Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and as such, it has an extensive public transportation system. The two most common modes of transportation for tourists are the RER and Metro. While both are trains that run underground, there are some key differences between the two.
RER
The RER stands for Réseau Express Régional, which translates to Regional Express Network. It is a commuter train that connects Paris to its suburbs and surrounding areas.
The RER is operated by the French national railway company, SNCF. It has five lines (A, B, C, D, and E) that run throughout Paris and beyond.
The RER is faster than the Metro and covers a larger area. It’s ideal if you need to travel to areas outside of central Paris or if you want to visit Disneyland Paris or Versailles Palace. The trains are generally more spacious than the Metro trains, with more seating options.
Pros of Using RER:
- Fast
- Covers a larger area
- More spacious than Metro trains
- Good option for traveling outside central Paris
Metro
The Metro is a Subway system that runs within Paris city limits. It is operated by RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens), which is a state-owned public transport operator in Paris and its suburbs. It has 16 lines (1-14 plus 3bis and 7bis) that serve over 300 stations.
The Metro is ideal for traveling within central Paris as it covers all major tourist destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral among others. The trains are smaller than RER trains but run very frequently throughout the day.
Pros of Using Metro:
- Covers all major tourist destinations in the city
- Runs frequently throughout the day
- Cheaper than RER
- Easy to navigate with color-coded lines and numbers
Differences between RER and Metro:
While both RER and Metro trains run underground, there are some key differences between the two:
1. Coverage Area: The RER covers a larger area, including suburbs and surrounding areas. The Metro, on the other hand, only covers Paris city limits.
2. Speed: The RER is faster than the Metro as it doesn’t make as many stops.
3. Size of Trains: The RER trains are generally more spacious than the Metro trains.
4. Frequency: While both modes of transportation run frequently throughout the day, the Metro runs more frequently due to its shorter routes.
The Bottom Line:
Both the RER and Metro are efficient ways to travel around Paris depending on where you want to go. If you’re planning on traveling outside central Paris or visiting Disneyland Paris or Versailles Palace, then taking the RER is your best option. However, if you’re staying within central Paris and plan on visiting major tourist destinations such as the Eiffel Tower or Louvre Museum, then taking the Metro is your best bet.
Regardless of which mode of transportation you choose, make sure to purchase a ticket or pass before boarding as fines can be steep for those caught without a valid ticket while traveling on public transport in Paris.