How to use Paris Metro

written by INSIDR Team October 17, 2022

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We understand that travelling to Paris can seem daunting and the metro system can seem confusing. Here is how to effectively navigate the public transport system in Paris as well as explaining all the different public transport tickets you can purchase. Read on to learn how to use Paris metro while you visit Paris. We also share specific tips on using the public transport to travel between Paris and the airport.

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Here’s what you can expect in this article:
– introduction to the T+ tickets and the RER tickets
– important advice when using the Paris metro
– access to some of Paris’ most popular attractions

How to use Paris Metro: 2 most-used tickets

T+ Tickets

To navigate Paris, the best way is definitely the metro system and to do that, you’ll need a T+ ticket! Each T+ ticket costs 1,90€ and can be used not only on the metro, but also on RER train rides within the Paris city limits, buses and trams.

2021 Updated Ticket Prices
1 T+ ticket: 1,90€
Pack of 10 T+ tickets: 16,90€
Pack of 10 T+ tickets for kids: 7,45€

INSIDR Tip: You can also buy a T+ ticket onboard a bus from the driver but that will cost you 2€. Buy your tickets at the ticket machines located inside metro stations.

Since the RATP is trying to modernize the ticketing system in Paris, plans have been announced to phase out the single-use paper T+ tickets by 2021. RATP has introduced a new commuter card that is tourist-friendly, eco-friendly, and sustainable called the Navigo Easy. This card can be loaded with tickets just like the popular commuter cards in London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Read everything there is to know about the Navigo Easy right here.

RER Tickets

There are 2 main differences between a T+ Ticket and an RER Ticket:

1. A T+ ticket always costs the same whereas an RER ticket’s price depends on the distance between the origin and the destination.

2. A T+ ticket is only for traveling within Paris whereas an RER ticket is usually bought for traveling to destinations outside of Paris like: the airports, Disneyland Paris, and Versailles. We give detailed instructions on how to get to these destinations in our Paris Transport Guide.

Buying an RER ticket from a machine is easy as most machines have several languages. Just make sure that you select the correct stations! For example, getting to Chateau de Versailles can be via 3 different train stations in Versailles.

INSIDR Tip: Paris has different kinds of transport passes (Mobilis, Paris Visite, Paris Navigo) that might appeal to different kinds of travelers. We introduce each one of them on our Paris Public Transport article.

Important Reminders for using the Paris metro:

1. Always validate your ticket!

This is the cardinal rule to using the Paris metro! Because if you don’t, you risk getting fined 60€ by one of the RATP staff who often do ‘surprise checks’ at metro stations.

If you’re using a paper T+ ticket, just put it through the narrow slit at the ticket gate. Don’t forget to take it before you go through the glass door (or turnstyle)! If you’re using a commuter card, just tap it lightly on the purple card reader on the ticket gate.

INSIDR Tip: Don’t throw your T+ Ticket away! Make sure you keep it until you have exited your destination station.

2. Only buy tickets from machines or through ticket booths at stations.

Unfortunately, a lot of tourists in the past have already been scammed by people who sell fake tickets. Don’t fall for this!

3. Use the Paris Metro Map to guide you.

Thank goodness for smartphones because otherwise, even Parisians could get lost navigating the Paris metro. Our favorite Paris metro app is called CityMapper and it is free to download!

If you’d like to kick it old school, we recommend you download our Paris Metro Map!

4. Paris rush hour can be crazy.

Like most metropolitan cities in the world, rush hour in Paris is no picnic. Avoid it! But if you don’t have a choice, just make sure that you hold on to your things as the metro is one of the most notorious places for pickpockets.

Here are the busiest lines on the Paris metro:
Line 4, Line 5, Line 9, Line 13
RER A and B as well

Accessing Popular Attractions in Paris

Eiffel Tower: RER C – Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel
Notre Dame: Metro Line 12 – Notre Dame de Lorette
Louvre Museum: Metro Line 1 – Palais Royal Musée du Louvre
Musée d’Orsay: Metro Line 12 – Solférino
Arc de Triomphe: Metro Line 1 / 9 – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Champs Élysées: Metro Line 1 / 9 – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Moulin Rouge: Metro Line 2 – Blanche
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: Metro Line 7 / 9 – Chaussée d’Antin La Fayette
Sacre Cœur: Metro Line 2 – Blanche