The Paris Metro is the beating heart of the city—it’s fast, reliable, and the most efficient way to travel between attractions. For first-time visitors, the system of lines, tickets, and sorties (exits) can seem daunting.
Fear not! Once you understand a few key concepts, you’ll be zipping from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower like a true Parisian. Here is your definitive, step-by-step guide on how to use the Paris Metro.
1. Choosing Your Ticket: Go Digital!
Paris is phasing out the old paper tickets. For tourists, the easiest, most modern, and most reliable way to pay is with a smart card or your phone.
| Ticket Option | Best For | Details & Cost |
| Navigo Easy Pass (Recommended) | Most visitors (1-6 days) who want flexibility. | A rechargeable plastic card (€2 to buy). Load it with single tickets (Metro-Train-RER Tickets). You can tap and go. Cannot be shared simultaneously. |
| Navigo Day Pass (Navigo Jour) | Heavy usage (6+ rides) on one specific day. | A single-day unlimited pass loaded onto your Navigo Easy card. It is only worth it if you plan to make more than 5-6 trips in that calendar day. |
| Paris Visite Pass | Specific Tourist Needs (e.g., Disneyland, CDG/Orly). | Valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, covering all zones and airports. More expensive than other options but simplifies travel to distant attractions. |
| Mobile Ticketing | iPhone/Android Users. | If you have a compatible NFC smartphone, you can buy and store tickets directly on the Bonjour RATP or Île-de-France Mobilités apps and tap your phone at the gate. |
IMPORTANT: Metro-Train-RER tickets are valid for transfers between Metro and RER lines (within 2 hours), but you need a separate Bus-Tram Ticket to switch from Metro to Bus/Tram or vice-versa.
2. Navigating the Lines: Color + Terminus
Forget North, South, East, and West. The Paris Metro uses a color-coded and numbered system defined by the final destination (Terminus).
Step 1: Find Your Line and Direction
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Line Number & Color: Look at a Metro map. Identify the color and number of the line you need (e.g., Line 1 is yellow, Line 4 is purple).
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Direction (Terminus): The line runs in two directions. You must follow the name of the final stop (Terminus) in your direction of travel.
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Example: If you are at Concorde and want to go to the Louvre, you follow the signs for Line 1 – Direction Château de Vincennes.
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Step 2: Follow the Signs (Direction & Correspondance)
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In the station, look for signs showing your line’s number, color, and terminus name.
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If you need to switch lines, follow signs marked “Correspondance” (Transfer/Connection). Some transfers are short; others can be very long walks!
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Follow the “Sortie” signs when you are ready to exit the station.
3. Entry, Exit, and Validation
Entering the Metro
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Validate: Hold your Navigo Easy card or mobile phone (unlocked, if required by your device settings) directly over the purple reader on the turnstile until you hear a beep and see the green arrow.
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Go Through: Walk through the turnstile. If you have luggage or a stroller, look for the wide gate (sometimes marked Pass Navigo), which is easier to get through.
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Keep Your Ticket: If you use a single paper ticket (for RER, or certain special tickets), do not throw it away until you have fully exited the system. Inspectors (contrôleurs) may check it at any time, and you will receive a hefty fine if you cannot present a valid ticket.
Exiting the Metro
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Metro: Most Metro exit gates open automatically—just walk through.
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RER: The regional RER lines often require you to tap your card or insert your ticket again to exit the turnstile. This is why keeping your ticket is vital!
4. Parisian Metro Etiquette (Ride Like a Local)
Follow these unwritten rules to keep the Parisians happy and move smoothly through the network:
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Stand Right, Walk Left: This applies to all escalators and moving walkways. Stand on the right side if you are standing still; the left side is for those walking or rushing.
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Let Passengers Exit First: When the doors open, stand to the side and wait for everyone to step off the train before you step on.
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Move to the Center of the Car: Don’t stand right by the doors. Move toward the center to leave space for other passengers to board quickly.
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Watch Your Backpack: On crowded trains, take your backpack off and hold it at your feet or in front of you. This prevents you from bumping others and drastically reduces your risk of pickpocketing.
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Be Mindful of Luggage: If you have large luggage, avoid traveling during rush hours (7:30 AM–9:30 AM and 5:00 PM–7:30 PM).
By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll find the Paris Metro to be the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to conquer your Paris itinerary!