Visiting France - Suggestions for holidays, trains, itineraries, day-trips, and sightseeing from someone who has lived and traveled extensively in France
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Paris public transportation is efficient and easy to use. Here are some tips for making the most of the Paris Metro and RER (urban rail):
Paris Metro Overview:
- The Paris Metro has 16 lines, numbered 1-14, with two sub-lines, the 3bis and 7bis
- Start/end stations are used to identify which direction a line is going (e.g. “Line 1 to La Defense”)
Paris RER Overview:
- The Paris RER has 5 lines, lettered A-E
- The lines connect to metro stops in the city center, and are useful for trips both within the city and farther away (like the Paris airports and Versailles)
Use the RATP website for:
- Mapping a route to your destination (Don’t know the address? Try the Pages Jaunes)
- Full maps of the Paris Metro and RER
- Information on Paris Metro passes
Note: If you speak French, the French version of the RATP website has more detailed and extensive information.
Paris Metro and RER Tickets and Passes:
Within the city center (Zones 1 & 2), Paris Metro and RER tickets are interchangeable and are valid for unlimited transfers. Metro and RER tickets for Paris outskirts and suburbs vary in price by distance.
Single Journey on Paris Metro or RER:
- Purchase ticket at a machine or booth in any Paris metro or RER station
Multiple Journey on Paris Metro or RER:
- Carnet Dix: packet of ten single-tickets; purchase in any metro station
- Paris Visite: card for either a 1, 2, 3 or 5 day period; purchase in any metro station, airport, or participating hotel / tour operator
- Carte Orange: weekly or monthly pass; purchase in any metro station
For information about France train transportation:
France Transportation: Train Guide
