The Metro is your dense inner-city network; RER is the fast suburban rail that also crosses Paris. Get a reloadable card at any station, choose a pass only if you’ll ride a lot, and know your airport options (CDG: RER B, ORY: Orlyval+RER B or OrlyBus).
New to Paris? Start with our Paris Travel Essentials
Metro vs. RER (quick difference)
- Metro: Short distances, frequent stops, trains every few minutes; best for moving around central Paris.
- RER: Fewer stops inside the city, fast over longer distances; also reaches suburbs and airports. Inside Paris, you can ride RER like the Metro.
Tickets & passes (what to buy)
You can travel with single rides or load products onto a rechargeable card from station machines/counters. Prices change—choose by usage, not cost here.
Options you’ll see most
- Single ride (t+): Good for occasional trips; allows transfers within a set time window across Metro/RER (inside Paris) and buses/trams (rules vary by mode).
- Reloadable card (e.g., Navigo Easy/compatible): Keep rides/passes on one plastic card; tap at gates.
- Multi-day tourist pass (Paris Visite): 1–5 days; convenient if you’ll ride a lot including beyond central Paris.
- Weekly pass (Navigo Semaine): Calendar-week validity (Mon–Sun); great value if your stay aligns and you’ll ride daily.
How to choose
- 1–3 rides/day: Single rides on a reloadable card.
- 4–6+ rides/day: Consider a pass (tourist/weekly).
- Staying over a Monday–Sunday week: Weekly pass is easiest.
- Day trips beyond central Paris: Make sure your product covers the required zones (see below).
Zones (the simple version)
Paris center is one zone; airports/Versailles/Disneyland sit in outer zones. Passes can be all-zones or specific ranges. When in doubt, use all-zones for airport trips or buy separate airport tickets.
Airports → city (best routes)
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- RER B: Direct to central stations (e.g., Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame).
- RoissyBus: Non-stop to Opéra area.
- Taxi / ride-hail: Fixed-rate official taxis; expect traffic at peak times.
Orly (ORY)
- Orlyval + RER B: Orlyval shuttle to Antony, then RER B into the center.
- OrlyBus: Orly ↔ Denfert-Rochereau (Metro connect).
- Tram T7 + Metro: Budget-friendly, more transfers.
Beauvais (BVA)
- Not in the Paris network; dedicated shuttle buses connect to the city (Porte Maillot).
Pro tip: Landing late? Pre-check last-train times; consider pre-booking an airport transfer if you arrive near midnight.
Buying & using tickets (step by step)
- Find a machine in any station; switch to English if needed.
- Choose product (single ride / pass) and zones/days if applicable.
- Pay by card (chip & PIN/contactless) or cash where accepted.
- Tap your card at the gate; keep it until you exit—RER often checks on exit.
- Transfers: Follow Correspondance signs; stay inside the paid area when changing lines.
Apps, maps & planning
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- RATP app (official) for live times, disruptions, and route plans.
- Google Maps / Apple Maps for quick door-to-door directions.
- Offline backup: Save a PDF network map and your accommodation address/screenshots.
If you’re short on time, see our Perfect 48 Hours in Paris itinerary.
Accessibility & etiquette
- Some older stations lack elevators—plan step-free routes when needed.
- Let passengers exit first; stand on the right of escalators.
- Keep daypacks in front in crowded cars; mind the gap and closing doors.
Safety & common issues
- Watch for pickpockets in crowds and on busy lines.
- Ignore clipboard/petition approaches; keep moving.
- Late services run but are less frequent—check last trains.
Sample use-cases (what should you buy?)
- Weekend, heavy sightseeing: Multi-day pass (zones covering your trips).
- Mid-week stay Mon–Sun: Weekly pass.
- Short stopover, 2–3 rides: Single rides on a reloadable card.
- CDG arrival + central stay + few rides: Airport ticket + singles for the rest.
For budget-friendly picks, see Best Affordable Bistros in Paris
FAQ
Do I need a separate ticket for airports?
Often yes—airport routes sit in outer zones. Some passes include them; otherwise buy a dedicated airport ticket.
Can I use the same card for Metro and RER?
Yes—just ensure your card/product covers the zones you travel through.
Are paper tickets gone?
Paper carnets are being phased out; expect reloadable cards and digital formats at machines.
What’s the fastest way from CDG?
Usually RER B; in heavy traffic it beats road options.
