Trains in Paris (Metro, RER, Tram)
▲ RER
▲ Metro
Table of Contents
Overview (route map, related hyperlinks)
▲ RER
▲ Tram
Types of tickets and fares
▲ Tram
▲ RER
How to purchase ticket
1. Find the ticket vending machine
Ticket vending machines are installed at stations of Paris Transilien, RER, metro, and some tram stations. You can purchase most tickets using these machines. Some major stations also have staffed ticket counters. However, ticket counters tend to be crowded, so mastering the use of ticket vending machines can save you time.
2. How to use the ticket vending machine
※The photo also shows tickets that are no longer sold, but the ticket vending machine operation remains the same.
Use the roll and OK buttons at the bottom right to operate the machine.
Basically, paper bills cannot be used; payment is possible by coins or credit card.
When using a credit card, be careful not to let others see your PIN.
Here, we explain how to purchase the Paris Visite travel pass.
3. Select the language
From the top:
・French
・English
・Spanish
・German
・Italian
This guide explains usage in English.
4. Purchase a paper ticket
Reload Navigo pass…Recharge an IC card
Buy ticket…Purchase a paper ticket
Use the roll and OK buttons to select "Buy ticket."
5. Select the ticket
Press the button for the ticket you want.
6. Select the validity period
You can choose from 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. This step does not apply when purchasing a one-way ticket.
7. Select adult or child
8. Select the number of tickets
If you want to buy 2 adult tickets and 1 child ticket, you need to purchase adult and child tickets separately.
9. Validate the ticket
To use the ticket, select the validate button (Validate).
Pressing this button activates the ticket for use on the day of purchase.
Note that you cannot purchase tickets in advance for use on the next day.
Make another purchase…Buy other tickets
10. Pay the fare by coins or credit card
The total fare will be displayed, so please pay using the coin slot or credit card reader mentioned in step 2.
How to ride train
① Finding the station
At metro stations, signs like the one in the photo are displayed. Even stations with the same name may have platforms located both above and below ground, or may be quite far apart. It is recommended to check which line the station sign refers to in advance.
▲ Metro station
▲ Metro station
② Purchasing a ticket
Ticket vending machines are available at all Transilien, RER, metro and some tram stations in Paris. Most tickets can be purchased from these machines. Some major stations also have staffed ticket counters, but they are generally crowded.
▲ Ticket machine
▲ Ticket counter
③ Boarding the train and getting off at your destination
When riding the Transilien, RER, or metro, you’ll find ticket gates at the platforms—insert your ticket there. For trams, there are no ticket gates. In this case, stamping machines are installed inside the tram—insert your ticket to stamp the time. Failure to do so may result in a fine. Stamping machines are often out of order, so be sure that your ticket is properly stamped.
▲ Ticket gate
▲ Stamping machine
④ Checking the train
Metro and tram lines usually run trains with the same destination. However, RER trains go to various destinations, so it’s recommended to check the train’s destination before boarding. If you board the wrong train and travel beyond the valid ticket zone, you may be fined. RER operations are complex, so double-check before boarding.
▲ Departure train info
▲ Departure train info
▲ Departure train info
▲ Destination
⑤ Boarding the train and getting off at your destination
Doors do not open automatically—press the button above the door to open it. Most trains are equipped with onboard information displays, so checking your destination and transfer stations in advance will help ensure a smooth journey.
▲ Information board
▲ Station board
Airport access / Paris CDG airport
▲ CDG Airport
▲ info board
▲ RER
▲ TGV
Easy for everyone!
Access city and Airport
Stress-free travel with pre-trip preparation♪
Long-distance train's station
Left: Domestic trains from Paris
Right: International trains from Paris
Paris does not have a single central station. Instead, there are seven main stations for long-distance trains within the city. Including suburban stations, there are a total of ten stations. This arrangement is due to having separate stations based on destinations. Even for the same destination, departure stations may differ depending on the train type. Please make sure to confirm your departure station carefully before your trip.
▲ Gare de Lyon
▲ Gare du Nord
▲ EUROSTAR
▲ TGV
Domestic train (Paris Gare de Lyon)
| Destionation | Train type | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dijon | TGV | 1h30min | EUR 70 |
| Lyon | TGV | 2h | EUR 100 |
| Marseille | TGV | 3h10min | EUR 120 |
| Montpellier | TGV | 3h30min | EUR 160 |
| Nice | TGV | 5h45min | EUR 140 |
Domestic train (Gare de Austerlitz, Gare de Bercy)
| Destionation | Train type | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limoges | IC | 3h20min | EUR 90 |
| Clermont-Ferrand | IC | 3h40min | EUR 60 |
Domestic train (Gare Montparnasse)
| Destionation | Train type | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour | TGV | 1h20min | EUR 60 |
| Rennes | TGV | 1h30min | EUR 80 |
| Bordeaux | TGV | 2h10min | EUR 120 |
| Nantes | TGV | 2h30min | EUR 95 |
| Brest | TGV | 3h30min | EUR 105 |
| Toulouse | TGV | 4h30mim | EUR 130 |
Domestic train (Paris Gare du Nord)
| Destionation | Train type | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lille | TGV | 1h | EUR 55 |
Domestic train (Paris de l'Est)
| Destionation | Train type | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metz | TGV | 1h30min | EUR 85 |
| Nancy | TGV | 1h30min | EUR 85 |
| Strasbourg | TGV | 1h50min | EUR 150 |
Important Information！
7 SNCF Stations in Paris
Stress-free travel with pre-trip preparation♪
A thorough guide to
French Railways (SNCF)
Tickets, routes, schedules, how to ride
▲ Gare Montparnasse
▲ Gare de l'Est
▲ TGV Lyria
▲ THALYS
International train
| Destionation | Train type | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | TGV | 1h20min | EUR 100 |
| Luxembourg | TGV | 2h10min | EUR 110 |
| London | EUROSTAR | 2h30min | EUR 240 |
| Rotterdam | THALYS | 2h40min | EUR 120 |
| Geneva | TGV Lyria | 3h10min | EUR 150 |
| Stuttgart | TGV, ICE | 3h10min | EUR 135 |
| Basel | TGV Lyria | 3h15min | EUR 130 |
| Cologne | THALYS | 3h15min | EUR 120 |
| Amsterdam | THALYS | 3h20min | EUR 135 |
| Frankfurt am Main | TGV, ICE | 3h50min | EUR 130 |
| Zurich | TGV Lyria | 4h | EUR 180 |
| Bern | TGV Lyria | 4h | EUR 200 |
| Munich | TGV | 5h40min | EUR 150 |
| Turin | TGV | 6h | EUR 100 |
| Barcelona | TGV | 6h30min | EUR 200 |
| Milan | TGV | 7h20min | EUR 110 |
International Trains
HS trains to other countries!
Routes, travel times, fares, and more