One of the top desires of a Paris traveler is to experience the real life of a Parisian. A great way to have an authentic Paris experience is to travel the city by Metro. With a few tips, you will be navigating the Metro, and Paris, like a pro in no time.
Rules of the road
The stairs and escalators are busy. Like driving a car, slower traffic should stay to the right. When riding on the escalator, always stand single file on the right so other people can walk, or run, by you on the left. Look for arrows on the ground indicating where you should be, and you will also find numbered footprints indicating connecting metro lines and regional trains.
Overcrowded cars
If the Metro car is too crowded for your liking, try standing in the accordion section that connects two cars. This funny little spot has fewer riders, but beware, the floor moves as the Metro car snakes around corners. The seats immediately next to the doors fold up allowing you to stand when the car becomes crowded. Riders who are elderly, mobility-challenged, or pregnant can always remain seated, but everyone else needs to stand in a crowded car. Generally speaking, the middle of the platform lines up with the middle of the train, which tends to be less crowded because most riders tend to board at either end of the car where the entries and exits are located.
Doors
To avoid looking and feeling confused, know there are three ways to exit the train car. One is a green button you push on the handle of the door. Another option on older Metro lines is a latch handle that you crank open triggering the doors to separate. The last and easiest is of course the automated doors. While it is not uncommon for people to hold the doors open to let people on, this delays the train and forces the following cars to stop and wait, which no one likes.
Entering and exiting
When the Metro stops, you feel anxious or rushed, but the best thing to do is stand to the side of the open doors and let exiting passengers get off first. You will have time to enter the train car before the bell indicates door closures. Likewise, while riding the Metro, if you are standing in front of the doors, you should step out onto the platform to the side of the open doors to allow fellow passengers ease in exiting. If the Metro is crowded and you find yourself in a less-than-optimal place in the train car, say excuse me and people will let you pass. They will understand your English in this situation.
Ticket sellers
You might find people offering to sell you discounted Metro tickets, often at a Metro entrance. Though avoiding the ticket lines is tempting, these people should be avoided. Many of the tickets they sell you are invalid, parting you with your money. The ticket on top may work fine but the following tickets are often void. Being scammed can put a real damper on your experience and tarnish the metro experience.
Phones
Don’t hold your phone or have it protruding from your pockets or in an open bag when the Metro train comes to a stop, especially near the doors. A thief can snatch it in an instant and is usually out the door before you have time to react.
While it is handy to have a credit card with you while sightseeing, you should leave a spare credit card and your passport in the safe at your hotel unless you will be shopping for luxury goods. Occasionally, purses, backpacks, and tote bags are stolen, or thieves find a way to get into your bag, especially in cramped cars.
Americans have a bad rap about being loud. To be fair, we are. There is an unspoken rule to avoid loud conversations while riding the Metro. Not only is this a dead giveaway that you are a tourist, but it’s also considered a bit rude. Being a tourist is normal and welcome in Paris, but it also makes you more vulnerable to thieves, scams and pickpockets.
Machines have English toggle
There are automated ticket machines near the entrance of most stations that have an English option where you can buy tickets and get information, or you can buy tickets from a service window. Most of the time you only need a ticket and confidence to navigate the system. To avoid long lines, use the automated machines. Choose single journey tickets for the metro and buy a pack of 10 or 20 to share with your fellow travelers to save time and money. The machines at the Metro stations near popular tourist sites tend to have long lines, so save time when you can by buying tickets at a local station. Calculate the amount of time you’ll use the Metro before buying a pass it may be more economicl to share a book of tickets.
Ticket Control
It’s not uncommon for young men to “tailgate” through a Metro turnstile rather than buy their own ticket. This is illegal for both you and the culprite. Hold onto your ticket until you exit the Metro to prove you have your own ticket and aren’t a tailgater. And if you do receive a tailgating fine, you will need to pay it on the spot. The Metro fare inspectors carry credit card machines.
Wheelchair access
Being over 100 years old, the Metro is hard to renovate. It’s also the 2nd largest underground transportation system in the world, which makes it challenging to remodel or upgrade. As a result, mobility-challenged riders may not find a working elevator at every station, and it’s not uncommon for escalators to be out of service. This can also be challenging for travelers with large suitcases. For some, it may be better to arrange a car service than rely on the Metro or regional trains.
Separations and navigation
Make a plan to meet your party on the platform at the next Metro stop if your group gets separated. It’s easier to reunite before you reach your destination and catch the next train. The city center and the train stations (gares) can be confusing, but the signage is pretty good. Exit signs say “sortie” and will be blue or green. There will also be brown signs with icons representing the monument that is located at the Metro stop you are using. Google Maps will show multiple exit options at larger stops, and you can follow an indicated door number to a street which puts you in the direction of your destination.
Knowing a bit more about the Metro will build your confidence in using this efficient mode of transport. It is not just faster than walking or taking a car, but it is also cheaper. Google Maps is your friend; often telling you the estimated time it will take, but still allowing for delays so as not to miss reservations and activities.
Don't miss out on this chance to see the real city and sometimes you'll even be rewarded by live music, flowers, and shops. Enjoy Paris and the Metro. Be sure to contact us for your next tour where we will review these tips and build your confidence for your further vacation use both in Paris and beyond.
