Some time ago I wrote an article on Parisian public transport, but since last year there have been quite a few changes.
Since January 1, fares have been completely modified and the network has been extended, notably with the addition of lines 14 and 11.
Other major changes are still to come.

Discover the ins and outs of Paris’ extensive public transportation network, including the metro, bus, RER, tramway, and more. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, navigating Paris’ transport system efficiently is crucial for exploring the city.

Public Transport in Paris and Suburbs

Tickets and Passes

Paris is revolutionizing its public transport system with a new unified fare structure starting January 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

Single Tickets

• Unified Fare: A single fare of €2.50 will apply to all metro, train, and RER trips within the Île-de-France region, simplifying travel and making public transport more accessible.
• Bus and Tramway: The fare for bus and tramway trips will be €2, regardless of the distance traveled, promoting ease of use.

Carnet of 10 Tickets

• Discontinued: Traditional carnets of 10 tickets will be phased out. Instead, users are encouraged to adopt the Liberté+ pass for post-payment and seamless travel tracking.

Day Pass

• Mobilis Pass: For extensive travel within a day, the Mobilis pass offers unlimited travel within certain zones, ranging from €8.45 to €20.20 depending on the zones covered.
• Paris Visite Pass: A new “Paris Visite” pass will be introduced at €29.90 per day, offering unlimited travel, including to and from airports, perfect for tourists.

Pass Navigo: Weekly and Monthly Passes

• Navigo Pass: The Navigo pass remains popular for regular travelers, offering weekly or monthly passes. The monthly pass will see a slight increase to €88.80 to support the new fare system.
• Liberté+ Pass: This pass offers a 20% discount on individual fares, making it €1.99 for metro, train, and RER trips, and €1.60 for bus and tramway trips. It also facilitates seamless transfers between different modes of transport.

Métro

The Paris metro is renowned for its efficiency and convenience, with 16 lines covering 220 kilometers and serving over 300 stations. Operating from 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM daily, with extended hours on weekends and holidays, it’s a reliable way to explore the city.

Tips for Navigating Paris’ Transportation System

✅ Plan your route in advance using a map or app.

✅ Avoid rush hour travel to dodge crowded metros and buses.

✅ Stay vigilant with your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Bus

With over 300 bus lines, Paris’ bus system is ideal for reaching destinations not served by the metro. Buses run from early morning until late at night, though traffic can be heavy during rush hour.

RER

The RER regional train system connects Paris with its suburbs, featuring five lines serving over 250 stations. It’s perfect for traveling beyond the city limits, using the same tickets and passes as the metro and bus.

Tramway

The tramway is a modern and efficient mode of transport, with nine lines covering 100 kilometers. It uses the same tickets and passes as the metro, bus, and RER, making transfers easy.

Driving in Paris

Driving in Paris can be challenging, but with preparation, it’s manageable. Here are some tips:

Rules of the Road

• Right-Side Driving: Cars drive on the right, with a general speed limit of 50 km/h (31 mph) within the city.
• Priority to the Right: Drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections unless there’s a stop sign or traffic light.
• One-Way Streets: Pay attention to one-way streets and restricted zones.

Parking in Paris

Parking in Paris can be challenging. Options include:

• Street Parking: Metered parking spaces are available but can be expensive and hard to find.
• Car Parks: Numerous car parks offer hourly or daily rates.
• Park-and-Ride: Located on the city outskirts, these facilities offer easy access to public transportation.

Tips for Driving in Paris

• Plan your route in advance and use a GPS or map.
• Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists.
• Avoid rush hour traffic and stay patient when looking for parking.

Biking in Paris

Biking is a popular way to explore Paris, with an extensive network of bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. Paris aims to be the first bicycle-friendly city in Europe, with over 700 km of new bike lanes.

Bike-Sharing Systems

• Vélib’: With over 14,000 bikes at more than 1,200 stations, Vélib’ is Paris’ largest bike-sharing program.
• Lime: Offers electric bikes and scooters for rent.

Safety Tips

• Wear a helmet and safety gear.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and follow traffic rules.
• Always lock your bike when not in use.

Best Apps to Move in Paris and Suburbs

Navigating Paris is easier with reliable apps like RATP and Citymapper:

RATP

The official app of the Paris public transportation system provides real-time information on schedules and routes, a trip planner, disruption alerts, and allows ticket purchases directly through the app.

Citymapper

Citymapper offers real-time information on various transportation options, including metro, bus, RER, tramway, and bike-sharing programs. It provides multiple route options, estimated travel times, and costs, making it a comprehensive tool for navigating Paris.

The Grand Paris Express and Future Transport Expansions

Paris is undergoing a significant transformation in its public transportation network, with major projects like the Grand Paris Express and new tramway, metro, and RER lines set to redefine urban mobility. These developments aim to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transport solutions for the growing population of the Île-de-France region.

The Grand Paris Express

The Grand Paris Express is one of the most ambitious transport projects in Europe, designed to expand and modernize the existing metro network. This initiative includes the construction of four new metro lines and the extension of existing ones, totaling over 200 kilometers of additional track.

Key Features of the Grand Paris Express:

• New Metro Lines:
  • Line 15: A circular line connecting the suburbs around Paris, enhancing accessibility without requiring travel through the city center.
  • Line 16 & Line 17: Serving the northern and northeastern suburbs, these lines will improve access to key areas like the Charles de Gaulle Airport and business hubs.
  • Line 18: Linking the southwest suburbs with Orly Airport, this line will enhance airport accessibility and business district connectivity.
• Extensions:
  • Several existing metro lines, including Lines 11 and 14, are being extended to serve a broader area and accommodate increased passenger demand.
• Automated Trains:
  • The new lines will feature fully automated trains, improving efficiency, frequency, and safety.
• Eco-Friendly Infrastructure:
  • The project incorporates sustainable construction practices and energy-efficient designs to minimize environmental impact.

Future Tramway Expansions

The tramway network in Paris continues to grow, further integrating suburban areas into the city’s public transport system. Several new tramway lines and extensions are planned:

• Tramway T3 Extension: Expanding to cover more areas in the southern and eastern parts of Paris.
• Tramway T9 and T10: These new lines will enhance connectivity between suburban districts and existing metro or RER stations.
• Tramway T12 and T13: Offering better links to regional transport hubs and reducing reliance on cars in densely populated areas.

New RER Developments

The RER system, vital for connecting Paris to its suburbs, is also set for upgrades:

• RER E Extension: Extending westward to better serve areas like La Défense, the region’s main business district.
• Modernized Infrastructure: New signaling systems, updated rolling stock, and improved station facilities will enhance reliability and passenger experience.

Impact on Commuters

These developments are expected to:

• Reduce travel times by up to 30% for many suburban commuters.
• Ease congestion on existing metro and RER lines.
• Encourage sustainable travel, reducing reliance on private cars and lowering carbon emissions.
• Improve accessibility for residents and tourists, making Paris a more connected and efficient city.

With these upcoming changes, Paris is set to become one of the world’s most advanced urban mobility hubs, offering seamless, sustainable, and efficient transportation for all.