Paris Transportation: Metro, RER, Buses, Train Stations and Airports
Paris has a dense transportation network that serves residents, business travelers and international visitors. The metro connects neighborhoods across the capital and nearby suburbs; RER trains reach destinations throughout the region; and major railway stations provide regional, national and international connections. Airports connect the Paris region with the rest of the world.
The metro has 16 lines, including lines 3bis and 7bis, and more than 300 stations. RER services reach Disneyland Paris, Versailles, La Défense and Charles de Gaulle Airport. For longer trips, choose the correct departure station: services to London, Brussels and Amsterdam, for example, generally leave from Gare du Nord. Saint-Lazare primarily serves Normandy and the western suburbs rather than international high-speed routes.
Paris Airports and Airfields
- Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG): north of Paris, the capital’s largest airport is a major international hub with extensive long-haul connections. It also has a TGV station at Terminal 2.
- Paris-Orly (ORY): south of Paris, Orly serves domestic, European, African and overseas destinations. Metro line 14 provides a direct connection with central Paris.
- Paris–Beauvais (BVA): roughly 85 kilometers north of Paris, Beauvais is especially associated with low-cost European flights. Airport shuttle journeys toward the Paris area can take around 90 minutes or longer, depending on the destination and traffic. Check the current shuttle departure point before traveling.
- Paris–Le Bourget (LBG): northeast of Paris, Le Bourget specializes in business aviation and private flights. The nearby Air and Space Museum is an important attraction for aviation enthusiasts.
- Melun–Villaroche (LFPM): approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Paris, this airfield supports general and business aviation, pilot training and aerospace activities. Coordinate ground access with your flight operator.
- Paris–Saclay–Versailles / Toussus-le-Noble (LFPN): southwest of Paris near Versailles, this airfield is associated with light aviation, flight training and other general aviation activities. Operating conditions and available services must be checked with the operator.
Traveling with a Private Chauffeur
Public transportation is convenient, but luggage, transfers and unfamiliar stations can make some journeys tiring. A prebooked private chauffeur offers a direct trip with a pickup arranged in advance. A personalized welcome and luggage assistance can be coordinated when booking, along with the meeting point and any name sign.
Sedans, SUVs and vans can accommodate different travel needs, subject to availability. Confirm passenger capacity, luggage space, child seats and equipment such as Wi-Fi or refreshments for your chosen vehicle. Road traffic still affects travel times, so allow a suitable margin for flights, trains and appointments.
- Airport and train station transfers: provide your flight or train number so arrival monitoring and pickup arrangements can be organized.
- Business travel: a Dedicated Chauffeur Service can cover several meetings over an agreed period, with a discreet service and a planned itinerary.
- Personalized sightseeing: arrange transportation to the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Versailles or the Loire Valley according to the agreed schedule. Admission tickets and guided visits should be confirmed separately.
- Special events: organize transportation for weddings, galas, fashion events and sporting fixtures.
- Concierge requests: ask about restaurant recommendations, hotel arrangements or custom excursions. Availability, fees and the precise scope of these services must be confirmed.
A chauffeur can complement public transportation by covering the stages where door-to-door travel is most useful. Discuss schedule changes and additional stops in advance.
The Paris Metro: History and Main Lines
The Paris Metro opened in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition. Its network now extends beyond the city limits and connects monuments, museums, business districts and residential areas. Use the official RATP metro map to check your route, direction and interchange stations.
- Line 1: La Défense to Château de Vincennes, with convenient stops for the Louvre, Le Marais, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées. Full automation was completed in 2012; line 14 had already opened as an automated line.
- Line 4: Porte de Clignancourt to Bagneux–Lucie Aubrac, serving Gare du Nord, Châtelet and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
- Line 6: known for its elevated sections and views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine between Passy and Bir-Hakeim.
- Line 12: useful for Abbesses and Montmartre, Saint-Lazare, Montparnasse and Porte de Versailles. These are stops along the route, not all termini.
- Line 11: Châtelet to Rosny–Bois-Perrier, via République and Belleville.
- Line 13: serves northern branches toward Saint-Denis and Asnières–Gennevilliers, as well as Clichy, Saint-Lazare and Montparnasse, continuing south to Châtillon–Montrouge.
- Line 14: the automated line connects Saint-Denis Pleyel and Orly Airport via Saint-Lazare, Châtelet and Gare de Lyon. Its extensions opened in June 2024.
Useful Metro Stations and Nearby Attractions
| Station | Lines and connections | Nearby attractions and practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denfert-Rochereau | Metro 4, 6; RER B | Paris Catacombs and the Lion of Belfort. Orlybus no longer operates. |
| Bercy | Metro 6, 14 | Accor Arena, Bercy Village and the Cinémathèque Française; allow time to walk to the railway station. |
| République | Metro 3, 5, 8, 9, 11 | Canal Saint-Martin and the Oberkampf neighborhood. |
| Trocadéro | Metro 6, 9 | Palais de Chaillot and views of the Eiffel Tower. |
| Gare de Lyon | Metro 1, 14; RER A, D | Mainline trains, Le Train Bleu restaurant and access toward Bastille. |
| Odéon | Metro 4, 10 | Latin Quarter, Odéon theater and Luxembourg Gardens. |
| Passy | Metro 6 | Bir-Hakeim bridge, Maison de Balzac and the surrounding western Paris neighborhood. |
| Bastille | Metro 1, 5, 8 | Opéra Bastille, Port de l’Arsenal, Rue de la Roquette and station artwork recalling the French Revolution. |
| Place d’Italie | Metro 5, 6, 7 | Shopping, cinemas and access toward the 13th arrondissement’s Asian neighborhood. |
| Montparnasse–Bienvenüe | Metro 4, 6, 12, 13 | Railway station, Montparnasse Tower area and historic cafés. Allow time for long passageways. |
| Balard | Metro 8; tram T3a | Parc André Citroën and the Ministry of the Armed Forces area. Tram T2 is a walk away at Suzanne Lenglen. |
| Alésia | Metro 4 | Saint-Pierre-de-Montrouge church, shops and cinemas in the 14th arrondissement. |
| Opéra | Metro 3, 7, 8; RER A at Auber via passageways | Palais Garnier and Boulevard Haussmann department stores. |
| Madeleine | Metro 8, 12, 14 | Madeleine church, Place Vendôme and shopping streets. |
| La Muette | Metro 9 | Musée Marmottan Monet and Jardin du Ranelagh. |
| Gambetta | Metro 3, 3bis | Père Lachaise Cemetery and Théâtre de la Colline. |
| Maisons-Alfort–Les Juilliottes | Metro 8 | Southeastern suburbs. This is not the line’s terminus; the veterinary school has a different station. |
Grand Paris Express: A Growing Regional Network
The Grand Paris Express is designed to connect suburbs without requiring every trip to pass through central Paris. The project includes about 200 kilometers of new lines and 68 stations. New lines 15, 16, 17 and 18 have phased opening schedules; check the official calendar before planning a journey around a future service.
- Line 15: a ring route connecting major suburban hubs, including areas around Pont de Sèvres, Villejuif, Créteil and Saint-Denis.
- Line 16: connections between Saint-Denis Pleyel and Noisy–Champs, including Clichy–Montfermeil.
- Line 17: planned service toward Le Bourget, the Villepinte exhibition center and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
- Line 18: planned connections among Orly, Massy, the Saclay research and university district, and Versailles.
The RER E extension is the separate Eole project. RER E already serves La Défense and Nanterre–La Folie; it should not be described as a future Grand Paris Express metro line.
Metro Hours, Tickets and Accessibility
The first metro generally runs around 5:30 a.m. Last departures depend on the station, direction and day, with later service on certain weekend nights. Frequencies also vary by line, time and engineering work. Check the live timetable for both your outward and return journeys.
For 2026, the standard full-fare Metro–Train–RER ticket is €2.55, the Bus–Tram ticket is €2.05, and the Paris Region–Airports ticket is €14. These are different fare products with different validity rules. Airport access is not included in an ordinary Metro–Train–RER ticket. Older t+ tickets are no longer sold; check the validity of any ticket you still hold. Navigo products may suit longer stays, depending on their coverage and your itinerary.
Validate your ticket or pass and keep it until you have left the network. Check transfer rules before combining rail with buses or trams. For step-free travel, verify the entire route and current elevator availability; line 14 is particularly useful, but a convenient connection is not necessarily accessible throughout.
Plan the exact entrance and exit for your address rather than assuming the nearest station is always a five-minute walk. Metro, RER, tram, buses and Noctilien night buses can be combined. With heavy luggage or several transfers, compare the convenience of a prebooked chauffeur.
Station design also forms part of the visit: Louvre–Rivoli, Arts et Métiers and Concorde are known for distinctive interiors. Leave enough time to enjoy the surroundings without missing your connection.
RER and Transilien: Traveling Across the Paris Region
RER A
RER A serves La Défense, Auber, Châtelet–Les Halles, Gare de Lyon and Nation. Its branches reach Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Cergy, Poissy, Boissy-Saint-Léger and Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy. For Disneyland Paris, board a train toward Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy, not another branch. The ride from Châtelet–Les Halles is often around 40 minutes, excluding waiting and disruptions.
RER B
RER B runs through Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame and Denfert-Rochereau. It connects Paris with CDG on the airport branch. For Orly, an alternative route uses RER B to Antony and then Orlyval, with the appropriate airport fare. Southern services also reach Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. Check the destination shown on the platform and train.
RER C
RER C serves Gare d’Austerlitz, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides and Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel. Selected trains continue to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche; other branches have different destinations, including Pontoise. For Orly, Pont de Rungis requires a walk to Thiais–Orly and a connection to metro 14. RER C does not directly serve an airport terminal or Disneyland Paris.
RER D
RER D serves Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles and Gare de Lyon, with branches and services toward destinations including Creil, Melun, Corbeil-Essonnes and Évry. Stade de France–Saint-Denis is useful for matches and concerts. Check the operating pattern and any required changes for your destination.
Transilien Line R
Line R leaves Paris Gare de Lyon for destinations including Melun, Fontainebleau–Avon, Montereau, Nemours and Montargis, depending on the service. It is useful for trips into Seine-et-Marne and beyond. It does not directly serve Stade de France: a stadium trip may require RER D and a transfer at Gare de Lyon. For Fontainebleau’s château, also plan the onward trip from Fontainebleau–Avon station.
RER E
RER E serves Nanterre–La Folie, La Défense, Porte Maillot, Haussmann–Saint-Lazare, Magenta and Pantin, with eastern branches toward Chelles–Gournay and Tournan, including Villiers-sur-Marne. The extension to Nanterre is already operating; future service toward Mantes-la-Jolie follows the Eole project schedule.
| Line | Key central connections | Main uses |
|---|---|---|
| A | La Défense, Auber, Châtelet, Gare de Lyon, Nation | Disneyland Paris, western business district and eastern/western suburbs |
| B | Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Michel, Denfert-Rochereau | CDG; Orly via Antony and Orlyval; Chevreuse Valley |
| C | Austerlitz, Saint-Michel, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, Champ de Mars | Eiffel Tower area, Versailles and several suburban branches |
| D | Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Gare de Lyon | Stade de France, northern and southeastern suburbs |
| E | Nanterre–La Folie, La Défense, Porte Maillot, Haussmann–Saint-Lazare, Magenta | East–west travel, Chelles, Villiers-sur-Marne and Tournan branches |
RER operating hours and frequency vary by branch and station. Verify early-morning and late-night services, works and stopping patterns. Allow extra time at major interchanges and check accessibility when traveling with luggage. Journey estimates exclude walking, waiting and disruption; they are not guaranteed arrival times.
Major Paris Railway Stations
- Gare d’Austerlitz: metro 5 and 10, RER C and buses. Services reach central and southwestern France, depending on the train. Nearby sights include the Jardin des Plantes, Grande Mosquée de Paris and the Seine.
- Gare de Bercy Bourgogne–Pays d’Auvergne: walk to metro 6 and 14 at Bercy. There is no RER station within the railway station. Trains serve destinations including Clermont-Ferrand and parts of Burgundy and Auvergne. Bercy Park, the Cinémathèque and Accor Arena are nearby. Do not confuse the railway station with a coach terminal.
- Gare de l’Est: metro 4, 5 and 7; RER E is reached on foot at Magenta. Trains serve Alsace, Lorraine, Germany and Luxembourg, depending on the route. The Canal Saint-Martin is within the surrounding neighborhood.
- Gare de Lyon: metro 1 and 14, RER A and D. Major routes run toward southeastern France, Switzerland and Italy. Le Train Bleu is inside the station; Bastille is nearby.
- Gare Montparnasse: metro 4, 6, 12 and 13 at Montparnasse–Bienvenüe. Trains serve Brittany and the Atlantic corridor, including Bordeaux. There is no tram stop at the station. Allow time between the metro and mainline platforms.
- Gare du Nord: metro 4 and 5, RER B and D, plus access toward RER E at Magenta. Services include northern France and Eurostar routes to London, Brussels and Amsterdam. International departures may require extra time for check-in and border procedures.
- Gare Saint-Lazare: metro 3, 12, 13 and 14, with RER E at Haussmann–Saint-Lazare through connecting passageways. Trains primarily serve Normandy and western suburbs. Palais Garnier and the Haussmann department stores are nearby.
Station lounges, luggage services, parking and assistance have their own eligibility rules, hours and fees. Booking a chauffeur does not automatically grant access to lounges or restricted areas. Agree on a precise meeting point outside or inside the station as appropriate.
TGV Stations Outside Central Paris
- Massy TGV: connections are available at adjacent Massy–Palaiseau for RER B, RER C and tram T12. Allow time to walk between facilities. TGV routes include destinations such as Bordeaux, Lyon and southern France, depending on the service.
- Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV: connects with RER B and airport terminal transportation. Check the distance to your airline’s terminal. TGV trains serve French cities and selected European destinations; do not assume there is a direct train to London.
- Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy: combines TGV and RER A services next to Disneyland Paris. Connections to hotels may use buses or hotel shuttles. Long-distance routes can include Lyon, Marseille and Brussels, depending on the train.
Airport Access at a Glance
| Airport or airfield | Code | Ground transportation | Planning notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle | CDG | RER B, CDGVAL, Terminal 2 TGV, buses, taxis and prebooked chauffeurs | Check Terminal 1, 2A–2G or 3 on your flight information and the walking or shuttle connection required. |
| Orly | ORY | Metro 14; RER B plus Orlyval at Antony; tram T7; buses, taxis and chauffeurs | Check your departure area, Orly 1–4. Orlybus ended on March 3, 2025. |
| Beauvais–Tillé | BVA | Airport shuttles, local buses, taxis and chauffeurs | Allow a substantial road-travel margin and verify the shuttle’s current Paris-area stop. |
| Paris–Le Bourget | LBG | Road access, local public transportation where appropriate, taxis and chauffeurs | Confirm the exact handling company or terminal for a private flight. |
| Melun–Villaroche | LFPM | Road access and prearranged transfers | Confirm the operator, access instructions and available assistance. |
| Paris–Saclay–Versailles | LFPN | Road access and prearranged transfers | Confirm airfield operating restrictions and your meeting point. |
Airport lounges, meet-and-greet services, parking, handling and baggage assistance vary by location and provider. Check eligibility and charges in advance. Private aviation facilities do not all provide the same services, and a chauffeur booking does not include aviation handling unless explicitly agreed.
CDG has its own TGV station. At Orly, a journey to a mainline railway station requires a separate transfer. For secondary airfields, a prearranged direct pickup can simplify the ground portion of the trip.
Combining the Network with a Personalized Transfer
Choose transportation according to the journey: metro for many urban trips, RER for regional destinations, TGV for longer distances and a private chauffeur when a direct, prearranged ride is more convenient. Check the exact station exit, walking route and elevator availability for each destination.
For business travel, family trips or a special occasion, discuss your timing, luggage, accessibility needs and itinerary with First Class Partner. A tailored transfer can connect your hotel, station, airport or event venue, with additional stops and a Dedicated Chauffeur Service arranged in advance.
FAQ: Paris Metro, RER, Stations and Airports
1. What are the main types of transportation in Paris?
The metro, RER, buses, trams and suburban trains cover the city and region. Mainline trains and airports connect Paris with other French and international destinations. Private chauffeurs provide prebooked road transfers.
2. How many metro lines and stations are there?
The established network has 16 lines—1 through 14, plus 3bis and 7bis—and more than 300 stations. Additional Grand Paris Express lines are being introduced in phases.
3. Which metro lines are useful for sightseeing?
Line 1 serves the Louvre and Champs-Élysées area; line 6 offers elevated Eiffel Tower views; and line 4 serves Gare du Nord, Châtelet and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
4. Which airports serve Paris?
CDG and Orly are the main commercial airports. Beauvais is another option, especially for low-cost flights. Le Bourget focuses on business aviation, while Melun–Villaroche and Toussus-le-Noble support general aviation and training.
5. What is the difference between the metro and RER?
The metro has frequent stops suited to local trips. RER trains cross Paris and continue farther into the suburbs, with different branches and stopping patterns.
6. Which RER lines connect with airports?
RER B directly serves CDG and connects to Orlyval at Antony for Orly. From RER C at Pont de Rungis, reaching Orly requires a walk to Thiais–Orly and a transfer to metro 14. Metro 14 also directly connects central Paris with Orly.
7. Which stations have international trains?
Gare du Nord serves London, Brussels and Amsterdam; Gare de Lyon serves routes toward Switzerland and Italy; Gare de l’Est serves routes toward Germany and Luxembourg. Check the train operator and timetable for your date.
8. What is the Grand Paris Express?
It is a major regional metro expansion, including lines 15, 16, 17 and 18, designed to improve suburb-to-suburb connections. Consult the official opening calendar before using a planned route.
9. What premium travel services are available?
Options may include private chauffeurs, concierge arrangements and station or airport lounges. Availability, access rights and fees differ. Confirm each service rather than assuming it is included with a transfer.
10. Where can I plan a route?
Use the official RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités journey-planning information for routes, fares, live traffic and accessibility. Recheck immediately before departure when works or disruptions may affect your journey.
11. What time does the metro operate?
First trains generally run around 5:30 a.m. Last trains depend on the station, direction and day. Check the exact timetable, especially for late-night returns.
12. How do I reach Disneyland Paris?
Take RER A toward Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy. The ride from Châtelet–Les Halles is often around 40 minutes before waiting, walking or disruption. Confirm the train’s branch.
13. Which RER serves Versailles?
Take an appropriate RER C train to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche. The trip from Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame is often around 35–40 minutes, with additional walking to the palace. Check works and the final destination.
14. Which metro lines connect to major railway stations?
Gare de Lyon: 1 and 14; Montparnasse: 4, 6, 12 and 13; Gare du Nord: 4 and 5; Gare de l’Est: 4, 5 and 7; Austerlitz: 5 and 10; Bercy: 6 and 14 after a walk; Saint-Lazare: 3, 12, 13 and 14. Saint-Lazare is primarily a regional and suburban station, not a TGV terminal.
15. Why book a private chauffeur?
A chauffeur provides an agreed pickup and a direct ride, particularly useful with luggage, for business appointments or when public transportation requires several transfers. Confirm vehicle equipment and allow time for traffic.
Book Your Private Chauffeur in Paris
Contact First Class Partner for trips in Paris, Île-de-France, to railway stations and to airports. Tell us your pickup address, destination, travel date, passenger count and luggage requirements so the service can be arranged appropriately.
We are available 24/7 by reservation.
- Phone: +33 1 89 86 40 14
- Mobile / SMS / WhatsApp: +33 6 30 73 24 79
- Email: contact@firstclasspartner-vtc.com
- First Class Partner website and reservations
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Official Transportation Information
Practical information reviewed on October 27, 2026. Check Île-de-France Mobilités fares, the RATP metro map, alternatives to Orlybus, the RER E extension and the Grand Paris Express calendar before traveling. Journey times are indicative.
