How to get to Sacré-Cœur
The basilica stands on top of the Butte Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement, about 130 m above sea level. No metro station opens onto the basilica itself, so every route ends with a walk uphill, a climb up the steps, or the funicular. How long that takes depends on where you start, so allow extra time on the first visit.
Many visitors combine the arrival with a guided walk through the quarter. If that suits you, compare the Montmartre walking tours before you choose a meeting point, because several start at metro stops rather than at the basilica.
Metro to Sacré-Cœur
Three stations, three different walks.
Anvers, line 2
From Anvers you walk uphill, then take the steps or the funicular for the last stretch. Check the route on a map before you leave the station.
Abbesses, line 12
Abbesses is not an entrance to the basilica. You need a further walk and a climb through the streets. It suits visitors who want to see the quarter on the way up.
Pigalle, lines 2 and 12
Pigalle sits on both lines, so you can reach it from either. It is also a walk uphill, so plan for the same effort as from the other two.
A single metro ticket costs €2.55 in 2026 (€1.30 reduced). It is also valid on the Montmartre funicular, but it does not connect to a following journey, so keep a second ticket in mind.
Our pick: a ride around the hill
If the steps are too much, the tourist train circles Montmartre from the basilica.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Montmartre tours and Sacré-Cœur dome tickets
Walking tours that start near the metro, dome entry with a guide, food tours and an evening show, with live prices and availability.
Bus 40, funicular and steps
The last stretch up the hill.
| Option | 2026 fare | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 40 | €2.05, reduced €1.05 | Formerly the Montmartrobus; runs from Le Peletier to Mairie du 18e / Jules Joffrin over the Butte |
| Funicular | €2.55, reduced €1.30 | Daily 06:00–00:45, ride of just over a minute |
| Outer steps | No ticket needed | About 220 steps; separate from the dome staircase |
Bus 40 got its current number in 2019. It is a bus ticket at €2.05, not the metro ticket, so do not mix up the two. The stops Saules-Cortot and Mont-Cenis-Cortot serve the Musée de Montmartre. For most visitors, a simple plan is metro to Anvers or Abbesses, the funicular up and the steps down.
The funicular in short
It runs from 06:00 to 00:45 every day and takes just over a minute. Read the funicular guide for payment options, children's fares and the difference between the outer steps and the dome stairs.
By car, taxi or on foot
Why the metro is simpler.
Pedestrian priority on the hill
The city is giving the Butte Montmartre a pedestrian-first layout. Local traffic is limited to those with a destination, and permitted vehicles move at about 6 km/h. Not every street may be set up the same way at every time, so follow the signs.
Paris Respire on Sundays
On Sundays Montmartre takes part in Paris Respire from 11:00 to 19:00. Since 20 September 2026 rue Muller has filtered access and rue Coustou is closed, with a dead end for residents. Expect a different traffic picture at those hours.
Parking example
The Q-Park Anvers garage at 41 boulevard de Rochechouart, 75009, is open round the clock. Posted rates on site are €5.15 for one hour and €46 for 24 hours, with a maximum height of 1.90 m. Free spaces are not guaranteed.
Step-free arrival
No route is step-free from start to finish. The basilica has a lift entrance at the back, at 35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre, with hours of 08:30 to 18:30 or 19:00. There is no lift to the dome.
Stay alert near the gardens
One scam to know about.
Near the entrance to the Square Louise-Michel, strangers have grabbed visitors by the wrist, tied a bracelet on and asked for money. It is a known trick, and it is easy to avoid. Keep your hands free, say no calmly, keep walking and keep your bag closed in front of you. In any crowd on the steps, stay aware of your phone and wallet.
Other landmarks in Paris have their own guides. Notre-Dame is one of them, and it is best planned as a separate half day.
Plan the rest of your visit
What to read next.
Getting to Sacré-Cœur: frequently asked questions
Which metro station is closest to Sacré-Cœur?
Anvers on line 2, Abbesses on line 12 and Pigalle on lines 2 and 12 are the usual choices. None of them opens onto the basilica, so each leaves a walk uphill.
Does bus 40 go to Sacré-Cœur?
Bus 40, the former Montmartrobus, runs over the Butte from Le Peletier to Mairie du 18e / Jules Joffrin. It costs €2.05 in 2026. Check the map for the stop nearest to where you want to be.
Can I use one ticket for the metro and the funicular?
The €2.55 single ticket is valid on both, but it gives no connection from one to the next. You need a new ticket for each separate journey.
Can I drive up to the basilica?
The hill is being set up for pedestrians first, with limited access for vehicles. A garage at Anvers is an option, but the metro is simpler. Traffic rules change by street and by day, so follow the signs.
How long does it take to get there?
That depends on where you start. The final walk up from the metro or the ride on the funicular adds time, so allow a margin if you have a booking nearby.
Is this the official Sacré-Cœur website?
No. This is an independent guide, not connected to the basilica, the archdiocese or the city. Check current transport conditions before you travel.