If you want to visit Versailles, for example, you would take the RER C. Disney is served by RER A.

If you are not using a travel pass that includes all zones, make sure to purchase a destination ticket at the vending machine at the station. The ticket+ is not the correct ticket for trips outside Paris.

Paris and its surrounding are divided into 5 zones. You need to purchase a ticket for all zones that you cross on your way.

But don’t worry too much about it, if you are at a ticket machine, you can simply click on “Ticket Île-de-France” ( Billets Île-de-France ) and pick your destination. You will obtain a station-to-station ticket or destination ticket , that covers automatically the appropriate number of zones.

Paris by Bus

Buses are running everywhere: inside Paris, outside Paris, from Paris to suburb, and from suburb to suburb.

Like for the Metro, you need a Ticket t+. You can transfer with the same ticket from bus to bus or to tram, but not to the Metro or RER, which would require a new ticket.

If not necessary, (Busses are barrier-free), I’d recommend avoiding them during a short-term stay. Schedules and maps are rather complicated and due to the Parisian traffic, they can be really timetaking.

Noctilien Night Buses

To fill the gap between the last and first Metro/Tram/RER, night buses are operating in Paris and connecting the city with the greater Paris area.

Noctilien buses are the cheapest way to get home after spending a night out in Paris , as you can board them with the usual ticket t+.

Just keep in mind that your fellow passengers also had a long night out and might be everything but sober.

Taking the Tram in Paris

The Tramway is relatively new in Paris and is built roughly as a circle around Paris, more or less parallel to the freeway.

To board the tram, you need a ticket t+. With one validated ticket, you can transfer from tram to tram or from tram to bus, but you need a new ticket to transfer to Metro or RER.

Voilà, the Parisian Metro explained – hopefully in an understandable way.

If you need any clarification, don’t hesitate to join our Facebook community . It’s a great knowledge hub with many experts, happy to help you out. Join here today for free .

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PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

• 20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)
• Paris hidden gems: 80+ well kept secrets you shouldn’t miss
• What NOT to do in Paris -23 (costly) Paris Mistakes you need to avoid!
• 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
• Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
• 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris – THE complete guide!
• Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons

FAQ: How to use the Paris Metro

You need to purchase the travel card Navigo at the station and load it up with the tickets of your choice. Alternatively, you can also get the App Île-de-France Mobilités that not only serves as a travel planner but also as a ticket device.

You can purchase your Metro ticket with a credit card, but your credit card can’t be used directly at the barriers to entering the Metro.

The Metro is as safe at night as by day and is always heavily used. 

A Metro Ticket for a single ride costs 2,15 € in 2023. A bundle of 10 tickets costs 17,35 €.

You use the roll to scroll up and down the menu and pick the ticket of your choice. Most popular picks are single-ride tickets, bundles of 10, and destination tickets, where you choose your destination station outside of Paris. To charge your Navigo pass, place it on the purple field, so the machine can read it.

You place your Navigo Carte on the card reader before the turnstiles and wait until it “beeps”. You can pass then through the turnstile or gate.

Pin it now – and find it back later!

Lena is the creator of Salut from Paris, a blog offering practical tips for exploring the city. Originally from Germany, she shares her Paris experiences, from iconic sights to hidden gems. Her blog helps travelers plan with ease, blending must-see attractions and authentic local spots.

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Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide

10 top tips for watching the Tour de France in Paris

Plan on watching the tour de france in paris here are 10 things to help you plan your big day..

The only show in town.  Photo:  Jonathan Petit

Get the official Tour de France race guide with maps and stage timings

I get lots of enquiries about watching the Tour de France ( see here for THIS general advice ). However the experience in the mountains or in the countryside (or even in larger towns and cities) is hugely different to the vibe in Paris as the peloton arrives in the French capital to crown the yellow jersey.

The last stage of the Tour de France might take a different route into Paris every year but it ALWAYS finishes with laps of the  Champs-Élysées, so out of all the stages of the Tour de France, the final one into Paris is in many ways the easiest to plan because you always know where it's going to end (and you've got all year to plan it – you don't actually need to wait for the final route announcement).

It's been this way since 1975 – the first time the Tour ended on the  Champs-Élysées, and the start of one of the finest sporting traditions in the world. Between 1968 amd 1974, the Tour finished at the Vélodrome de Vincennes (also known as Vélodrome Jacques Anquetil - La Cipale) to the south-east of the city. Before that, from 1904 and 1967, it ended at Parc des Princes – originally part-owned by Tour de France founder Henri Desgrange (the velodrome is long gone and has been replaced with a football stadium, which is now home to La Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain). The first-ever Tour de France , in 1903, ended for the first and only time at Ville-d'Avray, in the west of Paris.

Watching the Tour de France in Paris

Enough with the history!  My friend and fellow cyclist Jacqui Brown has this excellent first-hand account of watching the Tour de France in Paris.

She's also sent me the following tips to help make your planning easier.

1.   Book a hotel early (like now) and with a bit of research you could be surprised at how reasonable the prices are, but you need to book early and be aware that rooms will get more expensive as race day gets closer. If money is no object, book a room with a balcony overlooking the Jardin des Tuileries at a hotel on Rue de Rivoli where you will have one of the best views, or check out the Radisson Arc de Triomphe . See here for bike-friendly options in Paris if you're travelling with your bike. 

2. Find your space early. This will ensure you are on the route and in a good position so you don't miss anything. This is especially important if you are short. Don't forget to check the Tour de France schedule to see what time the Tour de France caravan comes through.

Bradley Wiggins gets set to lead Mark Cavendish on to the Champs-Élysées  during the 2012 Tour de France. Cavendish went on to win the sprint finish. Photo: Nizam Uddin

3. Ideally find a place on the circuit that goes around the Jardin des Tuileries , then up and down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées – this means the riders will pass by 8 times .

4. Don't worry about being on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées – it's more crowded and although the cyclists do pass up and then down again, the road is wide and in places the barriers are quite a distance from the edge of the road.

Click! The crowds along the Champs-Élysées.  Photo:  Travis Crawford

5. If you don’t want the crowds, then aim for the Jardin des Tuileries and find a place on Rue de Rivoli . There are far fewer people there than on the opposite side of the road. You need to exit the Metro at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre.

6. From quite early on, some Metro stations will be closed . We wanted to exit at Concorde for Place de la Concorde, but had left it too late. Again, plan ahead to arrive early if you're arriving by Metro, or try and stay within walking distance of the route ( or hire a Vélib’  bike  – here are 5 great bike rides in Paris if you have time before or after the Tour).

Alberto Contador on the podium at the end of the 2009 Tour de France. The presentation is well worth waiting around for, and you can get surprisingly close as many people head home after the main event. Photo: Mark Kelly

7. Do be aware that there are very few access points to cross from one side of the road to the other, so don't get 'stuck' on one side if you need to get back to the other in a hurry.

8. Check the weather. It may be the end of July, but it could be cold and wet or hot and sunny and no matter where you are, you are unlikely to be in a sheltered spot. Standing still, exposed to the elements is no fun if you're unprepared. Pack either suncream and a hat, or coat and gloves, depending on the forecast. And don't forget water and snacks: there's nothing worse than finding the perfect spot only to have to give it up to go hunting for supplies.

9. Further to the above, it's good to watch in pairs or small groups. That way someone can always hold the fort and guard your spot while you go off to find the toilet or to take the kids for a walk if they are getting bored waiting.

10. Take your home country's supporters flag and don't be shy to shout out and have fun . The teams will love it and we found it to be a very friendly, international event.

You can read Jacqui's accout of watching the Tour de France in Paris here  on her excellent French Village Diaries blog.

Cycling accommodation in Paris

Hotel de La Porte Dorée , Paris Our hotel of choice in Paris. Secure bike store, allows bikes in the rooms, has its own fleet of bikes. The hotel is run by cyclists. Read or review  here .

Paris Tour Eiffel Adagio City Aparthotel , Paris Apartment hotel with Eiffel Tower views - bikes welcome too!

Paris Fraser Suites Harmonie , Paris Hotel rooms and self-catering apartments just outside Paris city centre.

Paris Hotel Campanile La Villette , Paris 3-star Paris hotel with secure underground parking.

Paris Hotel Regence , Paris 3-star central hotel in Paris near Metro Clichy.

Mercure Arc de Triomphe Wagram , Paris Reliable four-star comfort near the route.

Paris - Hotel Gavarni , Paris Friendly eco-hotel just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower.  Read our review.

Hotel Regina , Paris Upmarket hotel on the Tour de France route and ideal for viewing along Rue de Rivoli or around Jardin des Tuileries. 

Radisson Blu Hotel Champs Elysées , Paris Luxury option just off the Champs Elysées; some rooms have views of the Arc de Triomphe.

Buttes Chaumont Adagio Aparthotel , Paris Hotel with apartments sleeping up to 6 people near the Canal de l'Ourcq.

Charles de Gaulle Terminal - Novotel , Paris Hotel at Charles de Gaulle airport with luggage room for secure bike parking.

Charles de Gaulle Hilton , Paris Paris airport hotel close to main terminals and train stations.

Trianon Palace , Versailles Hotel treat set in the Parc de Versailles.

Hôtel Le Versailles , Versailles Stay next door to France's most famous royal residence.  Read our review.

See our advice on watching the Tour de France in person 

Related articles.

• 2019 Tour de France Official Race Guide
• Tour de France 2019 route: Stage-by-stage guide
• 2024 Tour de France program and race guide
• 2023 Tour de France program and race guide
• Le Tour de Gironde à Velo
• Tour de France 2024 route: Stage-by-stage guide
• Tour de France 2023 route: Stage-by-stage guide
• 2022 Official Tour de France program and race guide

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Help with bike hire in France

I've launched a 'bespoke' bike hire service to help you find bike rental in France. Here's how I can help you.

Posted: 21 Mar 2024

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What are you looking for? What are you looking for? All Accommodation - Campsites - Hotels, hostels and B&Bs - Self-catering All Tours - Guided - Self-guided

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What's On in Paris

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Airports & Transfers

Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, easy guide to the paris metro – how to go deep in paris, easy guide to the paris metro.

Paris offers a wealth of great choices for getting around the city. There's nothing better than walking in Paris, for instance. The bus system is wonderful, and so is the Velib , the city bicycle system. But here we're going to talk about our first love, the Paris Metro. (By the way, the Metro and buses use the same tickets and passes.) If you want to travel fast, you have to go underground.

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The Historic & Extensive Underground

The Paris Metro is one of the oldest underground urban transit systems in the world, starting out at the very beginning of the 20th century. Since then it's grown into one of the most extensive systems found anywhere, so that from almost anywhere in Paris it's only a short walk to the nearest Metro station. There are over 300 stations on sixteen Metro lines in a city that covers just forty square miles. And it's very well used — every year more 1.5 billion rides are taken on the Paris Metro.

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Discover what's on when you're here, where can the paris metro take you.

With all those stations, the Metro can get you pretty much any place you want to go in the Paris city limits. The Metro is one reason why it's so easy to see a lot of Paris in a short time. Line 1, for instance, traverses the city from east to west (at a small angle) so you can hop on at the Arc de Triomphe and zip over the the Bastille on the other side of Paris. With the spider's web of lines, it's fairly easy to get from one place to another with only one transfer. Most of the time. (By the way, you can transfer as many times as you want once you enter the Metro system. Until you get out, that is.)

The standard Metro ticket covers the entire city. That's zones 1, 2 & 3 — all you're ever going to need as a visitor. We said "ticket", but the paper tickets don't exist any longer. Today it's all done with rechargeable plastic cards.

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How do you ride the paris metro.

Here's the most important point of this whole article — riding the Metro is simplicity itself. You can buy your pass at an automated machine found in all stations. The machines take credits cards, some even take cash. Then, when you approach the gate, simply tap your card to get through. You're in.

On June 12, 2019 (in case you're interested in exact dates) a new, modern way of buying Paris Metro rides began. The rectangular paper tickets with a magnetic strip down the middle have been replaced by a rechargeable plastic card called Navigo Easy — aimed specifically at tourists and occasional users. It costs a one-time €2 to purchase a permanent card that can be loaded with Metro "tickets" at machines or ticket counters at every station across the Paris region.

Once you're in a Metro station, look for the easy-to-use signs that direct you to your platform. If you're in a station with multiple lines, simply follow the signs with the number of the line you are looking for. (For instance, at the Arc de Triomphe station — called "Charles de Gaulle-Etoile" — look for signs for lines 1, 2, or 6.)

The only (slightly) tricky thing is that you need to know which direction you are heading in. Trains on each line run both ways, of course, so you need to know whether you're going north or south, or east or west, etc. The directions are named for the last station on that line on either end. Looking at Line 1 again, the directions are La Defense in the west and Chateau de Vincennes in the east. Those are easy to remember, but we can get confused on Line 7, for instance, where the directions are La Courneuve-8 May 1945 and Villejuif Louis Aragon .

Luckily, the Paris Metro signage solves that problem. Before you take the stairs to your platform you'll see a sign listing the stations in that direction. So, if we're taking Line 7 to Gare de l'Est , we simply scan the list of stops to make sure we're heading in the right direction.

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How do you navigate the paris metro.

There are maps in all of the stations, but we recommend you also carry a Metro map with you. You can find free maps at the stations, but virtually every guidebook also includes a Metro Map. These days, though, there are some very good digital aids. There are phone apps that give you a map and help you plan a route. There's also a great online tool that plots the best route from station to station or even from one address to another in Paris. Read more in our guide.

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What is the train (aka the rer).

In some Metro stations you'll also see signs for Line A or B or C or D. Those are lines of the RER, which is now being called simply train . Compared to the Metro, the RER/train is deeper and faster, with fewer stations and a greater reach. The RER/train is the Paris regional high-speed urban train system. In the city, the RER/trains runs underneath the Metro, so you're often taking a long escalator ride even deeper underground.

We use the RER/train to get places fast . If we're going from the Arc de Triomphe to the zoo at Vincennes, we don't take Metro Line 1, we take RER line A and get there in 15 minutes flat. That's fast, and all at the cost of only one Metro ticket.

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Le Tour de France Paris Travel Guide

Available free on iOS and Android

Closest metro stations to le Tour de France final stage

Top tips for enjoying le Tour de France

If you’d like to get in touch regarding any of our apps, whether it’s feedback, a support query or just to say hello, we’d love to hear from you.

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HOW TO GET THERE?

Stade de France is a Public Transport Destination and we recommend that anyone coming to an event uses public transport. Please find enclosed helpful information on Getting to Stade de France.

Stade de France 93200 Saint-Denis, France GPS : Latitude : 48.918 / Longitude : 2.351 Tél. : + 33 1 55 93 00 00

To travel legally, you must have a ticket for the Stade de France Saint Denis station (RER D) or La Plaine Stade de France (RER B). Ticket'T tickets are not valid in zone 2.

RER (Suburban train) B: La Plaine Stade de France station

• 4 mins from Gare du Nord and 8 mins from Châtelet
• One train every 3 mins depending on events
• To know the schedule of the last RER on a given event, consult the event sheet (on D-2)

RER (Suburban train) D: Stade de France - St Denis station

• 5 mins from Gare du Nord and 9 mins from Châtelet
• One train every 6 mins depending on events

Underground line 13: St Denis - Porte de Paris station

• 16 mins from Saint-Lazare station, 20 mins from Invalides and 25 mins from Montparnasse

Underground line 12: Aubervilliers - Saint-Denis Front Populaire

• 15 mins from Saint-Lazare station, and 30 mins from Montparnasse
• One train every 5 mins depending on events

No parking tickets are sold on D DAY. You must imperatively purchase your ticket in advance on this website.

Purchasing your parking spot is very easy! Simply proceed to our car park booking page  here

A1 motorway (N°2 exit 'Stade de France' ) and A86 motorway (N°9 exit 'Saint Denis - La Plaine Stade de France

Please note: On event day, access to Stade de France is restricted. Only authorised vehicles and/or those displaying a parking ticket will be allowed to park. (You may purchase a parking ticket at the same time as you purchase your event ticket).

Car parks open from 8 am to 1 am for evening events, and from 8 am to 9 pm for matinees.

Car park access map (P1 and P3 max height 2.10 metres - P2 max height 2 metres)

All car parks at Stade de France are located near the arena.

If you have the choice, here is a list of the suggested car parks for each gate:

• Gates N, R, S, T, U, X, Y = P1
• Gates H, J, K, L, N, R = P2
• Gates Z, A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K = P3

Free spots are available in the street:

• Near P4 parking (south of the Stadium, on Rue El Ouafi, facing P4)
• Rue Henri Delaunay pavement is suitable for vehicles, leading towards Place du Cornillon (behind Decathlon)

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