Paris's metro system ranks among the densest and most efficient urban transit networks globally, with 16 lines stretching over 220 kilometers and serving 302 stations, including major hubs such as Châtelet-Les Halles and Gare du Nord. As of mid-2026, a single metro ticket costs EUR 1.90, while daily and weekly passes provide economical choices for frequent travelers. The metro also connects directly to both main airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, through dedicated rail links and shuttle services, enabling smooth transfers for international visitors.
Knowing the ticket options, passes, and airport connections helps travelers navigate Paris both efficiently and affordably. This Paris Metro guide presents practical details to assist travelers in making informed choices when using the metro.
Knowing the ticket options, passes, and airport connections helps travelers navigate Paris both efficiently and affordably. This Paris Metro guide presents practical details to assist travelers in making informed choices when using the metro.
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What types of tickets and passes are available for the Paris Metro?
The Paris Metro features single tickets, carnet packs, day passes, and longer-duration passes tailored to various travel needs and lengths of stay.
Single tickets, called "Ticket t+," cost EUR 1.90 each and allow one journey including transfers within metro and RER zones 1-2. Purchasing a carnet of 10 tickets lowers the price to about EUR 16.90. For unlimited travel, the Paris Visite pass covers 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, starting at EUR 13.75 for one day in zones 1-3.
For longer visits, the Navigo Week pass (valid Monday to Sunday) and Navigo Month pass allow unlimited travel within selected zones. The Week pass costs EUR 30 for zones 1-5, which includes airport connections, and requires a Navigo card with a EUR 5 one-time fee. These passes suit visitors staying a week or more who plan extensive use of public transit.
Single tickets, called "Ticket t+," cost EUR 1.90 each and allow one journey including transfers within metro and RER zones 1-2. Purchasing a carnet of 10 tickets lowers the price to about EUR 16.90. For unlimited travel, the Paris Visite pass covers 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, starting at EUR 13.75 for one day in zones 1-3.
For longer visits, the Navigo Week pass (valid Monday to Sunday) and Navigo Month pass allow unlimited travel within selected zones. The Week pass costs EUR 30 for zones 1-5, which includes airport connections, and requires a Navigo card with a EUR 5 one-time fee. These passes suit visitors staying a week or more who plan extensive use of public transit.
How do I purchase tickets and passes for the Paris Metro?
Tickets and passes are available at metro stations, RER stations, authorized retailers, and online via official apps.
Most metro and RER stations, such as Gare de Lyon and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, have ticket vending machines accepting cash and credit cards, with instructions in multiple languages. Frequent travelers can obtain a Navigo card by providing a passport-sized photo at select stations or authorized points of sale. The Paris Visite pass is sold at airports, metro stations, and online.
The official RATP mobile app allows users to purchase and store tickets digitally, which can be scanned at turnstiles. Navigo card holders must validate cards physically at gates. It is wise to verify the latest payment options and machine availability upon arrival, as some smaller stations may accept only cards.
Most metro and RER stations, such as Gare de Lyon and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, have ticket vending machines accepting cash and credit cards, with instructions in multiple languages. Frequent travelers can obtain a Navigo card by providing a passport-sized photo at select stations or authorized points of sale. The Paris Visite pass is sold at airports, metro stations, and online.
The official RATP mobile app allows users to purchase and store tickets digitally, which can be scanned at turnstiles. Navigo card holders must validate cards physically at gates. It is wise to verify the latest payment options and machine availability upon arrival, as some smaller stations may accept only cards.
Paris Metro Guide
Location of Paris Metro Guide
What are the main connections between the Paris Metro and the airports?
Direct rail services link Paris Metro and RER lines to Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, ensuring accessible and efficient airport transfers.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is served by the RER B line, connecting terminals 1 and 2 to central Paris in about 35-40 minutes, stopping at major stations including Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles. Tickets for this route cost EUR 11.65 one-way. RER B trains run every 10-15 minutes from early morning until around midnight.
Orly Airport connects via the Orlyval light rail shuttle, linking airport terminals to Antony station on the RER B line. The Orlyval ticket costs approximately EUR 9.30 one-way. From Antony, travelers can continue on RER B into central Paris. Alternatively, tram line T7 links Orly to Villejuif-Louis Aragon metro station on line 7, though this option takes longer and is less direct.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is served by the RER B line, connecting terminals 1 and 2 to central Paris in about 35-40 minutes, stopping at major stations including Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles. Tickets for this route cost EUR 11.65 one-way. RER B trains run every 10-15 minutes from early morning until around midnight.
Orly Airport connects via the Orlyval light rail shuttle, linking airport terminals to Antony station on the RER B line. The Orlyval ticket costs approximately EUR 9.30 one-way. From Antony, travelers can continue on RER B into central Paris. Alternatively, tram line T7 links Orly to Villejuif-Louis Aragon metro station on line 7, though this option takes longer and is less direct.
How can I use the Navigo pass for airport transfers?
The Navigo Week and Month passes include travel to both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports within zones 1-5, allowing unlimited rides without extra airport ticket fees.
Purchasing a Navigo pass covering zones 1-5 includes airport transfers on the RER B line to CDG and the Orlyval shuttle to Orly. This provides considerable savings for visitors staying several days and making multiple trips to and from the airports.
To use the Navigo pass for airport travel, tap the card at turnstiles as usual. Keep in mind the Navigo Week pass is valid Monday to Sunday, so scheduling arrival and departure days accordingly maximizes its value.
Purchasing a Navigo pass covering zones 1-5 includes airport transfers on the RER B line to CDG and the Orlyval shuttle to Orly. This provides considerable savings for visitors staying several days and making multiple trips to and from the airports.
To use the Navigo pass for airport travel, tap the card at turnstiles as usual. Keep in mind the Navigo Week pass is valid Monday to Sunday, so scheduling arrival and departure days accordingly maximizes its value.
What are the operating hours and frequency of the Paris Metro and airport connections?
The Paris Metro runs daily from around 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM on weekdays and until about 2:15 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Train frequency depends on the line and time of day, generally ranging from 2 to 5 minutes during peak hours and 5 to 10 minutes off-peak. The RER B line to Charles de Gaulle operates roughly every 10-15 minutes between about 4:56 AM and 11:56 PM.
The Orlyval shuttle runs every 4 to 7 minutes from early morning until midnight. Checking schedules beforehand is important, especially for early morning or late-night flights, as public transit options may be limited outside usual operating hours.
Train frequency depends on the line and time of day, generally ranging from 2 to 5 minutes during peak hours and 5 to 10 minutes off-peak. The RER B line to Charles de Gaulle operates roughly every 10-15 minutes between about 4:56 AM and 11:56 PM.
The Orlyval shuttle runs every 4 to 7 minutes from early morning until midnight. Checking schedules beforehand is important, especially for early morning or late-night flights, as public transit options may be limited outside usual operating hours.
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“If you’re catching the metro from Rue Saint-Denis around 8 a.m., buy a carnet of 10 single tickets for 16.90 euros—it’s cheaper and saves time. Also, for the airport, the RER B train is faster than the bus and gets you to Charles de Gaulle in about 35 minutes.”
Antoine Lefèvre/ Local Transit Consultant
How safe and accessible is the Paris Metro for travelers with luggage?
The Paris Metro is generally safe and accessible, but travelers with luggage should anticipate some challenges during peak hours and at stations lacking elevators.
Most major stations, particularly those serving airports and central areas like Gare de Lyon and Bastille, feature elevators or escalators, though many older stations still rely on stairs. Lines serving Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports are better equipped for handling luggage.
Security measures include regular patrols, surveillance cameras, and emergency call points. Travelers should remain alert, especially in crowded areas, and keep belongings secure. Avoiding rush hours when carrying large or heavy luggage reduces discomfort.
Most major stations, particularly those serving airports and central areas like Gare de Lyon and Bastille, feature elevators or escalators, though many older stations still rely on stairs. Lines serving Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports are better equipped for handling luggage.
Security measures include regular patrols, surveillance cameras, and emergency call points. Travelers should remain alert, especially in crowded areas, and keep belongings secure. Avoiding rush hours when carrying large or heavy luggage reduces discomfort.
What are some money-saving tips for using the Paris Metro?
Purchasing carnet packs, using multi-day passes, and planning travel zones carefully can significantly reduce transit expenses.
Buying a carnet of 10 single tickets lowers the per-ticket cost by about 11%. For visitors staying several days with frequent trips, the Paris Visite or Navigo passes offer better value than single tickets. Assessing daily travel needs helps choose the most economical option.
Some attractions, such as the Louvre Museum, offer combined tickets that include public transit passes, which can be cost-effective for those planning multiple site visits. Avoid buying airport transfer tickets separately if using a Navigo pass covering zones 1-5, as these journeys are included.
Buying a carnet of 10 single tickets lowers the per-ticket cost by about 11%. For visitors staying several days with frequent trips, the Paris Visite or Navigo passes offer better value than single tickets. Assessing daily travel needs helps choose the most economical option.
Some attractions, such as the Louvre Museum, offer combined tickets that include public transit passes, which can be cost-effective for those planning multiple site visits. Avoid buying airport transfer tickets separately if using a Navigo pass covering zones 1-5, as these journeys are included.
What local tips can help navigate the Paris Metro more efficiently?
Locals often avoid peak hours, use station apps for real-time updates, and favor certain lines for comfort and speed.
Traveling outside the morning rush (7:30-9:30 AM) and evening rush (5:00-7:30 PM) makes journeys less crowded. The official RATP app provides live updates on delays and line status.
For shorter walks and fewer transfers, locals sometimes walk between nearby stations or neighborhoods, especially in central areas like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Familiarity with metro maps and station exits before traveling reduces confusion. For neighborhood insights, see guides on Le Marais neighborhood or Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
Traveling outside the morning rush (7:30-9:30 AM) and evening rush (5:00-7:30 PM) makes journeys less crowded. The official RATP app provides live updates on delays and line status.
For shorter walks and fewer transfers, locals sometimes walk between nearby stations or neighborhoods, especially in central areas like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Familiarity with metro maps and station exits before traveling reduces confusion. For neighborhood insights, see guides on Le Marais neighborhood or Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
Reference Resources
What should travelers know about ticket validation and transfers on the Paris Metro?
Each journey requires ticket validation upon entry; transfers within metro and RER zones 1-2 are included on a single ticket without extra charges.
Passengers must insert paper tickets or tap contactless cards at turnstiles when entering the metro or RER system. Keep tickets until exiting, as inspectors may request to see them. Transfers between metro lines and buses are allowed within 90 minutes of the first validation on the same ticket.
For trips extending beyond zone 2, such as airport journeys, separate tickets or appropriate passes are necessary. Navigo pass holders simply tap their cards at each entry point without further validation.
Passengers must insert paper tickets or tap contactless cards at turnstiles when entering the metro or RER system. Keep tickets until exiting, as inspectors may request to see them. Transfers between metro lines and buses are allowed within 90 minutes of the first validation on the same ticket.
For trips extending beyond zone 2, such as airport journeys, separate tickets or appropriate passes are necessary. Navigo pass holders simply tap their cards at each entry point without further validation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A single Paris Metro ticket, called a 'Ticket t+', costs €1.90 and is valid for one journey within the Paris Metro, RER (within Paris zones 1-2), buses, trams, and the Montmartre funicular. The ticket allows transfers between Metro lines and between Metro and RER trains within the central Paris zone, but it is not valid for airport shuttle buses or long-distance trains. You can buy these tickets at ticket machines or counters in Metro stations. For multiple trips, consider buying a carnet of 10 tickets for €16.90, which has a small discount and is convenient for tourists.
Yes, tourists can purchase the Paris Visite Pass, which has unlimited travel on the Metro, RER, buses, trams, and select SNCF trains within certain zones for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. Prices start at €13.20 for 1 day in zones 1-3, and the pass can be extended to zones 1-5 to include direct airport transfers (Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports) for a higher price (around €25 for 1 day). This pass is ideal for travelers wanting hassle-free unlimited rides, including airport connections, without needing to buy individual tickets.
The easiest public transport option from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to central Paris is the RER B train. Trains run from terminals 2 and 3 approximately every 10-15 minutes between 4:50 AM and 11:50 PM. The journey takes about 35 minutes to Gare du Nord or Châtelet-Les Halles. A single ticket from CDG to Paris costs €11.40 and can be bought at airport ticket counters or machines. You can use a Ticket t+ within Paris after exiting the RER. For those with heavy luggage or traveling late, airport buses or taxis are alternatives but usually cost more.
Paris Metro is partially accessible for wheelchair users and travelers with luggage, but accessibility varies by station. Many older Metro stations have stairs and no elevators, which can be challenging with large suitcases. However, RER lines (especially RER B serving the airports) and many tram lines offer better accessibility with elevators and ramps. Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports have accessible facilities and elevators connecting to RER and Orlyval trains. For travelers with heavy luggage or mobility needs, it's recommended to use RER trains or airport shuttle buses, which provide step-free access and more space for baggage.
Yes, since 2021, the Paris Metro and RER trains accept contactless payment methods like contactless credit/debit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at ticket barriers. This allows you to tap and go without buying a paper ticket. However, this method only works for single journeys within Paris zones 1-2 and does not cover airport-specific fares like tickets from CDG or Orly airports. For airport transfers, you will need to buy a dedicated ticket or use a pass like Paris Visite. Contactless payment is convenient for spontaneous trips and reduces the need to queue at ticket machines.
When using the Paris Metro and RER for airport transfers, it’s important to bring a valid ticket or pass suitable for your journey (e.g., a single RER ticket from CDG to Paris costs €11.40). Also, carry a printed or digital map of the Metro and RER lines to navigate transfers easily, especially if unfamiliar with station layouts. A lightweight, wheeled suitcase or backpack is advisable as many stations have stairs and no elevators. Keep your belongings secure and be prepared for occasional crowds, particularly during peak hours. Lastly, consider downloading the official RATP app for real-time schedules and service updates.
The Paris Metro and RER trains do not operate 24 hours; their last trains usually run until around midnight. For late-night travelers arriving after service ends, there are night buses called Noctilien. For example, lines N140 and N143 connect Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris, running approximately from 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM, with fares around €8.30. Orly Airport is served by line N22 at similar hours. These buses stop at major Metro stations and are a safe, affordable option when trains aren't running. Alternatively, taxis or ride-hailing services operate 24/7 but cost significantly more (roughly €50-60 from CDG to central Paris).
In Paris, you must validate your Ticket t+ only once when entering the Metro or RER station by inserting it into the turnstile or tapping your contactless card. After validation, you can transfer between Metro lines or between Metro and RER within the central zones without revalidating, as long as you do not exit the station system. However, if you transfer to a bus or tram, you must validate a new ticket directly on the vehicle. Keep your ticket until the end of your journey as inspectors may request proof of payment. If you have a multi-use pass like Navigo or Paris Visite, simply show it at barriers or to inspectors.
