we are leaving for paris and i am just starting to worry about using the metro there. we will be getting in at 6 pm in paris and i want to be able to find our hotel with the metro. when you arrive there is it pretty easy to figure the metro out?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
I think so because all metros are pretty much the same. Work it backwards. Find the stop nearest your hotel and then crossing of the line to your arrival point.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Here's a map http://www.paris.org/Metro/gifs/metro.pdf that you can print and take with you.And this website allows you to input your route and get instructions and maps http://www.ratp.info/touristes/index.php?langue=en&rub=reperer&cat=itinerairesFor when you're there (and don't have access to your computer), the trick of navigating the Metro is to see what line connects your start and your end point and note both the number of that line and the name of the stop at the beginning and end of that route. Signs in the metro stations will use the names of the two end points of the line (different from the start and end points of your trip). It's difficult to explain in words but when you get there and have the map with you, it should become clear.Here's another version of the interactive Metro map you can use online http://www.ratp.info/orienter/cv/cv_en/carteparis.php
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
First, your hotel should be able to identify to you their nearest metro stop. Next, how are your arrving in Paris? Plane? Train? Which airport or train station? We can tell you the metro stops with additional information.
CLICK HERE for the Paris metro map. It can be enlarged.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Megan, head over to the official Paris Metro site:
http://tinyurl.com/36axx6
From there you can enter the address of your hotel and it will give exact directions for getting to your hotel. It will tell you which lines to take, where to to transfer if necessary, and also walking directions from your final stop.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Megan,
The Paris Metro is very easy to use. As the others have said, once you know which station is closest to your Hotel it will be easy to figure out.
You didn't indicate if you were arriving via air or train? If arriving by air, you'll have to use the RER trains to get into Paris from CDG, and then switch to the Metro. If you're arriving by train, your arrival station will also have a Metro stop.
The important thing to remember about the Metro is to choose the correct direction as well as the correct line. When you're on the train, you'll be able to follow your progress easily, and then just disembark at the correct station.
If you're going to be in Paris for a few days, you might consider buying a Carnet of 10 tickets.
Happy travels!