The 2025 Essential Guide to the Paris Metro

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient ways to move through the city.

It’s not complicated once you understand a few simple rules — and if you follow them, you’ll move faster than any car in Paris.

This is a clear, practical guide to help you navigate it without stress.

1. Understanding the Basics

Paris has 16 metro lines, numbered 1 to 14, plus 3bis and 7bis.

Every line has a color, a number, and two directions — the names of the final stations.

You only need to know one thing to move correctly:

Follow the name of the last station in the direction you need.

That’s it.

2. Tickets You Actually Need

There are many tickets, but these are the only ones you actually need:

Single Ticket (t+)

• Works for metro, bus, tram, RER inside Paris

• Valid for 90 minutes once you tap in

• You can’t exit and re-enter the metro — only transfers inside the system

Carnet

• Pack of 10 tickets

• Cheaper and practical

Navigo Easy

• A small rechargeable card

• Best option if you’re not a resident but use the metro more than twice

Navigo Semaine / Mois

• Weekly or monthly pass

• Unlimited travel

• Only worth it if you’re here for a longer stay or everyday use

3. Buying Tickets

You can buy tickets at:

• Any metro station (machines take card or coins)

• Some kiosks

• Tourist offices

• RATP app (for Navigo Easy if you have NFC on your phone) https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/

Machines are available in French, English, Spanish, and more.

Avoid buying from anyone offering help at the machines — it’s never official.

4. Reading the Map Without Stress

A few things make the Paris map easier:

• Yellow line = Line 1 → the axis of Paris

• Purple line = Line 4 → cuts the city north–south

• Blue line = Line 2 → the northern arc

• Line 6 → mostly above ground (beautiful Eiffel Tower views)

• Lines with “bis” → short, quiet, older branches
  
  
  

When in doubt:

Check the arrow showing direction + final station name.

5. Transfers (Correspondances)

Transfers are extremely simple:

• Follow the signs

• You don’t need to scan your ticket again

• Some transfers are long (especially Châtelet-Les Halles)

If you see sortie, that means exit.

Don’t follow it unless you actually want to leave the station.

6. Safety and Comfort

Paris metro is generally safe, but keep a few things in mind:

• Keep your phone and bag close in crowded lines

• Avoid standing near the doors if possible

• Let people get off before entering

• At night, choose the carriage with more people or the one closer to the driver’s cabin

Most stations are well-lit and many are now modernized.

7. Best Lines for Visitors and Newcomers

• Line 1: Louvre, Tuileries, Champs-Élysées

• Line 4: Île de la Cité, Montmartre (drop at Barbès or Château Rouge)

• Line 6: Eiffel Tower view above ground

• Line 14: Fastest line in Paris (fully automatic)

8. Metro Etiquette (Unwritten but Important)

• Don’t block the doors

• Move to the center of the carriage

• Keep volume low

• Give space during commute hours

• Don’t eat inside (no one will arrest you, but it’s quiet culture)

Paris metro is fast because people are efficient — follow the flow.

9. When Not to Use the Metro

A few times, walking is better:

• Anywhere within 20 minutes on foot

• When changing lines more than twice

• On sunny days (the city is made for walking)

• If the station is “closed for travaux” — always check the RATP app

10. Tools That Actually Help

• RATP App (official, clear alerts)

• Citymapper (best for visitors, fastest routes, live updates)

• Google Maps (fine, but less precise underground)

Final Note

The metro is not just transport — it’s part of living in Paris.

Once you understand the rhythm, it becomes natural.

You’ll start recognizing lines by their colors, choosing the best exits, and moving through the city like someone who belongs here.

Paris feels smaller — and closer — when you move underground.

Paris