What Paris Locals Know About the Metro (That Tourists Never Do)

In this video we team up with a Parisian friend who rides the metro every day to share the Paris metro tips locals take for granted. If it is your first time in Paris, or the metro left you confused last time, this will help you buy the right pass, go in the right direction and avoid an unexpected fine.

Choosing the right pass

The weekly Navigo pass always runs Monday to Sunday, whatever day you start it, so it is only good value if your trip matches that pattern. For most visitors we prefer the Navigo Easy card (2 euros when we filmed), which you load with metro tickets, bus tickets or an airport ticket. A few quirks: the card must be empty before you can add an airport ticket, a metro ticket will not work on the bus, and every traveler needs their own card.

Finding your way underground

  • Numbers are metro lines, letters are RER lines. You use the RER for the airports, Disneyland and Versailles.
  • Line 1 crosses the city west to east and line 4 runs north to south.
  • Behind the gates, signs show each direction and every stop on the way, so you can check before boarding.
  • Big stations have an exit map with street names, so pick the closest exit before you go up.
  • Install Bonjour RATP: it gives live traffic, where to sit for your connection, how crowded the train is and which exit to take.

We also explain why we skip IDF Mobilités for buying tickets (it can be hard to install and register from abroad), why the bus is often nicer than the metro, and why you should always validate when boarding, even at the back door.

Controls, pickpockets and stations to avoid

Ticket controls are more frequent than they used to be. Stay calm and respectful, and know that you do not have to pay a fine on the spot. Pickpockets do exist, so keep your phone, pass and keys where you can feel them; we use slash-resistant Pacsafe bags. Our friend’s bonus tip: avoid Châtelet-Les Halles if you can, and think twice about Montparnasse with luggage.

To plan the rest of your trip, our Paris Guide Bundle covers hotels, restaurants and itineraries by arrondissement, and our Paris hotel guide has 125 picks by neighborhood. You can also see the anti-theft travel gear we carry every day.