How to Use the Paris Métro
Paris is an enchanting city best explored on foot. But every now and then when in a hurry, or if your feet grow tired, or if the distance is too far, then the métro is a quick and convenient way to get around. For those who’ve used the métro before, then you already know the routine. But for first timers, learning how to navigate can be a little tricky. No worries. Check out the step-by-step guide below and you’ll be on your way!
Choosing which line
Say for example that you’re going to a concert at Sainte-Chappelle and you want to know which métro will take you there. To find which line to use, you can look at a Paris métro map posted at each station (at street level or below ground), at the tourist kiosks, or you can purchase maps online . You can also use mobile apps such as City Mapper or Google Maps which gives you the same information. Whether using a physical map or a mobile device, you’ll see that each métro line has a number and color.
To choose which line
Pick your destination (Sainte-Chappelle).
Find the métro stop closest to that destination (Cité). If using an app you would simply enter your starting point.
See which line will stop at the destination station. In this example Line 4 stops at the Cité station.
Head to your nearest station to catch your train. It may be necessary at times to take two trains to reach your final stop.
How to buy tickets
The most convenient option these days is the contactless and reloadable Navigo Easy Pass which is sold at the ticket windows. The cost is about 2 euros for the card itself plus the fare. Note that the Navigo Easy Pass is different from the other Navigo cards as they are intended for tourists and therefore do not require a photo attachment.
Self-serve machines are available where you can either reload your Navigo Easy Pass or purchase paper tickets. You’ll see ones that look like “slot machines” where you roll the wheel in the center to make your selection. The other is a touch screen. Both will give the same results and the ticket prices are the same whether using paper tickets or the reloadable Navigo card.
If you go with the “slot” machine as shown below, highlight the first option in blue by rolling the wheel upward. Then press the green button to “enter” your selection.
The touch screen machines sell the same tickets.
Select your language.
Next you’ll see the ticket options. The first one, Ticket t+ is only valid within the city limits of Paris. If you plan to go outside of Paris, such as to Versailles, then you’ll need to select the Paris Region option. Destinations such as Disney or the airport have their own tickets as shown in the photo.
Ticket t+ is the option that most visitors to Paris would use. You can buy the book of ten called a “carnet” at a discounted price per ticket, which would be the practical option if you plan to stay for multiple days. You also have the option to purchase single journey tickets. When buying the single tickets, it’s a good idea to buy at least two at a time so that you’ll have it ready for the return trip back to your hotel or Airbnb.
Be sure to choose the “full fare” option, unless that is you are traveling with a small child. The métro police have zero tolerance for any confusion or mistakes made when buying tickets. More on that later.
Select the quantity and pay.
So you have your ticket and already know which line to take. But then where do you go? To find out, look at the board which shows the complete journey of that line. Look for your destination (ex. Cité) and see what is the very last stop that includes your destination. In this case, since we’ re taking Line 4 to Cité (the métro station for Sainte-Chappelle) we’ll need to go in the direction of Porte de Clignancourt, the final stop on this line.
You’ll notice that some stops like Châtelet or Les Halles will have numbers or letters next to them. This means that those stations have connecting trains that stop there as well.
The Turnstiles
Look for turnstile with the green arrow. Put your ticket in the slot and wait for the machine to eject it on top. If using the Navigo Easy Pass then you would only scan your card. Then you walk through. In case it doesn’t work, don’t panic because like everything else, sometimes machines are out of order. In that case just go to the next turnstile.
Once you get to your stop and get off the train, look for the word “sortie” which means exit. Many métro stops will have more than one exit. But again no worries…you’ll eventually see a plan du quartier (neighborhood map) showing the different exits- #1, #2, etc. Choose the exit door closest to where you are trying to go.
Insider tip: always hold onto your ticket (the one you just used) until you leave the station and are on the street level. The reason why is because some stations require that you present your ticket again (the one that you just used for the journey) before you can exit out of the station. This is sort of your receipt or proof that you’ve paid for that ride.
About the métro police:
With all the scammers that frequent the Paris métro system, the police officers have zero tolerance for anything that looks like it could be a scam, even if it was an honest tourist mistake. Whether an adult or a child, a tourist or a local, the métro police will fine anyone caught using the métro without proper documentation, and these fines must be paid on the spot. To avoid these unpleasant encounters, here’s what to do:
Purchase the correct ticket- Ticket t+ when riding the métro within the city limits or the Paris Region ticket when going outside of Paris such as to Versailles.
Be sure to select “full fare”, unless you are traveling with a young child who would qualify for the reduced fare.
Separate your used ticket from your unused tickets. If using the Navigo Easy Pass then this would not apply- another advantage to having the card rather than paper tickets.
Hold onto your ticket (the one that you just used for the ride) until you are at street level. At some métro stations, you will be asked to present that same ticket before you are able to exit. If using the Navigo Easy Pass simply present the pass to scan.
Other helpful tips…
Choose your travel time wisely– The métro system is just like any other highway in the sense that there are peak times. especially during the summer when the city is filled with tourists adding to the congestion. So if the time is between 5pm-7pm, just relax, have some wine or coffee at a café, and get on the train at a later time.
Pickpockets– Be careful with valuables. Keep phones, tablets, laptops and jewelry well hidden and safely secured.
Connections– sometimes you may need to take two trains to arrive to your final destination. But I have found that with trains being so crowded at times, it’s much easier to just take one train and walk the rest of the way.
Ask away! Feel free to stop and ask someone in case you need help. Most locals will be happy to assist you.
Happy travels!
