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How Does the Paris Metro Work?

How does the Paris Metro work?
Surprisingly well, once you understand the basics. The Paris Metro is one of the oldest, densest, and most efficient subway systems in the world, and it’s the fastest way to get around Paris.

This guide explains how the Paris Metro works step by step, including tickets, lines, zones, transfers, etiquette, and common mistakes tourists make. No transport degree required.

What Is the Paris Metro?

The Paris Metro is the city’s underground subway system, operated by RATP.

Key facts:

16 main lines (numbered 1–14, plus a few extras)
Over 300 stations
Trains every 2–5 minutes
Covers almost all of central Paris

If something is “in Paris,” the Metro probably goes there.

Understanding Paris Metro Lines and Numbers

Each Metro line has:

A number
A color
Two end stations (direction matters)

For example:

Line 1 runs east–west
Line 4 runs north–south
Line 6 is partly above ground with great views

When navigating, you don’t say “Line 1 toward the city.”
You say “Line 1 toward La Défense” or “Line 1 toward Château de Vincennes.”

Direction is defined by the last station on the line, not the compass. This confuses everyone at first. You’ll survive.

How Do You Buy Tickets for the Paris Metro?

The Metro uses a zone-based ticket system, but tourists mostly deal with Zone 1, which covers central Paris.

Common Ticket Options

Single Ticket (t+)

One journey
Transfers allowed between metro lines
Not valid for long-distance RER trips outside central Paris

Day Pass

Unlimited travel for one day
Good for sightseeing-heavy days

Weekly Pass

Very cost-effective if staying several days
Runs Monday to Sunday

Tickets can be bought from:

Ticket machines
Metro counters
Official transport apps

Keep your ticket until you exit. Random checks happen. Fines are not poetic.

How Do You Enter and Exit the Paris Metro?

Entering

Insert or tap your ticket at the gate
Gates open
Walk through confidently

Exiting

Simply walk out
No ticket required at exit, unless transferring to RER zones

If the gate beeps angrily, don’t panic. Try again or move to another gate.

How Transfers Work in the Paris Metro

Transfers are free and unlimited within the same journey, as long as:

You stay inside the system
You don’t exit through gates

Follow the correspondance signs (that’s “transfer” in French).

Transfers can involve:

Long corridors
Escalators
A bit of walking

This is normal. Paris is old. It was not built for efficiency or comfort. It was built for history.

Paris Metro vs RER: What’s the Difference?

Tourists often confuse the two.

Metro

Short distances
Dense station network
Best for city sightseeing

RER

Regional express trains
Connect suburbs and airports
Fewer stops, faster

Inside central Paris, the RER feels like a fast Metro. Outside, ticket rules change. Pay attention to zones.

Metro Operating Hours

The Paris Metro generally runs:

From ~5:30 am
Until ~12:30 am
Later on weekends (around 1:30–2:00 am)

Night owls should plan alternatives after midnight:

Night buses
Taxis
Ride-hailing apps

The Metro does not run 24/7. Paris needs sleep too.

Is the Paris Metro Easy to Use for Tourists?

Yes. And also mildly overwhelming for the first 10 minutes.

Why it’s tourist-friendly:

Clear maps everywhere
Station names announced
Trains are frequent
Signs include symbols and colors

Why it’s confusing:

Stations have multiple exits
Some transfers are long
Maps look busy
French happens

Once you’ve done two rides, it clicks.

Metro Etiquette: How Not to Annoy Everyone

Follow these unwritten rules:

Stand on the right, walk on the left (on escalators)
Let people exit before entering
Keep bags off seats
Don’t block doors
Keep voices down

Nobody will explain this to you. They will just judge silently.

Safety on the Paris Metro

The Metro is generally safe, but:

Watch your belongings
Be cautious in crowded trains
Avoid empty carriages late at night

Pickpocketing targets distracted tourists. Awareness solves most problems.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make on the Paris Metro

Let’s prevent character development.

Mistakes to Avoid

Getting on the wrong direction train
Throwing away tickets too early
Confusing Metro and RER tickets
Not checking last train times
Standing still on escalator left side

Everyone does at least one of these. It’s fine.

Why the Paris Metro Is Actually Brilliant

Despite the confusion, the Paris Metro is:

Fast
Affordable
Extensive
Reliable

It’s often faster than taxis, especially during rush hour. Once you trust it, Paris opens up effortlessly.

How Does the Paris Metro Work?

The Paris Metro works through numbered lines, clear directions based on end stations, simple ticketing for central Paris, and frequent trains that connect nearly every part of the city.

Learn the basics, respect the flow, and the system becomes your best travel tool in Paris.

The Metro looks intimidating. It’s just very French about it.