If you have an early or late flight, a busy itinerary, or simply a late dinner on the other side of town, it is important to understand which modes of transport in Paris are operating and which are not. The transport system is well-designed but does not operate around the clock. This means that not having a plan can result in wasted time, stress, and money.
Tip 1: You can find Paris public transport maps at this link.
Tip 2: Be careful: check the schedule at the metro station with the cashiers, at the information booth, or in the official RATP app.
» READ MORE – How to save money on public transport in Paris?
How late does the metro run in Paris?
The Paris metro is the main way to get around the city. On Fridays and Saturdays, the schedule is extended so you can get home after a party or a late night out.
- Weekdays: 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays: 5:30 a.m. to 2:15 a.m.
Important: This does not mean that you can enter the metro at 2:10 a.m. The last trains depart from the terminal stations before closing time — check your route in advance.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the metro is open until 2:15 a.m. From some stations, the last train leaves at exactly 2 a.m.
On other days, the metro runs from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. In other words, the last trains leave the terminal stations at 12:30 a.m. By 6 a.m., the first trains will have already reached their terminals.
Rush hour on the Paris metro
Transport in Paris has its own rush hour: Parisians go to work from 8 to 10 a.m. and leave work from 5 to 8 p.m. However, you are unlikely to encounter very crowded trains. The situation is more intense on Saturdays, when the interval between trains is longer and people go shopping.
| Morning rush hour | Evening rush hour |
| 8:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. |
How does the RER work?
Like the metro, the RER operates from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. However, the difference is that the last suburban trains depart at different times in different directions. It may turn out that the last train to the suburbs leaves Paris at 11:30 p.m. Be careful and check the information at metro stations. Also, the RER does not extend its hours on weekends.
RER and Transilien hours of operation
- On average: 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (may vary by direction)
If your flight is from CDG (Charles de Gaulle) airport or you are arriving at night, please note that the RER B runs on a strict schedule.
| From Paris to CDG | From CDG to Paris |
| 5:00 a.m. — 11:30 p.m. | 5:20 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. |
Charles de Gaulle Airport is open 24 hours a day. You can also find hotels at the airport itself, for example, if you have an early flight. Or you can order a taxi to get anywhere quickly and independently of the metro.
» READ MORE – How to choose an airport in Paris: comparing CDG, Orly and Beauvais
What time do buses run until?
City buses in Paris run until the evening, and after midnight they are replaced by Noctilien night buses. They connect the centre with the suburbs and airports. This is a lifesaver for those who travel at night.
| City buses | Noctilien |
| On average: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (some until 12:30 a.m.) | 0:30 a.m. — 5:30 a.m. |
You can see a map of day and night bus routes here.
How do taxis work in Paris?
Taxis operate around the clock. However, keep in mind that during rush hour, they can get stuck in traffic for a long time. On Saturday evenings, it is almost impossible to find a free taxi, especially after midnight. Of course, you can always book a taxi in advance via this link.
Bicycles? Scooters?
Public bicycle (Vélib’) and electric scooter rentals operate around the clock. This is often the most convenient and cheapest way to get home at night. This is what Parisians themselves do when they stay out late at bars.
Conclusion and tips
Don’t count on public transport after 0:30 a.m. unless it’s Friday or Saturday. And may late-night Paris be comfortable for you.
- The metro and RER are your best friends until midnight, and on weekends until 2:00 a.m.
- Noctilien is a lifesaver for night-time travel
- Taxis and scooters are a backup in case public transport is unavailable
- Plan ahead, especially if your journey depends on the last train or night bus
Fly on the Paris metro trains!
Jebulon / commons.wikimedia.com / CC0 1.0 
R Boed / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0 
Joe deSousa / commons.wikimedia.com / CC BY 2.0 
Danilo Alvesd / Unsplash 
Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0 
Kevin Gaudin / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!