Q. Can I carry my skis / snowboard on the Paris Metro?
A. Yes, as long as you are able to navigate stairs and escalators.
Q. How do I recognise a Metro station?
From the street, you can recognise a Metro station from a sign with a large yellow “M” or one saying Métropolitain. These have stairs leading down to the underground station.
Q. What are the Metro opening times?
Metro and RER trains run daily, 6am - 12.30am; on Fridays and Saturdays the service runs until 2.15am.
Q. How do I enter the Metro?
After entering the underground station, go through a ticket barrier or turnstile to access the platforms. To operate the barrier, insert the ticket into the turnstile to your right with the magnetic strip facing down.
Q. How much does a Metro ticket cost?
A single metro ticket, called a Ticket T, costs €1.60. This white-coloured ticket can be used for one journey only but includes all connections. It can be bought from ticket offices inside the Metro and from some tobacconists. This ticket is valid for zones 1 and 2 and remains valid for two hours until you leave the Metro through the exit barriers.
Children aged 4 - 9 can use reduced fare tickets, which are available only in books of 10 or 20, for €5.70 per book of 10. Under-4s can use the Metro for free. Metro tickets can be used on any day once they have been bought.
Q. Can I buy a return ticket for a single journey?
No, you must buy two singles. If you are planning a return journey, it can be useful to buy two singles when you first set out. Keep hold of your ticket for the duration of your journey as there may be a ticket inspection.
Q. What ticket should I get if I am making more than one return journey?
If you are planning on taking more than one journey or are in a large group, it could be cheaper to buy a book of ten tickets (a carnet) costing €11.60. The Ticket Mobilis is a day ticket that gives you unlimited use of the Metro for the day it is used. They can be bought to cover from zones 1-2 to zones 1-6. Within central Paris, you only need a ticket that covers zones 1-2, costing €5.80. As a Ticket Mobilis can be bought before the day of intended use, you must write the date of use and your full name on the ticket before you use it.
Q. How do I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased from the underground Metro station at a ticket office or from a self-service ticket machine. Ticket machines sell single tickets and books of 10 tickets (carnets), and feature an English-language facility and accept notes, coins and chip-and-pin style cards. Sometimes these machines have queues. We advise you to buy a carnet of 10 tickets from the cafe bar of your Eurostar train from London.
Q. How do I change lines on the Metro?
When you need to change lines during a Metro journey, you must find the appropriate platform labelled with the line name and direction that you require. A connection such as this is called a correspondance, and may be a quick change to the next platform or a walk of a couple of minutes, which may involve stairs without the alternative of an escalator.
RER
Q. What is the RER?
This is an express commuter train service that consists of five lines named with the letters A to E. RER trains cover 8 zones, travelling within Paris and the greater Paris region, and are a fast and convenient way to travel around Paris. However, each line splits at certain points so you must be sure of the exact direction of travel before you board.
Q. Does the RER cost the same as the Metro?
Yes; you can use the same ticket (€1.60 for a single) on the RER as you would on the Metro (Ticket T). However, the RER covers 8 zones and you can only travel with the Ticket T on the RER within zone 1, so it is possible to travel further than your ticket or pass allows for, which means you are liable for a fine if caught, so make sure your ticket covers your entire journey.
Q. Where can I find a map of the Paris Metro?
Free maps are available from the ticket offices inside Metro stations, as well as from department stores, hotels and at all the information centres of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. If you require a large-scale map, these can be found on the platforms and at the entrance to each station. You can download a PDF version of the Metro map here, and the RER map here.
Q. Is there a customer service number for the Metro?
Yes; there is a Telephone Information Centre number for general transport enquiries, including public transport, timetables, routes, fares, etc:
To call from France, dial 3246 (0,34 € / minute). To call from outside of France, telephone: 00 33 8 92 69 32 46. Available from 7.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Q. Is there a lost property number for the Metro?
Yes; for objects lost during the day, call the Telephone Information Centre for general Ile-de-France transport enquiries on 00 33 8 92 69 32 46. Available from 7.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.15pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
For objects lost more than 24 hours previously, visit the Police headquarters at:
36, rue des Morillons
75732 Paris Cedex 15 (angle de la rue de Dantzig, métro Convention ou autobus 89).
Its website advertises these telephone numbers:
00 33 01 53 73 53 73
00 33 01 53 71 53 71
00 33 01 40 79 79 79.
Postal enquiries can be sent to:
Préfecture de Police
9, boulevard du Palais
75195 PARIS CEDEX 04
Website