Got an early train in the morning, a flight from Orly or Roissy, or simply a day that starts before sunrise? In these cases, knowing the schedules for the first metro and RER services in Paris can make all the difference. While the Paris network tends to kick off fairly early each day, the start-of-service times vary slightly by line, terminus, and station. Here are the key schedules you need to know to set off with confidence.
The Paris metro runs daily service, including weekends and public holidays.
In most cases, the first metro trains depart from their terminus between 5:20 and 5:35, allowing arrival in central Paris from around 5:30. Depending on your station, the first run may therefore occur a few minutes later.
The longest routes — such as lines 1, 4, 7 and 13 — can differ by a few minutes. For a very early-morning trip, it's advisable to check the timetable at your departure station.
The RER network also starts up very early to help Île-de-France residents reach their workplaces or the city’s major Parisian rail hubs.
According to the lines and branches, the first RER trains typically run from about 5:00 to 5:30 a.m.. Again, there isn't a single start time: a train departing from one branch can be in service several tens of minutes before another.
The lines serving the airports, such as the RER B, are particularly busy in the early hours of the day, especially among travelers and airport workers.
A little-known point: the posted timetables typically reflect the departure of the first train from its terminus.
If you board at a station farther along the line, the first Metro or RER train will naturally arrive a few minutes later. Conversely, if you're near the terminus, you'll benefit from the day's early departures.
Maintenance work, common on the Île-de-France network, can also lead to temporary changes in the start times of service.
To avoid any nasty surprises, the simplest option is to check real-time schedules before you set off.
The apps from RATP, Île-de-France Mobilités and SNCF Connect let you know the exact time of the first train to stop at your station, taking into account any works or disruptions.
If you absolutely must arrive on time for a train or a flight, it’s wise to allow for a small safety margin, especially during periods of construction or maintenance.
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