Paris metro step-by-step guide for beginners

With a blog name like Stop Going to Paris, you might not guess it, but I really do love this city! And you should definitely come.

The Paris metro is one of the easiest ways to get around the city and beyond. With over 700 stations and 34 lines, it’s a reliable and affordable option for residents and tourists alike. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, the metro might seem overwhelming, but once you understand how it works, you’ll get where you need to go like a local.

Anya

Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love.

After 10 years and 70+ destinations, I can help you plan your European trip: book a call with me. It includes a full itinerary with unique destinations, transportation, accommodation and activities.

Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.

Paris metro step-by-step guide – understand how a subway system works

Getting around with the Paris metro can be easier than it looks if you follow these steps:

1. Locate your current station
   Find your starting point on the metro map. Look for the station you are currently at and identify it clearly.
   
   
2. Identify your destination
   Mark your destination station on the map. Note the metro line(s) you’ll need to travel on to reach it.
   
   
3. Check the line direction
   Each metro line runs in two directions, identified by the final station on each end. For example, Line 1 (yellow) runs between “La Défense” and “Château de Vincennes.” Check signs in the station to ensure you’re heading in the correct direction.
   
   
4. Follow the signs
   Inside the station, signs will point toward the platforms for each line and direction. Look for the line number and the name of the last station in your desired direction.
   
   
5. Board the train
   Once on the platform, check the electronic boards showing the train arrival times. Let passengers exit the train first, then enter when space becomes available.
   
   
6. Make transfers (if needed)
   If your route requires a transfer, look for “Correspondance” signs at the transfer station. These direct you to the platform for the connecting line. Follow the platform signs to board your next train.
   
   
7. Exit at your destination
   Upon arriving, walk toward the “Sortie” (exit) signs. If there are multiple exits, maps near the platforms can guide you to the street or landmark you want.

Tips for an easier experience

• Double-check maps to confirm your route, especially when transferring lines.
• Use apps like “Citymapper” or “Google Maps” to simplify trip planning.
• Keep your ticket handy as you’ll need it to exit most stations.
• Give yourself extra time when making transfers, especially during peak hours when stations can get crowded.
• Delays are perfectly normal – just look for an alternative route on Google Maps or Citymapper.

Understand the ticket validation process

Insert your ticket into the turnstile at the station entrance. The machine will validate it and return it to you.

If you use the RER, you’ll need to insert your ticket again at the exit, so DO NOT lose it or you won’t be able to exit.

Random ticket inspections do occur, so you should keep it with you till the end anyway.

Learn basic French terms

Familiarize yourself with key terms found in the metro:

• Sortie: Exit
• Correspondance: Transfer/connection
• Terminus: Final stop on the line

If you don’t speak French, don’t worry – most signs and announcements are clear enough to follow. Metro maps are visual and easy to understand without requiring translations. Station staff often speak basic English and can guide you.

Metro lines and zones

The metro connects nearly every corner of Paris with a vast network of underground trains. It’s a mainstay for commuters, a time-saver for tourists, and an indispensable feature of urban Paris.

The system has 16 metro lines (from 1 to 16), 5 RERs (trains connecting neighboring suburbs, from A to E) and 13 Transiliens (faster trains connecting far away suburbs, from H to T). All lines are identified by a color and either by a letter or a number.

The lines run in different directions and intersect at key stations called transfer points. For example, Line 1 (yellow) connects major landmarks like the Louvre and Champs-Élysées, while Line 4 (purple) runs across the Seine River.

The city is divided into zones for ticket pricing, but most tourist destinations fall within Zone 1. Zones 2 and beyond serve suburban areas. Metro maps clearly show these zones and include color-coded routes, which makes planning your trip easier.

Operating hours and frequency

The Paris metro operates from 5:30 a.m. until around 12:40 a.m. on weekdays. On Fridays, Saturdays, and before public holidays, service extends until 1:40 a.m.

Trains generally arrive every 2-5 minutes during peak hours. In the evenings or on Sundays, the wait may stretch to 7-10 minutes, but service remains dependable.

Buying tickets

Before hopping on the metro, you’ll need a valid ticket. Thankfully, there are several options to suit different needs.

Types of tickets

• Single tickets (T+): These allow one trip on the metro, bus, or tram, including transfers, within 90 minutes.
  
• Day passes (Mobilis): Unlimited travel for one day in specific zones. Ideal for travelers packing multiple destinations into a day.
  
• Navigo easy card: A reloadable card that offers discounted rates and extra convenience over paper tickets.
  
• Tourist passes (Paris Visite): Unlimited travel for 1-5 days. Includes discounts at select attractions, making it useful for sightseeing.

If you’re using an American Express card during your travels, here’s how it works in Paris (warning, it can get tricky): American Express Card in Paris.

Navigo Easy Card

The Navigo Easy card is a reusable contactless travel pass designed for convenience and flexibility. It can be loaded with:

• T+ tickets: individual tickets or discounted bundles, up to 29 tickets can be stored at once.
• Day passes
• Orlybus and Roissybus tickets (rides to the Parisian airports of Orly and CDG)
• Special passes like the antipollution pass.

The card is anonymous, transferable for use by one person at a time, and does not require any formalities.

Cost: €2 for the card itself + ticket prices added as needed.

Important: the card and its contents cannot be refunded or replaced if lost or stolen, so handle it carefully.

Where to buy tickets

Tickets are available at vending machines inside metro stations. These machines accept cash and credit cards. If you prefer personal assistance, ticket counters are located in larger stations.

For those planning ahead, tickets can also be purchased online or through the “Navigo” app. Be sure to validate your ticket by inserting it into the turnstile before boarding.

Conduct and safety – Paris metro etiquette

Keep your bags close to avoid pickpockets, which can be an issue in crowded areas. In terms of etiquette, follow these guidelines:

• Stay quiet during the ride.
• Let others exit before boarding.
• Avoid blocking the doors.
• Use handrails when standing.
• Stand on the right side of the escalators if you’re not climbing them. It leaves the left free for those in a hurry.

What to do if your Paris metro ticket isn’t working

If your Paris Metro ticket doesn’t work at the turnstile, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Check for proper validation
   Ensure the ticket hasn’t already been used or is expired. Single-use tickets (T+) must be validated at the turnstile during entry and are only valid for a single journey.
   
   
2. Inspect the ticket
   Look at the physical state of your ticket. If it’s bent, torn, or demagnetized, it may fail to work. Try using a different turnstile to rule out any technical issues with the machine.
   
   
3. Seek assistance
   Locate a station agent at the ticket counter or help desk. Explain the issue (in English or basic French). Most staff can assist with malfunctioning tickets and will replace demagnetized or damaged ones.
   
   
4. DO NOT jump the turnstile
   Even if your ticket isn’t functioning, never attempt to bypass the gate without assistance. This could result in a fine if caught without a valid ticket.

Preventing issues

• Keep paper tickets flat and away from magnets, phones, or wallets with magnetic strips to avoid demagnetization.

Handling a malfunctioning ticket is straightforward in most cases, with station staff ready to help and options like new purchases or replacements available.

Conclusion

The Paris metro might seem intimidating at first, but it’s the simplest and fastest way to explore the city. Once you understand how to read maps, choose the right ticket, and navigate transfers, getting to any destination becomes second nature.

With its convenience and affordability, the metro is a tool every visitor to Paris should master. So grab a ticket, plan your route, and enjoy discovering everything Paris has to offer!

Once you’ve mastered the Paris Metro, you might want to explore some incredible day trips from Paris (with hidden gems) for a fresh perspective away from the usual tourist spots.