In short
Traveling around Paris using the tram network allows you to discover the more modern and less chaotic side of the Parisian suburbs, traveling entirely above ground. This mode of transport is ideal for traveling between the city's outer neighborhoods without necessarily having to pass through the historic center.
- Circular route: the lines run along the Boulevards des Maréchaux.
- Panoramic journey: all cars move on the surface with large windows.
- Perfect integration: the tracks constantly intersect with metrothe.
- Total accessibility: the platforms and carriages are entirely barrier-free.
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Things to Know About the Paris Trams
The Parisian tram follows very similar rules to the bus when it comes to validating tickets, but it stands out for its punctuality and dedicated preferential lanes.
Validation on board
The paper ticket or contactless card must be validated as soon as you board the vehicle.
Open button
The doors do not open by themselves; you need to press the illuminated button located near the entrances.
Exchange rate rule
The t+ ticket allows you to change tram-tram or bus-tram within ninety minutes, but not metro-tram.
Extra-urban routes
Some lines go far outside the city centre (zones 3 and 4), requiring attention to the validity of passes.
Paris Tram Map
The trams never enter the historic heart of Paris, but draw an almost perfect circular line around the city limits (the so-called Petite Couronne).
Quick tip
If you need to transfer between metroand the tram, remember that you will need to use a second paper t+ ticket, since the underground-surface transfer is not integrated into the same ticket.
Download the official map
Official RATP map of the Paris Metro, RER and Tram network.
High-resolution PDF format
Ideal for printing or offline viewing
Always updated
Official RATP Edition
Complete with legend
All Metro, RER and Tram lines
Official source: RATP Paris • All rights reserved
How to use the map
Find your departure station
Follow the color of the line
Count the stops for your route
Plan your trips
The most useful lines for tourists
Most lines serve the commuter flow of Île-de-France, but some routes are strategic for reaching exhibition centers, parks or transport hubs.
| Line | Color | Useful for reaching | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| T3a | Dark green | Porte de Versailles (Fair), Cité Universitaire, Parc Montsouris | exhibition halls and south of Paris |
| T3b | Lilac | Parc de la Villette, Porte de Vincennes, City of Sciences | parks and events in the northeast |
| T2 | Gold | La Défense business district, Porte de Versailles | business connections to the west |
Which ticket should I choose?
The tram network accepts all major travel tickets in the Paris region, provided you respect the fare zones covered by the chosen route.
t+ ticket
Ideal for: single runs on the network.
- valid for ninety minutes
- allows transfers to other trams
- available in digital format
Navigo Easy
Ideal for: quick ticket top-ups.
- supports single carnets
- convenient urban contactless pass
- ideal for short stays
Paris Visite
Ideal for: endless tourist trips.
- unlimited travel included
- valid on all lines
- discounts for affiliated attractions
Navigo Découverte
Ideal for: those traveling for a week.
- full weekly subscription
- requires a paper passport photo
- extremely economical over distances
Quick tip
If you use a single paper ticket for Versailles or Disneyland, buy a double one (round trip) immediately to avoid miles of queues at the ticket office in the evening.
The most popular tourist passes in Paris
Choosing the ideal tram pass depends exclusively on the length of your stay and the fare zones you plan to travel through during the day.
Need to know
- Validation is mandatory on board: every paper or digital ticket must be scanned as soon as you board the vehicle.
- Transfers to the metro require a new ticket: there is no direct transfer between the underground and surface networks.
- Changing trams is free: you can change lines within ninety minutes with the same ticket.
- The doors open by pressing a button: the carriages do not open automatically at each stop.
Practical advice
- Download the official app for real-time schedules: monitor schedules from your phone and avoid long waits at external stops.
- Prepare your documents for the weekly pass: bring a passport photo from home if you decide to activate the Navigo Découverte.
- Buy tickets before boarding: the platforms are equipped with vending machines to avoid emergency purchases on the vehicle.
- Pay attention to the direction of the terminus: always check the final destination indicated on the front panels of the tram.
History and curiosities of the Paris Trams
The history of the tram in Paris spans two completely distinct eras. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city had a gigantic tram network, which was dismantled in 1937 to make way for cars and buses. Fifty-five years later, in 1992, the administration completely reversed course by inaugurating the T1 line, sparking a tram renaissance that continues today to combat air pollution.
- It was born on horseback: the very first historical models were pulled by real horses.
- It was eliminated altogether: in 1937 the urban rails were removed.
- Reborn in 1992: the T1 line marked the great comeback.
- Avoid the historic center: the modern tracks do not touch the central monuments.
- Some are tram-trains: lines T11 and T13 run on railways.
- They have green tracks: many lines run on well-kept grass.
- Custom Design: Each line boasts a unique carriage style.
- It grows every year: new extensions connect the municipalities of the banlieue.
Metro or Tram? Which is better?
The choice between these two modes of transport depends entirely on the area of the city where you choose to stay or your planned itinerary for the day. Combining the metroand tram allows you to maximize travel time. The metroremains the unbeatable choice for traversing the city center in a straight line and exploring its historic icons, while the tram proves to be an invaluable ally for traversing the city limits, offering comfort and an open view of the contemporary city.
| Metro | Tram |
|---|---|
| It passes vertically and horizontally through the center | It goes around the outer limits of the city |
| Travel entirely through the Parisian underground | It moves in the sunlight on the surface |
| Allows free changes with the RER line | Allows free changes only with buses |
| It has many stairs and barriers in the stations | Fully accessible at street level |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride the tram if I purchased a bus ticket via SMS?
No, tickets purchased via SMS by sending a code to the RATP number are valid only for bus travel and not for tram travel.
What happens if I forget to validate my t+ ticket on the tram?
If checked by RATP officials, you will be liable for an administrative fine for failure to validate the ticket.
Are lines T3a and T3b connected to each other or do I have to change stations?
The two lines meet at the Porte de Vincennes stop, where you simply get off on the same platform to change trains.
Do Navigo weekly passes also cover tram routes in zone 4?
Yes, if your Navigo subscription covers zones 1 to 5, you can travel without any limits on all lines in the network.
Are there night tram services after the regular lines close?
No, during the night hours the surface service is entirely replaced by the Noctilien night bus network.
Does the Tram pass through the center of Paris?
No, the Tram follows a semicircular route that doesn't reach the city centre but it's an excellent interchange service for those who want to sleep far from the centre without spending much.
Do children travel for free on the tram network?
No, children under four travel free, while those aged four to ten pay a reduced fare.
Can I take my bicycle on the tram?
No, bicycles are not permitted inside the carriages to ensure maximum passenger safety.
How can I check if there are delays or strikes on my line?
You can monitor traffic conditions in real time using the official RATP app or by consulting the digital displays on the platform.
Does the tram run on public holidays in Paris?
Yes, tram service remains active during the holidays, following the Sunday timetable.
