Navigating Paris: A Complete Guide to the Metro, RER, and Buses

For many first-time visitors, the Paris Metro map looks like a bowl of colorful spaghetti. But underneath the complexity lies one of the most efficient transport systems in the world. You are never more than 500 meters from a metro station in Paris.

Here is how to navigate the city like a local, saving time and avoiding fines.

1. The Ticket Dilemma: Paper vs. Digital

The era of the paper ticket (the "t+" ticket) is ending. While you can still buy them in some machines, Paris is aggressively moving to contactless cards.

The Navigo Easy Pass

This is what most tourists should get.

• What is it? A reusable plastic card (sold for €2).
• How to use it: You load "virtual" tickets onto it at machines or via the IDF Mobilités app on your phone.
• Cost: A single journey is cheaper when bought in a "carnet" (pack of 10) digitally than on paper.
• Note: Each person needs their own card. You cannot swipe for yourself and pass it back to your partner.

The Paris Visite Pass

Often marketed to tourists, but rarely the best value unless you plan to spend your entire day on trains and visiting specific discount partners. Do the math before buying.

2. RER vs. Metro: What’s the Difference?

• Metro (Numbers 1-14): Serving the city center. Stops are frequent.
• RER (Letters A-E): Regional express trains. They are faster, have double-decker cars, and go to the suburbs (including CDG Airport, Versailles, and Disneyland).

Critical Rule: keep your ticket/card until you exit! In the Metro, you usually only need it to enter. In the RER, you need it to enter and exit.

3. Bus Etiquette

The bus is the most scenic way to travel. Lines 69 and 72 offer sightseeing tours for the price of a metro ticket.

• Hail the driver: The bus won't stop unless you wave at the driver.
• Board at the front: Say "Bonjour" to the driver. It’s mandatory politeness.
• Validate: Tap your Navigo card or validate your paper ticket immediately.
• Exit at the middle/back: Don't try to push back to the front door.

4. Safety and Awareness

Pickpockets are real, especially on Line 1 (which serves the Louvre and Champs-Élysées) and RER B (Airport line).

• Do not stand near the doors with your phone out just as they are closing.
• Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
• Ignore anyone asking you to sign a petition or showing you a "gold ring" they found.

5. Getting to Versailles

To visit the Palace of Versailles, you will likely take the RER C. Important: A standard Metro ticket (Zone 1) is not valid for Versailles (Zone 4). You must buy a specific "Origine-Destination" ticket. If you try to exit at Versailles with a standard metro ticket, the gates won't open, and inspectors often wait there.

Planning a trip to Versailles? It can be overwhelming. Check out my Versailles Half-Day Tour where I handle the tickets and train logistics for you.