Discover how to navigate the Paris public transport system with kids in tow using our family-friendly guide to the Paris metro, featuring accessibility information, money-saving strategies, and child-friendly routes to popular attractions.
Family-Friendly Benefits of Paris Transport
The Paris public transport network offers several advantages for families exploring the city:
- Children under 4 travel completely free on all Paris metro services
- Reduced fares for children aged 4-9 (around 50% off adult prices)
- Family-oriented weekend ticket options
- Direct access to major family attractions via the Paris subway
Understanding these benefits helps families maximize their budget while exploring the City of Light with little ones.
Navigating the Metro with Strollers
Traveling with strollers on the Paris metro requires some planning:
- Look for stations marked with elevator symbols on the Paris metro map
- Use entrances with “Accès poussettes” (stroller access) signs
- Consider folding your stroller during rush hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM)
- When possible, choose newer lines (1, 14) with better accessibility
Unfortunately, many older Paris underground stations lack elevators. The RATP app marks accessible stations, making route planning easier for families with strollers or mobility needs.
Best Metro Lines for Families
Not all metro Paris lines are equally suitable for family travel. Consider these family-friendly options:
- Line 1 (yellow): Fully automated with platform barriers and serves major attractions like the Louvre and Champs-Élysées
- Line 14 (purple): Newest line with excellent accessibility and connections to Gare de Lyon
- RER C: While technically not metro, this line has larger trains and reaches family favorites like Versailles and the Eiffel Tower
Avoid line 4 during rush hours as it tends to be the most crowded and has fewer accessible stations.
Money-Saving Ticket Strategies for Families
Smart ticket choices can significantly reduce family transportation costs:
- Purchase “Carnet” bulk tickets (10 metro tickets Paris for €16.90)
- Consider the Paris transportation pass options:
- Weekend Navigo Découverte for Saturday-Sunday exploration
- Paris Visite passes for 1-5 days of unlimited travel
- For families with teenagers, look into “Imagine R” passes for annual savings
Remember that each person over 4 years old needs their own valid Paris metro tickets, so budget accordingly.
Kid-Friendly Routes to Popular Attractions
Plan these easy routes to family favorites:
- Eiffel Tower: RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel or metro Paris line 6 to Bir-Hakeim
- Jardin des Plantes and Zoo: Line 5 or 10 to Gare d’Austerlitz
- Science Museum (Cité des Sciences): Line 7 to Porte de la Villette
- Luxembourg Gardens: RER B to Luxembourg
- Disneyland Paris: RER A to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy
These routes minimize transfers, which helps when traveling with children.
Safety Tips for Families
Keep these safety considerations in mind when using Paris public transport with children:
- Establish meeting points in case of separation
- Teach children to identify metro staff by their uniforms
- Avoid boarding/exiting during the warning beeps as doors close quickly
- Keep children away from platform edges (newer lines have protective barriers)
- Have a paper copy of your hotel address and phone number with each child
Bathroom Access Strategy
Paris metro stations rarely have public restrooms. Plan ahead with these strategies:
- Use facilities at major train stations like Gare du Nord
- Look for toilets at department stores near metro exits
- Parks often have public restrooms near entrances
- Many McDonald’s restaurants are located near metro Paris stations and have facilities
Best Times for Family Travel
To avoid crowds on the Paris subway, plan your travel:
- Midday (10 AM-4 PM) is generally less crowded
- Weekends are quieter in business districts but busier near attractions
- Early morning (before 8 AM) offers the calmest experience