Line 18 construction details

The first section of line 18 of the Grand Paris Express, set to open in December 2026, involves 68 stations currently under construction. This line is the first new metro line to open in Paris in thirty years and is part of a larger 200-kilometer network that will significantly expand the city’s existing metro system.

Opening timeline and adjustments

Originally planned to be ready for the 2026 academic year, line 18 is now expected to open a few weeks before the academic year begins. This adjustment ensures that the line will be fully equipped, with completed stations and ready for its first passengers.

Initial segment and route

The first 10 kilometers of line 18 will connect the Saclay university campus to a total of 35 kilometers of track with ten stations, stretching from Versailles to Orly airport. This initial segment will provide improved transportation links for students and travelers in the region.

Elevated stations and engineering

Line 18 will include four new stations built on the longest railway viaduct in Europe. The Grand Paris Express has only two elevated lines—line 18 and line 17—located at the level of the Bourget. These elevated sections are designed to minimize disruption to the surrounding landscape.

Power system and challenges

To avoid the visual impact of overhead power lines, line 18 uses a third rail system with reverse pickup for electrical power. This choice, while less intrusive, added complexity to the project and contributed to delays in meeting the original deadlines.

Automation and speed

Line 18 will be fully automated and entirely electric, enabling trains to run as frequently as every 90 seconds during peak hours. The trains are expected to operate at an average speed of 65 km/h, with a maximum speed of 100 km/h, enhancing the efficiency of the metro system.