Line 4 of the Paris metro connects Bagneux – Lucie Aubrac to Porte de Clignancourt, crossing the center of Paris along a north-south axis. With stations like Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Les Halles, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montparnasse – Bienvenüe, this line handles a significant portion of daily passenger traffic. Knowing its operating hours and current disruptions helps avoid costly detours in terms of time, especially in a network where modernization works are increasing.
Closure of Saint-Michel station on line 4: what changes at the end of 2026
One point that the classic schedule pages do not always highlight: the Saint-Michel station on line 4 will not be served from September 14 to December 19, 2026. Trains will continue to run normally on the segment but will pass through Saint-Michel without stopping.
This closure only affects the metro line 4. The RER B and C at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame will remain operational throughout the renovation work. To access the area, RATP recommends using the Cité or Odéon stations, both located a few minutes’ walk away.
This information is important for regular travelers who rely on this connection. Getting off at Cité instead of Saint-Michel changes the walking time to Boulevard Saint-Michel or the banks of the Seine. Checking the line 4 metro Paris schedules before leaving remains the most reliable reflex to anticipate this type of non-service.
Line 4 schedules: operating hours and frequencies
On weekdays, trains on line 4 run from 5:30 AM to around 1:15 AM. The frequency during peak hours ranges from two to four minutes, making it one of the most frequent lines in the RATP network.
On Friday and Saturday nights, as well as the eve of public holidays, the service is extended until around 2:15 AM. This shift of about an hour allows coverage of nighttime outings without switching to the Noctilien network.
Last departures from the terminals
From Sunday to Thursday, the last metros arrive at the terminus around 1:30 AM. The last departure from Bagneux – Lucie Aubrac or Porte de Clignancourt occurs earlier, usually around 12:40 AM depending on the direction. Ground reports slightly differ on the exact times of the very last stops at intermediate stations: checking real-time screens or the RATP app remains the safest method.
Summer disruptions on line 4 in Paris
Summer 2026 brought its share of occasional closures on line 4. Several central stations were not served between July 6 and July 24:
- Châtelet, Cité, and Saint-Michel, forming a continuous segment in the heart of Paris
- Odéon, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Saint-Sulpice, on the left bank
- Total traffic interruptions on part of the line also occurred in August, for several hours
These works are part of a broader modernization program for the network. For travelers, the construction schedule evolves weekly. The Transilien works page and the RATP website publish updates, but dates can shift without notice, complicating planning.
Useful connections along line 4
Line 4 crosses a density of connections that is uncommon in the Paris network. Some are obvious, while others deserve attention to save time.
At Gare du Nord, the connection with RER B, D, and E, as well as lines 2 and 5, makes it a major hub. During works on RER B (frequent in recent years), line 4 absorbs part of the passenger overflow, which lengthens waiting times on the platform.
At Châtelet – Les Halles, the interconnection with lines 1, 7, 11, 14, and RER A, B, D offers a wide range of destinations. The transfer corridors between line 4 and RER A can take five to ten minutes to walk during peak hours: a detail rarely mentioned on maps.
Montparnasse – Bienvenüe and the left bank
The Montparnasse – Bienvenüe station connects line 4 to lines 6, 12, and 13. For travelers coming from Bagneux, it is often the pivot point towards western Paris or the Montparnasse stations (TGV to the Atlantic). The corridors there are long, and the available data does not allow for a reliable average transfer time conclusion: it varies depending on the time and arrival platform.
Adapting journeys on line 4 during year-end works
The closure of Saint-Michel until December 2026 requires rethinking certain daily routes. Here are some concrete suggestions:
- To reach the Latin Quarter from the north, get off at Cité and cross the Pont au Change or the Petit Pont (a few extra minutes of walking)
- From the left bank, prefer Odéon, which remains served and provides access to Boulevard Saint-Michel via Rue de l’Odéon
- For RER B and C connections, use the Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station directly, which remains open for pedestrian access even though the metro line 4 station is closed
The distinction between the metro station (closed) and the RER station (open) is a frequent source of confusion. Surface signs are not always clear, and navigation apps sometimes take time to incorporate temporary closures.
Line 4 remains one of the most utilized routes in the Paris metro, and the ongoing modernization works regularly change its operating conditions. Checking real-time traffic before each trip is no longer a precaution; it is a necessity for the coming months.