What time do the last metro and RER trains in Paris run? Here are the end-of-service hours.

Missing the last metro is often the headache that catches you out late in the evening. To avoid such misadventures, we’re sharing, for guidance, the end-of-service times on the Paris lines and a few handy tips!

You’re stepping out of a concert, a lingering dinner, or one last drink with friends... and suddenly doubt sets in: is the metro still running in Paris? In the capital, knowing the end-of-service hours for the metro or the RER can save your evening. Because with lines that close earlier, transfers you can’t miss, and trips to the suburbs, the last metro or the last RER can quickly become the hero — or the big no-show — of your return.

Regarding the end of service, two reference times should be kept in mind:

From Monday to Thursday, as well as Sundays, the last metro trains reach their terminus at around 1:15 a.m.;
Fridays, Saturdays, and the eves of public holidays, service is extended to about 2:15 a.m..

Note however: these schedules reflect an arrival at the terminus. If you board at a station located mid-line, the final service typically runs 15 to 30 minutes earlier, depending on the line. That’s why it’s always best to check your station’s exact timetable before you set off.

How late do the RER trains run?

The five RER lines serving Paris and the Île-de-France region operate on timetables that are somewhat different from the metro's.

In most cases, the last RER trains run between midnight and around 1:20 a.m., depending on the line, branch and stations served. Again, there isn’t a single closing time: the final train to one branch may depart well before the last train to another destination.

Night-time works, so common across the Île-de-France network, can also cause early disruptions to traffic. If you're planning a late trip, it's wise to check the live timetable updates.

What to do if you miss the last metro?

All is not lost! Once the Metro and RER are halted, it’s the Noctilien network that takes over.

These night buses run across Paris and much of Île-de-France until the first metro of the morning. They notably provide access to the city’s major rail terminals and many suburban towns.

Another option: taxis, ride-hailing services, or bike-sharing schemes, which can be handy depending on your destination.

The best precaution before heading out

While these schedules provide a good reference, they are only indicative. Ongoing work, an operational incident, or a labor action could affect the timing of the last departure.

The safest course is to check real-time timetables on the websites or apps of the RATP, Île-de-France Mobilités, SNCF Connect, or Citymapper before heading out for the evening. That way you avoid the disappointment of metro gates closing right in front of you. Still, to be sure you don’t miss your train, aim to catch a metro two trains before the last one, and set an alarm on your phone so you’re not caught off guard by the time.

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