Metro vs. RER

November 19, 2008 in Metro, RER by Ben | No comments

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

The Metro isParis Metro symbol large

  • 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) Paris Metro Line Numbers
  • just central Paris (see Metro map)
  • short distances between stations
  • one single fare zone
  • unscheduled service
  • mostly underground (subway/tube like)

RER SignThe 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 - 6
  • scheduled service (see RER schedules)
  • mostly above ground, except within central Paris

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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