How the Paris Metro works – A practical guide to easy transportation

“Quick Overview”

• The Paris Metro is operated by RATP and covers the entire city.

• There are 16 metro lines and over 300 stations.

• Paper tickets will be phased out in 2025 – use Navigo Easy or the app instead.

• A ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for 2 hours.

• The metro runs from approximately 05:30 to 00:40 (01:40 on Fridays and Saturdays).

• Download a metro app or use a map to find direction, line, and final destination – especially useful when changing lines and during rush hour.
• Want to get to know the metro like a local? Consider this tour that combines metro and sightseeing – See 15+ Top Sights Paris Tour with fun guide, (walking and metro tour)

The Paris Metro – easy and convenient

Paris’ metro is fast, cheap and easy to use. The many lines cover almost every district, so you are rarely far from a station. In addition, the trains are frequent, meaning you rarely wait more than a few minutes. Whether you’re going to Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower or Le Marais, you can get there in just a few stops.

The system is divided into color-coded lines with numbers from 1 to 14 (as well as two automatic lines, 3bis and 7bis). The stations are clearly marked, and you can easily switch between lines at the larger hubs such as Châtelet – Les Halles or Gare du Nord.

Farewell to Paper Tickets – how the Tickets Will Work in 2025

From 2025, Paris will say goodbye to the traditional paper tickets, which have been an icon of the city’s transport for decades. The so-called “carnets” (10-ticket booklets) were already phased out in 2023, and from November 2025 it will no longer be possible to buy paper tickets on the metro.

Instead, all travelers must use digital or rechargeable tickets. This means that in the future you must choose one of the following solutions:

• Navigo Easy: A rechargeable card that costs approximately €2. You can top it up with single tickets, day passes (Mobilis) or OrlyBus/RoissyBus tickets. The card can be purchased and recharged at ticket machines or kiosks at the stations.

• Navigo Liberté+: A practical solution for those who travel frequently – pay only for the journeys you actually make. The amount is automatically debited once a month.

• Smartphone ticket: Many now choose to buy and validate tickets directly via their mobile phone through RATP’s official app or Île-de-France Mobilités.

The transition to digital solutions also means that each passenger must have their own card or app. So you can no longer share one Navigo card between several people.

Prices and Validity

Prices depend on which solution you choose, but the basic price for a single journey (zone 1–2, i.e. the entire central Paris) is:

• €2.50 for one metro ticket (Navigo Easy or app)

• €2.00 for one bus or tram ticket

• €8.45 for a day ticket (Mobilis Pass, zone 1–2)

A metro ticket is valid for two hours from validation, so you can change lines within the metro and RER in Paris, as long as you do not leave the metro through the exit.

If you already have paper tickets, you can still use them during a transition period, but they will be completely phased out during 2025.

How to Use the Metro Step by Step

1. Find your station: Use Google Maps or the app “Bonjour RATP” to see the nearest station.

2. Buy a ticket or use your card: Choose Navigo Easy, Navigo Liberté+ or mobile ticket.

3. Validate the ticket: Hold the card or mobile against the scanner at the entrance.

4. Follow the signs: Most stations have clear signs with line numbers and directions (terminus).

5. Change lines if necessary: You can freely change between metro and RER lines within Paris’ zone 1–2.

Tips for an Easy Journey

• Travel outside rush hour (08:30–10:00 and 17:00–19:00) if you want to avoid congestion.

• Keep an eye on your belongings – pickpockets are most active on busy lines like 1 and 4.

• Use Navigo Easy for short stays – it is the most flexible solution for tourists.

• For transport to airports: Use OrlyBus, RoissyBus or RER B, depending on your destination.

Why are Paper Tickets Being Phased out?

There are three main reasons for the change:

1. Environment – paper tickets generate tons of waste every year.

2. Efficiency – the digital systems reduce queues and maintenance problems.

3. User experience – digital tickets make it easier to buy, top up and travel.

In addition, it is a step towards a more modern and climate-friendly Paris – something the city is working purposefully towards before the 2024 Olympics and beyond.

Practical information

• Metro opening hours: 05:30–00:40 (Friday/Saturday to 01:40)

• Number of lines: 16

• Validity: 2 hours for metro tickets

• Payment options: Contactless card payment, Navigo Easy, Navigo Liberté+, mobile ticket

• Website: www.ratp.fr

Concluding Tip

If you are going to explore Paris for a few days, you can advantageously acquire a Navigo Easy card upon arrival – it provides both flexibility and a discount compared to single tickets. The transition to digital solutions is easy, and it makes the journey through Paris’ famous metro network even smoother.

Paris Metro Apps and Maps for Navigation

For easy navigation, it is recommended to download an app or get a map of the metro:

• RATP App: This official app gives you detailed routes, live updates and a map of the entire Paris metro and bus network.
• Citymapper: A popular app that combines metro, bus, bikes and walking distance in one intuitive platform.
• Google Maps: Perfekt til hurtig planlægning og live navigation. Angiv din destination, og Google guider dig gennem metroen med detaljerede anvisninger.
• Offline PDF maps: Many hotels and tourist centers offer free maps of the metro, which are useful if you don’t have an internet connection.

Benefits of the metro in Paris

The speed and accessibility of the metro makes it perfect for sightseeing. You can easily reach the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Montmartre without any hassle. With a little planning and the right app, the metro will be your best friend in Paris.

By Tommy Sverre – 2025