Paris public transport network is run by the company RATP. Divided into 6 zones, Paris transports include the metro, the bus, RER trains, trams, and the Noctilien (night bus). Zones 1 and 2 cover Paris and all metro lines.
In Paris, the Metro is the fastest way to get around the city.
The Metro network has 16 lines that are connected to each other, with the RER, and which are identified by numbers and colors making life easier for those who do not speak French. On all platforms, there is a panel indicating the line, with the waiting time of the next train.
Paris' metros are secure and have cameras in most places not to say everywhere, however as in any populated area, it is important to pay attention to scammers and pick-pockets in public transports.
On the Metro, the ticket is valid for any destination, even if the station is outside the city boundary. Interconnections are permitted including those with RER train lines.
It is important to know that during the week, the metro runs from 5:30 to 1:15 in the morning. On the weekends the metro closes at 2:00 pm.
Prices :
x1 Ticket t+ (metro ticket) : 1.90 euros
x10 Ticket t+ (metro ticket) : 16.90 euros
x10 Ticket t+ reduit (4-10 children) : 8.45 euros
Tickets (t+) and RATP pass are valid for metro, bus, and RER.
Navigo cards are different from tickets proposing daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly passes.
The Navigo Day Pass price ranges from 7,50 to 17,80 depending on the zones of coverage you buy for the day pass.
For a Zone 1 and Zone 2 Day pass: 7.50 euros
Zones 1 and 2 cover Central Paris and all major international Paris train stations.
Paris RER trains are regional trains serving Paris and its suburbs.
This rail network complements the metro network in central Paris. RER stands for Réseau Express Régional, and has four lines, marked by letters (A, B, C, D, and E). You will use the RER trains for example to visit the Versailles Castle, Disneyland Paris, Fontainebleau, etc.
The RER train works daily, however, there are fewer trains during the weekend. Train schedules can be checked in advance on the RATP website or app itself, on CityMapper or on Google Maps.
On the RER, interconnections are authorized, including lines connecting to the metro. To go outside the city limits of Paris, you must buy a special ticket to your destination.
Prices :
RER prices are the same as for the metro. With ATMs and ticket offices in the RER stations, you can buy your ticket easily on machines or at the automatic counters. Metro tickets only allow you to circulate in Paris within the city limits. Otherwise, you would remain locked at the gates upon arrival and risk getting fined.
Additionally, one of the most convenient and common ways to get around Paris is to take the bus. Bus journeys allow tourists to discover the city and its monuments during the journey. The Paris bus network includes more than 60 daytime and 40-nighttime lines.
On the bus, the ticket also allows interconnections (bus/bus and bus/tram) for 1 hour and 30 minutes between the first and the last ticket validation. Noctilien (night bus lines) are in service every day of the week at a specific price.
At the top of the bus stops, there is usually a sign indicating the time of the next bus. Some of these covered points have a USB input to charge your phone. Inside the buses, there is a static panel that indicates the route and which will be the next stop.
Almost all lines run on Sundays and public holidays (with shorter hours) and until late (about 11 pm). Smoking is prohibited in public transports.
Prices :
Bus tickets are identical to the ones on the metro. The price is 2 euros per ticket and can be paid on board or via text.
From Paris, bus tickets have no distance limit (including suburbs), except on the lines Balabus, Noctilien, Orlybus, Roissybus, 221, 297, 299, 350, and 351.