The Paris metro is the easiest, most convenient and practical way for a tourist to travel around the city, which will allow you to easily see the sights located in the capital. The Paris metro has about 300 stations and 16 lines with numbers from 1 to 14 inclusive, plus two lines - branches of the third and seventh lines (3bis and 7bis). Each line has its own color. You can transfer to another line from many stations. This information is provided on electronic boards in the metro and on RATP maps.
To calculate the travel time on the metro, take 2 minutes between two adjacent stations and add 5 minutes for the transfer to another line. If you are interested in the entire transport network of the French capital, see Paris Public Transport. Each line has a name consisting of the names of the starting and ending stations (for example, Balard/Créteil). The maps located in the metro show the lines and stations included in the line in blue and white, as well as those stations that provide the opportunity to transfer to other lines.
You don't have to buy a Paris metro map - they are given out for free to anyone who wants one at the metro ticket offices and tourist offices. In addition, large metro maps are placed at the entrance to any metro station. At the stations, the line number is drawn in a circle of the corresponding color, and next to it in a blue circle is the letter M, which means metro.
On weekdays, the metro operates from about 5:30 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, and before holidays – until 2:15 a.m. Metro line #14 is the newest and fastest. It is called "Meteor" (Météor).
Tickets for all types of public transport in Paris are the same. For more information, see Paris Public Transport. Keep your purchased ticket until the end of your trip. Otherwise, the inspector will fine you.
You can buy a ticket at a metro station in two ways: at a special window or from a machine. It may happen that the ticket office is temporarily closed and you will have to use a machine that accepts euro coins, notes (5, 10, 20 euros) and some credit cards.
How to buy a ticket from a machine?
1) Using the rotating circle in the center under the screen called "Selectionner": select either a single ticket or "Carnet" - a set of 10 tickets (cheaper).
2) Press the button to the right of the circle - "Validez ou acceptez ici".
3) Specify the number of tickets or sets. Please note that for "Carnet" 1 means 10 tickets, 2 means 20, etc.
4) In the highlighted window, select the payment method (coin, banknote, bank card).
5) Select whether to take a receipt ("Oui") or not ("No").
6) Take a ticket from the bottom drawer of the machine.
To get onto a metro station platform, you must pass through a turnstile or door barrier. Place your ticket, magnetic side down, in the turnstile that is not marked with a red cross (not working) or circle (exit). When entering with a ticket, the turnstile should be on your right. You must take the ticket quickly, otherwise the turnstile will not work. You will pass the turnstile, approach the barrier - the door - and wait for it to open. Some of them, especially those with double doors, open slowly. If the ticket is accepted but the door does not open, make sure you are close enough for the touch panel to react. If the ticket is not accepted, the turnstile will make a quiet, long and unpleasant sound, sometimes accompanied by a red sign indicating that your ticket is invalid. Find a station employee at the ticket office or information desk and ask for help. Most likely, the door will be opened manually and you will be allowed in.
If you have a "Navigo" card, simply hold it up to the counter and wait until you hear a beep indicating that you can pass. If your card is about to expire, the beep will be less pleasant and the display will show the expiration time of the card.
Metro trains come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. In all cars, the door must be opened manually: in some cars, you press a button located near the door, in others, you lift a small lever. The only exception is line 14, where the door is automated and the train runs without a driver.
If you need to get off but are standing far from the door, don't worry. Just say "pardon" and people will immediately try to make some kind of corridor to make it easier for you to get to the door, even if it means getting out of the train. Parisians know these manners well. You'll see for yourself.
Once you get to the right station, follow the blue signs to get out, marked "Sortie" (Exit).
For more information, visit ratp.fr or parisbytrain.com.
Be careful when buying a ticket - choose the right zone and keep your ticket until the end of your trip: at some stations you have to put it on the turnstile when you exit. In any case, the ticket inspectors in the Paris metro work hard and you will have to pay a decent fine (around 50 euros).
As in all major cities, in Paris there is a risk of becoming a victim of pickpockets in crowded places, namely in the metro - in a train car, on a platform or at a ticket machine. Therefore, I recommend that you do not lose your vigilance.
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