Toulouse Metro (Métro de Toulouse) — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Toulouse Metro Information

The Toulouse metro was built to serve this French city and some of the neighbouring suburbs. The network consists of two underground lines. Lines A and B, which together cover a distance of twenty-eight kilometres, have as many as thirty-eight stations. To complement the Toulouse metro, there are suburban railway lines – Lines C and D – which run towards the western end of Toulouse and the suburb of Muret respectively. There is also an old tramway line, the T1, which connects the suburb of Blagnac to the city’s metro service. The Toulouse Metro has a daily ridership of 281000 in 2011.

The Toulouse Metro, also known as the VAL (Véhicule Automatique Léger), is a popular mode of transport in the city. It carries an average of 350,000 passengers per day. Fare information is not included in the above list.

The metro operates on a timetable and does not run 24 hours a day. There is no mention of air conditioning, but passengers can walk between platforms. It is worth noting that the Toulouse metro has been using driverless trains since 1993, a feature unique to this system.

The VAL trains are equipped with screen doors on the platforms for safety reasons. The Toulouse metro is operated by Tisséo-Réseau urbain. Operating hours vary according to the day. From Monday to Thursday, the metro operates from 5.15 a.m. to midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, the service is extended until 3:00 am.

Toulouse Metro Map

Map of Toulouse Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Toulouse Metro map in PDF format.

The Toulouse metro system is well connected to the tramway and several bus lines, providing complete coverage of the city and its suburbs.

Arènes station (line A): Interchange station for the T1 tram line, the C suburban train line and several bus lines. This station provides easy access to and from the west of the city.
Patte-d’Oie station (line A): Connected to several bus lines, it provides easy access to the southern parts of the city.
Jean-Jaurès station (lines A and B): This is a major interchange station where the two lines of the metro system meet. Many city buses also connect at this station.
Capitole station (line A): This station is served by several bus lines and provides access to the historic centre of Toulouse.
Argoulets station (line A): This station is served by several bus lines and provides easy access to the eastern part of the city.
Borderouge station (line B): This station is linked to many bus lines and suburban train lines, making it a key access point to the north of the city.
Compans Caffarelli station (line B): This station is connected to several bus lines and offers convenient access to the central parts of the city.
Saint-Michel Marcel-Langer station (line B): Connected to several bus lines, it serves the southern parts of the city.
Ramonville station (line B): It is the terminus of the B line and is served by several bus lines, providing convenient access to the southeastern parts of the city.

In addition to the above, there are also many bike-sharing stations throughout Toulouse, providing another convenient option for getting around the city.

Fares and tickets

Single ticket: A single ticket, which can be used on metro, tram and bus lines, costs €1.70. This ticket is valid for one hour after the first validation.

Return ticket: This costs €3.40 and offers two journeys, each valid for one hour.
10-trip ticket: This is priced at €13.40 and offers ten individual journeys, each valid for one hour.
Day ticket: This costs €6.30 and offers unlimited travel on metro, tram and bus lines throughout the day.
Weekly pass: This costs €22.50 and offers unlimited travel on metro, tram and bus lines for one week.
Monthly pass: This costs €49.50 for those aged 26-64, €10 for those under 26 and €20 for those aged 65 and over. This ticket allows unlimited travel on metro, tram and bus lines for one calendar month.
Annual pass: This costs €495 for those aged 26-64, €100 for those under 26 and €200 for those aged 65 and over. This ticket allows unlimited travel on the metro, tram and bus lines for one year.
Note that concessions are available for young people under 26, people aged 65 and over, large families and people on low incomes or in receipt of certain social benefits.

Rules and Accessibility

Like most metro systems, the Toulouse Metro has a set of rules for using the service. These include things like not smoking, not drinking alcohol, keeping music volume to a minimum and not eating on the trains. You’re also expected to give up your seat for elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers.

In terms of accessibility, all of Toulouse’s metro stations are accessible to people with reduced mobility and there are designated spaces for wheelchair users on each train. Visual and audio information is also provided in the stations and on the trains.

Fun facts

Toulouse is the fourth city in France to have a metro system. The Toulouse metro is fully automated, which means that there are no drivers on any of the trains. It uses a technology called VAL (Véhicule Automatique Léger), developed by Matra and Siemens.

During rush hours from Monday to Friday, the waiting time is 1 minute and 20 seconds.
Between 1.30am and 2.15am, the interval is 7 minutes.
From 2:15am to 3:00am, passengers can expect to wait 10 minutes.
On Fridays and Saturdays, trains run every 4 minutes from 21:30 to 01:30.
At off-peak times from Monday to Friday, trains run every 5 minutes.
The waiting time at the beginning of the service is 9 minutes.
From 21:30 to 01:30, Monday to Friday, the interval is 7 minutes.
On Sundays and public holidays during off-peak hours, the waiting time is 7 minutes.

Prices, Tickets, and Subscriptions

For prices, tickets and season tickets, the Metro offers the Pastel Card. This card is necessary to buy any subscription. Available ticket and subscription categories include options for everyone, people under 26, students aged 26-35, senior citizens aged 65 and over, groups, large families, job seekers, RSA recipients and people with disabilities.

1.1 Information for All Passengers

Our available ticket categories include 3-Day Ticket, 2-Day Ticket, Day Ticket, Evening Ticket, 10-Ride Pass, Group Ticket, Double-Ride Individual Ticket and Single-Ride Ticket.

3-Day Ticket (€10.50): This option allows unlimited travel within a three day period. The ticket is valid until the station closes on the third day.
2-day ticket (€8.50): This type of ticket allows unlimited travel within a two-day period. It is valid until stations close on the second day.
Day ticket (€5.50): This option allows unlimited travel on a single day and is valid until the station closes on the same day.
Evening ticket (€3.10): This option allows unlimited travel on the Tisséo urban network from 19:00 until the station closes.
10-trip pass (€13.40): This pass allows you to make 10 individual journeys.
Group ticket (€5.50): This option provides 12 journeys within one day and can be shared by several people. It is a good choice if you are travelling with a group, such as friends or family.
Double Journey Single User Ticket: This ticket offers two rides and can only be used by the person who buys it.
Single ticket (€1.60): This is a single trip ticket.

1.2 Pastel Card Subscriptions

Available subscription categories include: Annual, 31-Day, 7-Day, 3-Day Pass, 2-Day Pass, Day Pass, Evening Pass, 10-Ride Pass, Double Ride Single User Ticket, and Single Ride Ticket.

Annual (€39 per month or €468 per year): This subscription gives you unlimited rides for a whole year. It can be paid in cash or by monthly direct debit from your bank. For monthly direct debits, please contact the e-agency. To pay in cash, visit the Tisséo offices.
31-day subscription (€46.80): Gives you unlimited travel for a period of 31 days.
7-day pass (€14.20): Allows unlimited travel for a 7-day period.
3-Day Pass (€10.50): Allows unlimited travel over three days.
2-Day Pass (€8.50): Gives access to unlimited rides for two days.
Day Pass (€5.50): Allows unlimited rides on one day.
Evening Pass (€3.10): Allows unlimited rides from 19:00 until closing time. This pass is valid throughout the Tisséo Urban network.
10-trip pass (€13.40): Includes 10 single journeys.
Double ticket (€3.10): Includes two rides.
Single ticket (€1.60): Allows one single journey.

2. Subscriptions for Individuals Under 26

This service offers subscriptions to individuals up to the age of 25. Subscription options include: School, Under Four, 10-Ride Pass, 31-Day Pass and Annual Pass.

School (free): Only for students enrolled in schools and colleges in the Haute-Garonne region. This pass allows one trip per day from home to school.
Under four (free): Children aged four and under can travel for free when accompanied by an adult.
10-Ride Pass (€4): Offers 10 individual journeys.
31-day pass (€10): Offers unlimited rides for a period of 31 days.
Annual pass (€100): Includes unlimited rides for one year. Applicants must be between the ages of four and 25 on the day of purchase. This pass can only be paid for in cash.

3. Student Pass 26-35 (€9.80): Offers a 10-journey discount pass to people aged between 26 and 35 who are enrolled in a college or vocational school. The main residence must be in the Tisséo area.

4. Seniors 65+ (free): Offers a “Senior travel card” to people aged 65 and over who live in Haute-Garonne. This pass allows unlimited travel for one year and can be renewed annually for €10. Please note that this pass does not include the airport shuttle service.

5. Group ticket (€5.50): Offers a ticket that allows 12 journeys on the metro in a single day, to be shared by several people.

6. Large Families (€9.80): Offers a 10-journey family travel card for families with at least three children under the age of 18. Applicants must visit Tisséo offices with proof of address and family size to apply for this pass.

7. Job Seekers (free): Offers a “Job Seekers” pass that provides free travel for six months to people who are actively looking for work. Applicants must be under 65 years of age, registered with the Pôle Emploi agency and not receiving any form of income.

8. RSA recipients (free): Offers free travel to social security recipients with a Pastel card.

9. Subscriptions for Individuals with Disabilities

We offer pass options specifically designed for people with disabilities, categorised into Caregiver, 80% Disability and 10-Ride Discount Pass.

Caregiver (free): Provides free travel for carers of people with disabilities. Please note that this pass does not include Airport Shuttle travel. Carers require a Pastel Card with the words “Needed for support”.
80% Disability (Free): Provides free travel for five years for people with an 80% disability rating.
10-trip discount card (€9.80): Offers 10 rides to people with a disability of between 50% and 79%.

For those wishing to visit attractions such as the Garonne River, an additional set of tickets is available through the Transport and Tourism Network. These tickets are designed for general visitors and are categorised into 72-hour tourist pass, 48-hour tourist pass and 24-hour tourist pass.

72 Hour Tourist Pass (€29): Allows unlimited travel for three days and includes discounts at various tourist attractions and events. Available at Toulouse Tourist Offices, Charles de Gaulle Square and Tisséo offices.
48-hour tourist pass (€22): Offers unlimited travel for two days and includes discounts at the city’s tourist attractions and cultural events.
24-hour tourist pass (€15): Offers unlimited travel for a single day and includes discounts at tourist attractions and cultural events.

Subscriptions

Pastel card: This is an essential card for storing metro passes. It is exclusive to the purchaser and costs €8. In addition, the Pastel Card offers discounts on Vélôtoulouse bicycles and city parking. This card can be purchased by anyone.

Tickets, season tickets and the Pastel Card can be purchased at the Tisséo offices, which are also the point of contact for any queries. Please note that the offices are located at the following locations and are open during the opening hours indicated:

Airport office: Open every day except 1 May. Operating hours on weekdays are 9:00 – 15:25. On Sundays and public holidays the opening hours are from 15:25 to 22:00.
Arénes Office: Open on weekdays only, from 6:30am to 7:50pm.
Balma-Gramont office: Open on weekdays and Saturdays. Working hours on weekdays are from 6.30am to 7.50pm. On Saturdays the office is open from 10:30 to 19:00.
Basso-Cambo office: Open on weekdays and Saturdays. Weekday hours are from 6:30 to 19:50. Saturday hours are from 10:20 to 12:40 and from 13:00 to 16:50.
Jean-Jaurés office: Open on weekdays and Saturdays from 6.30 to 19.50.
Marengo SNCF office: Open every day except Saturdays and 1 May. Opening hours on weekdays are from 6.30 to 19.50. Sundays and public holidays from 15.50 to 22.20.

The e-agency, Tisséo’s online service, is available to order the Pastel Card, which will be delivered to your home free of charge within five working days. The annual subscription can also be purchased via the e-agency.

A network of 110 affiliated shops, including newsagents, bakeries and tobacconists, also sell metro cards and can refill the Pastel Card. Look for the Tisséo logo on participating shops.

Park and Ride

There are Park and Ride facilities available at major metro stations. For example, on line B, you can find parking areas at the terminal stations of Borderouge and Ramonville.

Tips

Works of art can be found in several metro stations. Pick up a brochure called “Galeries d’Art” at any ticket office to find out more about the artworks on display.
It is advisable to have coins with you to buy tickets from the machines, as they may not accept notes. In addition, these machines only accept French credit and debit cards.
Services are available to assist people with visual or hearing impairments. These services involve the display on a computer screen of an interpreter using French sign language in real time via a webcam. Access to these services is by prior arrangement.
The Métro mobile app and the Métro website include a journey planner that indicates stations with wheelchair access. These platforms can also be used to check the availability of lifts at stations.

Rules

If you plan to travel by metro and arrive by car, Park and Ride facilities are available at selected metro stations. On the A line, Park and Ride facilities are available at the following stations Arènes (with over 500 parking spaces), Argoulets (with over 800 parking spaces), Balma-Gramont (with over 1,300 parking spaces), Basso-Cambo (with over 500 parking spaces) and Jolimont (with over 300 parking spaces).

Security staff are present at the metro turnstiles. It is important to pay for your ticket and avoid using counterfeit tickets, as unauthorised entry may result in legal action.

At Jean-Jaurès station, police officers work alongside metro security staff to ensure your safety.

Remember to validate your ticket before entering the metro.

Fun Facts

Toulouse metro trains use rubber wheels.
Stations are equipped with platform screen doors to ensure passenger safety.
Each metro train runs on 750V electricity.
Toulouse metro trains are VAL models, which are also used in other cities such as Lille, Taipei, Uijeongbu, Rennes, Turin, Paris and Chicago’s O’Hare airport.
As you enter the metro, pre-recorded announcements tell you where the next station is (“Prochaine”) or if you can change trains (“Correspondance”).
Each metro station features unique artwork as part of its design, created by different groups of architects who followed common guidelines while creating distinct spaces.
The Toulouse metro is one of the largest and oldest fully automated and driverless (VAL) metro systems in the world.
The metro lines are designed to be accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Future Expansions

There are discussions about the construction of a third metro line to be completed by 2024. This new line will connect Matabiau station to the Colomiers region and will have 17 stations. There are also plans to extend the platforms of Line A stations by 2019 to accommodate more than 390,000 passengers per day. In addition, new stations will be added to Line A to serve the Saint Simon region. Similarly, Line B will have new stations from Borderouge to L’Union.

Nearby Attractions

Using Jean-Jaurès station as a reference point, here are directions on how to get to popular tourist attractions from Jean-Jaurès station by metro.

Musée des Augustins: The journey takes about four minutes. From Jean-Jaurès station, take line A in the direction of Basso Cambo for three minutes. Get off at Esquirol station. Then walk to 21 rue de Metz.
Canal du Midi: The journey takes about four minutes. From Jean-Jaurès station, take the B line in the direction of Borderouge Toulouse for four minutes. Get off at Canal du Midi.
Fondation Bemberg: The journey takes about five minutes. From Jean-Jaurès station, take line A in the direction of Basso Cambo for three minutes. Get off at Esquirol station. Then walk about 120 metres to Rue de Metz. Walk about five metres to Chemin Piéton. Walk a further 25 metres towards Rue de Metz. Finally, walk to the Hôtel d’Assézat, Place d’Assézat.
Les Abattoirs: The walk takes about ten minutes. From Jean-Jaurès station, take the A line in the direction of Basso Cambo for four minutes. Get off at Saint Cyprien-République station. Then walk about 150 metres to Chemin Piéton. Continue for about 16 metres to Rue Reclusane. Finally, go to 76 Allées Charles-de-Fitte.
Musée Paul-Dupuy: The walk takes about five minutes. From Jean-Jaurès station, take the B line in the direction of Ramonville-Saint-Agne for two minutes. Get off at Carmes station. Walk about five metres to Escaliers. Then walk about four metres to Chemin Piéton. Then walk about ten metres to Rue du Canard. Walk about two metres to Rue du Languedoc. Continue along Chemin Piéton for about 160 metres. Finally, go to 13 rue de la Pleau, which is about 40 metres away.