Paris Metro: 5 lines disrupted in April, everything you need to know to plan your journeys ahead

The sun is shining in Paris, temperatures are rising, and it almost feels like summer. However, the Paris metro is about to remind us of a less pleasant reality. In April 2026, RATP is announcing a series of disruptions and closures that could complicate your daily commute.

Major closures on lines 4 and 3

Let’s start with the most inconvenient news for metro users. Line 4, the only line with a connection to all the others, will be closed for 10 days. This interruption is scheduled from April 20 to May 1, between the Châtelet and Barbès-Rochechouart stations.

This is the most central section of the line. To compensate, bus routes 38, 39, 56 and 85 will be reinforced throughout the period. So remember to allow extra travel time if you use this sector.

Line 3 is also undergoing major works. The temporary terminus will be at Gambetta until May 12, i.e. over a month of disruption. To get to Gallieni, you’ll have to take a replacement bus.

“The month of April ahead of us is reminiscent of the endless construction work that takes place every summer.”

Why the work on line 4?

RATP points out that this closure is being carried out as part of the renewal of switches and crossings. These technical operations are necessary to maintain the safety and reliability of the network. Even if they are painful, they guarantee a better quality of service in the long term.

During these 10 days, passengers will have to adapt their habits. Connections with other lines or the use of reinforced buses will be the main solutions. Anticipating your journeys remains the best strategy for avoiding unpleasant surprises.

Slight disruptions on other lines

Fortunately, not all closures will be so severe. Line 3bis will be closed every Sunday from 10.15pm, from April 12 to May 10. This interruption will be limited to Sunday evenings, making it more bearable for most passengers.

On line 13, Plaisance station will not be served from April 9 to 12. It’s just four days and one station. So it shouldn’t disrupt your regular commute.

• Line 4: closed from April 20 to May 1 between Châtelet and Barbès
• Line 3: Gambetta terminus until May 12
• Line 3bis: closed on Sundays from 10:15 p.m. from April 12 to May 10
• Line 12: closed on Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 10pm until April 12
• Line 13: Plaisance station closed from April 9 to 12

Preparing for the arrival of the new MF19 trains

Many of these projects are designed to prepare for the arrival of MF19 trains. This is the case for lines 12 and 13. These new trainsets will modernize the Paris metro fleet over the coming years.

Line 12 has been closed on Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 10pm for several months now. The good news is that Sunday April 12 will mark the last day of these recurrent closures. Thereafter, service on this line will return to normal.

How to plan ahead

Faced with these numerous disruptions, it’s best to plan your journeys in advance. Check RATP announcements regularly to keep abreast of developments. Real-time transport applications can also help you find alternative routes.

For journeys involving line 4, use replacement buses or other metro lines. Connections at Châtelet or Gare du Nord are still possible via other routes. Please be patient during this period.

If you live near Gambetta and need to get to Gallieni, the replacement bus is your only option. Allow extra time, as these shuttles are often slower than the metro. On the other hand, they serve the same stops, which makes the transition easier.

Finally, for users of lines 3bis, 12 and 13, inconvenience will be limited to evenings or a few days. With a little organization, these closures shouldn’t disrupt your daily routine too much. The Paris metro network will gradually return to normal operation after May 12.

• metro