Navigating the Paris Métro

Paris is divided into twenty neighborhoods ortaking a photo you will receive a card that allows
arrondissements. Each neighborhood spirals out likeyou to ride the system within a specified zone
a snail shell from the center of the city, with thefrom Monday through Sunday. Prices depend on
low digits all close to the center and the higherthe zones covered. As with other cities, proof of
number forming the outer rim. The Seine dividespayment is required on all trains. Failure to provide
the city into the right bank and left bank (rivea valid ticket will result in an instant fine of
droite and rive gauche). Because the city of Paris€35, payable in cash on the spot. Needless
is roughly only 6 miles across, visitors have a wideto say, keep your ticket with you at all times until
range of options when it comes to transportation.you depart the system.
While much of the more well known attractionsForeign travelers can also purchase special passes
are located in the center of the city and are bestcalled Paris Visites, which are valid for unlimited
experienced by walking, there are manyuse on the entire RATP network. Paris Visites can
destinations that require other means ofbe purchased online before your departure to
transport. While taxis offer a fast and relativelyFrance and offer the option of 1-5 days of
inexpensive means of travel, Paris' publicunlimited travel. In addition to Métro
transportation system offers an enjoyable,transportation, these passes offer up to a 30%
stress-free way to explore the city.discount on other modes of transportation and
The Paris Métro system is among the bestother select attractions. Another advantage of
in the world and it shouldn't take you long to getthe Visites pass is that they can be used either
acquainted with it's operations. Constructed infor destinations within the city limits, or for trips
1900 by engineer Fulgence Bienvenüe andto areas outside of Paris.
architect Hector Guimard, the French MétroThe Paris Métro trains run from 5:30 a.m. to
covers over 124 miles with 368 stations and 151:00 a.m., at which point travelers exploring the
lines. Servicing over 6 million residents and touristscity's nightlife turn to the Noctilien late night bus
every day, the Métro was designed to beservice. The Noctilien runs 7-days a week,
an efficient and reliable alternative to thebetween the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
congestion of traffic. Every building in Paris is lesswith expanded service on Saturday and Sunday
than 500 meters from a train station, somornings. Individual tickets can be purchased once
accessibility is never a problem. The 15you board, however additional passes like the
Métro lines are identified by their finalCarte Orange and Paris Visite are honored as well.
destinations, simply select the appropriate line andOutside of Paris, the RER is the regional transit
take it in the direction you want. The Métrosystem and can be used within city limits with
stations are well marked, and there are ticketmetro ticket. RER stop are only given when no
booths at most entrances.metro is nearby. The bus system is also an
If you are in town for only a few days, it mayexcellent way to get around but it is a bit more
make more sense to buy a carnet (packet) of 10complicated to navigate. Each bus stop lists the
tickets. However depending on the length of yourbus lines that it services and their corresponding
stay you can opt for a carte orange, an unlimitedroutes.
weekly pass. By filling out a simple form and