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Paris Catacombs transport guide: How to reach the underground tunnels

Getting to Paris Catacombs | A quick overview

  • Travel by: Metro, bus, RER, car
  • Good to know: The visit starts with a descent of around 130 steps underground, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
  • Nearby: Located in the 14th arrondissement, the Catacombs are close to Montparnasse and Denfert-Rochereau Square.
  • Look out for: The official entrance has a dark stone façade with “Les Catacombes” signage above the doorway.
  • Guided tour route: The Catacombs’ underground maze can be tricky to navigate on your own. Let an expert guide lead the way through the tunnels, reveal hidden details, and help you make the most of your visit without missing the key highlights.
Skulls and bones in the Paris Catacombs, part of the underground tour experience.
Skip the hassle and let a guide take you beneath Paris

Navigate the underground tunnels of Paris with an expert guide who brings the Catacombs to life. Learn how this former quarry became the world’s largest underground cemetery, explore restricted sections, and uncover stories hidden beneath the city streets.

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White cross surrounded by skulls and bones in Paris Catacombs.

Where is the Paris Catacombs located?

The Paris Catacombs is situated in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, at:

Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
This central location is easy to access by public and private transportation. The area around the Catacombs is bustling, with cafes, parks, and other attractions making it a great stop while exploring Paris.

💡Interesting fact: The address commemorates Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, a key figure in the French Resistance during World War II. Place Denfert-Rochereau itself is named after a French general who played a pivotal role in the Franco-Prussian War.

Nearest landmark: Panthéon (2 km)

Getting to the Catacombs by public transportation

  • Travel time: 25 minutes from the Eiffel Tower
  • Metro timings: Lines 4 and 6 operate daily from 5:30am to 12:30am, extended to 1:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Nearest station: Denfert-Rochereau station [1-minute walk, 100 m]
  • Board Metro Line 6 at Bir-Hakeim and alight at Denfert-Rochereau.
  • If you are close to the Louvre take Line 4 from from Châtelet.
  • Use Exit Place Denfert-Rochereau, and the entrance is directly visible.
  • Pro-tip: Use the rear carriage of the metro for a quicker exit at Denfert-Rochereau.
  • Travel time: 18 minutes from Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • RER timings: Line B operates daily from 5am to 12am, with extended service until 1am on weekends.
  • Nearest stop: Port Royal [7-minute walk, 650 m]
  • Take RER Line B rom Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame and alight at Port Royal.
  • From there, it’s 7-minute walk to the Catacombs.
  • Pro-tip: Walk via Avenue Denfert-Rochereau to enjoy charming architecture en route.
  • Travel time: 20 minutes from the Louvre
  • Bus timings: Most buses operate daily from 6:30am to 9:30pm, with limited night services.
  • Nearest stop: Denfert-Rochereau [1-minute walk, 150 m]
  • Take buses 38, 59, 68, 92, or N21 to the Denfert-Rochereau stop. The entrance is just 1 minute away on foot.
  • Pro-tip: Choose Bus 38 for a scenic route that passes key landmarks, including Luxembourg Gardens.

Getting to the Catacombs by car

  • Paid parking is available at Boulevard Saint-Jacques, but spaces are limited. Rates range from €4 for 1 hour to €50 for 6 hours, with a maximum stay of 6 hours.
  • The Catacombs is a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.

Alternate ways to get to the Catacombs

Tour group exploring Paris Catacombs with guide, showcasing special access areas.

Cycling

Electric scooters or rental bikes are eco-friendly ways to reach the Catacombs. Drop-off points are available near Place Denfert-Rochereau.

Walking

Enjoy a scenic walk through the charming streets of the 14th arrondissement to reach the Catacombs. It takes approximately 30 minutes from central Paris landmarks such as Luxembourg Gardens.
Pro-tip: Walk along Rue Daguerre to explore lively markets and cafes before arriving at the Catacombs.

Paris Catacombs entrances

There is only one official entrance to Paris Catacombs on Avenue du Colonel Henri Roi-Tanguy. It’s easy to spot thanks to its signage and the queue of visitors waiting to enter (there is an upper limit of 200 people at a time inside the Catacombs).

​More on the Catacombs entrances here

Frequently asked questions about Paris Catacombs location

The Paris Catacombs are located approximately 3 kilometers south of the city center, making it a quick trip via metro, taxi, or even a pleasant walk if you're up for it.

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