How To Take The Train In Paris
I get it. You’re wondering how the metro works. How many Paris metro zones are there? How do I buy a ticket? Which ticket should I buy? How do I navigate around once I have my ticket/pass?
The unknown is scary. Even though I’ve traveled to Paris a few times I still have to re-learn the trains.
I have answered all of your questions below. But, the most important thing to know is that… wait for it… it’s not complicated at all!
You walk up to a machine, buy one ticket or several, insert payment. Finding your train is another story.
How Many Paris Metro Zones Are There?
Paris Metro Zones 1-5
There are 5 Paris metro zones however, Paris Metro Zones 1-3 are in the city center.
Paris Metro Zones 1-3
If you ask a local they will say that there are only two zones. Inside the city center and outside (CDG, Orly, Versaille, Disney)
Download a map here.
Can I Use My Paris Metro Ticket For The Bus?
Yes, you can use your t+ or Navigo Easy Day Pass for the bus, tram, metro and RER. I will explain below.
What Type Of Pass Should I Buy For The Paris Metro?
The two most popular Paris metro tickets are the Single Metro Ticket (t+) and the Navigo Easy Pass. I personally prefer to buy the single ticket because I can purchase them from the kiosk and don’t need to wait to talk to the service agent.
A Single Metro Ticket (t+)
A single t+ ticket costs €1.90, and can be used for one (one-way) trip, including all connections. Tickets can be purchased singly or in a book of 10 in the kiosks in the metro stations.
Hang on to your ticket until the end of your journey, as you may be asked to show it if tickets are being inspected. If you can’t produce proof of payment you may risk paying a fine but I’ve never experienced that myself.
This ticket, valid for zones 1 and 2, allows you to travel anywhere in Paris, and even beyond, since it will take you to the end of each metro line, even if it is located in zone 3 (as for example La Défense on line 1).
The t+ ticket allows you to travel on:
- Metro lines in zone 1-3
- RER lines (RATP and SNCF) within Paris (zone 1)
- Ile-de-France bus lines (RATP and OPTILE), except Orlybus and Roissybus (see the specific conditions below for the Noctilien network)
- Tramway lines (RATP and SNCF)
- The Montmartre funicular
What Type Of Connections Are Good With The t+ Ticket
- Metro to Metro
- Metro to RER and RER to RER within Paris
- Bus to Bus (including between the RATP and OPTILE networks), bus/tram and tram/tram for 90 minutes between the first and last validation
Pro tip: Ineligible connections using one t+ ticket are metro/bus, metro/tram, RER/bus and RER/tram.
If your transport ticket is not working properly or is demagnetized, the RATP agents at the ticket desk in any metro or RER station will replace it at no cost.
Prices
A Single ticket is 1.90€
Book of 10 t+ tickets (standard fare – from 10 years old): 18.60€
Book of 10 t+ tickets (reduced fare – 4 to 9 years old): 8.45€
Navigo Easy Pass
You can choose a Monthly or weekly Navigo Package.
The Navigo Easy Pass is a reusable pass that you can load t + tickets individually (full price) or in a 10 pack (discount), Navigo Day passes, Orlybus and Roissybus tickets, and the antipollution pass, when available.
These can be purchased from the ticket office but are reloadable at a reloadable specific kiosk. The price will differ depending on the travel zones covered.
The same Navigo Easy card cannot be used by several people simultaneously. In other words, you can’t pass it to your bud walking through behind you. It won’t work.
Available trips left on the card can be viewed on the kiosks/vending machines by laying the pass on the reader, at the counter with agents and on certain validation devices with a digital screen.
- Navigo Day Pass- Unlimited trips. 17.80€
- Ticket t+ – all train RER networks in Paris (1-3), metro, tram and bus 1.90€
- Orlybus- to reach the Orly airport by bus 8.50€
- Roissybus- to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport by bus 12€
- Antipollution Pass- day pass valid during peaks of pollution, unlimited journeys, all modes 3.80€
How Much Does A Ticket For The Paris Metro Cost?
- A Single ticket is 1.90€
- Book of 10 t+ tickets (standard fare – from 10 years old): 18.60€
- Book of 10 t+ tickets (reduced fare – 4 to 9 years old): 8.45€
- Navigo Day Pass- Unlimited trips. 17.80€
- Orlybus- to reach the Orly airport by bus 8.50€
- Roissybus- to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport by bus 12€
- Antipollution Pass- day pass valid during peaks of pollution, unlimited journeys, all modes 3.80€
How Do I Take The Train From CDG To Paris?
Easy peasy. The train into the Paris city center departs from Terminal 2E. If you land in Terminal 2E just follow the sign for “Train”. After you pick-up your luggage, go down the escalator .
The kiosk for your train to Paris will be on the right hand side as you are going down the escalator.
How Do I Navigate The Trains?
If you’re familiar with the NYC Subway app for iOS then you’re already familiar with the Paris Metro app. It’s the same app. Different train route of course.
My favorite way to navigate the trains is by using my Apple map or Google map. Just enter your destination just like you would when driving your car but choose the transit mode of transportation. Your app will tell you which transfer to take, which way to exit the station and how many steps you will need to walk to your destination.
What Metro Zone Is The Eiffel Tower In?
The closest station to the Eiffel Tower is Bir-Hakeim.
Is The Metro Expensive In Paris?
No way. With the exception of hoofing it, it’s the most affordable way to travel a distance safely.
Is The Metro In Paris Free?
Nope, it sure isn’t free. It is super affordable though.
Now that you know absolutely everything about traveling on the Paris metro, just do it. Walk up to a machine and buy a pass. You’re ready!
Bon voyage!