Paris - a fairly large metropolis, but because it is easier to move around by public transport, including the subway. The metro of Paris is one of the oldest in Europe, its opening was in 1900.
For today the Parisian underground runs through almost all areas of the city, as well as some suburbs. The length of its lines is currently 220 km. If you talk about how many metro stations in Paris, you should call at least 300. A distinctive feature of the metro in the French capital is a fairly extensive network, short intervals between stations and a shallow occurrence of lines. By the way, the distance between each station is 562 m. But perhaps the most remarkable feature of the metro is the entanglement of lines, which is why many visitors of the city have a hard time. We will tell you how to understand the Paris metro and make your vacation wonderful.
Lines and metro areas in Paris
Today in the metro capital of France there are only 16 lines, and 2 are "short", and the rest are "long" ones. Each line was named after the name of its two terminal stations. On the subway map, each line is designated by a certain color. By the way, you do not need to buy a Paris subway scheme: you can take them for free at the ticket office, travel agencies. In addition, almost every station at the entrance is hung with large metro maps. It is necessary to mention the five metro stations of Paris, of which 1 and 2 are the city limits, and the rest are airports and suburban areas. In some places, metro lines intersect with commuter trains RER.
The metro operates in Paris from 5:30 am to 0:30 on weekdays. On public holidays, the subway operates until 2:00. To avoid getting into the rush hour, try not to plan your trips from 8.00 to 9.00 and from 17.00 to 18.30.
How to buy a ticket to the Paris Metro?
Find a descent into the subway in Paris is not so difficult - it is indicated by the letter M on a panel of round shape. When buying tickets on the metro, keep in mind that they can be used in other public transport, for example, in a city bus. You can buy it at the ticket office, tobacco kiosks or nearby automatic machines, which, among other things, take coins and give change. If you are going to make a one-time trip on the metro, you will need a ticket for one trip - the so-called Ticket. The cost of subway in Paris for children is 0.7 euros, and for an adult 1.4 euros. However, it is much more profitable to buy a set of 10 one-off tickets, which is called Carnet. Its price is 6 euro for children and 12 euro for adults. If you stay in Paris for a long time, it is more economical to purchase a monthly Carte Orange travel or pass Pass Navigo.
How to use the metro in Paris?
To get to the platform of the station you can only after buying a ticket, because the entrance is through a turnstile. In his slot, you need to insert the ticket with a magnetic strip down and pull it back. After a short beep, you should approach the gate to trigger the sensor and they open. We recommend not to throw out a ticket for a one-time trip, until you leave the subway. It can come in handy when checking in the car, when transferring to the RER train or when exiting (sometimes there are also turnstiles).
Having inspected the metro map, select the required route and remember the branch number. When the station comes up to the train you need, you can get into the car by opening the door with a lever or button. On some lines there are trains with automated doors. Carefully follow the names of the stations, as they are not always announced. When you leave the car, look for a pointer with the inscription "Sortie", that is, the exit.
Successful trips to you on the Paris metro!
Also here you can learn about metro work in other European capitals - in Prague and Berlin .