10 Mistakes tourists make using the Paris Metro!

If you are traveling to Paris soon, you will need to know how to use the metro. One of the easiest ways to get around Paris is by using public transport.

Sure, you can call an Uber or get a taxi, but those options are often incredibly expensive. Because of the traffic in Paris, it can actually take you longer to go by car than by public transport.

That is why, in this article, I have put together 10 mistakes that tourists often make when using the Paris metro and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Buying the Right Ticket

A first mistake that tourists make when using the metro in Paris is not buying the right ticket. Paris is divided into travel zones, and your ticket must cover the zones that you travel through.

Sure, you can buy a single ticket, which is valid for one journey, including transfers, but buying single tickets can get really expensive really fast.

That is why, if you’re only in Paris for 1-2 days, I would recommend either getting a Carnet, which is a pack of 10 tickets at a discount and can be shared with friends or family, or getting a Paris Visite Pass, which allows unlimited travel for 1-5 days and is ideal for tourists.

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Mistake 2: Not Validating Tickets

Another mistake I’ve noticed tourists often make when using the metro in Paris is not validating their tickets.

Tickets in Paris need to be validated before boarding. You do this by putting them into the orange machine at the entrance gates.

Sometimes the gates are open. That’s great, but you still need to validate your ticket. The gates are just open because it’s probably rush hour, and people with a pass can quickly flick their pass on the validation machine.

However, if you have a carnet, you need to validate the ticket, and you can see they are validated because a number is printed on them when they come out of the validation machine. If you don’t validate your ticket, there could be hefty fines, sometimes payable on the spot.

It’s also very important to keep your ticket until you exit the station because sometimes there are people who check your ticket right when you exit.

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Mistake 3: Ignoring Metro Etiquette

Metro etiquette can differ greatly between countries and even between cities. I know that metro etiquette in London is quite different from that in Bangkok, or even from where I am in Antwerp, where people weirdly do not stand to the right on escalators.

Anyway, Paris is pretty normal. Let passengers exit before you board, stand to the right on escalators, give up your seat to those in need, avoid blocking doorways, and keep your voice down.

Definitely do not play any loud music. Sure, on the Paris metro you will see buskers and people playing instruments, which is pretty normal. People either love it or hate it, but I think it’s pretty cool.

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Mistake 4: Traveling During Rush Hour

I would also advise against traveling during rush hour. In Paris, rush hour is between 8 and 10 a.m. and 5 and 7 p.m.

The stations and trains can be incredibly crowded.

If you are just going from point A to point B or heading back to your hotel, it will probably be okay, but please do not bring any bulky luggage onto the trains because people will really hate you for it. I recommend traveling outside of rush hours.

Try to get somewhere in the early morning, or if you go out for dinner, go a bit later in the evening or mid-afternoon, as these times are often less crowded.

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Mistake 5: Not Being Aware of Pickpockets

Paris, like many large cities around the world and especially in Europe, is a haven for pickpockets. Pickpockets on the Paris metro are more common than you think, especially in crowded areas.

Thieves often work in groups and target distracted tourists who have no idea where they’re going or are looking at their phone or map to figure out what stop they need.

I recommend keeping your valuables secure, for instance in a money belt or a theft-proof backpack, and keep all your belongings very close to you, especially in crowded areas.

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Mistake 6: Getting Lost in the Metro Maze

If this is your first time in a city with a fast metro network, the metro in Paris can be quite confusing.

Try to carry a map of the metro with you or make a list of everything you want to visit and then write down which metro stations are close by. This way, you can easily plan your route in advance or even look up service disruptions.

If you have your phone with you, I highly recommend navigation apps like CityMapper or Google Maps to help you navigate the Paris metro.

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Mistake 7: Not asking locals for help

Another mistake is not asking French people what the metro announcements mean. The announcements in the Paris metro are mostly in French, but they provide important information, especially if there are delays.

While the chances of needing this are slim, if you notice that something might be wrong, try asking a French person what is going on or whether there’s any information about what happened.

It could be that the metro is heavily delayed and you need to find another way to get to your destination, or that there is a slight delay and you just have to wait a bit longer.

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Mistake 8: Not Allowing Enough Time

Number 8 is not allowing enough time to get to your destination.

The Paris Metro is quite good and reliable, but there are delays, and everything takes longer than you might think. This includes getting to the metro station, reaching the platform, and even getting out of the train.

I would allow at least 10 minutes more than Google Maps or CityMapper estimates for you to reach your destination. Worst case scenario, you are just on time; best case scenario, you’re 10 minutes early. So please allow for extra time when you are taking the Paris Metro.

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Mistake 9: Confusing Metro Stations with Similar Names

Tourists often confuse metro stations with similar names, such as Saint-Michel and Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame.

I recommend double-checking the full name of your destination station and noting the line number and direction in a booklet or a note on your phone.

Another helpful tip is to ask locals or station staff for directions. Tell them where you’re going, and most people will know which stations are close to major landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and other important tourist destinations around the city.

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Mistake 10: Overlooking Accessibility Issues

Another problem tourists often have with the Paris metro is that not all metro stations are accessible.

This is particularly unfortunate for people in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues, but it’s also inconvenient for those traveling with bulky suitcases.

Some stations do have an elevator or ramp, but most of the older ones do not. It’s a good idea to research accessible stations and plan routes accordingly.

I recommend using the RATP website for information on accessibility features, as some stations might have ramps while others only have elevators. If you have mobility issues, this is incredibly important when visiting Paris.

If you’re traveling with bulky suitcases, consider using buses, taxis, or even an Uber to get to your hotel or the airport.