Paris Map Metro Zones: How to use the metro in Paris

Navigating the Paris Metro system can seem overwhelming at first, especially with its different zones and ticketing options. However, once you understand the basics, getting around the city and beyond becomes simple and efficient. This guide will break down the metro zones, notable sites in each, and how to read a Paris Metro map.

Paris Metro Zones Overview

The Paris Metro is divided into five zones that extend outward from the city center. While the metro itself primarily operates within zones 1-2, other transport systems like the RER and Transilien trains travel further into zones 3-5.

Zone 1-2: Central Paris

These two zones cover the heart of the city, where most of the famous landmarks and attractions are located. If you are staying in Paris for sightseeing, you will likely spend most of your time within these zones.

Notable sites in Zone 1-2:

• Eiffel Tower (Bir-Hakeim station, Line 6)

• Louvre Museum (Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre, Line 1)

• Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cité, Line 4)

• Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe (Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Line 1, 2, 6, RER A)

• Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur (Anvers, Line 2)

• Musée d’Orsay (Solférino, Line 12)

• Catacombs of Paris (Denfert-Rochereau, Line 4, 6, RER B)

Zone 3: Outer Paris and Business Districts

Zone 3 includes some residential areas and business hubs, as well as cultural attractions.

Notable sites in Zone 3:

• La Défense (Business district, Grande Arche, RER A, Line 1)

• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (Botzaris, Line 7bis)

• Père Lachaise Cemetery (Père Lachaise, Line 2, 3)

Zone 4: Suburban Areas and Theme Parks

Zone 4 expands further into the suburbs and includes some major attractions.

Notable sites in Zone 4:

• Palace of Versailles (Versailles Château-Rive Gauche, RER C)

• Saint-Denis Basilica (Basilique de Saint-Denis, Line 13)

Zone 5: Airports and Disneyland Paris

Zone 5 covers destinations that require longer travel times, including both Paris airports and Disneyland Paris.

Notable sites in Zone 5:

• Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée Chessy, RER A)

• Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG Airport, RER B)

• Orly Airport (Accessible via Orlyval and RER B)

• Fontainebleau Palace (Train from Gare de Lyon)

Understanding the Paris Metro Map

The Paris Metro map includes metro lines (numbered 1-14), RER train lines (A-E), and tram and bus connections. Metro lines are color-coded and numbered, while RER lines are marked with letters. Each metro station lists the lines that connect there, making it easier to transfer.

Key things to note:

• Terminus stations indicate the end of a metro line.

• RER lines extend beyond the city center and require different tickets.

• Connections to major rail stations (like Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon) are clearly marked.

Paris Metro Tickets and Pricing

Paris Metro tickets are based on zones, but most tourists will only need tickets for zones 1-2 unless traveling outside central Paris.

Types of tickets:

• T+ Ticket: Single-journey ticket valid in zones 1-2 (€2.10 as of 2024). Allows transfers between metro and buses but not RER.

• Navigo Easy Pass: Reloadable card for purchasing multiple T+ tickets at a discount.

• Navigo Weekly/Monthly Pass: Unlimited travel for specific time periods (must be purchased with a photo ID).

• Paris Visite Pass: Tourist pass valid for 1-5 days, covering zones 1-5 if needed.

• Île-de-France Tickets: Required for RER trips beyond zone 2 (e.g., Versailles, Disneyland, airports).

Final Tips

• Validate your ticket before entering the metro gates.

• Check the last train times—most metro lines close around 12:30 AM on weekdays and 1:30 AM on weekends.

• Use metro apps like Citymapper or RATP to plan routes efficiently.

By understanding the Paris Metro zones and ticketing system, navigating the city becomes much easier. Whether you’re exploring central Paris or heading to Versailles or Disneyland, the metro and RER trains provide a reliable way to travel.