How to get to the Paris Catacombs

Getting to the Paris Catacombs is straightforward — it sits right on one of the Left Bank’s best-connected squares — but there’s one quirk worth knowing before you go: you won’t come out where you went in. This guide covers the métro, RER, bus and walking routes to the entrance, plus what to expect at the separate exit.

Getting There by Métro and RER

Denfert-Rochereau is one of the easiest stations in Paris to navigate to the Catacombs from, since the entrance sits right on the square outside. Coming from the north or east of the city, métro line 4 or 6 will bring you directly there; the RER B also stops here, useful if you’re coming from further out along that line. Once you’re above ground, the bronze Lion of Belfort statue in the middle of the square is the easiest landmark to spot — the entrance building is just off it.

The Entrance and Exit Addresses

The entrance is at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, right on place Denfert-Rochereau. This small, easy-to-miss green pavilion is where you’ll go through security, show your timed ticket and begin the descent of 131 steps.

Importantly, the exit is not the same building. You come up 112 steps at a separate address, 21bis Avenue René-Coty, a short distance away on the other side of the block. There’s no route back through the entrance, so don’t leave anything at the start expecting to collect it on your way out — bags aren’t left at either end anyway, since there’s no cloakroom. For the full layout of the route between the two, see our map and visitor route guide.

Getting There by Bus

Several bus routes stop at or near place Denfert-Rochereau, including lines 38, 68, 88 and 216, as well as the OrlyBus express service from Orly Airport. Buses are a reasonable option if you’re already near one of these routes or prefer not to change onto the métro, though they’ll typically take longer than the RER or métro during the day due to Paris traffic.

Walking from Nearby Areas

If you’re staying around Montparnasse, the Catacombs are an easy 15–20 minute walk south along Avenue du Général Leclerc, flat and straightforward the whole way. From the Luxembourg Gardens or the southern edge of the Latin Quarter, it’s a similarly manageable walk of 20–25 minutes through pleasant residential streets. Walking is a good option if you’re combining the visit with a stroll through the nearby Montparnasse Cemetery, or want a coffee stop first — see our guide to restaurants and cafés nearby for options either side of your visit.

Getting There from the Airports and Gare du Nord

RER B runs directly between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Denfert-Rochereau, with no need to change lines, making it the simplest route from CDG — allow around 45–50 minutes depending on the time of day. From Orly Airport, the OrlyBus runs directly to place Denfert-Rochereau. From Gare du Nord, RER B also runs straight through to Denfert-Rochereau in around 15–20 minutes, making it a convenient link if you’re arriving by Eurostar or another train into that station.

Timing Your Journey Around Your Slot

Since Catacombs tickets are for a specific timed entry, build in extra time for your journey rather than cutting it fine — arriving 10–15 minutes before your slot is recommended to allow for the security check. If you’re travelling during the Paris morning or evening rush, the métro and RER can be busier than usual, so leave a buffer. Pair your route planning with our guide to the best time to visit if you’re still choosing a slot, and double-check the current opening hours before you set off.