This article will show you how to avoid getting fined on the Paris metro!
The metro is one of the easiest ways to get around Paris, but it also comes with a few unspoken rules that many visitors miss, and unfortunately, can lead to surprise fines. Whether it’s using the wrong ticket, skipping validation, or simply not knowing a small detail, the controllers will not cut you any slack just because you’re a tourist.
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If you’ve ever seen someone get stopped by RATP agents (RATP is the organisation that manages metros in Paris) and fined on the spot, you’ll know it’s not a situation you want to be in. And with fines that can reach up to €60 or more, it’s important to understand what to do (and what to avoid) before using it.
As someone who uses the metro almost every day, I’m going to show you how to avoid getting fined on the Paris metro, so your trip isn’t ruined by the frustration of an unexpected penalty.
Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips
WHERE TO STAY
Best Eiffel Tower Views: Hôtel Le Walt (8.9)
Luxury stay: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (8.3)
Mid-range stay: Hôtel Eiffel (8.6)
Budget Stay: People – Paris Bercy (8.8)
Apartment Rental: Résidence Charles Floquet (9.2)
BEST GUIDED TOURS
Louvre Museum guided tour: (4.5/5)
Seine River Dinner Cruise: (4.7/5)
Montmartre Walking Tour: (4.8/5)
Le Marais Walking Food Tour: (4.9/5)
Versailles Guided Tour: (4.7/5)
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour: (4.7/5)
Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris: (4.7/10)
THINGS TO BOOK BEFORE COMING TO PARIS
Consider getting a Paris museum pass if you plan to visit many attractions. It will save you money, and time, and you’ll skip the line at most sites.
Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris from the airport.
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
How to Avoid getting fined on the Paris metro
1. Using one Navigo Easy Pass or phone for more than one person
If you’re traveling with someone or in a group, each person needs their own ticket or pass.
You can’t load two tickets on the same phone or Navigo Easy pass and tap it twice. If you do this and get controlled, one of you will get fined. So, whether you’re using a phone or a Navigo pass, it’s one ticket per person.
If the other person doesn’t have a phone, just load one ticket on your phone and the other on a separate Navigo Easy pass. This also applies to kids over 4 years. They each need their own ticket.
2. Not validating your ticket
Just buying the ticket is not enough. You need to validate it by tapping it at the top of the fare gates, whether you’re using your Navigo Easy Pass or your phone. Even if the gates are already open, still tap your pass or look for one that’s closed and use that instead.
If you tap your pass or phone and it buzzes red instead of green, it means the ticket isn’t valid, or you may not have any left on your pass. Just load new ones either directly on your phone using the IDF Mobilités app or at the RATP counters.
In some rare cases, it might buzz red even if you have a valid ticket. If that happens, just go to the RATP counter and they’ll fix it.
Related post: Mistakes to avoid on the Paris metro
3. Buying the wrong ticket
Not all tickets work on every type of transport. For example, you use the Metro-Train-RER ticket to take the Metro, RER, and suburban train, and the Bus-Tram ticket on the bus or tram. If you use the wrong one, you’ll be fined.
And if you’re going to the airport, you can’t use the regular Metro-Train-RER ticket, even if you’re actually taking the metro or RER. Instead, use the airport ticket, which costs 13 euros, to get to either CDG or Orly airports.
4. Using a reduced fare Ticket when you don’t qualify
You might be tempted to buy a reduced fare ticket, but if you’re controlled and don’t have proof to justify it, you’ll be instantly fined 35 euros.
Reduced fare tickets are meant for children under 10 years old. Kids under 4 and people with disabilities travel for free, but everyone else pays full price. Yes, even students and those under 26 years old.
Related post: Paris metro tickets and passes explained
5. Putting your feet on train seats
Believe me, this actually happens because I’ve seen it a couple of times. It’s not just inconsiderate to put dirty shoes where someone else will sit later, but it’s also illegal.
Even if the train is empty, if a controller sees you with your feet on the seat, you’ll be fined 60€ on the spot.
6. Jumping Over or Forcing the Fairgate
This might seem obvious, but it still happens more often than you’d think. Jumping over or forcing open the metro fare gate is illegal, and if you’re caught doing it, even just to follow someone else or because the gate didn’t open, you’ll be fined on the spot.
You’ll often see local teenagers or young adults doing it to avoid paying for a ticket, but don’t assume it’s something you can get away with as a tourist. The agents won’t make an exception.
If your ticket or pass doesn’t work, just head to the nearest RATP help desk. They’ll sort it out so you don’t end up paying a much higher price later.
Related post: How to use the Paris metro like a local
7. Smoking or vaping on the metro
Smoking and vaping are strictly banned anywhere in the Paris metro system, including on the platforms, inside the trains, and even in the station corridors.
If you’re caught lighting up or even using an e-cigarette, you can be fined 68€ on the spot. If you need to smoke or vape, wait until you’re completely outside the station.
Final Thoughts on How to Avoid Fines on the Paris Metro
Getting fined on the Paris metro is one of those things that can ruin an otherwise great day, but the good news is that it’s completely avoidable, once you keep these tips in mind. And if you’re ever unsure about something, just go to the RATP counter and ask for clarification. It’s always better to double-check than risk a huge fine.
Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris
- Mistakes to avoid in Paris
- Mistakes tourists make when planning a trip to Paris
- How to avoid being pickpocketed in Paris
- Things tourists do that annoy Parisians
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