Getting Around Paris – Public Transport and Tickets Made Simple
Paris has one of the most extensive and efficient public transport networks in Europe. Metro lines, regional trains and buses connect the city center with outer districts and nearby suburbs in a single, integrated system. To use public transport in Paris, a valid ticket is required.
Tickets & Prices
One-Ride Tickets
- Single ticket for Metro, RER and regional trains: 2.55 €, 2.75 $
- Single ticket for bus and tram: 2.05 €, 2.20 $
- One-ride tickets are valid for a single journey within Paris and cannot be mixed between the two transport groups: metro, RER and regional trains on the one hand, and buses and trams on the other. If you want to switch between them, you need tickets for both groups.
Time-Based Tickets
One-day travel pass
- 12.30 €, 13.50 $'
- Unlimited travel on all public transport services within the selected day, excluding airport connections.
- The pass only becomes worthwhile from the fifth ride when using the metro and RER and from the sixth ride when using buses and trams. With fewer rides, single tickets are cheaper.
- Many major sights are within walking distance, so four rides a day may be sufficient. Consider whether a day pass is really necessary.
Weekly travel pass
- 32.40 €, 35.00 $*
- The pass becomes worthwhile from the third day of stay with frequent use of public transport.
- Unlimited travel on all public transport services from Monday to Sunday within the covered zones, excluding airport connections.
- Keep in mind that the pass is only worthwhile if you arrive early enough in the week, no later than Friday, and can use it for several consecutive days. If you arrive on a Saturday, the pass is a waste of money.
Monthly travel pass
- 90.80 €, 98.00 $*
- Unlimited travel on all public transport services for one full calendar month within the covered zones, excluding airport connections.
- The pass only makes sense for stays longer than two weeks with frequent use of public transport.
Good to know
- All children under 4 travel free.
- All children aged 4 to under the age of 10 years pay 50 % of the adult fare.
- Senior discounts apply only to residents; tourists are not eligible.
*Prices as of January 2026
Airport travel
Travel from and to Paris airports follows different rules than regular city transport. For detailed information on routes, fares and the best ways to reach Charles de Gaulle and Orly, please refer to our dedicated guide Getting to the City from Paris Airports.
Digital Tickets Only
Paper tickets are no longer sold in Paris. Since November 2025, all public transport tickets are issued exclusively in digital or electronic form. This means that tickets must be purchased and stored either on a smartphone or on a reusable contactless card.
Smartphone App or Reloadable Card?
The reloadable plastic card “Navigo Easy” requires a one-time purchase fee of 2.00 €, 2.20 $* and is available at ticket machines, staffed ticket counters and customer service points in metro and RER stations. It is a contactless card that can store single tickets, 10-ride bundles, day passes and airport tickets.
*Prices as of January 2026
Using the official “Île-de-France Mobilités” or “Bonjour RATP” smartphone apps is generally the most convenient and flexible option. With the app, tickets can be purchased directly on the phone and, if needed, loaded onto a Navigo Easy card via NFC, without visiting a ticket machine or ticket counter. This makes it easier to manage tickets on the go, while still allowing the use of a physical card. In addition to ticketing, the app includes route planning, real-time departure information and service disruption alerts, all in one place.
Public Transport Overview
Paris has a dense and reliable public transport network that covers the city and its surrounding areas. Services operate frequently throughout the day and make it easy to reach all major districts and attractions.
Metro
The metro is the backbone of public transport in Paris. With a dense network of lines and closely spaced stations, it is the fastest and most efficient way to move across the city, especially for longer distances. The metro generally operates from around 5:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, most lines run until approximately 1:30 a.m. During daytime hours, trains usually run every 2 to 5 minutes, with slightly longer intervals late in the evening.
Metro Network Map
Metro Timetables
RER and Regional Trains
RER and regional train services connect central Paris with outer districts and nearby suburbs. Within the city area, they can also be useful for faster cross-city journeys with fewer stops. These services typically operate from around 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Frequency varies by line and section, usually every 5 to 15 minutes within the city, and less frequently toward the suburbs.
RER Network Map
RER Timetables
Regional Trains Network Map
Regional Trains Timetables
Buses
Buses complement the rail network and are particularly useful for short trips or areas not directly served by the metro. They also offer the advantage of seeing the city while traveling, which can be practical for sightseeing routes. Buses generally operate from around 5:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m., depending on the line. Frequencies vary widely, ranging from 5 to 10 minutes on busy routes to 20 minutes or more on less frequented lines.
Trams
Tram lines operate mainly in the outer parts of Paris and surrounding suburbs. They play only a minor role for most visitors staying in the city center.
Tram Network Map
Tram Timetables
Montmartre Funicular
A funicular provides a convenient connection to the top of Montmartre and is fully integrated into the public transport system. Standard metro tickets and travel passes are valid. The service operates daily from around 6:00 a.m. until 12:45 a.m., with slightly later closing times on weekends. Cabins usually run every 5 to 10 minutes, depending on demand, making it an easy alternative to climbing the steep steps up to Sacré-Cœur.
Night services
After regular services end, night buses operate across Paris. These services generally run from around 12:30 a.m. until 5:30 a.m., with frequencies ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the route.
Summary
Paris’s public transport system is efficient and easy to use once the basic ticket rules are clear. With digital tickets, frequent services and good coverage across the city, getting around is straightforward and flexible. Whether you rely on single tickets, day passes or longer-term options, public transport allows you to explore Paris comfortably without unnecessary planning.
