Destination Articles

Using Paris' Metro system

One of the best ways to get around Paris is by metro – the underground railway system. Trains are frequent, clean and the whole system is very efficient but buying tickets can cause some apprehension amongst non-French speaking tourists. Have no fear, though, as the ticket machines offer instructions in English!  Simply choose your language of choice (French, English or Spanish) on the touch screen and follow the simple steps to purchase your ticket.

 

Single and books of tickets can be purchased.  A single ticket costs around 2 euros, whilst a book of ten costs 12 euros. The tickets don’t have to be used on the day of purchase.  Once you have your ticket, you insert it into the turnstile to access the platform.  Some stations require you to insert your ticket again to exit the station of arrival.

 

The metro system is a network of fast trains that cover the entire inner Peripherique of Paris. Each route is colour-coded so you can easily determine which route you need to catch.  Each station and train displays maps of the line on which you are travelling to assist you in knowing where you are and how many stops until you need to get off.

To reach Paris’s outer suburbs, you’ll need to take the RER train system.  Four lines cover the city’s outer north east, north west, south east and south west, taking travelers to destinations including Charles de Gaulle airport and Versailles. The RER trains require different tickets to the Metro but are purchased in the same manner.  Tickets are slightly more expensive as the distance travelled is greater.  A one way ticket from central Paris to Versailles by RER costs around 3 euros.

To combine your sightseeing and Metro travel, why not purchase a Paris Pass?  The Pass comprises the Paris Museum Pass, a Paris Visite card for Metro travel in zones 1-3 and a range of additional attraction entries, special offers and discounts.


*All prices current as at November 2010.

You might also like our other articles: 

Renting an apartment in Paris >>>
Family friendly holidays in Paris >>>
The Eiffel Tower >>>
Disneyland Resort Paris >>>
Five things to do in Paris >>>
Paris - Fall in love with the City of Light >>>

© Holidays to Europe.