Papal vigil at the Stade de France: how to reach the venue by public transport?

On Friday, September 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Paris continues in Saint-Denis with a large youth vigil for 17- to 35-year-olds at the Stade de France. After his stop in Paris and the Vespers at Notre-Dame, the pope is poised to join tens of thousands of young people for this evening event inside the Stade de France complex.

A crowded Stade de France also requires careful choices about the RER, metro, and station exits. RER B, RER D, lines 13 and 14 get you to the stadium, but not all routes are created equal, depending on which entrance you use.

Here’s what’s known so far. The detailed plan from Île-de-France Mobilités and the RATP may still be updated as the eve of the event approaches; this article will therefore be revised if new official guidelines are issued.

Which lines can you take to reach the Stade de France?

Several options are available for the speaker:

• RER B: alight at La Plaine – Stade de France, about a 10-minute walk;
• RER D: alight at Stade de France – Saint-Denis, about a 10-minute walk;
• Metro 13: Saint-Denis – Porte de Paris, especially convenient for the northern doors;
• Metro 14: Saint-Denis – Pleyel, with around a 20-minute walk;
• Metro 12: Front Populaire, farther away but regularly used as an alternative route.

As with major concerts, the way you enter can make a real difference.

Which train station should you choose based on where you live?

Usually:

• for entrances located to the east, the RER B is especially convenient;
• for entrances to the north, the Line 13 gets you very close to the stadium;
• for the southwest sector, the RER D is usually the most direct option.

Your access pass remains the priority. If the organizers recommend a specific station, it’s best to follow that guidance rather than just picking the line you think is fastest.

• To be read
• This week’s best bets for Sept. 21–27, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

Don't wait until the last minute

The schedule leaves little room for a final sprint:

• 5:15 PM : Doors open;
• 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM : Recommended arrival window;
• 6:30 PM : Prologue begins;
• 7:30 PM : Vigil begins;
• 10:30 PM : End announced.

Security checks can take some time. Each participant must have their access badge and may be asked to present a proof of identity. The organizers also ask participants to bring a fully charged phone.

Also plan for the return

The departure of tens of thousands of people at once can quickly overwhelm nearby train stations.

The right move, then, is to:

• Know your return station before you enter the stadium;
• Don’t blindly follow the crowd toward the first station;
• Check the traffic outlook late in the evening;
• Keep your phone battery sufficiently charged.

Last detail to avoid any surprises: transportation to the event is not free, and there is no special “Pope visit” package planned.

Do yourself a favor and buy your ticket before heading to Saint-Denis, so you don’t start the evening queuing up at a ticket machine.