Getting to the Louvre: metro, entrances & arrival tips

Getting there

The Louvre sits in Paris's 1st arrondissement, on the Right Bank between Rue de Rivoli and the Seine. It's one of the easiest landmarks in Paris to reach by public transport:

• Métro lines 1 and 7 to Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre, the station has direct access into the museum complex. This is the simplest option.
• Métro line 1 also serves Tuileries, a pleasant short walk through the Tuileries Garden to the museum.
• RER A to Auber, a short walk from the Opera side.
• Bus: several bus lines serve Rue de Rivoli and the surrounding area; check current routes on the RATP site or your transit app before traveling, since bus routes change more often than metro lines.

If you're staying anywhere near a metro line 1 or 7 station, you'll likely reach the Louvre with a single ride. That matters more than staying next door, see our where to stay near the Louvre guide.

The three entrances

The Pyramid (Cour Napoléon)

The main entrance and the iconic one, the glass pyramid everyone photographs. It's also the one with the longest security line, especially mid-morning. If you arrive early or in the evening, it's fine; in peak hours, expect a wait.

Carrousel du Louvre (99 Rue de Rivoli)

The underground entrance through the shopping mall, reached via the Rue de Rivoli side. Often the fastest way in, and it drops you directly into the museum complex. If you're coming from the metro, this is usually the most efficient route.

Porte des Lions

A smaller side entrance near the Tuileries, on the Seine side. It tends to open mainly at peak times and isn't guaranteed, treat it as a bonus, not a plan.

The important rule: use the entrance your ticket names. Your confirmation may indicate a specific entrance or dedicated ticket-holder lanes, check it before you set off, and follow staff directions on the day.

Arriving for your timed slot

• Arrive 20–30 minutes before your slot. Bag checks and security screening take time, and a timed entry that expires is not worth the stress of a sprint.
• Travel light. Large bags are impractical across 400+ rooms of galleries. Check the current bag policy on louvre.fr before visiting and leave what you can at your hotel.
• Have your ticket ready offline. You'll need it at the entrance, and connectivity around the museum isn't reliable.
• Booked an evening slot? Check when to visit, Wednesday and Friday evenings are the quietest, and the last-entry rules (one hour before closing) apply to every slot.