Quick Facts
- Opened
- 19 July 1900
- Operator
- RATP
- Stations
- 302
- Lines
- 16 (including 3bis and 7bis)
- Daily riders
- ~4.2 million
- Network
- 226 km
- Automated
- Lines 1 and 14 (driverless)
- Payment
- Navigo, t+ ticket, contactless
The Paris Métro (Métropolitain) is one of the world's most iconic urban transit systems. Opened on 19 July 1900 for the Universal Exposition, it now operates 302 stations across 16 lines and 226 km of track, carrying over 4 million passengers every day.
The network is operated by RATP and is entirely within or immediately adjacent to Paris, making it extraordinarily dense — no point in Paris is more than 500 metres from a station. Lines are numbered 1 to 14, with two short branches (3bis and 7bis) bringing the total to 16 services. Lines 1 and 14 are fully automated with driverless trains.
Buying tickets is straightforward. The standard single ticket, called the t+ (or "ticket de métro"), costs €2.15 and is valid for one journey on the Métro, RER within Paris, buses, and trams. The most economical option for a longer stay is the Navigo pass — a rechargeable card that offers weekly (€30.75) or monthly (€86.40) unlimited travel across all zones in Île-de-France. Contactless bank cards and phones now work at most Metro gates via the Navigo Easy system.
For airport connections, the RER B suburban rail line is the link between central Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Board at Châtelet–Les Halles, Gare du Nord, or Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame and ride directly to CDG in approximately 35–45 minutes for €11.80. The Paris Métro itself does not reach CDG — you transfer to RER B at Gare du Nord or Châtelet.
Paris introduced zone simplification in 2023: a single t+ ticket now covers all of Paris (formerly zones 1–2), and the Navigo monthly/weekly pass covers all zones at a flat rate — no more worrying about buying the right zone ticket.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Navigo Liberté+ (contactless pay-as-you-go) · t+ single ticket · Navigo weekly pass · Navigo monthly pass · Paris Visite tourist pass.
💡 The Navigo weekly pass (€30.75) covers all zones — buy it from Monday and it pays off after just 15 single rides. For short visits, the Paris Visite pass includes airport zones.
Peak hours: No peak pricing — flat fares at all times — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Paris Métro Lines
Key Stations on the Paris Métro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Navigo Liberté+ (contactless pay-as-you-go), t+ single ticket, Navigo weekly pass, Navigo monthly pass, Paris Visite tourist pass.
💡 The Navigo weekly pass (€30.75) covers all zones — buy it from Monday and it pays off after just 15 single rides. For short visits, the Paris Visite pass includes airport zones.
| Journey | Off-Peak (EUR) | Peak (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| t+ single ticket (all Paris) | €2.15 | €2.15 |
| Navigo weekly (all zones) | €30.75 | €30.75 |
| Navigo monthly (all zones) | €86.40 | €86.40 |
| Paris Visite 1-day (zones 1–3) | €13.95 | €13.95 |
| Paris Visite 2-day (zones 1–3) | €22.65 | €22.65 |
| RER B to CDG (single) | €11.80 | €11.80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy a Paris Métro ticket?
Buy at any station ticket machine (accepts card and cash) or via the Île-de-France Mobilités app. The standard single t+ ticket costs €2.15. For stays of a week or more, a Navigo weekly pass (€30.75, all zones) is far better value.
What is the Navigo pass and do I need one?
The Navigo is a rechargeable travel card used by Parisians for unlimited travel. A weekly pass costs €30.75 and covers all zones Mon–Sun. A monthly pass costs €86.40. It's worth it for any visit longer than 3–4 days with frequent travel.
What time does the Paris Métro close?
The Métro runs until approximately 00:30 on weekdays and Sundays, and until 01:30 on Fridays and Saturdays (nights before a public holiday also until 01:30). Night buses (Noctilien) cover the gaps.
How do I get from CDG Airport to Paris by Métro?
The Paris Métro does not reach CDG directly. Take the RER B train from CDG Terminal 1 or 2 to central Paris (Gare du Nord or Châtelet). Journey time is 35–45 minutes, fare is €11.80. Line 14 is being extended to CDG but is not yet complete.
Is the Paris Métro tourist-friendly?
Yes — maps are in French and English, announcements are bilingual on newer lines, and the network is extremely dense (no point in Paris is more than 500 m from a station). Lines 1 and 14 are automated and have platform screen doors, making them the most modern.
What is the Paris Visite tourist pass?
Paris Visite is an unlimited travel pass sold for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. The zones 1–3 version (€13.95/day) covers all Métro, RER within Paris, buses, and trams. It also covers CDG airport via RER B. Useful for short intensive stays.
How many lines does the Paris Métro have?
The Paris Métro has 16 services: lines 1–14 plus two short branches, line 3bis (4 stations) and line 7bis (8 stations). Lines 1 and 14 are fully automated and driverless. The network covers 226 km and 302 stations entirely within greater Paris.
Can I use contactless payment on the Paris Métro?
Yes — via the Navigo Liberté+ system, you can tap a contactless Visa, Mastercard, or phone at the gate for pay-as-you-go fares (€2.15 per trip). It is available at all stations. Weekly spending caps apply automatically.
Source: RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.