Paris metro is a defining part of the city. I mean, have you even visited Paris, if you did not use the Paris metro? It’s cheap, fast and practical. And everyone, and I mean, everyone, uses it. I frequently come across the question of whether Paris metro is safe or not, from friends, acquaintances or from French_Detours community. Often on the eve of a Paris visit. Now, I have been living in Paris for almost 4 years now, and have used the Paris metro regularly, at least multiple times a week. But I still need a second before answering this question, because the answer, as with most things in life, is complicated.
The reason I say its ‘complicated,’ is because a lot of how each of us inhabit the city as well as out travel experiences, can be extremely subjective. Factors such as your gender, race, or whether you are able-bodied or need mobility assistance, does impact your experience of any place. This is especially true when it comes to public transport in Paris, where a lot of petty crimes are committed against tourists. This is of course, a claim rooted in anecdotal evidence since I have yet to come across data which shows the proportion of crimes committed against tourists versus Paris locals.
So, much like my previous article on whether Paris is really as dirty as some people think, I will try to give you a measured take on safety in Paris metro. At the end of the article, I also shared my own ‘bad experience’ in Paris metro. I hope that my advice and experiences resonates with you, and helps you have a good idea of what to expect from Paris metro. Also, if you want to be well- prepared for your upcoming Paris trip, make sure to read up on Parisian etiquettes as well as things not to do in Paris as a tourist.
Paris metro: A brief introduction
Paris metro has existed since the first station came into operation in 1900. Today, it is one of the busiest and densest metro stations in the world. Here are some logistical information. I will share more about Paris metro ticketing system in my next post.
How to navigate Paris metro
- Metro Lines: Paris has 16 metro lines, each with a unique number and colour. These lines crisscross the city, connecting all major landmarks, neighbourhoods, and train stations. The RER (Réseau Express Régional) trains also connect Paris with its suburbs and key destinations like Charles de Gaulle Airport and Disneyland Paris.
- Metro Stations: Every metro line has multiple stops. There are some stations with interchanges where you can switch metro lines. Major transfer stations include Châtelet, Gare du Nord, and Montparnasse.
- Direction: Metro trains travel in two directions. The right direction for you is indicated by the terminal has the name of the last station at the end of the metro line.
Rush hour & Metro timings
Rush hour in Paris metro, as in any other city of the world, are the timings in the morning and evening when commuters rush to and from work. This is: 8 AM to 10 AM and from 5 PM to 7 PM
In general, Paris metro timings are slightly variable between weekdays and weekends:
- On weekdays: 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM
- Friday and Saturday evenings: 5:30 AM to 2:15 AM
- RER lines: 5:30 AM to 1:20 AM
Do double- check metro timings for your lines, especially if you have an an important appointment, such as a very early flight.
Paris metro apps
The best way to keep up with all the information for Paris metro, and get the latest updates, is by downloading the following apps.
- Bonjour RATP: This is the official app by RATP, the company that operates the Paris metro, buses, trams, and RER trains. You get offline maps, real-time schedules for metro, RER, buses, and trams and notifications on strikes or service interruptions. You can also purchase your tickets online.
- Citymapper: Really handy for route- planning.
Is Paris metro safe for tourists?
Now, let’s get to the meat of this article. As I said before, I take the metro multiple times a week. And for a lot of Parisians, the city is unthinkable to navigate if not for the Paris metro. So I would say that Paris metro is generally safe. It is not the smelly, dirty den of crime that so many people seem to think of it as. At the same time, it is also not some place you can forget yourself in, and stay in your head. Being alert of your surroundings, and having a healthy paranoia is the way to go when it comes to public transport in Paris.
Just the density and frequency with which you would have to take Paris metro in order to navigate the city might increase your odds of having a bad experience here. Here are some of the most common bad experiences people have in Paris metros, and my advice on how to best confront these challenges.
Paris and the saga of lost phones and wallets
Losing phones or having your wallet stolen in Paris is now considered a bitter rite of passage by some. And it is not an exaggeration! I know so many people personally who have lost both during their Paris metro transit. One time, I even saw a bunch of kids rushing out of the metro, just as an elderly lady inside realised her phone had been stolen by one of them. It was too late though, as the metro doors closed and the train got moving already.
The only way to avoid being mugged is by being more careful. But honestly, with how dexterous some of these pickpockets are, all they need is the slightest bit of lax behaviour, to prevail. And they seem to have the innate ability to smell out the tourists. This is also why most of the mugging happens in metro lines that run between touristy Paris spots. Here are some things to remember:
- Always put your bag with your valuables in front of you. Ensure all buckles and zippers are closed.
- If your phone is in your pocket, double check that it’s not easily reachable.
- Do not scroll your phone while standing next to a metro door. You’re just asking for someone to grab it and run.
- If you see someone check you out in the metro, beware, its not a romantic French move. It might just be a mugger sizing you up. Sigh!
Violent crimes in Paris metro
The chances of you encountering a violent attack in Paris metro is very low. In general, you do not have to worry about your physical safety.
Fortunately, I have’t had a bag, wallet or phone stolen while using Paris metro. However, I have run into the occasional extremely drunk passenger, or a busker who was needlessly aggressive. But these incidents I would consider normal part of city living. While I would use the word ‘weathered,’ for myself, some people might describe me as ‘desensitised.’ Perhaps if you are from a small town or have never experienced the grittier sides of city living, these incidents might shock you.
If you run into these characters in Paris metro, just keep a straight face, do not make eye- contact and go about your business. They will usually leave you alone. I cannot guarantee it, but you have to trust these unwritten rules of the city.
Paris metro and accessibility
Paris metro is extremely inaccessible if you are not able- bodied. For people with disabilities, limited mobility, or older people, or even wheel- chair users, Paris metro is honestly terrible. The fact that much of Paris metro was built centuries ago, means that it is not modernised.
Most metro stations do not have accelerators, lifts or ramps. Even in metro stations where these facilities exist, they might be broken or out of order. Most metros are not wheel- chair accessible. But fortunately, Paris buses have steeped in to pick up the slack. More than 85% of Paris bus lines have been declared accessible to people with disabilities, with 100% of bus routes being wheelchair accessible.
Is Paris metro safe to take at night?
Yes, I would say that Paris metro is safe to take at night. Even as a woman, I have taken the metro alone at midnight, and never felt scared for my safety. However, there are some Paris metro stations I actively avoid at night. These include metro stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, which are transit spots. I do love visiting these areas during the day but these also attract all kinds of sketchy characters, I would rather avoid at night.
My bad experience in metro Parisien: Ticket inspectors!
No Paris metro story can be complete without a personal tale of woe. So here’s mine. In short, I got ticketed unfairly by the metro ticket inspectors. There is very good reason Paris metro ticket inspectors have a notorious reputation. While I can appreciate how tough their job is, the authority they have plus the fact that most people trust them intrinsically as being administrative figures in uniform, can provide a lot of space for misuse of power.
I have a Paris metro membership card, but last year, I forgot to carry it with me. I ended up buying a paper ticket from the metro station. Keep in mind, these are usually purchased by visitors to Paris. I got the ticket validated at the metro entrance turnstile. Later, when a ticket inspector asked to check my ticket, I handed it over without a second thought. She proceeded to tell me it was invalid, and from a different date. Very weird! Before I could protest, she handed me a fine for €35 to be paid immediately. I wish I asked to see the details of her allegation, and challenged her. But like I said, my mindset then was to trust her as an authority figure.
Only once I paid the fine, and got out of the metro station, did the haze and urgency of the moment dissipate. With a clearer head, I called my husband to tell him what happened. He immediately asked me if I verified the charges. I did not not. Then he asked me if I have an invoice of the fine I paid so that we can challenge it. I realised, the ticket inspector had not even given me an invoice for the fine. Following from this, it dawned on my husband and I that I had effectively been scammed. All I’ll say it, I found out later, I am not the only one who had this happen to.
So, there you have it. Even seasoned locals can and do get scammed. Bah, as the French say, ça y est!
