Paris Transport Guide: Navigating Metro, RER, and Buses

Quick answer

Travel from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to central Paris via the RER B train takes 35-50 minutes for €11.80 (approx $12.80). The Metro network consists of 16 lines serving 308 stations, with a single Ticket t+ costing €2.15 ($2.35). For unlimited travel, the Navigo Découverte weekly pass at €30.75 ($33.50) is the most cost-effective option for stays starting early in the week.

Airport to City Transfers

Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

The RER B suburban rail is the most efficient route to central hubs like Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. Trains depart every 10-15 minutes. A taxi to the Right Bank costs a fixed fee of €56 ($61), while the Left Bank is €65 ($71). The RoissyBus connects CDG to Opéra in 60-75 minutes for €16.60 ($18).

Orly (ORY)

The OrlyVal light rail connects the airport to RER B at Antony station for a combined fare of €14.50 ($15.80) to central Paris. Alternatively, the OrlyBus runs to Denfert-Rochereau in 30 minutes for €11.50 ($12.50). Fixed taxi fares are €36 ($39) to the Left Bank and €44 ($48) to the Right Bank.

The Metro and RER System

The Paris Metro is divided into 1 through 16 lines. Most lines run from 05:30 to 01:15 on weekdays and until 02:15 on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Metro Line 1 (Yellow): Automated and reliable, crossing the city east-west via Louvre-Rivoli and Champs-Élysées.
• Metro Line 6 (Light Green): Mostly elevated, offering views of the Eiffel Tower between Passy and Bir-Hakeim.
• Metro Line 14 (Purple): Fast, driverless line connecting Saint-Denis Pleyel to Orly Airport.
• RER Lines (A, B, C, D, E): Express trains that cross the city with fewer stops. RER A is the primary route for Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée) and La Défense.

Fares and Tickets

Paper tickets are being phased out in favour of the Navigo Easy card, which costs €2 ($2.20) to purchase and can be topped up at machines. A pack of 10 journeys (a 'carnet') costs €17.35 ($18.90).

Travel Passes: Are They Worth It?

Note: Check the official Île-de-France Mobilités site for the latest price updates before travel.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Official taxis in Paris use the G7 booking app or can be hailed at marked 'Taxi' stands. Unlike many cities, G7 is often more reliable than Uber during peak hours because taxis can use dedicated bus lanes, bypassing traffic on the Periphérique (ring road). Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow operate extensively but are subject to standard traffic congestion. Expect a minimum fare of €7.50 ($8.20) for any journey.

Walking and Cycling

Paris is highly walkable; a stroll from the Marais to the Louvre takes roughly 25 minutes. The Vélib' Métropole bike-share scheme offers thousands of manual (green) and electric (blue) bikes. A 24-hour pass costs €5 ($5.45) plus usage fees after the first 30 minutes. The city has invested heavily in protected bike lanes, particularly along Rue de Rivoli and the Seine quays.

Typical Journey Times

Common mistakes

• Discarding your ticket before exiting: RATP inspectors frequently patrol corridors. If you cannot produce a validated ticket or scanned card, you will face an immediate fine of €35 to €50 payable in cash or card.
• Buying a weekly pass on Friday: The Navigo Weekly pass always runs Monday to Sunday. If you buy it on a Friday, it will not be valid until the following Monday.
• Forgetting a photo: The Navigo Découverte requires a small 25mm x 30mm physical photo. Failure to attach one makes the pass invalid and subject to fines.
• Confusing Metro and RER zones: A standard Ticket t+ is valid for any Metro station, even those outside Zone 1. However, for RER journeys outside Zone 1 (like Versailles or Disney), you must buy a specific 'Point-to-Point' ticket.
• Attempting to buy tickets on the bus: Drivers no longer sell standard paper tickets. You must buy via SMS (text 'Bus' + line number to 93100) or use a pre-loaded Navigo card.

Plan your trip

Our Journey Planner integrates these transport specifics into a custom itinerary. By selecting your accommodation in areas like Belleville or Saint-Germain, the tool calculates daily travel costs, provides walking distances between attractions like the Musée d'Orsay and the Tuileries, and suggests the best pass based on your arrival date. It also includes real-time weather alerts and a packing list tailored to Parisian street surfaces, such as comfortable footwear for cobblestones in the Quartier Latin.

How do I get from Paris to Versailles?

Take the RER C train heading towards Versailles Château Rive Gauche. Ensure your ticket covers Zones 1-4; a standard Metro ticket is not valid. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes from central stations like Musée d'Orsay.

Does the Paris Metro run 24 hours?

No, the Metro closes overnight. From Sunday to Thursday, the last trains reach their terminus around 01:15. On Friday and Saturday, service is extended until 02:15. The Noctilien bus network operates during the closure hours.

Can I use contactless credit cards on the Paris Metro?

No, you cannot tap a standard Visa or Mastercard at the turnstiles. You must either use a physical Navigo card or the Île-de-France Mobilités app on a compatible smartphone to purchase and store digital tickets.

Is there a flat rate for taxis from CDG airport?

Yes, there are fixed government-regulated rates. As of the current period, it is €56 to the Right Bank (North of the Seine) and €65 to the Left Bank (South of the Seine). Always ignore individuals offering rides inside the terminal and follow signs to the official taxi queue.