Is the metro in paris as easy to use as the tube?

Question

is there any english translations in the underground? how much is it for an all day travel card?

Answer 1

It is. Can't remember how much it is though.

Answer 2

After being in PAris tons of times I found that the tube is R E A L L Y easy but learn the exact place you need to be bc the bus system is alott quicker and faster. If you have to use the metro get a pass. The best place to get one is while u are at the airport Q'ing for the train tickets. And they can charge you one transaction! I l;earned that one the hard way + they are not as stiff at the tube stations ( which by the way they ar enot always freindly. OX have a blast! I'll be there in Sep and Oct,........

Answer 3

Its very easy. Furthermore, because the metro system is much denser than the London tube (meaning it has more stations per square mile)  its far more convenient. Many stations have maps with light diagrams. You press the name of the station you want to go to and it shows you the route to take.

The only things you need to understand is that when changing from one line to another you look for the word "Correspondence", that "Direction:xxxxx" indicates the last stop and therefore where the train is ultimately traveling to, and that "sortie" means exit.

For an all day pass for all of Paris proper (zones 1 &2 ) you ask for a "Mobilis" which will cost you 5.80 euros.

Answer 4

Yes, it is just as easy. I used it when doing an exchange trip with school and 30 of us were all as a group and none of us had a problem with it. Easy as pie :)

Answer 5

I lived in London for 6 years and Paris for 2 1/2. I will say that the Paris Métro system is better and easier, even without French.

I find it easiest to follow the trains by their final destinations. As a tip, I also glance at the destination of the other way on the same line so that I don't make a mistake.

They do all day cards like in London but the "carnets" of 10 tickets, like the other posters said, is probably your best bet. Don't worry about buying 10 at a time. I've used mine years later when I returned to Paris.

Here are your options listed;

http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/artic...

Also, when you go through the turnstiles, make sure to keep a hold of the ticket you used. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell which tickets are used and which ones are fresh so separate the one you are using for that journey. Sometimes they do have "controls" and check that everyone has a ticket (people sometimes jump over the turnstiles). When you exit the system and are leaving the station, throw the ticket in one of the many bins outside.

You can use Métro tickets also on the RER system, which are suburban trains but only the stops which are within Paris itself. These trains do look a little different than the Métros, usually use different platforms, even at the same stations, and their lines are marked with thicker lines on the map.

http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/artic...

If you do make a mistake, it's no big deal to take the opposite train back into Paris. If you are visiting a suburb, like Versailles, than you will need to actually buy tickets at the window. Those are destination specific.

As with the tube, it's safe and pickpockets are your biggest threat. The Métro also runs later than the Tube, some lines going till 2am on weekends. How many times did I have to rush out of pubs to catch the last train in London?!?

What I will say is that when I lived in London, sometimes I had really long walks and often I had to figure out where to go to find a station. Not the case in Paris! In most places, you can actually just wander and you'll run across a station. No having to hunt them down on a map! (although, there are exceptions).

Yes, it can smell, especially in summer. You also have your fair share of buskers and beggers but they're very different than in London. It's all part of the adventure.

Good luck!  

Answer 6

It's easier, quicker and more comfortable (except for the smell of B.O). If memory serves you can buy a book of tickets (bon marche = cheap) and get a tube map at the same window. If you are a tourist the open top hop on, hop off buses are really good value and run regularly.

Answer 7

I went in May and I suggest tickets over pass. For 10 tickets cost about 11 euros. Also keep in mind alot of the attractions are near each other, so you can walk to alot of things which is more enjoyable I found.

Metro is so easy. When you look at the map of the system, it may seem complicated but really its not. After your first trip on it, your a pro. I don't recall if there was english translation but its pretty easy and they have attendants who are usually helpful. Its like an atm machine, you choose how many tickets you want, and you can pay either cash or credit.

Answer 8

It's pretty similar except the lines are numbered rather than named (so easier if you don't know French). You just need to know where you are and where you are going, and the map looks kinds like the tube map, so you then figure out the lines you need to take and where to change. Like the Tube once you are underground, you can go anywhere, and your ticket is swiped on entry and exit, just like Tube.  I can't recall how you figure out which way the train is going along the line - I think they have the destination stations on them just like the Tube.

I recall getting around quite easily and knew nothing much about it. There are free maps on most of the tourist leaflets, and on lots of magazines, as well as at the stations, and then maps on the trains - so really Tube-like.

You used to purchase books of tickets, but not been for a while so not sure. They have automated machines and people in booths.  I think shops nearby also sell them.  

So - Yes. Short answer :-)

Answer 9

Much easier - it's one ticket per journey or you can buy a carnet of 10 tickets much reduced.

You just need to know which line your station is on (they're numbered) and the name of the station at the end of the line, and you follow those directions to the right platform.

After a couple of goes, you'll soon get the idea, and you won't need any English translations. Make sure you have a metro map and it's simple.

I'll be in Paris this time next week and I can't wait. It's a lovely city and you'll have a brilliant time.

Go to http://www.ratp.fr/ and click on the Union Jack at the top to get the English version.

The 1 day Paris Visite ticket is 8.50 euros.