What is the difference between the Paris Métro and the RER?
The Métro is a dense urban network with closely spaced stations inside Paris, while the RER is a regional express network that also serves the suburbs and both airports. Both are shown on the same transport map and both accept the same Navigo pass within its zones.
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How it works
Métro trains stop frequently and run mainly underground within the city boundary. RER trains stop less often, run faster over longer distances and continue on shared main lines beyond the city, which is why some journeys cross fare zones.
Commonly mixed up with
The two are often treated as one system because they interconnect at several stations. Fares and zone rules differ once a journey leaves central Paris on the RER.
What is the difference between the Paris Métro and the RER?
| Knowledge, Paris | Travel and visit |
|---|---|
| Short answer | The Métro is a dense urban network with closely spaced stations inside Paris, while the RER is a regional express network that also serves the suburbs and both airports. Both are shown on the same transport map and both accept the same Navigo pass within its zones. |
| How it works | Métro trains stop frequently and run mainly underground within the city boundary. RER trains stop less often, run faster over longer distances and continue on shared main lines beyond the city, which is why some journeys cross fare zones. |
| Commonly mixed up with | The two are often treated as one system because they interconnect at several stations. Fares and zone rules differ once a journey leaves central Paris on the RER. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Do both use the same ticket?
- Within Paris a standard ticket or Navigo pass covers both, but RER trips into outer zones need extra coverage.
- Which is faster across the city?
- The RER is generally faster for longer east to west or north to south trips.
- How many RER lines are there?
- Several lettered lines run through the region, each with branches.
- Does the Métro reach the airports?
- Métro lines do not reach the airports directly, unlike the RER.
- Where is the network map?
- RATP publishes the current map for Métro, RER, bus and tramway.
Sources
More in this track
- How do you get from Charles de Gaulle to central Paris?
- How do you get from Orly to central Paris?
- What is a Navigo pass and how does it work?
- How do Paris and Île-de-France fare zones work?
- Single tickets or a carnet in Paris: what is the difference?
- Can you get around central Paris without the Métro?
- What is the weather like in Paris through the year?
- How do you transfer between Charles de Gaulle and Orly?
- Can you pay for Paris transport with a foreign bank card?
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