Visit and stay in Paris and its region: the traveller's kit

On the program on this page:

1. How to find your way around public transport?
2. Where to buy transport tickets?
3. What are the public transport schedules in Paris and its region?
4. Night buses: the alternative when conventional transport closes its doors
5. Coming to or leaving Paris by plane?
6. Our tips for taking transport like a local

#1. Finding your way around public transport

• To enter the transport network : pay close attention to the pictograms and signage. Metro stations, bus stops, RER stations: everything is indicated in the streets!
• To reach your metro, tram, RER or train platform : identify the number (for the metro and tram), the letter (for the RER and trains), this will allow you to find your way by following the road signs.
• On the platforms and on board : screens give you the waiting time and the direction in which your line is going. For the RER, even simpler: lights show you all the stations served and the entire map of the line on the platform.
• On board : signs with warning lights or digital screens inform you of the shutdown project

Our advice: download the official transport app

• Calculate your routes and receive real-time traffic information
• Buy your transport tickets
• Validate directly on public transport with your phone
• Available in 6 languages

#2. Where can I buy a transport ticket?

To buy a ticket , you have the choice:

• On the Île-de-France Mobilités app : the official app for public transport in Île-de-France (iOS and Android)
• At stations and stations, at ticket offices or vending machines: tickets will be loaded onto a rechargeable Navigo physical medium (with the app or at stations and stations)
• Please note : one travel support = one person (telephone or Navigo pass)

Not sure which ticket to choose?

Weekend in the capital? Week of intensive visits? Are you a walking enthusiast planning to make a small number of transport trips to get out of the capital?

Check out our online guide to choose the perfect ticket for your stay.

#3. What are the public transport schedules in Paris and its region?

To avoid finding yourself in front of closed doors in the evening when returning from a dinner with friends, a little reminder of the schedules on our network.

1. In the subway

• On weekdays the metros run from : 5:30 a.m. to 1:15 a.m.,
• On Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as on the eve of holidays : the metros run until 2:15 a.m.

2. In the RER

The RER runs every day from : 5:30 a.m. to 1:20 a.m. approximately.

3. On the buses

The Ile-de-France bus network is titanic with a hundred lines in Paris and 1,900 lines, in all, in Île-de-France.

If the bus schedules vary according to the line taken, in general:

• Buses run between 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. from Monday to Sunday and until 00:30 a.m. for the main bus lines,
• Many lines do not run on Sundays and public holidays.

To find out more, go to the Timetable section of our website or app, select the line of your choice and check the timetables for your future trip.

#4. Night bus: the alternative by public transport after the last metro

When the metros, RER and daytime buses no longer run, you have an alternative: take the night bus network! These buses run from approximately 00:30 to 5:30 in the morning.

• The night bus network is structured around five major transfer stations : Châtelet, Montparnasse, Gare de l'Est, Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare de Lyon. All RER stations are also served by the night bus network.
• The N01 and N02 night lines allow you to go around Paris by connecting the major stations (Montparnasse, Saint-Lazare, de l'Est, Lyon and Austerlitz).

To get around, start by identifying the night bus network thanks to its signage: the names of the lines are preceded by an N.

#5. Coming to or leaving Paris by plane?

Metros, buses, trams, trains: transport serves the Ile-de-France airports (Orly and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle).

If you are coming from or leaving Paris and its region by plane, read our practical guide to find the best route and choose the right transport ticket for your journey.

#6. Our tips for traveling like a local

• In the escalators : for your safety and to avoid jostling, position yourself on the right to let passengers pass who wish to climb the steps.
• Luggage or stroller : a gate is provided to allow bulky luggage and strollers to pass easily, next to the validators: ask an agent to open the door for you.
• "Be careful, pickpockets may be present on board" : despite the presence of video surveillance cameras and that of security guards, pickpockets are likely to act on the network. Close your pockets and bags and never leave your belongings unattended.
• You have lost something in transport : go tothis platformaccessible 24/7 to report the loss!