Riding Paris’ underground subway system is by far the fastest and least expensive way to travel the city. Do not be deterred if you don’t speak French. The system is fairly easy to learn, and, remember, you’re on vacation so relax and enjoy the ride. The underground system consists primarily of the Metro train and the RER (regional train) line. Tickets for each can be purchased at any Metro station. One should purchase a subway map and a city map (available at tourist centers, underground stations and hotels) for easy navigation around the city.

Keep in mind that every train (RER and Metro) travels in opposing directions. In other words, there are two trains of the same name, each heading in an opposite direction (i.e. north and south, east and west). When you find on the city map what station is closest to the particular destination you’re traveling to, simply refer to the railway map to see which train (or trains, as there are connecting railways) runs between that station and the one nearest you. To locate the train’s direction, look on the railway map for the list of “final destinations.” Simply follow the signs inside the train stations that list your train and the destinations at which it ends to find your train. There are also maps on the trains for further guidance.

The Paris Metro runs from 5:30am to 12:30am. A single ticket costs FFR8, a package of ten tickets FF52. Tickets are punched in Metro turnstiles or bus ticket boxes prior to departure. Keep ticket accessible while riding, as you may be asked to show it to a transit inspector and no ticket means paying a FF150 fine, though such occasions are rare. Also, tickets are sometimes needed to exit turnstiles. Passes can be purchased at airports, major Metro and RER railway stations, and the Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau. Passes can be purchased in the U.S. from Marketing Challenges International, TEL. 800-869-8184.

A one-day Mobilis pass is good for unlimited travel on the Metro, bus and RER within the city limits—30F. Paris Visite passes are good for unlimited travel on the Metro, city buses, the RER, and the funiculaire ride to Montmartre. They are available for one day at FF50, and for two days at FF85, three FF120, five FF170. Paris Visite passes that extend to the airports, Disneyland Paris and Versailles are available for one day at FF100, and for two days at FF175, three FF245, five FF300.