Getting around Paris by metro is relatively easy without getting lost. In Paris there are 14 metro lines which run throughout Ile de Paris. Metro trains usually run from 5:30 a.m. – 1:15 a.m. or 2:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and on the eve of bank holidays. For maps and more information click here.

Metro tickets can be bought at local metro stations, news stands or a tabac; which is a local shop that sell, tabacco products, lottery tickets and stamps. Tickets must be bought in advance.

While walking in the streets of Paris, you will be sure to see a few metro signs along your route.

Gare du Nord is a famous interchange, where the Eurostar arrives from and departs into London. Plus there are also links for TGV and TER trains which run from France to Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

You can also change here for the RER trains or subway lines 4 and 5. Look out for the coloured circles on the signs. You also have an option to follow the exit (sortie) for the bus or the street names that may be in your direction.

Each station has a detailed map showing each of the lines that run through Ile de Paris, along with the local landmarks and monuments.

For famous monuments such as Musee du Louvre, pictures are sometimes used as well as words. Above also instructs that exit 4 is open from 8am to 8pm.

There is seating along the platform, although you may not need them for very long as trains run every few minutes and are quite regular.

You will also see signs above for line changes or exit directions. in this case, if you are visiting the Bateaux – Mouches you will need to exit at number 2 for Pont de l’Alma.

Outside each metro you will see a plaque with the station name written on it, as above and below.

In Paris there are 13 tram lines and tram tickets can be bought at tram stops as well as the local metro. Please note that cash or card payments are not taken on trams. The tram is a fantastic way to get around the city whilst familiarizing yourself with the local sights. The tram stops are audibly spoken so that you are aware of the stops as you pass by. trams generally run from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. For more information on the tram map and where the different lines run click here

The bus is finally another great way to get around the city. You will notice bus stops called ‘l’arret de bus’ along the local streets. Please note that cash or card payments are not taken on buses. You will need to purchase your tickets beforehand just like train and tram tickets.

Generally buses operate from Monday to Saturday from about 7am until 12.30pm. Some lines stop in the evening at 8.30pm. On Sundays and public holidays only half of the bus lines operate. The night bus called Noctilien which has 32 lines, runs from: From 11:45 p.m. to 6 a.m. Be sure to check your local bus line as times may vary.