A paper web (w) is passed from the press section (10) to the drying section in a paper machine. The drying section has at least one transfer suction roll (16) for passing the web in a closed draw from the transport belt (12) of the press section to the drying wire (F) of the first cylinder drying group (14). The cylinder drying group has at least one vacuum box (30) stabilising the travel of the web. A high negative pressure is maintained in the transfer suction roll, this pressure being between −35 kPa and −80 kPa in order to attach the web to the drying wire.