Metro vs. RER

The Paris Metro vs. the Paris RER… what’s the difference?

The Metro is

• the Métropolitan chemin de fer (Metropolitan railway)
• a subway/tube/underground train system
• 16 lines, 1 through 14 plus two short secondary lines (3bis and 7bis)
• just central Paris (see Metro map)
• short distances between stations
• one single fare zone
• unscheduled service
• mostly underground (subway/tube like)
• no bicycles allowed on Metro, except on Metro Line 1 on Sundays and holidays

The RER is

• the Réseau Express Régionale (Regional Express Network)
• a commuter train system
• 5 lines, RER A through E
• central Paris plus much of Ile-de-France (see RER line map)
• used interchangeably with the Metro in central Paris
• faster than the Metro, with fewer stops & greater distances between stations
• separated into fare zones 1 -5
• scheduled service (see RER schedules)
• mostly above ground, except within central Paris
• bicycles are allowed on the RER except during rush hour (not allowed between 6:30-9 AM and from 16:30 - 19:00)

Resources

More information on the Paris Metro (Google Knol)

Metro Tickets (Ticket t+)

RER Tickets (Billet Ile-de-France)

(RER sign photo by Gregory Deryckère)

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