How to take the metro in Paris
First 2 essentials to move around Paris
visit the website of the metro
Download the app of the Metro
Mastering the Paris Metro: Practical Tips for Travelers
Planning your trip to Paris and wondering how to navigate the city efficiently? Don't worry; this blog is here to provide you with all the essential keys.
The Paris Metro: Your Ultimate Companion Undoubtedly, the easiest way to explore Paris is through its metro system, a dense network with 308 stations, making it the most extensive in the world. With stations scattered across the city, the metro becomes your ideal companion during your visit. Easy to use and well-connected, the Parisian metro was designed for the 1900 World Exposition. At that moment there was only 1 line, we now have 14! It is basicaly an underground little maze.
How to purchase a metro ticket in Paris
Farewell to paper tickets! If you have already been to Paris you know that we always had paper individual tickets in the metro. Well this is over, since 2023 there was a switch to the rechargeable Navigo Easy card, valid for both buses and the metro.
To get your rechargeable card, simply visit a metro station and ask the attendant for one, available for 2 euros. Afterward, recharge it at your convenience: 2.15 euros for a single journey, 17.35 euros for a pack of 10.
Beware, not every station has a physical desk.
Note that during the Paris Summer Olympics, the metro ticket price increases to 4 euros.
The Bus Alternative
The bus offers a pleasant alternative to enjoy the scenery. With a well-developed network, it is often more comfortable than the metro. Pay with your Navigo Easy card or, in the bus, opt for SMS payment. Simply send "Bus + Your line number" to the short number 93100, and a text messagewill serve as your ticket, directly deducted from your phone bill.
Exemple if you want to hop on bus 72 send “Bus 72” by text message to the number 93100.
Night buses in Paris
Convenient Timings Metro hours are from 5:30 am to 1:15 am, similar to bus timings during the day. At night, Noctilien buses run from midnight to 6 am, ideal if you're extending your evening.
Time slots are quite reliable and the whole night system is well developed which makes it good. Night buses can really save you on a night-out. It is a really appreciated option from students on a tight budget who don’t want to spend money on a taxi.
Though night time can be a little sketchy. It's always wise to travel in a group, especially as a non-French-speaking tourist. Take these precautions if you're accustomed to using public transport in your home city.
Tips for Smooth Navigation
Be aware of peak hours, from 7:30 am to 9:30 am in the morning and 6 pm to 8 pm in the evening. Avoid them if your schedule allows. Additionally Paris is a big city and as in any big city there is some kind of insecurity and bad citizens. Sometimes even targeting the tourists, stay vigilant against pickpockets by carrying your bag in front in the metro and avoid pulling out your phone too close to the automatic doors to prevent any unfortunate losses.
