Paris, France

Taking Paris By Train

Although it can be challenging at first Paris has a very reliable and convenient public transportation system. Now I've never actually been to New York City but I imagine it has a similar atmosphere.

Quick note: if you do end up going to Paris make sure you don't get your hotels and airports mixed up. I flew into Charles De Gaulle and booked my hotel stay at Novotel Paris Orly Rungis which was an hour away from Charles De Gaulle and only 5 minutes away from Orly Airport (*face palm*). I ended up spending $105 USD on a taxi! It was at that moment I realized that I'm about to be on the Train!

Below is a map of the Metro stations in Paris which is downloadable here:

But...if you're anything like me this makes absolutely no sense. I don't claim to be an expert after only spending nearly a week in Paris, but I will do my best help.

The New Paris Metro Map

Also known as RER, which stands for Réseau Express Régional, I frequently utilize three major train lines. I find most of the trains to be clean and enjoyable. It's fascinating to witness the diverse array of people during the journey, making people-watching an entertaining activity. However, it's worth noting that many individuals rely on the train as their main mode of transportation and can be in a hurry. Consequently, be cautious of potential instances of cutting or jumping in front of you.  

If had I had known, then what I know now I would have never arranged for taxis/Ubers in Paris.

Here's a brief summary and guide to the major train routes to reach common attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.

The RER A line traverses Paris from East to West, providing service to the heart of the city. The frequency of trains typically ranges from every 10 to 30 minutes. This line holds a special place in my heart because it conveniently takes you to Disneyland Paris, located at the western terminus, Marne La Vallée station. Arriving right at the gate is an exhilarating experience!  

Destinations reachable via RER A line in Paris:

The RER B line spans from the northeast to the southwest, linking Roissy – Charles de Gaulle Airport (a fact I wish I'd known before shelling out over $100 for a cab!) and Mitry – Claye in the north to destinations such as Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse and Le Plessis-Robinson in the south, passing through the center of Paris. Trains on this line operate approximately every 15 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times even if you happen to miss one.  

The RER C line extends from the northwest to the south, linking Pontoise in the north to destinations such as Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Dourdan-la-Forêt, and Saint-Martin-d'Étampes in the south, while passing through the city center of Paris. This line holds a special place in my heart because it provides access to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral!  

To ride, there are many ways to go about purchasing tickets. They are day passes, weekly passes, monthly passes and even yearly passes. The day tickets are shown on the left and the passes with longer terms are shown on the right. Be aware when getting the daily pass because as you can see, it only allows you in a couple of the zones. If you want to go somewhere that is not in the zone, you’ll have to buy an additional day pass at that kiosk. The blue cards on the right typically get you into all five zones and are reloadable so you don’t have to keep buying a new one. The day passes can run around  €2, I did the weekly pass and it cost me around €22 (roughly $24USD) and saved me a ton of money in Uber /taxi costs!

Don't stand too close to the edge or try to cross the train tracks...

It may seem obvious, but you never know. There were instances when I considered crossing the tracks after finding myself on the wrong side. However, it was never a choice for me. Firstly, I believe it's against the law, and secondly, I didn't want to risk appearing in the news! If you ever find yourself on the incorrect side of the tracks, always opt for the level crossing. You'll thank yourself for it.



While on The Train...Lights are for the upcoming stops

I'm not sure why, but it took me some time to realize that the lights at the stops turn off after departure. As seen in the picture above, the stops we've already passed are not illuminated, while the upcoming stops are lit.



The trains in Paris are known for their fast pace, whisking passengers between stations at rapid speeds. With efficient services and frequent departures, Paris trains offer a swift and reliable mode of transportation throughout the city and its surrounding areas.



Initially, riding the RER may seem daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with big cities like New York City or traveling abroad. However, once you become accustomed to it, navigating Paris via the metro system becomes relatively straightforward. The main challenge I encountered was ensuring I was traveling in the right direction, but this was alleviated by the stop indicators above the train doors. Additionally, some station entrances may be discreet, marked only by a small sign indicating "RER" near a staircase leading to the main tunnels, so keep an eye out for those. Besides the trains, there are numerous city buses above ground that accept the same tickets or passes. I found them particularly useful for reaching destinations like the Louvre Museum from the Notre Dame train station, offering affordability and convenience. Overall, traveling by the RER allowed me to immerse myself in the city and feel like a local rather than just a tourist. For more information, you can find everything online, and feel free to leave any questions in the comments section. Don't forget to share this with your friends and family!  

Map of the RER A line

Map of the RER C line

Map of the RER B line

RER line D is a major rapid transit route connecting northern and southern suburbs of Paris, as well as central city hubs like Châtelet-Les Halles and Gare de Lyon. It offers both local and semi-express services, with trains running every 10 to 20 minutes during peak hours. With over 70 stations along its route, RER D provides easy access to neighborhoods, attractions, and transportation hubs throughout Paris and its suburbs.  

A boat ferry ride in Paris offers a unique way to see the city's landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral from the Seine River. Prices vary depending on the tour length and amenities, with basic one-hour sightseeing cruises typically costing €15 to €20 per person. Research different operators for the best deals and consider booking online in advance for discounts. Overall, it's a memorable experience suitable for all ages.

Taking Paris By Train

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