How do you travel by metro in Paris?

March 24, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

A city break to Paris is great, but the city is big and walking won’t get you everywhere. Fortunately, the metro in Paris is the fastest and easiest way to travel around the city. Within minutes you are at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or at another landmark in Paris.

But how does the Paris metro actually work? Where do you buy a Navigo Easy pass and how do you know which way to go? In this blog we explain it to you step by step, so you can travel through Paris without stress!

Taking the metro in Paris with the Navigo Easy pass

Want to travel easily by metro in Paris? Then the Navigo Easy pass is a convenient choice. You buy this pass for a one-time €2 at a manned ticket office or at special vending machines in most metro stations.

Then you can easily load the pass with different tickets. For travel within Paris, you load a t+ ticket onto the pass. Want to travel outside Paris by metro, train or RER? Then you load up a Metro-Train-RER ticket.

Want to know exactly how the Navigo Easy pass works and how best to use it on your trip to Paris? Then read our in-depth blog about the Navigo Easy pass, packed with tips and helpful explanations on how to travel carefree on public transport in Paris!

Where to find the metro map and how to choose the right line?

In every subway station, a large subway map hangs on the wall. In the metro itself, such a map also hangs above the doors. On it you can see all the metro lines and stations.
The metro in Paris has 16 lines. Each line has a number and a color. This way you can easily tell them apart.

Some handy lines for tourists:

1. Line 1 (yellow): To the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.
2.Line 4 (purple): To Notre-Dame and Les Halles shopping area.
3.Line 6 (light green): Past the Eiffel Tower, with nice views along the way.
4.Line 12 (dark green): Toward Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur.

On the metro map, you can see the lines as colored stripes. Round dots are the stops. and at white dots you can transfer to another line.

Look carefully to see which line you need for your destination and remember the color and number.

How do you know which way to go?

In Paris, every metro line runs in two directions. The metro goes from one terminus to another. Therefore, it is important to know which way to travel.

Fortunately, this is very easy to see in the station. There are signs above the stairs or near the platforms. These signs always state the name of the terminus to which the metro is going.
So first you look at the metro map and look for your stop. Then you check to which terminus you have to travel to get to your stop.

An example:

Line 6 runs from “Charles de Gaulle – Étoile” to “Nation”. Want to go to the Eiffel Tower? It is on this line, but in the direction of Nation. So you follow the signs “Direction Nation” and go to the platform where the metro runs in that direction.

This is how it works with all subway lines. The direction is always determined by the end station shown on the signs.

Tip: On the way on the subway, check the map above the door. There you’ll see all the stops and know exactly where you are.

If you look carefully at the signs and remember the end station, you will always be on the right metro in Paris and get exactly where you want to be!

What is the most useful app for the Paris metro?

If you want to use the metro in Paris, the Bonjour RATP app is super handy. This is the official app of Paris public transportation.

With this app, you can easily plan your route and see exactly which subway to take. It also has live departure times and notifications if there are any disruptions. This way, you will never face any surprises.

You can even buy tickets through the app (using a French bank card or Apple Pay), but even without that feature, the app is ideal for tourists traveling by metro in Paris.

Why is the Bonjour RATP app useful when traveling by metro in Paris?

The app is very easy to use and also available in English. You just enter where you are and where you want to go. The app shows you which subway line to take, where to transfer and how long you will be on the way.

You can also immediately see if there are any delays or works. So you travel stress-free on the Paris metro and always know where you stand.

Where do you download the Bonjour RATP app for the Paris metro?

You can download the Bonjour RATP app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store. Super handy to install before your city trip, so you always have a route at hand when traveling by metro in Paris.

How do you transfer to another subway line?

Sometimes during your trip you have to transfer to another subway line to get to your destination. That may sound inconvenient, but it’s actually quite easy in Paris.

When you get to the right station where you need to transfer, just get off the subway. In the station, follow the signs with the color and number of the new line you need to go to. The signs clearly indicate where to walk.

You don’t have to use your Navigo Easy pass again when transferring. You just stay within the metro area and walk to the platform of the new line.

Again, pay close attention to the direction of the new line and the end station shown on the signs so that you travel in the right direction.

Example:

You are on Line 1 and want to transfer to Line 4. You get off at Châtelet station, a large transfer station. You follow the signs with Line 4 (purple) and the direction you need to go. And that’s it!

So transferring on the Paris metro is very simple: get off, follow signs and get on the right line.

Is the metro in Paris safe?

Yes, the metro in Paris is just safe to use, even if you are a tourist. Thousands of people travel on it every day: locals going to work, families and tourists like you.

As in other major cities, though, it is smart to watch your belongings carefully. Especially in crowded places or near famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, pickpockets are sometimes active. They are often quick and inconspicuous.

Our tips:

1. Carry your bag in front of you and not on your back.
2. Keep your phone and wallet close to you.
3. Pay extra attention when the subway or platform is crowded.

As long as you pay a little attention, you can travel quietly and safely by metro in Paris and fully enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer!

Special offers for a city break to Paris

Are you going on a city trip to Paris and would like to visit some famous sights and attractions? Then take advantage of the offers below!