Paris Metro Accessibility

The Reality of Metro Accessibility

The Paris Metro opened in 1900. Most of its 302 stations were built without elevators, and adding them to the existing tunnels is difficult and expensive. As of 2026, fewer than 30 metro stations have elevators from street to platform. If you use a wheelchair or cannot manage stairs, the metro is not a reliable option for most routes.

The good news: Paris buses are 100% accessible, trams are fully accessible, and Line 14 of the metro is fully accessible at every station. For most wheelchair users, a combination of buses, trams, and occasional taxi rides is the practical approach.

Accessible Metro Lines

Line 14 (Fully Accessible)

Line 14 runs from Saint-Denis Pleyel in the north to Orly Airport in the south. Every station on Line 14 has elevators from street level to platform, level boarding (no gap), and platform screen doors for safety. The trains are automated with no driver. This is the only metro line where wheelchair users can travel independently at every stop.

Key stops on Line 14: Gare de Lyon, Chatelet, Gare Saint-Lazare, Pyramides, Saint-Denis Pleyel.

Line 1 (Partially Accessible)

Line 1 runs east-west from La Defense to Chateau de Vincennes. The trains are automated and have level boarding. However, only some stations have elevators from street to platform. Stations with confirmed elevator access include: La Defense, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, Gare de Lyon, and Chatelet. Other stations on Line 1 require stairs.

Other Lines

Lines 2 through 13 are mostly not accessible for wheelchair users. A few individual stations have elevators (often installed for interchange with RER lines), but the trains themselves have a step up from the platform, and the gap between train and platform edge can be 10 to 20 cm.

Metro vs. RER: What is the Difference?

The RER is a regional train network with 5 lines (A, B, C, D, E) that cross Paris and extend into the suburbs. RER stations are often underground in central Paris and share some stops with the metro.

Key differences for accessibility:

• Platform gap: RER trains often have a larger gap between the platform and the train door. This can be 15 to 20 cm horizontally and 5 to 10 cm vertically.
• Elevator access: Some RER stations have elevators, but they are frequently out of service. Chatelet-Les Halles (RER A, B, D) has elevators but the station is enormous and navigation is confusing.
• Step-free access: RER stations are generally better equipped than metro stations, but "equipped" does not always mean "working."
• Train boarding: RER trains may have a small step at the door. Staff can deploy a portable ramp if you ask, but this is not always quick or reliable.

How to Identify Accessible Stations

On the official RATP metro map, accessible stations are marked with a wheelchair symbol. However, the map does not always reflect real-time elevator status. Use these resources instead:

1. RATP app (free): Download the "Bonjour RATP" app. Go to the route planner and enable the "accessible routes" filter. It will plan journeys using only stations with working elevators, plus buses and trams.
2. RATP website: The station information pages on ratp.fr list elevator status, updated in real time.
3. Station signage: At the station entrance, look for the wheelchair pictogram. If the elevator is out of service, a sign is usually posted at the entrance.

Using the RATP App for Route Planning

The RATP app is the single most useful tool for accessible travel in Paris. Here is how to use the accessibility features:

1. Open the app and go to "Route planner."
2. Enter your start and end points.
3. Tap the filter icon and select "Accessible routes" or "PMR" (the French abbreviation for reduced mobility).
4. The app will show routes using only accessible metro stations, buses, and trams. It avoids stations where elevators are currently broken.
5. The app is available in English. Switch the language in Settings.

Platform Gaps and Boarding

Even at accessible stations, the gap between the platform edge and the train door can be a problem. On Line 14, the gap is minimal (under 3 cm) because the trains were designed for level boarding. On Line 1, the gap is slightly larger (3 to 5 cm). On older lines, expect gaps of 10 to 20 cm.

If you use a manual wheelchair, you may need a push to cross the gap on lines other than 14. Power wheelchair users should stick to Line 14, buses, and trams.

Station Staff Assistance

Metro station staff can help with directions and opening emergency gates (which are wider than turnstiles). However, they are not trained to provide physical assistance for boarding trains. Do not expect staff to carry you or your wheelchair down stairs.

To get assistance, press the intercom button at any station entrance or at the ticket window. Staff speak some English at major stations.

Navigo Card and Reduced Fares

The Navigo Easy card is a reloadable transit card that works on metro, RER, buses, and trams. You can buy it at any metro station for 2 euros, then load tickets onto it.

• Single ticket (t+): 2.15 euros. Valid for one metro/RER trip or one bus/tram trip.
• 10-ticket pack: 17.35 euros (1.74 euros each).
• Navigo Decouverte weekly pass: 30.75 euros for unlimited travel Monday to Sunday in zones 1 to 5 (all of Paris plus airports). Requires a passport photo.

Reduced fares: Travelers with a French disability card (carte mobilite inclusion) get a 50% discount. Foreign disability cards are not officially recognized for fare reductions, but some ticket agents may honor them. There is no guaranteed discount for foreign visitors with disabilities.

Accessibility by Line