Routes and stations
The 14 metro lines serve almost every part of central Paris, with a station rarely more than a short walk away. Line 1 and line 14 are driverless and among the most useful for visitors.
The RER lines A to E are faster trains that cross the city and continue into the suburbs. RER B links Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport with Gare du Nord, Châtelet and Saint-Michel. RER A goes to Disneyland Paris, and RER C to Versailles.
Since 2024, metro line 14 reaches Orly airport directly from Châtelet, Gare de Lyon and Saint-Lazare.
Tickets and fares
Since the 2025 fare reform, one Metro-Train-RER ticket (€2.55 in 2026) covers a trip anywhere in the region by metro, RER or train, except the airports. Buses and trams use a separate Bus-Tram ticket (€2.05).
The airport ticket costs €14 one way. It is valid on RER B to CDG and on metro line 14 or the Orlyval shuttle to Orly. The Navigo weekly pass (€32.40) and Paris Visite pass also cover the airports.
The Navigo weekly pass runs from Monday to Sunday, whatever day you start. It is good value if you arrive early in the week and stay four days or more. It needs the Navigo Découverte card, which requires a passport-size photo.
Prices change every January, so check the official site before you travel.
How to buy
The easiest way is the Bonjour RATP or Île-de-France Mobilités app: you buy tickets and validate them with your phone at the gates (on compatible phones). You can also load tickets onto a Navigo Easy card, sold for €2 at station counters and machines.
Paper tickets are being phased out. Contactless bank card payment at the gates started in summer 2026 on a few busy metro lines and is being extended gradually. It is not expected on the RER before about 2030, so do not rely on it.
Tips for travellers
Keep your ticket or card until you leave the station. Inspectors fine passengers without a valid ticket, and some RER exits need the ticket to open.
Pickpockets are active on line 1, line 4, RER B and around tourist sites. Keep phones and wallets in front pockets.
Many older stations have stairs only. Families with prams or heavy luggage should use RER B for CDG and line 14 for Orly, which have lifts at main stations.
Metro trains run from about 5:30 to after midnight, later on Friday and Saturday nights. Night buses (Noctilien) cover the rest.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.
