The Parisian subway has 14 lines and 380 stations (not including RER stations) with 87 of them being transfer stations. The lines are numbered, each one has a different color and bears the name of the city gate at the end. The metro runs from 5:30am to 1am every day. Transfer stations are called "correspondances" and allow you to switch trains to get to your destination; some of them can have long passageways between the platforms.

To find your way pick up a free map at any of the stations or if you're more tech-savvy use the computerized maps that indicate the route you're supposed to follow to get to your destination at a push of a button.

Single-fare tickets cost 1.40 euros but if you're going to use the metro often you should purchase a carnet with 10 tickets for 11 euros. A single ticket is valid for one trip including the transfers. Keep yours until you reach the destination as tickets are checked at exits or in trains and transfer stations.

Several discount passes are available: with a Paris Visites pass for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days you can ride the metro, RER, buses and the funicular to Montmartre as many times as you want; the Mobilis 1 day pass with unlimited use of metro, RER and buses is great value for short visits in Paris; Carte Orange is an option used mostly by Parisians as it can be purchased for a week or a month in advance and it also requires a passport photo but it is the most economical.

54 quai de la Rapée, 75599 Paris
Tel: 08-92-68-77-14
http://www.ratp.fr