Paris public transportation guide
Public transportation is easy to use in Paris. The Paris local transport system (RATP) provides travel by metro, bus, and tram. RER (suburban trains) circulates within the five zones of Île-de-France. Public transportation normally operates between 5:30 AM and 1:00 AM every day, except on Fridays and Saturdays when the Metro stays open one hour later. The RER tends to terminate its service earlier than the Metro.
Student transport passes in Paris
Metro tickets
Students may opt to buy a single metro ticket or a "carnet" of 10 tickets at a reduced price. The price of the ticket depends on the zone you need to go to. A single ticket is valid for only one direction and can be used to make a transfer within the metro system. However, it is not valid for a transfer from bus to metro or metro to bus; another ticket is needed.
Refer to the RATP website for any transportation inquiries. They also have a great interactive metro and bus map.
Navigo pass
This is a monthly pass, allowing you to benefit from unlimited travel within Paris and the suburbs. The pass is valid for any public transportation, including buses and the metro. When purchasing the card, pay close attention to the number of zones you will need access to, as the price varies accordingly.
The Navigo also offers an annual option, where one can pay in monthly installments. This type of pass is that it can be replaced at no additional fee if lost.
For more information, visit an RATP Agency near you.
Imagine'R card
If you are under 26 years old, you can benefit from a year-long student transport pass. This card is 50% cheaper than the normal Navigo Pass. Regardless of the number of zones paid for, you have unlimited travel throughout all of Île-de-France (Paris and its suburbs) on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays. The pass also gives you preferential movie rates and store discounts.
Subscription is available only from August to January, as this is when the French school year begins. For more information, ask for an Imagine'R dossier at any metro station or visit their website.
If you would like to subscribe to the “Carte Imagine'R,” you will have to fill out an application form, which you can find at any metro station, and provide a photo, a school enrollment certificate, and a RIB (French bank account reference). This option is recommended for students studying both the Fall and Spring semesters.
Types of transportation in Paris
Metro system
Fast and easy to use, it stops all over Paris and offers many connections. When traveling in Paris, ask for the name of the closest "Métro" station. Check a map for the line number and find out which direction you need to take. The Parisian metro has 14 lines, each with its own number and color for easy identification.
You can also download and use the CityMapper app. It will tell you in detail which metro line you need to take to arrive at your destination. It's a very practical and safe way to travel.
RER transportation
Faster than the Métro, the RER is the express train for Paris. It has fewer stops than the Métro, but it also serves suburban cities. The RER has five lines, each with its own letter (A to E) and color.
Vélib bicycles
Vélib is a program sponsored by the City of Paris, where anyone can rent bicycles for 29 euros per year or 1 euro per day (without a subscription). All it takes is a deposit of 150 euros, which you will get back if you return the bike in the same condition. You can use the bicycle for the first 30 minutes for free.
There are many Vélib stations around Paris and even similar programs in nearby suburbs. Visit the Vélib website for more details.