In short
The metro Paris the most popular means of transport for quickly getting around the city's monuments, museums, neighborhoods, and main attractions. With 16 lines and over 300 stations, it seamlessly connects the city center and much of the urban area, making even longer journeys easy.
- 16 lines operating throughout the city
- Over 300 stations distributed throughout the various arrondissements
- Average frequency: every 2-5 minutes
- Approximate opening hours: 5:30 am to 1:15 am
- Best for: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and Champs-Élysées
☰ Table of Contents
Things to know about the Paris metro
The Paris metro is one of the most convenient ways to get around the city, but there are some peculiarities it's helpful to know before you begin. Some stations are very large, some lines operate differently, and it's not always easy to find your way around the system the first time you use it. Knowing these details can make your journeys easier and save you time.
Stations can be very large
Châtelet–Les Halles is one of the largest in Europe and changing lines can take several minutes.
Not all lines are created equal
Some are automatic and modern (like line 14), others are older and less comfortable.
There are numerous exits
In large stations it is useful to check the right exit to avoid unnecessary detours.
Station names matter more than numbers
In Paris, people often orient themselves by looking at the final terminus rather than the line number.
The metro doesn't cover everything equally
Some areas like Montmartre or certain stretches along the Seine still require a bit of walking.
Paris Metro Map
The Paris metro network comprises 16 lines and over 300 stations throughout the city. Consult the map to quickly locate the lines connecting the main tourist attractions.
Quick tip
If this is your first visit to Paris, locate the stations serving the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre on the map. Many of the most common tourist routes pass through these areas.
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
Not all metro lines are equally useful for those visiting Paris. Some directly connect many of the main attractions and can become your best allies during your stay.
| Line | Color | Useful for reaching | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow | Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, La Défense | First visit to Paris |
| 4 | Viola | Gare du Nord, Notre-Dame, Latin Quarter | Center and banks of the Seine |
| 6 | Green | Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Eiffel Tower, Passy | Eiffel Tower |
| 12 | Dark green | Abbesses, Montmartre, Concorde, Madeleine | Montmartre |
| 14 | Dark purple | Saint-Lazare, Châtelet, Gare de Lyon, Orly | Quick trips |
Which ticket should I choose?
The Paris metro offers several options for tourists and residents. The choice depends primarily on the length of your stay and the number of trips you plan to make.
Single ticket
Ideal for: occasional use.
- You buy it when you need it
- No membership card required
- Perfect for a few runs
Navigo Easy
Ideal for: Most tourists.
- Rechargeable card
- Metro, buses and trams
- Practical for short stays
Paris Visite
Ideal for: lots of travel.
- Unlimited travel
- Different durations available
- Designed for visitors
Navigo Découverte
Ideal for: longer stays.
- Also used by residents
- Convenient in some cases
- Suitable for frequent travel
Quick tip
For most visitors spending 2 to 4 days in the city, Navigo Easy is often the simplest and most practical solution for using metro, buses and trams.
The most popular tourist passes in Paris
Many tourists choose to combine transportation with visits to the city's main attractions. These passes provide access to the city's most popular museums, monuments, and experiences.
Need to know
- The Paris metro has 16 lines and over 300 stations.
- The lines are recognizable by number and color.
- Some connections require long distances on foot.
- Lines 1, 4, 6, and 12 are among the most useful for those visiting the city.
Practical advice
- Avoid peak times between 8:00–9:30 and 17:30–19:00.
- Always check the final direction of the line before climbing.
- Keep your ticket until you exit.
- For 2-4 days Navigo Easy is often the most practical solution.
History and curiosities of the Paris metro
The metro Paris inaugurated in 1900, on the occasion of theUniversal Exhibition, and is today one of the most recognizable urban transport systems in Europe. With over 300 stations distributed throughout the city, it is still the most used means of quickly moving between neighborhoods, monuments, and central areas.
- It was born in 1900: the first line was inaugurated on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition.
- The stations are very close together: in many areas, it only takes a few minutes' walk between one stop and the next.
- Ghost stations exist: some stops are abandoned or have never been opened to the public.
- Porte Molitor never carried passengers: it was built for technical purposes, but never entered regular service.
- Line 14 is automatic: it is one of the most modern and fastest lines on the network.
- Châtelet–Les Halles is enormous: it is one of the most complex underground nodes in Europe.
- Art Nouveau entrances are historic: many entrances designed by Hector Guimard are still visible.
- Arts et Métiers looks like a submarine: the station has a very particular interior, inspired by the world of Jules Verne.
Metro or RER? Which should I use?
In Paris metro and RER coexist and often intersect, but they don't serve the same purpose. Understanding the difference helps you choose the most suitable means of transport based on distance and destination.
| Metro | RER |
|---|---|
| Ideal for getting around the centre of Paris | Ideal for longer routes and regional connections |
| Many stops close together | Fewer stops, but faster travel |
| Perfect for reaching central attractions | Useful for airports, Versailles and Disneyland |
| Easier for daily tourist travel | More useful when you need to leave the city center |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Paris metro easy to use?
Yes, after the first few trips it becomes quite intuitive. The most important thing is to always check the end of the line to choose the correct direction.
What is the difference between metro and the RER in Paris?
The metro primarily serves the city center with stops close together, while the RER connects more remote areas, airports, and destinations like Versailles or Disneyland. Learn more about the comparison in the dedicated guide.
Which ticket is best for visiting Paris?
It depends on the length of your stay and the number of trips you'll be making. A single ticket may be sufficient for a few trips, while for multiple days, a card like Navigo Easy or Paris Visite is often more convenient.
Does the metro reach the Paris airports?
Not directly to everyone. For Charles de Gaulle and Orly, the main RER lines or dedicated connections are used .
Is the Paris metro safe at night?
Generally, yes, especially on the central and busiest lines. As in all large cities, however, it's advisable to be careful in crowded stations or late at night.
Does the metro run late?
Yes. The last trains usually finish around 1:15 AM on weekdays and later on weekends.
Can you use the metro to go to Versailles?
No, to Versailles you use the RER C, not the metro .
Are metro tickets also valid for buses and trams?
In many cases, yes, but it depends on the type of ticket purchased. Some passes cover metro, bus, tram, and RER in selected zones.
Are there stations accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
Yes, but not all of them. The more modern lines, such as line 14, are generally more accessible than the historic ones.
Is it better to use the metro or walk?
In central Paris, many attractions are often close to each other. For short trips, walking can be quicker and more pleasant.
