How does the metro in Paris work?
The Paris metro was inaugurated on July 19, 1900, on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition. It was the first metro to be built in Europe and the second in the world after New York's.
Initially, the line consisted of only eleven stations that connected Porte de Vincennes to Porte Maillot. Over the years, the network has expanded considerably and now boasts 16 lines with over 300 stations covering the entire city of Paris.
The construction of the Parisian metro was a monumental undertaking for its time. Three years of intensive work were needed to complete the first eleven stations. Most of the work was done underground, using cutting-edge techniques for the time.
The first trains of the Parisian metro
The first trains of the Parisian metro were steam-powered and made a lot of noise. They consisted of wooden carriages with leather seats and were pulled by steam locomotives.
In 1908, the trains were replaced by electric ones, which were quieter and less polluting. The new carriages had natural ventilation and electric lighting, making travel more comfortable for passengers.
The metro during World War II
During World War II, the Paris metro was used as an air raid shelter by civilians. Many stations were adapted to accommodate beds and medical supplies for the wounded.
In addition, the metro was also used by members of the French Resistance to move around the city without being intercepted by Nazi troops.
The evolution of the Parisian metro
Over the years, the Parisian metro has undergone numerous renovation and modernization works. In 1998, the world's first fully automated line, Line 14, was introduced. This has reduced waiting times between trains and improved passenger flow during peak hours.
Today, the Paris metro is one of the most efficient in the world and represents an important infrastructure for public transport in the French capital.
Map and lines
The Paris metro consists of 16 lines numbered from 1 to 14, with the addition of lines 3bis and 7bis, which are branches. The metro lines are indicated by a specific color and number. For example, Line 1 is yellow while Line 2 is blue.
In addition, there are also 5 RER (Réseau Express Régional) lines, the suburban railway system of Paris that extends outside the city. The RER lines are indicated by a letter (A, B, C, D and E) and cover different areas of the Île-de-France region.
To better orient yourself on the map of the Paris metro, you can use major stations as reference points. For example, Châtelet-Les Halles station is considered the nerve center of the Parisian metro network as many lines meet there.
Here is a list of major stations connecting various lines:
- Châtelet-Les Halles: Line 1, Line 4, Line 7, Line 11 and Line 14
- Gare du Nord: Line 4 and Line 5
- Saint-Lazare: Line 3, Line 12, Line 13 and Line 14
- Montparnasse-Bienvenue: Line 4, Line 6, Line 12 and Line 13
- Nation: Line 1, Line 2, Line 6 and Line 9
It is important to note that some stations may have the same name but serve different lines. For example, there are two stations called "Bir-Hakeim": one on line 6 and the other on RER C.
Tickets and fares
The Paris metro uses an integrated system of tickets and fares with other public transport in the city such as buses and trams. Here are the main options available for travelers:
Billets t+ (single tickets)
Billets t+ are single tickets valid for one trip on the metro, bus or tram. The price is €1.90 at the time of purchase but can be reduced to €1.49 by purchasing them in packs of ten.
Billet Ile-de-France (regional ticket)
The Billet Ile-de-France is a regional ticket that allows unlimited travel on all public transport in the Paris region for one whole day. The price varies depending on the zones crossed, but starts from €7.50.
Passe Navigo (weekly/monthly pass)
The Passe Navigo is a weekly or monthly pass that allows unlimited travel on all public transport in the Paris region, including the metro. The price varies depending on the zones crossed and the type of pass chosen. For example, the monthly pass for zones 1-2 costs €75.20.
- TIP: If you are planning to use public transport frequently during your stay in Paris, it may be convenient to purchase a Passe Navigo.
- NOTE: A passport-sized photo is required to obtain the Passe Navigo.
In any case, it is important to keep the ticket or pass until the end of the trip as it may be requested by controllers at any time.
Opening and closing times
The Paris metro operates from 5:30am until 1:15am, every day of the week. However, schedules may vary depending on the line and station.
Main line schedules
- Line 1 - Line 1 operates from 5:30am to 12:30am Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays and holiday eves, the line remains open until 1:30am.
- Line 4 - Line 4 operates from 5:30am to 12:40am Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays and holiday eves, the line remains open until 1:40am.
- Line 7 - Line 7 operates from 5:30am to 12:30am Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays and holiday eves, the line remains open until
Please note that schedules may vary during holidays or for extraordinary maintenance works. In these cases, notices are posted in the stations and on the official website of RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens).
In addition, some trains only make certain stops during the night, so it is important to check the schedules and stops before departing.
Finally, if you need more detailed information about the Paris metro schedules, you can consult the RATP official website or use the mobile application that provides real-time information on lines and schedules.
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