Global Major Cities Guide

The Paris public transportation system is managed by the RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) and includes the following options:

The Paris Metro is the backbone of the city's public transport system, with 16 lines (numbered 1 to 14, plus 3bis and 7bis) and over 300 stations.
Lines are color-coded and numbered, with clear signage.
It operates primarily within Paris city limits but connects to some suburbs.

A regional train system with 5 lines (A, B, C, D, E) that connects Paris to its suburbs and major destinations like Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Versailles, and Disneyland Paris.
RER trains run both underground (within Paris) and above ground (in the suburbs).

Paris has an extensive bus network with over 60 routes within the city and additional routes to the suburbs.
Buses are a great way to see the city above ground, but they can be slower due to traffic.

There are 10 tram lines (T1 to T10), mostly serving the outskirts of Paris and connecting to the Metro and RER.

The Montmartre Funicular is a short cable railway that takes you up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre.

Night buses operate between 12:30 AM and 5:30 AM, covering areas not served by the Metro or RER during these hours.

Vélib’ is Paris’s public bike-sharing system, with both traditional and electric bikes available for rent.

Taxis are available, but they can be expensive. Ride-sharing apps like Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are widely used.

Paris uses a unified ticketing system for most public transportation options.

T+ Ticket:
- Valid for a single journey on the Metro, RER (within Zone 1), buses, trams, and the Montmartre Funicular.
- Cost: €2.10 for a single ticket or €16.90 for a pack of 10 (called a "carnet").
- Transfers: Unlimited transfers between Metro and RER within 90 minutes of validation. Bus-to-bus or bus-to-tram transfers are also allowed within 90 minutes.
Navigo Easy Card:
- A rechargeable card for T+ tickets, available for €2.
- Convenient for tourists who don’t want to carry paper tickets.
Navigo Weekly/Monthly Pass:
- Unlimited travel on all modes of transport within selected zones.
- Weekly pass: €30 (valid Monday to Sunday).
- Monthly pass: €84.10.
Paris Visite Pass:
- A tourist pass offering unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days.
- Includes discounts at some attractions.
- Cost: Starts at €13.55 for 1 day (Zones 1-3).
Single-Use RER Tickets:
- Required for trips outside Zone 1 (e.g., to CDG Airport, Versailles, or Disneyland).
- Prices vary based on destination (e.g., CDG Airport: €11.45, Versailles: €4.10).

Ticket Machines: Found in all Metro, RER, and tram stations. Machines accept coins, credit/debit cards (with a PIN), and sometimes bills.
Ticket Counters: Available at major stations.
Tabacs (Tobacco Shops): Many sell T+ tickets and Navigo cards.
RATP App: Allows you to purchase and store digital tickets.

Tickets must be validated before boarding:
- Metro/RER: Insert your ticket into the turnstile or tap your Navigo card.
- Buses/Trams: Validate your ticket using the onboard machine.

Metro: Runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM (1:30 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, and the night before public holidays).
RER: Similar hours to the Metro, but some lines may start earlier or end later.
Buses: Most operate from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with some running later.
Night Buses (Noctilien): Operate from 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM.

Paris has made efforts to improve accessibility, but challenges remain, especially in older Metro stations.

Most Metro stations are not wheelchair accessible due to stairs and a lack of elevators.
Line 14 is fully accessible, and Line 1 has some accessible stations.

The RATP offers a service called Accès Plus for travelers with reduced mobility. Contact them in advance for assistance.

Stand on the Right: On escalators, stand on the right to allow others to pass on the left.
Let People Exit First: Always let passengers exit the train or bus before boarding.
Keep Quiet: Avoid loud conversations or phone calls, especially during rush hours.
Offer Seats: Priority seats are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Validate Your Ticket: Always validate your ticket to avoid fines (up to €50 if caught without a valid ticket).

Use Apps:
- Citymapper: Provides real-time directions and updates for all modes of transport.
- RATP App: Official app with maps, schedules, and ticketing options.
- Google Maps: Reliable for route planning.
Avoid Rush Hours:
- Peak times are 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays.
Plan Ahead:
- Check for strikes (grèves), as they can disrupt services. The RATP website and app provide updates.
Carry Change:
- Some ticket machines only accept coins or cards with a PIN.
Mind the Zones:
- Paris is divided into 5 zones. Most tourist attractions are in Zones 1-3, but trips to CDG Airport, Versailles, or Disneyland require tickets for Zones 4-5.

Strikes (Grèves): Strikes are common in France and can disrupt public transport. Always check for updates before traveling.
Pickpockets: Be vigilant, especially in crowded areas like Metro Line 1 and tourist hotspots.
Language: Most signage is in French, but major stations often have English translations. Staff may speak basic English.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Paris’s public transportation system with ease and confidence. Bon voyage!