paris tourist metro card

Home > Getting Around Paris > Paris Metro Tickets 2024 (and Best Paris Metro Pass for Tourists!)

Paris Metro Tickets 2024 (and Best Paris Metro Pass for Tourists!)

Paris metro guide for tourists.

All about the Paris Metro for tourists: Paris Metro tickets 2024, Paris Metro pass options, and how to navigate the Metro of Paris.

The Metro of Paris is Europe’s best subway system and allows locals and visitors to go from one point to another in Paris quickly and cheaply. Inaugurated in 1900 for the Paris World Fair , the centenary Paris Metro has grown organically, trying to adapt to the city’s new needs. For this reason, the Metro of Paris is a labyrinthine (sometimes chaotic) network of railroads, corridors, and metro stations, and it can be overwhelming for first-timers in Paris .

The good news is that,, with the right information, the Paris Metro system is relatively easy to use and a great way to discover Paris like a local.

This quick guide to the Paris Metro for tourists gives information on the different Paris Metro tickets 2024 (and how to buy them) and our best tips on how to use the Paris Metro 2024. If you want to know if any Paris Metro Strike is scheduled during your coming trip to Paris, then head to this post .

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, we’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan:  Paris Travel Planner ; Paris Arrondissements Guide ; Check out the  best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with  Omio ; book your train tickets with  Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

» Where to Stay:  Best Districts to Stay in Paris

• Le Pavillon de la Reine  (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
• Hotel La Comtesse  (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
• Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
• Seine River Night Cruise
• Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris?  Get your hands on a  Paris Museum Pass !

» Don’t leave without travel insurance!   Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.

Content of this Paris Metro Guide 2024

• Paris Metro Tickets 2024
• Navigo Easy: Best Paris Metro Pass for Tourists
• Paris Metro Day Pass 2024: Is it Worth it?
• Other Metro Paris Tickets 2024
• Paris Metro Lines and Paris Metro Map
• Paris Metro Hours and Paris Metro Rush Hour
• How to Use the Paris Metro – Top Local Tips
• Metro of Paris Etiquette
• When Things Go Wrong
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in the Metro of Paris

1. Paris Metro Tickets 2024

The Paris Metro tickets are also called T+ tickets. You can use the Paris Metro tickets for zones 1-3 only (= within Paris) for the next 90 minutes after validation (without exiting the network). With this Metro Paris ticket, you can also travel by bus, tramway, RER (within the limits of Paris), and Montmartre’s funicular.

GOOD TO KNOW: With a Ticket T+, you can connect for free between metro-metro, RER-RER, and metro-RER in central Paris for 90 minutes from your first validation. You can take the Montmartre funicular with a Ticket T+, but you cannot connect to other modes of transport.

The T+ tickets are only valid for getting around Paris. To go from Paris to Versailles, Fontainebleau, or Disneyland Paris, a Billet Ile de France (Ile de France ticket) is necessary. The  Billet Aéroport  is the ticket to buy if you want to travel to the Airports in Paris.

TIP: Always keep your Metro Paris ticket until you leave the Metro. Ticket controls are frequent in the Paris Metro, especially at the beginning and end of the month.

Paris Metro Prices 2024

The Paris Metro ticket price is 2,15 €. The T+ ticket comes with a few discounts, which are the following:

> A pack of 10 T+ tickets (called Carnet de Dix in French) costs 17,35 € , which means 1.73 € /ticket.

> A pack of 10 T+ tickets at a reduced price (called Carnet de Dix Tarif Réduit  in French) is available for kids from 4 to 9 years old and costs 8,65 € . A passenger with a reduced fare ticket must be able to prove their right to the reduction at any time during their trip (e.g., with an identity card). There is no single T+ ticket with a reduced price for kids.

These are the Paris Metro prices 2024. The Paris Metro prices usually change every year in January.

PARIS METRO TICKET PRICE DURING THE OLYMPICS 2024:

The price of the Paris metro ticket will almost double during the Paris Olympics 2024 !

The increase in the price of several transport tickets in Paris and the Ile-de-France region has been decided in order to ensure the increase in the offer during the peak period. It will not apply to monthly and annual passes such as Navigo.

From 20 July to 8 September 2024 , the Paris metro ticket will increase to 4 € (from 2,15 € currently) and the carnet de dix (booklet of 10 T+ tickets) to 32 € (from 17,35 € currently).

Paris frequent travelers can avoid this increase in price by loading their Navigo Easy with tickets before July 20. As a reminder, a Navigo Easy card can be loaded with three “carnets de dix” (3×10 T+ tickets) maximum. If you plan to use the metro more than 30 times, buy another Navigo Easy card for 2 € and load it fully. It is not possible to load a Navigo Pass (weekly, monthly, etc.) with T+ tickets.

How to Buy Paris Metro Tickets

Because Paris Metro T+ tickets are now virtual, you can buy these Paris Metro tickets online, with your phone, or load them onto a physical Paris Metro card.

> On Your Phone: buy and validate your tickets with your phone via any of the free RATP apps.

> On a Paris Metro Card: purchase the Navigo Easy card (a plastic card) and use the vending machines or your phone to buy and top up your tickets. Then, use the card to validate your tickets.

IMPORTANT: The sale of paper tickets T+, alone or in a pack, is now permanently discontinued in Metro stations and stops. Today, Paris Metro tickets T+ are only virtual , and you must upload them on a Paris Metro card or your phone (more on this below).

Can I buy Paris Metro tickets in advance?

> Your Phone: you can buy Paris Metro tickets online (=upload them on your phone or a physical card) if you have any of the RATP apps. To view, purchase, or validate tickets, NFC Activation is necessary.

> Vending Machine: you can buy Paris Metro tickets in advance (=upload them on your physical card). I always buy a bunch of Paris Metro tickets at the end of the year because I know that in January, the Paris Metro ticket price will be higher.

Where to Buy Paris Metro Tickets

> Your Phone: you can buy Paris Metro tickets online anywhere, as long as you have your phone. Simply download one of the free RATP applications available on the App Store and Google Play: Ile-de-France Mobilités and Bonjour RATP . To view, purchase, or validate tickets, NFC Activation is necessary.

> Physical Card: First, you need to purchase the physical card ( Navigo Easy ) at one of the Metro Information Kiosks. The Navigo Easy card cost is 2 € . When you buy your card, you can ask the staff to upload it with a few T+ tickets or a pack of 10 tickets (called “carnet de dix” in French).

For the next time, you can upload T+ tickets on your Navigo Easy card with your phone (if you have one of the RATP apps installed) or at the metro, tram, and train stations (RATP and SNCF stations). In the Metro, you will have to use the vending machines located at the entrance before the tripods.

The Information Kiosks at the Metro only provide information. If you ask kindly (s’il-vous-plait,…), they can upload the Navigo Easy card for you when you purchase it, but that’s all. The Metro staff in the Information Kiosks only inform Metro users and eventually help them if there is a problem with their tickets or Paris Metro pass.

2. Navigo Easy: Best Paris Metro Pass for Tourists

Finally! Visitors or occasional Metro travelers in Paris have a loadable pass perfect for their needs. The  Navigo Easy Pass  is a flexible and convenient Paris Metro card that can be loaded with T+ tickets, Orly Bus tickets, Roissy Bus tickets, or a Paris Metro Day Pass. In my opinion, the Navigo Easy Pass is the best Paris Metro Pass for tourists.

The Navigo Easy Pass is an individual Paris Metro pass. This means that several people CAN NOT travel simultaneously with the same card. However, it is not a personal pass, so you can lend it to somebody if you don’t use it.

Unlike other Paris Metro passes, the Navigo Easy Pass has no validity limit; you can use it and load it as many times as you want for ten years!

You can buy, use, and reload the Navigo Easy Pass with your smartphone (if you have one of the RATP apps). The descriptions below are for those who prefer to use the Navigo Easy Pass as a physical card.

How to Load Your Navigo Easy Pass at the Metro Station

First, you must buy a travel card at one of the Metro Information Kiosks. The Navigo Easy plastic card costs 2 €. When you buy it, the vendor will ask you if you want him to load it with tickets. Tell him “ Un Carnet de Dix, s’il-vous-plait ” – or the number of tickets you want, – and he will do it for you. That was easy!

Next time, you must load it yourself in the vending machines. Instead of writing a long description, I took pictures of every step.

By default, the machine will communicate with you in French, but we will change this too. Use the roller to move through the options and the green button to validate. You can pay your purchase with cash or a card.

Don’t take the credit card back until the machine tells you to do so. The machine loads the tickets on your card only after the payment is approved. Same with the Navigo Easy card: don’t take the Navigo Easy card back until the machine tells you so. And that’s it!

How to Check Your Navigo Easy Pass Balance at the Metro Station

It is very easy! Go to any vending machine and follow steps 1 to 5. In step 5, on the right corner of the screen, the machine tells you how many tickets are left in your pass (Pass Contents). When I took the picture, my balance was 10 tickets.

Then, go on with the process – if you decide to buy more tickets – , or take your Navigo Easy card back. I promise to take a better picture soon!

You can also check the balance when you validate your ticket at the tripods (but sometimes, it is difficult to see).

3. Paris Metro Day Pass 2024: Is it Worth it?

The Paris Metro Day Pass (Navigo Day ticket) allows unlimited travel for one day, from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., with the same conditions as T+ tickets.

You can buy and use the Paris Metro Day Pass with your smartphone (if you have one of the RATP apps) or upload it to one of the following Paris Metro cards: Paris Navigo, Navigo Découverte, or Navigo Easy.

You can buy this pass up to 6 days in advance. It will start working after the first validation on the day and until the end of the metro service that same day. The Paris Metro Day Pass 2024 costs 8,65 € (zones 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5) and 20,60 € (zones 1-5).

Is the Paris Metro Day Pass 2024 good for tourists? The Paris Metro Day Pass can be a good pass if you plan to use public transport in Paris a lot in one day. If you buy a 10-ticket booklet, the cost of a single ticket is 1.73 €. If you plan on using the metro 6 times or more during the day, then the Paris Metro Pass will be cheaper than a booklet of 10 T+ tickets.

4. Other Metro Paris Tickets 2024

The Metro of Paris proposes different Paris Metro passes (called forfaits  in French) for different prices and durations. Below, we only mention the most interesting passes for tourists:

Navigo Pass (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Annual)

The Navigo Pass is the most used pass by the locals. Paris’ Navigo Pass allows unlimited rides with all the public transportation in Paris and the Ile-de-France region (except Orly Val) during a day, a week, a month, or a full year.

> Navigo Daily Pass is described above.

> Navigo Weekly Pass is valid for one week, from Monday to Sunday. You can buy the pass from Friday of the previous week until Thursday of the week you want to use it. If you decide to buy it on Thursday, for example, you will only use this pass for four days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the same week). The cost of this pass is 30,75 € (all zones). “All zones” is the option to choose from, even if you only want to travel around Paris.

> The Navigo Monthly Pass is valid for one month, from the first day until the last day of the month. The cost of this pass is 86,40 € (all zones). “All zones” is the option to choose, even if you only want to travel around Paris.

You can load this Navigo Pass on your phone via any of the RATP apps. If you prefer to use it with a physical card, first, you need to purchase one of the two following Paris Metro cards: Navigo travel card or Navigo Découverte travel card. Once you get the card, charge it with the best Navigo Pass for you (check Chapter #2 for how to load it).

> The  Navigo Travel Card is available for Paris and Ile-de-France residents. It is free upon presentation of proof of residence (e.g., an invoice with your address in Paris or Ile-de-France). You also need to bring a picture to get this card.

> The Navigo Découverte Travel Card is available for everybody (residents and non-residents), and it costs 5 €. You also need to bring a picture to get this card.

You can purchase these Paris Metro cards from the following commercial agencies:

Gare Paris Saint Lazare, Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, Gare de Montparnasse, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile Station, and Pereire-Levallois Station.

Navigo Liberté+ Pass

This is an ideal option for occasional travelers, as long as they have a French bank account. It allows you to use all transport within Paris, Funicular of Montmartre included. All you have to do is validate this Paris Metro card each time you travel.

Each journey costs 1.69 € (excluding OrlyBus/RoissyBus), compared to 2.10 € for a single T+ ticket. If you have to make several journeys during the day, you will pay a maximum of 8.45 € . You will be charged at the end of the month depending on the number of journeys made.

To benefit from it, simply go to one of the commercial agencies mentioned above, providing your contact details and French bank account IBAN. The Navigo Liberté + contract is available exclusively on a personalized Navigo travel card (with your first and last name and your photo).

Paris Visite Pass

The Paris Visite Pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, can be very convenient, especially if you are traveling outside of Paris, in the Ile-de-France region. This Metro pass Paris + Ile-de-France allows unlimited travel without having to worry about travel prices and also offers cultural and commercial advantages, such as reduced museum prices.

You can buy this pass to travel anywhere in Paris (zones 1 to 3) OR in Paris plus the Île-de-France region (all zones, including airport connections, Orly Val, Disneyland Paris, and Château de Versailles).

The Paris Visite Pass is sold as a paper ticket, available at ticket offices in RATP and SNCF Transilien stations. The ticket fares depend on the zones (1-3 or 1-5) and the number of days, from 13,95 € (one day) to 44,45 € (five days) for zones 1 to 3 and from 29,25 € (one day) to 76,25 € (five days) for Paris + Ile-de-France region. The Paris Visite Pass costs half price for kids aged between 4 to 11 years.

Paris Metro Anti-Pollution Pass

Does the air smell bad in Paris today? In the event of a pollution spike, the Metro of Paris offers a 1-day Anti-pollution Pass ( Forfait Antipollution ) with unlimited travel on all modes of public transport (except Orly Val) throughout Paris and Ile-de-France. This pass costs 3.90 € and is available online (via any Paris Metro app) and at any Metro station in Paris.

How to know when this special Paris Metro Day Pass is available? This information usually appears on the screens of all metro stations just before the metro automatic tripods. You can also check it online on the RATP website.

Weekend Metro Pass Paris for Youth

The Weekend Paris Metro Pass for youth ( Forfait Navigo Jeunes Weekend ) is a  one-day travel pass limited to young people under 26. It can be used only on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays from 12 am to 11:59 pm and for your choice zones.

This pass costs 4.70 € for zones 1-3 and 10.35 € for zones 1-5 and is available online (via any Paris Metro app) and at any Metro station in Paris.

5. Paris Metro Lines and Paris Metro Map

The Metro of Paris covers all the Arrondissements of Paris and some of the City’s surrounding suburbs. It is 220 km long, and it goes underground most of the time. There are 16 Paris Metro lines, numbered from 1 to 14, plus line 3bis and line 7bis. The Metro of Paris counts 302 metro stations, 62 of them with transfers between lines.

To find your bearings, you have different Paris Metro maps on each platform. The most useful maps for you are the Plan du Métro (Map of Paris Metro) and the Plan du Quartier (Neighborhood Map).

> On the Paris Metro Map , you can see all the Paris Metro lines with their corresponding colors, metro stations, and connections between them.

> On the Neighborhood Map , you can see on a larger scale the neighborhood streets where the metro station is located and all the exits for that metro station. One single metro station can have multiple exits, so if you are going to a specific address, have a look at this Plan du Quartier before leaving the metro and choose the exit closer to your destination point; it can save you lots of walking!

A (free) mini foldable map of the Paris Metro is also available at the Information Kiosks located at the metro entrance, and it is handy. On it, you can see the Paris Metro zones, all the metro lines, metro stations, and their connections. All the RATP apps have the Paris Metro Map included. You can also download a PDF version here for free.

6. Paris Metro Hours and Paris Metro Rush Hour 

What are the Paris Metro hours? What time does the Metro close in Paris?

The Paris Metro hours depend on the day of the week. The Metro of Paris runs from 5.30 am to 1.00 am during the weekdays and from 5.30 am to 2.00 am on Friday, Saturday, and bank holidays.

Paris Metro Rush Hour

If you are using the metro to visit Paris, we recommend avoiding the Paris Metro rush hour, from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 8 pm. Traveling out of the Paris Metro rush hour means an easier journey, and perhaps you can also get a seat.

TIP: Check how to survive the Metro of Paris in the Summer

7. How to Use the Paris Metro – Top Local Tips

Download a Paris Metro App

The best way to navigate Paris by Metro is to download a Paris Metro app on your phone. I use RATP’s free app Ile-de-France Mobilités , available for Android and iPhone.

This Paris Metro app includes a Metro trip planner. The app has a Map of the Metro of Paris, and it calculates the best itinerary from A to B for you. Thanks to its geolocation function, it also shows the closest metro station.

With this app, you can also get live metro traffic news (current interruptions and maintenance works).

Know your Direction and Follow the Panels

Each Metro line has a specific color and a number. The panels on the Metro walls and the electronic panels on the platform show the line number and the direction (first station – last station). For example, if you take Line 2, you will see panels with Line #2 Porte Dauphine and Line #2 Nation .

Exits are called Sortie in French, and a single metro station can have more than one Sortie. To choose the right exit, look at the Neighbourhood Map, look for your destination, and take the closest exit to your destination.

Metro stations close to tourist attractions always include a brown panel with a sketch drawing of that specific attraction. Follow the panel.

Avoid Busy Metro Hubs

Unless it is vital, avoid big and crazy metro hubs like Châtelet , Montparnasse, or Gare de Lyon . These stations can have up to 15 different platforms, and it might take a good 10 minutes to navigate from one line to the other.

We don’t suggest stopping at Châtelet-Les Halles ; the direction panels are placed so badly that I always end up turning around the same 2 or 3 pillars in the hall above. The only explanation for me is that the guy who placed all those panels drank a little bit too much wine that day!

Sometimes, Walking is Faster than Taking the Metro

Look at the map below with the walking distances between main metro hubs. In most cases, you need 30 min or less to go from A to B on foot.

Here’s a more detailed Paris Metro Map with walking distances between metro stations. Sometimes it’s faster and more pleasant to walk in the open air than changing metro lines in Paris underground!

Check that Your Metro Station is Working!

The Paris Metro is currently undergoing huge renovation works to adapt its stations to people with disabilities. This means that some metro stations are closed to passengers for a certain time, the trains do not stop there, and you need to find an alternative itinerary.

You can check if the closest metro station to your hotel is open or closed for work on the RATP website .

8. Metro of Paris Etiquette 

It’s true: Parisians have their own rules when they use the Parisian Metro! Published online, the Paris Metro Etiquette Guide lists “12 basic commandments” split into four categories: Helpfulness, Courtesy, Manners, and Politeness.

Just because you are not Parisian, it does not mean that you don’t need to follow the rules. When navigating Paris by Metro, there are some big “faux pas,” and, local or not, you should know them. Most of the rules are based on politeness and common sense, like:

> Smoking signs in the Metro are not pieces of art but bans.

> Mind your hygiene. Please, mind your hygiene!

> Assist elderly passengers or pregnant women with their bags and let them your seat if they don’t have one.

> Let passengers leave the train before stepping on it. OR if you are on the metro just in front of the door but don’t need to leave, please step out of the metro to let passengers leave. Then, enter the metro again.

> Avoid folding down seats when the metro is full. This is a HUGE passenger “faux-pas,” not appreciated by commuters (and they won’t hesitate to tell it to you clearly until you stand up!).

You will be happy to learn that Parisians are encouraged to be patient and helpful with lost tourists if only to relish their bad French privately: indeed, some Metro Stations like Boucicaut, Daumesnil, or Aulnay-sous-Bois are not that easy to pronounce in French 😉

Are you meeting other people in the City? In Paris, it is common to meet friends at the exit of a specific Metro station. But what happens when a metro station has many different exits? To avoid confusion, we always meet at Sortie #1.

Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Paris

The Metro de Paris, the second oldest metro in the world (only after London), has an interesting history and beautiful metro stations. Read the informative panels (in French) to learn about its history and some curious anecdotes about this part of Paris underground .

If you have some extra time, visit the most beautiful metro stations .

9. When Things Go Wrong

When using the Metro in Paris, check the information monitors with all metro lines’ status before taking the first train. If there is an issue with your Metro line or Metro stop, you can look for a plan B by checking the Paris Metro Map.

Metro’s Jargon

From time to time, you will hear some information coming from the metro loudspeakers, on the platforms, and inside the trains.

Some messages like “Beware of pickpockets” or “Please mind the gap between the train and the platform” are multilingual messages repeated in French, English, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. Other messages, instead, are only in French, and they are not that clear, even for locals.

What the heck are they saying? Should you worry? Here are the most common messages in French and what they usually mean:

> “Colis suspect” or “bagage abandonné”:  abandoned bag or luggage, the traffic is interrupted until the police arrive and check the bag.

> “Panne de signalisation”: there is a technical issue like cable theft, degradation of a rail, or failure in the electrical system. This usually means traffic is interrupted or delayed

> “Incident d’exploitation”: this is a ‘jolly’ expression that can mean many things. It can come from infrastructure (referral problems) and external elements like alarm signals or people on the tracks.

> “Incident voyageur” or “malaise voyageur”:  a traveler is considered to be ‘sick or ill’ if he suffers from heart problems, fainting, or simply hotshots. The metro driver must go to check his condition, so the train stops.

> “En raison d’incident divers, le trafic est perturbé, voir arrêté”: one of the worst messages that you can hear in the Metro in Paris because it means that many things are happening at the same time. Start thinking about a plan B.

> “Incident grave voyageur”: this is the worst message you can hear in the Metro. Unfortunately, most of the time, it means that there was a suicide somewhere along the line, and the train had to stop. Leave the train and look for a plan B.

10. How to Avoid Pickpockets in the Metro of Paris

Unfortunately, pickpockets are common in the Metro of Paris, especially along lines 1 and 9, with stops like Trocadéro, Louvre, or Champs Elysées.

Be careful not only inside the trains or platforms but also on the mechanical stairs. Thieves like busy mechanical stairs, especially when they go upstairs: they place themselves right after you, one step below you, which is the perfect position to open your backpack.

How to Avoid Being a Target for Pickpockets in the Metro?

> Try to stay as awake and aware as possible, especially in the most touristy areas.

> Don’t show valuable belongings like expensive cameras around your neck, fancy mobile phones, or jewelry.

> Since you enter the Metro, keep your backpack in front of you until you leave it.

> Consider an anti-theft shoulder bag.

> A money belt is always a good idea for tourists.

> If anyone spills anything on you, just refuse their help. If you were walking, keep walking.

TIP: explore Paris with an anti-theft backpack or an anti-theft crossbody bag for safe travels and peace of mind. 

Read more about Getting Around Paris

Back to Homepage

Pin it now & read it later

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps us to go on creating incredible Paris content for you. We trust all products promoted here and would never recommend a product that isn’t of value. World in Paris is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.

About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024

Salut from Paris is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

A very common questions in my Paris Travel Group ( join here, it’s free! ) are about how to get around in Paris . But also, what is the best Paris Metro pass or travel card for the Parisian Metro.

And of course: how to use the Metro in Paris in the first place. I genuinely understand that public transportation in Paris can be confusing. 

It was for me as well. But after living in Paris for more than 16 years, the Parisian Metro plan is imprinted in my brain, and I am here to help you out.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

Hence, in this article, I am sharing everything you need to know to ride the Parisian Metro confidently, how to pick the best Metro ticket for your situation, and how to pay for the Metro in Paris.

NEW : updated information regarding Metro prices during the Olympics Games in Summer 2024 at the end of the article.

Paris Metro Tickets: Easy Solution for Convenience:

Before explaining the Parisian Metro Ticketing System in all details, here’s the ticket option that suits the needs of most tourists. This is particularly handy if sticking to a strict budget isn’t your top priority, and you’re okay with possibly spending a few Euros extra for convenience and peace of mind.

• Go to the RATP ticket counter and buy a Navigo Easy Pass for €2 (one pass per person)
• Ask the clerk to top it up with a bundle of 10 tickets for €17.30. Alternatively, use the vending machines
• Recharge with a bundle or single tickets if needed.
• If you visit Disneyland, Versailles, etc., buy a destination ticket for €3 to €5

If you are planning your Paris trip, you will also be interested in these articles:

• How to get from the Airport to Paris Center
• Most common SCAMS and cons in Paris – and how to stay safe
• Paris Packing Essentials: Don’t travel without those items
• How to get from CDG to Disneyland Paris? (5 Airport Transfers)
• Orly Airport to Disneyland Paris: How to get there best

Being a traveler myself, I know how silly I feel when I don’t know how public transportation works in a foreign country. Believe me, I took a taxi or walked way more often than I dare to admit…  just because I couldn’t figure it out.

But I got you! I will help you out and share everything you need to know before you go to rock Paris Public Transportation services. Read on because this guide equ ips you with enough know-how to get around Paris without issues.

The Parisian Metro – The 3 Big DONT’s

In the following, I will explain everything you need to know to use the Parisian Metro, but let’s start with the most important: the top 3 things you should know to avoid a fine .

If a visitor complains about getting fined in the Parisian Metro, it’s usually because of one of these three mistakes:

• They trashed their Metro ticket before they left the station
• They bought a kid fare for a 10-year-old child – the reduced fare is only for children until 9!
• If your ticket has a field for you to add your name and the date, do it. Otherwise, your ticket is not valid

Tickets and fares for Public Transportation in Paris

The first question everyone asks who plan to use the Parisian Metro is “What ticket do I need for the Paris Metro” ?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, as it heavily depends on what your plans are.  For tourists, there are overall 3 tickets interesting. The single fare ticket, the day pass, and the week pass.

There are 4 different Metro ticket variations

• the ticket+ paper strip (slowly phasing out since 2023)
• Navigo Easy: a Paris Metro pass that serves as a support for single-fare tickets and day tickets
• Passe Navigo Decouverte : a card that serves as support, mainly used for week and month tickets
• Destination Tickets in paper strip form if you travel outside Paris (Disney, Versailles etc.)

Here’s a quick overview of the relevant ticket types and the support you need to use them

Single-fare tickets for the Metro in Paris

As you just learned, there are different ticket options for the Parisian Metro, the single-fare tickets are, however, the most standard option . You simply buy a ticket and validate one ticket per trip and person. 

You can buy one single ticket, or top up your Navigo Easy Pass with a bundle of 10, which is cheaper.

All tickets are purchasable for different zones – the further you are moving away from Paris, the more expensive gets your ride. 

Paris Metro Tap to Pay : Unlike in many other countries, you can’t pay for the Paris Metro directly with your credit card. You are required to obtain a Navigo Pass and to top it up with a ticket of your choice.

You can buy the tickets for the Navigo Pass with your credit card at the machines, of course.

How much does transportation in Paris cost? Know what to expect:

The good ol’paper strip – the classic billet

If you’ve been to Paris already, you probably remember these famous paper strips. Well, they are history. Since a few years – and then delayed due to a certain health crisis – they intend to phase them out .

At the time of writing, you can’t purchase them anymore in a bundle of 10, but might still use them if you have any left.

Single tickets to be used inside Paris are still sold, though. (It’s complicated and confusing, I know)

A numeric version replaces the paper strip. Either in the form of a travel card, or even by an app.

The base ticket: the ticket+.

The base ticket for the Parisian Metro is a ti cket t+.  It costs €2,15 (1,73 € if you buy a bundle of 10) and is valid within Paris and all adjacent suburbs.

You can change Metro lines as often as you want, as long as you are not exceeding 2 hours and don’t leave the station.

You can purchase a single-ride ticket or a bundle of 10 on the ticket machines that you find in every metro station and load it on your Navigo Easy travel card.

Digital ticket+ Paris Metro Contactless

Since 2019 you can use single-ride and bundle tickets digitally. To do so, you need a Navigo Easy Card to charge your tickets.

You can easily load single rides or a bundle of 10. The latter is financially very interesting, as you save 20%. Hence, 10 rides are only €17.30, while you’d be charged €2.15 if you’d buy a single ride.

You can purchase the Navigo Easy card at the ticket counter or RATP info point at every Metro station. It costs 2€. To charge your card, you can either use the RATP App, the vending machine or you pay at the RATP ticket counter.

2024 Tip: Get the Bonjour RATP Paris App and top up your Navigo easily from your phone.

Good to Know: You can’t split the Navigo Easy Card up between several passengers. It’s always one card per person, and each person in your group needs their personal card. 

Are kids riding the Parisian Metro for free?

Only Kids under 4 are traveling for free on Paris public transportation. Kids of the age of 4 to 9 (not 3 anymore, and not yet 10) are eligible to travel at a reduced fare of 50%.

Reduced fares are also available as a bundle of 10 (carnet). Children need their own Navigo Easy Card.

Paris Day Travel Passes

You also have the option to purchase a Paris Metro day pass for the public transportation system.

This option allows you to take as many rides as you like within one day . The pass costs 8,45€ for zone 1-2 and is valid from 00-24h. Hence, if you buy a pass at 10 am, you can ride for free until midnight, not until 10 am the next day. 

The day ticket is available with the Pass Navigo Easy and Navigo Decouverte.

The big advantage of a day pass is of course that you don’t have to think at all about any further costs when riding the Parisian Metro. But you should consider that it requires 5 rides for your day pass to be beneficial (compared to the 10 ticket carnet). From my experience, 5 rides are quite a lot for one day in Paris . 

That’s because Paris is smaller than you may think. You will rarely need more than 3 or 4 rides a day. 

If you consider purchasing a day pass, keep in mind that a trip to Versailles for example, requires a higher price class. At the time of writing, a day pass that includes Versailles costs around €13.

Week and tourist passes for the Paris Metro

If you stay a few days longer in Paris, a ticket that is valid for a few days could be interesting for you. You have two options:

Navigo Semaine – week pass

The Navigo Semaine cartd is a transport pass for 7 days and comes at a very interesting price. It allows you to travel in all 5 zones, hence even to the airport, to Disneyland and Versailles for only 30,00€.

But all good things come with a catch: the Navigo Semaine is not obtainable at all stations and is only valid from Monday morning to Sunday night. You can’t pick your dates. 

As a tourist, you need to purchase a Passe Navigo Decouverte for €5 as support. However, you can also use the Navigo App . 

Paris Visite Passe: Tourist Pass for Public transportation in Paris

The tourist pass covers a maximum of 5 days, and you can choose both, the dates and the zones that you require. Even though the flexibility is a strong point of the Paris Visite Pass, it is quite pricy .

Conclusion – which Metro ticket is the best for Paris?

Personally, I think single fare tickets are the best option . In a bundle, they are cheap. It’s very convenient that they require zero preparation, you can just buy them at the multilingual vending machine, and you’re good to go. Especially as you will rarely take more than 4 rides a day. 

The single fare tickets are your best option if:

• your accommodation is in Paris or adjacent suburbs ( click here to see a list of good budget hotels in Paris )
• you plan to leave Paris only once or twice (for example to visit Disneyland or Versailles) on your own and are not taking one of the really well organized day tours from Paris
• you are not having reduced mobility and walking is no problem

Compared to single-ride tickets, you need to take the Metro too often to benefit from a day pass. The cheap week pass is, however, not easy to get and not flexible when it comes to dates. The Paris Visite Pass is disproportionally expensive. 

Below, you find a review of the different ticket options in Paris:

How to use the Metro in Paris?

Now that you know the essentials about the different Ticket options for your Paris vacation, let’s move on and see where to buy them, how to validate your tickets and how to ride the metro in the first place.

Where to buy the Tickets for the Parisian Metro?

You can purchase your Metro ticket at ticket machines that are available at every train, tram, and metro station. The ticket machines are multilingual . Most train and metro stations are also having a RATP info point, in case you require help.

Note : RATP employees are always wearing green uniforms. If someone approaches you without this uniform and offers help, watch out! It became a somewhat common scam to sell already used tickets to tourists. You can read more on Paris tourist scams here .

How to use the vending machines 

If you are buying a ticket at the ticket machine, you will be prompted to choose your language first. Makes it easier, doesn’t it? However, while most machines are equipped with a touchscreen, some older models have a kind of role that helps you scroll through the menu.

The menu is pretty intuitive and self-explanatory. Many popular destinations like airports or Disneyland are preselected. 

How to pay for the Metro in Paris?

When you are in Paris, you can’t pay the Metro directly with your credit card. You need to get a Navigo Pass, either a physical or a digital one on your phone, and top it up with the ticket of your choice.

You pay for the tickets at the vending machine with a credit card (American Express is not accepted) or cash. At the time of writing, you can’t pay for the Paris Metro contactless with your credit card. It requires your pin code.

How to validate a ticket on the Parisian Metro?

Buying your ticket is not enough, you need to validate it before each ride. If you are using a paper ticket, you need to pass it through the slot on the right side of the turnstile. However, in 2023, you won’t find many machines, that are still equipped with this form of validation.

If you own a Navigo Decoverte or Navigo Easy Pass, simply place your card over the purple reader to unlock the turnstiles.

If the flap doors are open, still validate your ticket. If you get controlled without a validated ticket, you’ll receive a fine. 

Using the Metro in Paris with luggage or strollers

If you find yourself in a situation where it’s not possible to use the turnstiles or flap doors, don’t worry. Every metro station has a gate, that can be opened on request. Just don’t forget to validate your ticket though!

Is the Metro in Paris barrier-free?

Unfortunately, no. Not at all. Many stations were built more than 100 years ago and barrier-free access wasn’t on the radar of anyone back then. Some stations got reequipped with elevators during the last years, but it’s by far not enough to rely on the Metro as public transportation if you need barrier-free access.

Solely line 14 is completely barrier-free. However, the good news is, that Paris has a great bus network as well and all busses are barrier-free. 

How to read the Metro plan?

At the first glimpse, the Metro plan does look indeed like a huge mess. But don’t worry, it’s actually quite easy to understand. Each Metro line crosses Paris from one side to another and back and consequently has a starting and end station. Just check in which direction your destination lays and you’re good to go.

For example : If you are at the station at Hôtel de Ville and you intend to visit the Arc de Triomphe, you need to take line 1 direction La Defense. If you want to visit the Bastille, you would need to board Metro 1 as well, but heading in the opposite direction of Château de Vincennes.

It helps a lot that each Metro stairway features a signpost that indicates exactly which station this very line and direction will serve. Each Metro line has its own platform – contrary to Berlin, for example, where several lines stop at the same platform. 

A good piece of advice is to get familiar with the plan before traveling to Paris. Check which Metro station is the closest to your accommodation, how to get from there to the Eiffel Tower etc. and you will see that it quickly makes sense.

You can download the plan here . If you prefer the paper version, you can get one for free at every Metro station.

What changed since the Health Crisis? Is it safe to use the Metro?

While things are calming down, measurements and rules will probably change in the future again to respond better to the changing situation; however, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Face masks are not obligatory when entering any station, but are recommended (updated November 2023).
• Some stations are equipped with sanitizer

Safety in Paris’ Public Transportation

I read very often that people are worried about their safety when traveling to Paris . One of the main concerns is getting scammed or robbed.

I can’t deny that there is a certain risk. Especially since a couple of years, reports of scams and pickpockets are rising. However, we should keep in mind, that the Parisian Metro transports more than 4 Million passengers per day. And only a small hand full experiences any issues at all.

Well, except for delays and technical problems, that’s another story.

Paris is a metropolis, after all. But did you know that Paris ranks just behind London and Malmö, Sweden in the international safety ranking?

I’d say the Paris Metro is safe. Every Parisian takes the metro at all times, often you’ll find the Metro fuller at midnight than at 3 pm and the passengers are not any dodgy weirdos but absolutely random folks.

There are still some things you should keep in mind:

• take care of your stuff and be conscious about your belongings while traveling on the Parisian Metro. Don’t have your bag just above your shoulder, but hold the string. You don’t need to hold your bag like a maniac but show that you’re wary
• and try to avoid using your phone. It can happen that someone grabs it and runs just at the very moment the doors are closing.
• if there is a safety announcement about pickpockets, DO NOT check if your wallet is still where it should be. Someone might check for exactly this reflex and you happily tell the thief where he has to look for your treasures
• don’t get distracted and forget about your belongings. I got my wallet stolen once; while I was trying to push a stroller with one hand while trying to hold a gate with the other.

Other means of public transportation in Paris

If you are traveling to Paris, the Metro is the most obvious public transportation to take. However, there might be many reasons why this is not possible or appealing to you. Luckily, there are other means of public transportation that belong to the RATP network.

What does RATP stand for ? Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens , Autonomous Operator of Parisian Transportation. RATP is your point of contact and the operator of every sort of public transportation within the Paris region.

Which ticket do I need for public transportation that is NOT the Metro?

Luckily, there is no different ticket needed. No matter what kind of public transportation you choose, the ticket remains the same. It just might vary depending on the distance or the zones, but that’s about it. This applies especially to buses and trams.

Tickets for busses and trams in Paris

One ticket t+ is valid for 90 minut es while using buses and trams . You can transfer between both services, but you need to revalidate your ticket when boarding a new vehicle.

Exception: If you purchase your ticket on the bus, you can’t make a transfer. The tickets sold onboard are only for one bus trip without transfer.

update 2021 – you can buy your bus ticket by SMS now. Simply send an SMS with the text BUS+Number to 93100 , and you receive a ticket by SMS.

It costs 2,50€, and counts only for the bus trip, not for transfers. If you are on Bus 26 for example, send BUS26 to the number 93100, and you’ll receive your ticket on your phone. 

More public transportation in Paris

If you are traveling only in Paris, you have only the option to hop on a bus or Metro. If you venture a bit outside the capital, you have more options.

RER (Suburb train)

The RER is much like Paris Metro, but a little faster and with fewer stations. However, the RER is basically a suburban train that connects Paris with surrounding cities. If you want to visit Versailles for example, you would take the RER C, Disney is served by RER A.

If you are not using the Navigo Decouverte for all zones or a 5 zones day pass, make sure to purchase a ticket with the appropriate amount of zones or a ticket that indicated your destination.

Paris and its surrounding are divided into 5 zones. You need to purchase a ticket for all zones that you cross on your way. But don’t worry too much about it, if you are at a ticket machine, you can simply click on “Ticket Île-de-France” ( Billets Île-de-France ) and pick your destination. You will obtain a station-to-station ticket that covers automatically the appropriate amount of zones.

Paris by Bus

Busses are running everywhere: inside Paris, outside Paris, from Paris to suburb, and from suburb to suburb. The tickets are the same as for Metro, you need a Ticket t+. You can transfer with the same ticket from bus to bus or to tram, but not to Metro or RER, which would require a new ticket.

If you are not depending on getting around by bus (Busses are barrier-free), I’d recommend avoiding them during a short-term stay. Schedules and maps are rather complicated and due to the Parisian traffic, they can be really sloooow.

Noctilien Night Buses

To fill the gap between the last and first Metro/Tram/RER, night buses are operating in Paris and connecting the city with the greater Paris area. Noctilien busses are clearly the cheapest way to get home after a long night as you can board them with the usual ticket t+. Just keep in mind that your fellow passengers also had a long night out and might be everything but sober.

Taking the tram in Paris

The Tramway is relatively new in Paris and is built roughly as a circle around Paris, more or less parallel to the freeway. In order to board the tram, you need a ticket t+. With one validated ticket, you can transfer from tram to tram or from tram to bus, but you need a new ticket to transfer to Metro or RER.

Orlyval Skytrain

The Orlyval is the sky train that operates between the Orly Airport and the next RER Station Anthony. The one-way ticket costs 11,00€ if you purchase the Orlyval in combination with an RER ticket to Paris, it’s around 13€.

If you’re traveling in a group, it might be cheaper to take an Uber from the RER station in Anthony to Orly Airport for about 10-15€.

Are you landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG)? Don’t miss our detailed guide on how to get to Paris from the airport!

Metro & Trains during the Paris Olympics in 2024

In November 2023, it was announced, that for the month of July and August, when Paris is hosting the Olympic Games, the prices for public transportation will be augmented. Here’s what you can expect:

The Olympics are still a bit ahead and the Parisians are rather opposed to this rise in price. So the pricing might be subject to change. However, I will update this post as soon as I get new information. So, stay tuned!

Voilà, the Parisian Metro explained – hopefully in an understandable way! If you have any questions about it, don’t hesitate to join our Facebook community . It’s a great knowledge hub with many experts, happy to help you out. Join here today for free .

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

Expert in: Parisian Life &

French Culture, Travel

Planning, Crochet & Food and Drinks

Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.

Must Have Paris Travel Essentials

International Travel Adapter

Order here from Amazon

Portable Charger for your Phone

PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

20 Arrondissements in Paris (Quick Guide + Map)

• Paris hidden gems: 80+ well kept secrets you shouldn’t miss
• What NOT to do in Paris -23 (costly) Paris Mistakes you need to avoid!
• 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
• Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
• 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris – THE complete guide!
• Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons

FAQ: How to use the Paris Metro

You need to purchase the travel card Navigo at the station and load it up with the tickets of your choice. Alternatively, you can also get the App Île-de-France Mobilités that not only serves as a travel planner but also as a ticket device.

You can purchase your Metro ticket with a credit card, but your credit card can’t be used directly at the barriers to entering the Metro.

The Metro is as safe at night as by day and is always heavily used. 

A Metro Ticket for a single ride costs 2,10 € in 2023. A bundle of 10 tickets costs 16,90 €.

You use the roll to scroll up and down the menu and pick the ticket of your choice. Most popular picks are single-ride tickets, bundles of 10, and destination tickets, where you choose your destination station outside of Paris. To charge your Navigo pass, place it on the purple field, so the machine can read it.

The popular cardboard tickets are currently phasing out. The process was delayed to to delivery delays of Navigo Cards, but at the time of writing, it’s moving on. Many stations are not equipped with paper ticket readers anymore and you can’t purchase them anymore at the vending machines.

You place your Navigo Carte on the card reader before the turnstiles and wait until it “beeps”. You can pass then through the turnstile or gate.

Pin it now – and find it back later!

Similar Posts

How to get from CDG to Disneyland Paris? (5 Options)

5 Ways to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris – THE Complete Guide!

How to get from Paris to Disneyland

Paris by Bike: How to rent a Vélib bike in Paris (2024)

From Disneyland to the Eiffel Tower – How to Get There Best

19 comments.

Hey, I will be in Paris this year so perfect moment for this read! Thank you so much for all the helpful insights.

This is the kind of posts I like to read (and write), where you can get all the information you need to move around or plan something/your stay/etc before even getting there. Pretty good post, I may say.

thank you! 🙂

This was a very useful article! I’m definitely going to refer to this when we visit Paris

thanks a lot and I hope you can come to visit Paris soon 🙂

Shame on me I have not yet been to Paris. But, when I do, this will come in very handy. Public transportation is a minefield…

Oh my gosh, thank you! When I was in Paris with my husband, there were several times we were just baffled trying to figure out the system One of the things that tripped me up was RER. Because I couldn’t figure out what it was, we avoided taking it our first day – when it would have been better for us. Pinned this!

Thank you!!! Glad you find some value in it and sharing it around! 🙂

I must say Paris is one of the best cities for well-connected local transport. Since its so large in size, one does end up walking A LOT despite taking the metro or the bus from one spot to another. And not to mention the long distances between metro lines inside the stations 🙂 But its all very convenient. And enjoyable.

oh I am sure you talk about Montparnasse when thinking of long distances between Metro lines! We try to avoid that change by all means haha 😀

I will never get tired of reading about Paris. But all glitz and glamor of Paris comes with the super expensive transportation if hired privately. So, this post on public transportation and all teh tips you have mentioned ( especially the one about red and green indicators after parking the bike) would definitely help any one willing to explore the city on budget.

yeah, getting around privately is really expensive! We often use a mix of public transportation and Uber

A very useful post for everyone who want to get acquainted with the transport system of Paris city. You have listed dowm every single useful information regarding the topic and I can see how much effort you taken. I usually take up metros and buses rather than taxis as its very economical but as there’s Uber in the city I sometimes just go for it.

awww thank you for your kind words; I really appreciate it <3 the combination of public transport and Uber is perfect for us, too... especially when going out 🙂

It’s so nice that the metro runs late on the weekends! Also, good to know that buses are a bit complicated so not that great as an option for short term visitors. You’re article on all transport options is very thorough and complete! A great guide!

thank you <3 🙂

Any ideas about Accessibility for a wheelchair?

Hi Mona, sorry for my late reply, I simply missed your question 🙁 Paris is not really barrier free, unfortunately, and many (most) Metro Stations are not equipped with elevators. It’s probably easiest to get around by Bus. However, some Metro stations do have elevators, maybe this page helps: https://parisbytrain.com/map-paris-wheelchair-reduced-mobility-accessibility-metro-rer-bus-tram/ best, Lena

Comments are closed.

What's On in Paris

Performances.

• Christmas in Paris
• The Eiffel Tower

Monuments in Paris

Historic churches, history museums.

• The Louvre Museum
• Musée d'Orsay

The Top Paris Museums

Artist museums, more paris museums.

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line

The 6 essential day trips, 10 more iconic day tours, what to do in paris, seine river cruises, night in the city of light, paris city tours, walking tours, your own private paris.

• Romantic Dinner Cruises

The Top Left Bank Hotels

The best hotels in paris, boutique & romantic, top hotels near…, preferred 5-star hotels, the palaces of paris, affordable hotels.

Le Marais Food & Wine Tour

Food & wine activities, the foods of paris, memorable paris dining, best paris restaurants, paris restaurant guide.

• Bistros & Brasseries

Top-Rated Restaurants

• Visit the Champagne Region

Paris Attractions

You ask, we answer, visiting burgundy, paris miscellanea, top ten lists, unusual paris sights, paris gardens & parks, the paris explorer.

• What's On When You're Here

Airports & Transfers

Getting around paris, paris travel guide, paris essentials, train travel, paris arrondissements, paris metro tickets – using the navigo easy card, paris metro tickets & the navigo easy card.

The Paris transportation system (Metro, bus & RER) is the best way to navigate the city. Now, with the Navigo Easy card, it's even easier to zip around Paris with a single swipe. You can obtain Navigo Easy at virtually any Metro station and use the machine to reload your card using either cash or a credit card, and instructions are available in English. Here's what you need to know.

Our Top-Rated Paris Experiences

1. Seine River Romantic Dinner Cruise… With live music & champagne

2. Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Private Paris Cheese Cellar… Learn from a Master Affineur

3. Louvre Masterpieces Tour… Skip the lines for the best experience

4. Dinner Cruise with Maxim's of Paris… An Art Nouveau experience from 1900

2. The Best of Versailles VIP Experience… Includes transportation, priority access & lunch

1. Seine River Romantic Dinner Cruise…

2. Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Private Cheese Cellar…

3. Louvre Masterpieces Tour…

4. Dinner Cruise with Maxim's of Paris…

2. The Best of Versailles VIP Experience…

Navigo Easy – The New Way to Buy Paris Metro Tickets

There's a new, modern way riding the Paris Metro. The traditional rectangular cardboard Metro tickets have been replaced with a rechargeable plastic card called Navigo Easy — aimed specifically at visitors and occasional users. There is a one-time cost (about €2) to purchase a permanent card that can be loaded with Metro "tickets" at machines or ticket counters at every station across the Paris region. You can also reload the card from your phone using the Bonjour RATP app .

Recharge your Navigo Easy with either individual tickets or carnets (a pack of ten tickets, which costs less per ticket). A carnet is around 15€, versus around 2€ for a single ticket. The traditional paper tickets have been completely phased out.

Each ticket is good for one ride on the Metro, no matter how many changes you have to make. So, you can get from Parc de la Villette (in the far northeast of central Paris) to the sports complex at Porte de St Cloud (in the far southwest) on one ticket! (That entire journey, by the way, takes 45 minutes and only involves one Metro change.)

Discover What's On When You're Here...

Discover what's on when you're here, then & now – paris metro tickets vs navigo.

How it Used To Be – Using Paper Tickets

As you entered the Metro station, you would dig around in your pocket or bag to find a valid Paris Metro ticket. Then, you'd put the ticket into the slot on the front of the turnstile machine and push through. But, you also had to make sure to grab your ticket out of the machine as you left because you may have needed to show it to Metro security to prove you paid.

That Was Then, This is Navigo Easy

Take your card out of your pocket. Walk up to an entry gate. Tap your card on the sensor (like above). Walk through. That's it… you're in! You can lend card to someone else if you like, no ID is required.

Romantic Dinner Cruises In Paris

Paris metro etiquette & safety.

Just as in Paris restaurants , there is a certain etiquette observed on the Paris Metro.

• Speak softly.
• Don't eat or drink on the Metro.
• Keep your personal belongings on your body.
• Move aside for people who are leaving the train.
• When on the platform waiting for a train, leave some space around the doors for departing passengers.
• As a car fills up, move back to provide space for new passengers.
• When you have to get around other passengers to leave the train, simply say " pardon " (PAHR-doh) and they will let you by.

Find Hotel Deals for Your Dates in Paris

Useful underground information.

You can find additional helpful information about the Paris Metro in some of our other guides —

• Reviews of Metro Maps …
• Guide to the RER Rail System …

Paris Planning Guides

Copyright © 2010-2023 Voconces Culinary Ltd, all rights reserved. Original photos © Mark Craft, all rights reserved.

• • May 2024 in Paris…
• • June 2024 in Paris…
• • July 2024 in Paris…
• • August 2024 in Paris…
• • September 2024 in Paris…
• Paris Activities Month by Month
• Paris Olympics 2024
• Paris Events Calendar
• Museum Exhibitions Calendar
• Paris Ballet Calendar
• Paris Opera Calendar
• Christmas Day in Paris
• New Years Eve
• New Years Day in Paris
• Easter in Paris
• Valentines Day in Paris
• Bastille Day Celebrations
• Skip-the-Lines at the Eiffel Tower
• Visiting The Eiffel Tower
• Eiffel Tower Information
• See all…
• The Arc de Triomphe
• The Panthéon
• The Bastille
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• La Sainte Chapelle
• Sacre-Coeur Paris
• Chateau de Versailles
• Palais Garnier Opera House
• Hotel de Ville – The City Hall
• Get the Most from Your Visit
• Masterpieces of the Louvre
• Paintings of the Louvre
• Top 10 Van Goghs at d'Orsay
• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Centre Pompidou
• Musée Picasso
• Rodin Museum Paris
• Cluny Museum Paris
• Arts et Metiers
• Guimet Asian Arts Museum
• Galliera Fashion Museum
• Versailles the VIP Way
• Versailles History & Highlights
• D-Day Landing Beaches
• Monet's Gardens at Giverny
• Mont Saint-Michel
• Monet + Van Gogh
• VIP Private Day Trips
• 10 Ways to Skip the Lines
• 9 Most Romantic Things to Do
• 5 Top Activities In The Marais
• Lunch & Brunch Cruises
• Cruises with Extras!
• The 6 Best Evenings In Paris
• Moulin Rouge
• Paris at Night
• Hop-on, Open-Top Buses
• The 6 Best City Tours
• Private Tours of Paris
• Champagne & Shows
• Top 10 Walking Tours
• Mysterious Walking Tours
• Shangri-La Paris
• Hotel George V Paris
• The Royal Monceau
• Le Cinq Codet
• Peninsula Hotel Paris
• Hotel Le Burgundy
• See all …
• 10 Best 4-Star Hotels
• Top 3-Star Hotels
• Best Airport Hotels
• Latin Quarter Hotels
• Left Bank Hotels
• Romantic Paris Hotels
• Best 2-Star Hotels in Paris
• Ibis Hotels
• Les Hotels de Paris
• Best Western Hotels
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Top 10 Food Experiences
• Paris Wine Tastings
• Chocolate Tours
• 10 Best Cheese Shops
• The Best Baguette in Paris
• Food Markets of Paris
• Le Jules Verne
• Jacques Faussat
• Restaurant Le Gabriel
• How to Choose a Restaurant
• The Best Paris Bars
• In the Marais
• On the Left Bank
• Historic Brasseries of Paris
• Michelin 3-Star Restaurants
• 6 Michelin-Star Restaurants
• See All…
• Best Paris Terraces
• Seine Dinner Cruise
• The Top 8 Tourist Attractions
• 5 Paris Itineraries
• Gardens & Parks
• Paris Hotels for Christmas?
• Best Restaurants in the 8th?
• Best Way To Visit Versailles?
• VIP Burgundy Wine Tour
• Burgundy Accommodations
• Napoleon's Paris
• Hemingway's Paris
• Medieval Paris
• 10 Tips For Visiting Paris
• 7 Vestiges of Roman Paris
• 13 Hidden Places In Paris
• Hidden Landmarks
• The Catacombs
• Pere Lachaise Cemetery
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Jardin des Plantes
• Palais Royal
• Rue des Barres in the Marais
• Waterfalls of Paris
• Arcades of Paris
• Airport Transfers
• Paris Airports
• Airport Taxis
• Train Travel From Paris
• Eurostar: London & Paris
• Paris Train Stations
• The Latin Quarter
• Saint-Germain-des-Pres
• Essential Facts for Visitors
• Taxes, Tipping & Etiquette
• What to Wear in Paris
• Maps of Paris
• The Paris Metro
• Paris Metro Tickets
• Paris Taxis
• Seine River Dinner Cruises
• Visiting Versailles
• Essential Day Trips

Paris Visite Pass: Benefits and How to Use It

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

If you're looking for an easy, stress-free and cost-efficient way to travel on the Paris Metro, the Paris Visite Pass may be the right choice for you. Unlike individual metro tickets, this pass gives you unlimited travel in Paris (Metro, RER, bus, tramway, and regional SNCF trains) and the greater Paris region for several days at a time.

You can choose between passes that cover all your travel 1, 2, 3 or 5 days, and--an added boon that many visitors appreciate--Paris Visite also gets you discounts at several museums, attractions, and restaurants around the French capital.

Which Pass Should I Choose? 

It really depends on whether you're planning to spend most of your time in Paris proper, or are hoping to extensively explore the wider region, particularly through nearby day trips from the city center.  

• As a general rule, the zone 1-3 card will be adequate to really take advantage of central Paris and the near suburbs.
• You should choose the zone 1-5 card to see attractions outside Paris including the Chateau de Versailles or Disneyland Paris .
• The 1-5 card also provides travel to and from Paris' main airports (Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and/or Orly), so it may be well worth the cost. 

How to Make the Most of the Pass

Once you have purchased your pass online or from an agent in a Paris Metro ticket stand (do not purchase through the automatic machines as these will not provide you with the required card component) make sure to take the following steps before using the pass:

• Write your first and last name on the card (please this is a required step: you can be penalized by an agent if asked to show your pass and you have not done this). 
• Look for the serial number on the back of your non-transferable card and write this number on the magnetic ticket accompanying the card.
• If you do not see a start and end date on the magnetic ticket, go ahead and write these in yourself. This will prevent unnecessary hassles if a Metro agent asks to see your card.

You're now ready to use your pass. Remember that the pass may only be used by the person it's attributed to by name, and may not be transferred.

Lost Card? Pass Not Working Properly? Other Problems?

If you run into any problems using your card, have lost it or wish to change your number of zones, see the official RATP site for help.

Why Can't I Use the Digital "Navigo" Metro Passes I've Seen Parisians Using?

Technically, tourists can get a Navigo pass, which is indeed less expensive than the Paris Visite Pass (and also offers no frills). It's usually not worth the red tape unless you'll be in Paris for at least a month or come to the city on a regular basis since you'll need to provide a photo of yourself and formally apply for the card at one of several agencies. It can be a nice choice for travelers who come to Paris often since you can keep the card and recharge it whenever you wish. If you're interested in learning about how to buy and use the Navigo for an extended stay or repeated trips, read  an excellent primer on how to crack the Navigo system , if you decide it's worth a try.

How to Travel Around Paris Like a Local

How to Travel From Zurich to Paris by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Are Paris Car Rentals Worth the Trouble? Some Pros & Cons

Taking the Roissybus to or From Charles de Gaulle Airport

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel From London to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Les Invalides in Paris: The Complete Guide

The Paris Catacombs: Creepy, Interesting, or Both?

Visiting Paris on a Budget

How to Rent a Villa in the Caribbean

One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary

How to Avoid Rude Service in Paris and France: 5 Key Tips

Should You Get a Barcelona Discount Card?

Paris Metro

The fastest way to get around the French capital

The Paris Metro is a good option to move from one point to another, it has 16 lines and 302 stations throughout the city.

The metro lines in Paris are differentiated by colors and are numbered. This   it is the third longest tube network in Europe, after the London Underground and the Madrid Underground .

Maps and plans of the Paris Metro

You can also see the Paris metro on this interactive map

Paris Metro tickets and passes

The price of the tickets varies according to the type of pass, they can be for a single trip (€2.10 ) daily, weekly or monthly ; several trips are usually purchased at the same time (card), with which we will save money; In addition, with the metro tickets you can also use the RER (suburban train) and the bus .

These are the most popular options:

• Pass Ticket t+ (single or single ticket option for a single trip or a block of 10 single tickets)
• Navigo Pass (Long and local stays)
• Paris Visite (visitor pass)

The single ticket, called Ticket t+   it costs €2.10 / 10 tickets are €16.90 / 10 tickets with reduced rate €8.45.

This ticket allows transfer with RER and buses . See more details on the Pass Ticket t+ page.

Children up to 4 years old can use the Paris Metro for free . Between 4 and 10 years old they pay half (reduced rate).

Always validate your tickets , the fines are quite high. And keep your ticket to leave the station.

Other options for getting around Paris

• RER (trains)
• Boats in Paris

Bike rental in Paris

• All transports in Paris

Paris Metro schedule

The service starts at 5.30 in the morning and ends at 1 in the morning.

More about transport in Paris

Use this practical information to get around in Paris like a fish in water.

Pass Ticket t+

The ticket for access to the metro, buses, streetcars and RER trains (within the center) in Paris.

Trains in Paris

With the RER trains you can also move around the center of Paris, the service is very well complemented by the metro.

Paris Ships

In Paris there are boat services with unlimited stops at various points in the center. Also cruises on the Seine.

If you want to get around Paris in a more environmentally friendly way, you can rent a bike.

RELATED LINKS

On this page, paris public transport, tourist transport & passes, from paris to..., from europe to paris.

• WHERE TO STAY
• Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Orly Airport
• Beauvais Airport
• Paris public transport
• CDG Airport transfers
• Orly Airport transfers
• Hop on/off sightseeing buses
• Getting to Disneyland
• Getting to Versailles
• Louvre Museum
• Eiffel Tower
• Disneyland Paris
• Palace of Versailles
• Sightseeing passes
• Paris tours
• COVID-19 INFO

Paris Metro pass, tickets and travel prices

Public transport passes on metro, buses and rer trains in paris.

Paris public transport, (the Metro, buses and RER trains) is highly integrated and this includes the ticketing system.

If you want to travel outside the centre of Paris covered by the Metro you should be aware that Paris uses a zonal system with six circular zones radiating out from the centre.

For perhaps the majority of visitors to Paris using the Metro system they will often not want to go anywhere outside the central zone or Zone 1. Zone 1 is where nearly all hotels are and where all the city centre sights are located.

You need to assess which zones you will use before buying your respective tickets. This, of course, also depends on how long you are likely to stay.

Fare zones   Single journey tickets   Day tickets 1-5 day Paris Visite cards   Weekly & monthly Navigo passes

Paris fare zones

If you are looking to see where the various travel zones are, the Metro & RER map on the left indicates where the various zones start and finish.

• Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) - zone 5 - RER details
• Orly Airport - zone 4 - RER details
• Disneyland Paris (Eurodisney) - zone 5 - RER details
• Versailles - zone 4 - RER details

Top of the page

Single tickets (t+ ticket) and carnets or books of ten tickets.

The RATP run the Metro, RER, buses and trams within Paris and a single ticket can be used on any of the four modes for a single journey.

Note: 'single journey' includes connections between the same types of vehicle (i.e. if you were using the tram you would remain on the tram system), as long as you do not 'exit' the transport system. You are allowed up to two hours for metro and RER after validation and 90 minutes for buses and trams.

Tickets purchased individually or in packages of 10 are permanently valid for single use and are issued without an expiration date.

Single tickets can be purchased from metro/RER stations, some bus terminals, and registered retailers, usually tobacconists and bookshops, displaying the RATP sign.

You can also buy from the same sources a booklet of ten, called a carnet (pronounced kar-nay), offering good savings.

Save money, go contactless

The cardboard t+ ticket packs of 10 have now been entirely replaced. The reasoning is that these types of tickets often get lost, so not all the tickets are used as one is put away somewhere and lost. The cardboard magnetic strip gets easily demagnitised and can no longer work and there are better electronic solutions now available.

From 13 October 2022, cardboard t+ ticket packs were no longer sold from vending machines at 182 stations and bus stations.

As a visitor your alternative is Contactless t+ ticket packs of 10, these are actually €2 cheaper overall than the cardboard version. You can also get a Navigo Easy Pass for €2 which you can top-up at ticket machines and retailers or with your smartphone. Finally, you can still buy a single use ticket on board the bus for €2.10.

PARIS SINGLE TICKET FARES (T+ TICKETS) 2024

For use on one journey of the Paris Metro or Buses or on zone 1 RER trains in Paris.

Day ticket - Carte Mobilis

Most visitors seem to be unaware of this option. A single calendar day card that provides unlimited rides on the transport system of the Ile-de-France region for a stated number of calendar days.

This covers the Metro, RER (express regional trains), bus, tramway, funiculaire de Montmartre, Montmartrobus, Noctambus (night bus) within a given fare zone.

Most visitors will only need zones 1&2, broadly coinciding with the extent of the Metro system. If in doubt about zone coverage the zones are marked on the RER map (above).

Important to note - before use, you must enter your name, surname and date of use on to the ticket.

CARTE MOBILIS (DAY TICKET) PRICES 2024

Available at all metro, bus and RER stations.

Paris Visite card

This is the ticket heavily promoted to tourists and visitors. Lots of people like the convenience of these tickets.

As well as being a travel pass the ticket also provides discounts to tourist attractions though not the main headliners like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Typically a 25% discount on entrance to the Arc de Triomphe and 25% off entrance to the Grévin Museum, which may not be a high priority for you.

Paris Visite counts calendar days from day of first use, just like other Paris tickets, not 24-hour periods. If you arrive at night and use the pass, that will be counted as one day.

Paris Visite is widely available from outside Paris through agents and online but you will normally pay a premium for this convenience over purchasing in Paris.

PARIS VISITE CARD PRICES (WHEN PURCHASED IN PARIS) 2024

* Children 4-11 years old.

Navigo Decouverte monthly and weekly travel passes

The Navigo card represents good value for money - IF you are spending at least a full week in Paris. It is a card that allows you to travel in all zones for just €22.80 , plus the cost of the card itself (€5). In many cases for the average traveller, the carnets (above) will still work out cheaper. If you add on the cost of the photos needed for the pass, you're looking at nearly €30 and that will buy you two books of 20 carnets - twenty trips.

The key point about this product is that the week runs Monday to Sunday, with the last day for sale of the week you are in being on the Thursday. So if you arrive on the Friday wanting to use one for that weekend - you cannot.

The Navigo is an electronic smart card similar to schemes introduced recently worldwide into mass transit systems, allowing you unlimited use of the public transport networks in the zones you have selected. The smart card stores electronically the fare product you choose. Most visitors will go for the weekly fare.

It's reusable so if you return to Paris you can load up fares onto the same card. The first time you buy, you have to pay a €5 for the card itself and then you buy a week or month's worth of transportation that is loaded onto the card.

There are two versions of the card: "all zones" and 'two zones". The “2-zone” pass, as it sounds, gives you (unlimited) travel in just two selected zones - of your choice. To travel outside of your two zones, you may purchase a “top-up ticket” and only pay for the extra distance travelled. There is also “zone-free” travel during certain periods, on 2-zone monthly travel passes. The “all zones” travel pass allows you unlimited travel in all zones, every day of the week.

For all travel passes (regardless of the duration), the validity period starts at 12am on the first day of the period and ends at 11.59pm on the last day.

You also need to bring along a passport sized portrait photo measuring 25 x 30mm (0.98" x 1.18"). There are plenty of photo machines in the stations that produce such a photo if you need it.

A convenient place to purchase these cards for many visitors is the RER train ticket offices at Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) or the major train stations in Paris like Gare du Nord.

NAVIGO DECOUVERTE PASS PRICES 2024

Weekly tickets available from the Friday preceding the Monday starting the week of validity until Thursday of the week included in the 7 days of validity.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Which Paris Metro Pass to Buy

Sometimes when we're leading one of our free Paris walking tours, our guests will ask about how to get back to their hotel or find a popular attraction they want to visit.

That's one reason why we decided to write this article to provide information about buying transit passes in Paris, including details about ticket types and prices.

In addition to covering each type of ticket and pass, we will also include information about how to pay for the metro in this city.

• Ticket Types & Prices
• Metro Passes & Prices
• Travel Passes
• Tips From Locals and Travelers

With the sprawling transit network in and around Paris, there are many different types and prices of tickets.

RATP is the name of the agency that manages public transit in and around Paris, so you will get used to seeing its logo as you make your way around the city.

Before we get started, here’s the deal: Everyone aged 4 and older needs a valid ticket to use public transit in Paris.

Children ages 3 and younger ride for free although they can't take up a seat.

The RATP website has lots of helpful information in English, including a trip planner , a Paris metro map , and more.

In general, most visitors should be able to get to everything they want to see with individual t+ tickets purchased through various apps. We explain more about this below.

Note that there are also many different kinds of passes, some of which can save you some serious money and hassle.

For example, the Paris Visite pass comes in 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day versions and can be ordered for either zones 1-3 (Paris proper) or zones 1-5 (which includes the airports, Disneyland Paris and Versailles).

Navigo offers weekly, monthly, and annual passes and a pass specifically for those 25 and younger .

Are you confused? Don’t worry - we’ll break down the different options so you can figure out what works best for you for getting around Paris.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Roni Faida (@ronithetravelguru)

How do you pay for the Metro in Paris?

Contactless credit card usage.

While you can't simply use a contactless credit card to pay for entrance on the Paris Metro, you can use one to purchase a Navigo Easy Pass, which is itself a contactless form of payment.

Passes and Tickets

As we mentioned, you can buy a Navigo pass to pay for the Paris Metro. This is one of the easiest methods, but you can also buy paper tickets and use them to get around as well.

Tickets and passes can be purchased via the following methods:

• Ticket Machines
• Ticket Offices
• Metro Stations
• Retailers using the RATP sign

The Best Metro Ticket For Getting Around Paris

The best ticket for you depends on how long you're planning to stay.

If you're only going to be here for a few days, a carnet of tickets (a 10-pack of tickets) might work just fine.

However, if you're going to be in Paris for a week, you might want to get a day or weeklong pass to make things easier.

TICKET TYPES AND PRICES

There are a few different types of standard tickets available, so you’ll have to consider where you plan to go and how long you plan to spend there.

Single Tickets/t+

The simplest way to get around is to purchase a paperless/contactless ticket, however, you can also get paper tickets. Word is that these are expected to be phased out by the end of 2024.

Single one-way tickets , called t+, if paper, are still sold through machines in RER/train and Metro stations, but no longer at manned station counters.

To purchase a paperless/contactless t+ ticket instead, you first need to purchase a pass to upload it onto. See below under Metro Passes and Prices for information on the various passes you can choose from.

Once you have the pass, you can then load it/purchase tickets and ticket packs through the following apps: Bonjour RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités and any ticket counter or ticket machine.

• Single t+ tickets: €2.15
• Carnet/10-Pack t+ tickets: €17.35. This is only €1.74 per ticket, which is around a 19% discount.

t+ tickets are valid on the metro as well as Zone 1 RER lines, some Île-de-France and tramway lines, and the Montmartre funicular.

You can transfer for up to 90 minutes between metros and RERs, and between buses and trams, on a single t+ ticket .

(Yes, there are also trams, but they only run in the suburbs, so most tourists never use them.)

Point-to-Point Tickets

While the t+ tickets will get you around Paris, if you have farther-flung destinations like Versailles, Disneyland Paris, or the Charles de Gaulle airport, you can purchase point-to-point tickets to get there and back.

This ticket type does not have set prices, and the cost depends upon where you’re going and how far it is between the stations you are traveling between.

Use the quick calculator on this page to see how much tickets cost between destinations.

METRO PASSES AND PRICES

Paris has refillable cards for its transit system, similar to London’s Oyster card or the SmarTrip card in Washington, DC.

These travel cards can be used for future trips to Paris and eliminate the need for paper tickets floating around your pockets (and possibly getting lost!).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paris France 🇫🇷 Travel | Hotels | Food | Tips (@paris.explore)

Navigo Passes

Here we cover several Navigo passes to suit your travel needs. All involve physical cards that can be used on the metro, but they also allow for phone swiping as well.

The Navigo Easy Pass is great for the short-term tourist. It lets you top up a few different types of tickets and is valid for 10 years. It's also not tied to your name so others can use it, although not during the same trip.

You can purchase a Navigo Easy Pass for €2.00 at any counter in any station and at RAPT-approved shops (such as Tabac and newspaper kiosks). Here's a full list of locations here , sorted by arrondissement.

Once you have the pass, you can then top it up with payment for the types of tickets you want.

You do this through the Bonjour RAPT app, the Île-de-France Mobilités app, at RAPT-approved shops, station ticket counters, or at station ticket machines.

For "occasional or regular passengers and tourists for short periods" you could also do the Navigo Decouverte Card.

The card is personalized with your picture on it so others cannot use it. The cost for the card is €5.00 and you would then, as the the Navigo Easy Pass, upload your chosen tickets onto it.

Fun fact: you will find photo booths all over Paris (ever seen the movie Amelie ?) if you don’t already carry around tiny pictures of your face.

The Navigo Weekly Pass ( Navigo Semaine ) may be the best option for tourists visiting Paris, provided a few things:

• You are staying in Paris for three or more days.
• You are arriving in Paris before Thursday at midnight.
• You are planning to use public transit several times a day.

It costs €30.75 for seven days of transit across the entire Paris metro system, including Metro, RER, trams, buses, and even the Montmartre funicular.

The downside to Navigo weekly passes is that they are only valid Monday at 12:01 a.m. through Sunday at midnight, and can only be purchased for the current week until Thursday at midnight.

After that, if you buy a Navigo weekly pass, it will only be valid starting the following Monday

If you’re lucky enough to stay more than two weeks, consider the Navigo Monthly Pass ( Navigo Mois ) which is valid beginning the first of the month.

It gives you unlimited travel for a month and the cost depends on the zones you'll be traveling in.

Paris Visite Passes

The Paris Visite passes can be a good option for visitors.

They come in 1, 2, 3, and 5-day increments, and you can purchase them for either zones 1-3 (central Paris and close-in suburbs) or zones 1-5 (which includes airports, Versailles, Disneyland Paris, St. Denis, and more).

It works on every form of public transportation within those zones.

The passes also give users money off of several Paris attractions, and they can take some of the guesswork out of how many tickets to buy ahead of time.

Paris Visite can also be purchased as part of the Paris Passlib package , which includes the Paris Museum Pass, a boat ride, a bus tour, and more.

For a rough idea as to whether a Paris Visite pass is more economical than a single t+ ticket costing €2.10, here is how many times you would need to ride in a certain period for the cost-per-ride to be less.

• Equal to almost 7 t+ tickets
• Equal to almost 6 t+ tickets per day (12 total)
• Equal to almost 5 t+ tickets per day (15 total)
• Equal to 4 t+ tickets per day (20 total)

The math changes a bit for the Zone 1-5 Paris Visite passes, which can then cover your ride to the airport and anywhere else on the RER, such as Versailles.

• 1-Day Zone 1-5 Pass: €29.25
• 2-Day Zone 1-5 Pass: €44.45
• 3-Day Zone 1-5 Pass: €62.30
• 5-Day Zone 1-5 Pass: €76.25

Note that Paris Visite passes are half-price for children.

You can purchase Paris Visite passes at Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, any Metro or RER station, visitor centers, or other authorized vendors.

It's valid from the first time you use it, and your first and last name must be written on it with the dates of validity.

Mobilis One-Day Pass

What if you’re only going to be in Paris one day? Quelle dommage! (Well, one day is better than no days, right?)

Or perhaps there’s only one day you know you’ll be using Paris public transit.

Whatever the case, you might want to consider the Mobilis One-Day pass . It’s available in the following options.

We’ll compare the price to standard tickets to give you an idea of how you might use them.

• Equal to 4 t+ tickets
• Equal to 5 t+ tickets
• Equal to 6 t+ tickets
• Equal to 9 t+ tickets OR
• 1 RER Airport transfer (€11.40) and 4 t+ tickets

If you plan to move around the city a lot in one day and you expect to use the Metro more than 6 times, this pass could save you a lot of money and it will save you some time.

Are you arriving in Paris by train? Buy a one-day Mobilis pass and ride four times to get your money’s worth. Mobilis passes are available at all RATP vendor points.

Note that the pass is only valid for one calendar day, i.e. from midnight to midnight.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shuba - Singer & Musician (@shubamusic)

Passes for Young People

While children 4-11 get special deals with all the other passes, those aged 25 and younger can take advantage of special transit passes for youth.

The Navigo Youth Weekend Pass is like the other passes - available from midnight to midnight - but they are only available on weekends and holidays. Passes are a great deal:

• Zones 1-3: €4.70
• Zones 1-5: €10.35
• Zones 3-5: €6.05

This pass is contactless and is one of the types of tickets you can upload to your Navigo Easy Pass.

If you buy a zone 1-5 ticket upon arrival at the airport, by the time you get into downtown Paris it will already have paid for itself, because the RER Airport Transfer is €11.40 on its own.

If you buy a zone 1-3 pass once you’re already in the city (such as arriving by train or bus), you only need to take three trips on public transportation to make it worth the cost.

For those under the age of 26 who are studying in Paris at a high school or university, the Imagine R Pass covers all zones for one whole year, for €375.00 -- which is just over €1 per day!

Ticket and Pass Savings

There are a few ways to save for visitors to Paris, though there are some exceptions.

• Children aged 4 to 10 , and groups of students traveling with chaperones (who must carry a Declaration of Honor ), are eligible for half-priced fares.
• Depending on how you use the Paris Metro Passes, you could also save a lot of money on tickets simply by using the card as many times as possible. Since each pass provides unlimited rides and they all have one flat price, the more you use them, the more money you’ll save.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we do our best to provide all the information you'll need to ride the Paris Metro, sometimes you need answers to specific questions related to your personal experience.

Thankfully, our  Paris Travel Tips  group on Facebook is the perfect place to look for any answers you may need.

Here are a few examples of interesting and helpful tips and tricks provided by members of our group:

• Here is what a few folks have to say about what to see during a short time in Paris and about how best to get around.

2. To locate a metro station, look for lampposts or wrought-iron entryways that have METRO or METROPOLITAN written on them.

3. Ticket machines in the stations can be set to other languages, including English, and are easy to use. They accept both cash and chip-and-pin cards.

4. The direction of the train is indicated by the name of the last station on that line.

5. The doors to the train do not always open automatically. You need to push the open button or unlatch in the older trains.

6. You can (and many Parisians do) unlatch the doors to open them before the train comes to a complete stop.

7. If you need to change trains, look for stations denoted by a white circle, which will then have the different train lines that stop there underneath.

8. Paris Metro Lines are numbered and color-coded.

9. You'll need to know the last station to know what direction you're heading. There will be a list of stops on each platform, so it's not hard to follow.

10. Stations where you cannot transfer have solid circles.

11. The Paris Metro is open from 5:30 am - around 1:15 am (2:15 am on weekends/holidays).

12. Keep moving. When you board a train, move to the center. When you get off a train, move away from the doors if you need to figure out which way to go. There is almost always someone behind you trying to get off of the train.

Related Posts

• Tips from Using the Metro
• Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
• Eiffel Tower Tickets

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

North America

United kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

How to Use The Paris Metro In 2024 (+ Practical Tips)

Traveling to Paris for the first time but you’re not sure how to navigate the metro? Then this article will show you exactly how to use the Paris metro !

If you’re traveling to Paris, you’re likely to use the metro since it’s connected to most parts of the city, and is the cheapest way to get around! Although it’s easy to use, it can be tricky for first-time visitors.

So in this article, I’ll show you exactly how to use the metro in Paris! From how to locate a metro station, how to buy tickets, how to navigate the subway, and so much more!

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5) 

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook .
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter , a travel neck pouch , and comfortable walking shoes .
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

How to Use The Paris Metro In 2024

Without any further ado, let’s dive in!

 How to Find a Metro Station in Paris 

The first thing you’ll need to know is how to find a metro station. All you have to do is locate the Metro sign which comes in 3 different types.

The first is a pole with the word metro , the second has Métropolitain on it and the third is a giant letter M in yellow. If you spot any of these, just walk towards it and you’ll find the staircase to the metro station.

Tickets You’ll Need to Use the Paris Metro + How to Buy Them

After locating a metro station, you’ll need to buy a ticket! There are a few different ways to do it, so I’ll quickly go through them.

The first is the single-ride t+ ticket which costs just 2.15 € for the full fare and half the price for children between 4 and 11. Kids below 4 years old ride the metro for free. 

How to Purchase the T+ ticket

As for how to purchase the ticket, you can do so from the machines or at the RATP counters in the metro stations.

If you opt for the machines, select your language and choose the option “I don’t have a Navigo pass”.

There are a number of tickets but we are going to choose the single ticket t+. Select the number of tickets you want, validate, and then later pay. 

There is another type of ticket machine, so in case you come across that, it’s the same idea but instead of a touch screen, you just turn the roller to select your preferred options.

You should also note that you can also use this ticket for the bus, Tram, and the RER. Although it works only within Paris for the RER.

Navigo Easy Pass

The other alternative is loading tickets on a Navigo Easy Pass . The Pass itself costs 2 € which you can then load any amount of tickets you want. 

However, if you buy a bundle of 10 tickets known as the carnet, you save some money since it costs 17.35 € compared to the 21.5€ if you buy 10 individual tickets.  

If you plan on using the metro a lot, this is the option I recommend as you won’t have to queue at ticket machines every time you need a new ticket. 

Plus, you can recharge your Navigo Easy Pass directly on your phone with the IDF Mobilités or RATP apps. I’ll show you how to do that later in the article.

The only limiting thing about this pass is that you can only use it within the Paris region. This means that if you want to go to Disneyland Paris or Versailles, you’ll need to buy other tickets.

Paris visite Pass

The other way to use the metro is by buying the Paris Visite Pass which starts at 13,95€ a day but you can buy one for up to 5 days. 

The advantage of this pass over the Navigo Easy is that it gives you unlimited access to all forms of transportation (be it the metro, bus, tram,  RER, and SNCF trains) in the Île-de-France region.

This means that you’ll be able to go to Disneyland Paris , Versailles , and the airports with it. Just remember to write your name and the dates on the ticket for it to be valid.

How to Use The Ticket

If you have a physical ticket, just slide it into the slot of the fare gate and it will pop out from the other side and the gate will open for you.

If you slide the ticket in and hear a beep with a red light, it means that your ticket has already been used, so you’ll need a new one.

However, in very rare cases, you may be buzzed red on a new ticket. If this happens, then there could be a problem with the machine, so it’s best to inquire from the RATP staff on the counters at the station.

This is also the same way to use the Paris visite card .

One thing you should know is that not all fare gates have a slot for the paper ticket! If the one you go to doesn’t have it, simply go to the next one. 

How to Use The Navigo Easy Pass

If you’re using a Navigo Easy pass, you just have to validate it by placing it on the pad of the fare gate and it will let you through.

Before we move on, I should also mention that some metro stations, for example, Trocadero currently don’t have the traditional fare gates but rather validation points (shown in the photo above)!

These are so easy to miss so make sure you look out for them, or you might be fined if you don’t validate your ticket or pass. 

How to Reload Your Navigo Pass

Reloading your Navigo Easy Pass is quite easy. You can either go directly to the RATP counters in the metro, recharge on the ticket machines, or directly on your phone.

To do it on the ticket machine, simply place the pass on the Navigo reader, select the single journey t+ ticket, and either choose from buying individual tickets or a carnet of 10 tickets to save money.

To do it on the phone, you can either use the IDF Mobilités app or the RATP Bonjour App. With the IDF Mobilités App, go to “purchase”, then click  “on my Navigo pass”. Select “read my pass” and hold it above your Phone’s front camera.

Click on “Buy ticket” and select the amount of tickets you want. You can also choose the carnet option to get 10 t+ tickets for a reduced rate.

For the RATP App, the steps are pretty much the same. Go to “tickets”, click “Read Pass” and bring your pass behind the top of your phone. Select “Buy on Pass” and choose from either a single journey ticket or the carnet of 10 tickets.

How to Check The Remaining Number Of Tickets on Your Navigo Easy Pass

If you want to know the remaining tickets on your Navigo, simply put your card on the ticket machine, and it will show you how many are left.

Alternatively, you can do it on your phone with the IDF Mobilités and the Bonjour RATP apps.

On the IDF App, go to “purchases”, click on “on my Navigo pass”, select “Read my Pass” and place the card at the top of your phone and it will display how many tickets are left.

For the RATP app, go to “tickets”, click on “Read my Pass”, and place the pass on top of your phone and it will display the number of remaining tickets.

How To Navigate The Metro

Now that you know how to buy and use the tickets, let’s look at how to navigate the metro.

There are 2 options. You can either read the Metro map but the easier choice would be using apps like Bonjour RATP, Google Maps, SNCF Connect, IDF Mobilites, and Apple Plans, although I recommend City Mapper.

For this article, we’re going to assume that you’re trying to go from Galeries Lafayette to the Louvre Museum . 

Since the app suggests taking line 7, walk to Chaussée d’Antin — La Fayette metro station, get your ticket, and go through the fare gate as we saw earlier. 

Be careful here, because there are 2 directions! Take one suggested by the app and follow the signs carefully to not end up on the opposite side of Paris.

What Happens If You Take The Wrong Direction

If you accidentally take the wrong direction, leave the train at the first stop and change platforms by following the signs.

As long as you don’t exit the station, you don’t need to buy another ticket or even validate one. 

How to Open the Doors of the Metro

Paris has 3 types of metros so opening each will be a bit different! The newest type will automatically open at every stop.

For the second type, you’ll need to push the green button to open the door. 

The 3rd type, on the other hand, requires turning the handle up to open it. It can be a bit clunky so use some energy. 

How to Exit The Metro

Exiting the metro station is straightforward! Just look for the “Sortie” sign (which means Exit)! However, in stations with multiple exits, picking the correct one is crucial to avoid losing time once you’re above ground.

If you’re going to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum, and other famous attractions, finding the right exist won’t be a problem because the names of the attractions are clearly marked.

For other destinations, check the app (Bonjour RATP, City Mapper, Google Maps, etc) to see the best exit.

Is The Paris Metro Safe

The Paris metro is generally safe to use. However, it’s important to stay vigilant to avoid pickpockets, who are known to be quick and often work by distracting you. 

Always keep your bag closed and close by, and be cautious if someone tries to divert your attention — this could be a setup for theft. 

Also, watch out for people offering help at ticket machines as they might be trying to spot if you’re carrying a lot of cash, making you a target for pickpocketing. 

If you need any help, it’s better to go to RATP counters in the stations rather than accept help from strangers. 

I am not saying this to scare you away from Paris, as the risk of being pickpocketed is low, and such incidents can happen in any major city. 

Metro Price Changes During the Paris 2024 Olympics

If you’re visiting Paris during this time, you should note that the metro ticket prices will go up from July 20 to September 8, 2024.

The cost for a single ride t+ ticket will jump from €2.15 to €4, and a bundle of 10 tickets from 17.35 € to €32. 

However, a special pass will be available for €16 a day or €70 a week, covering travel in Paris and to both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.

Operating Hours of the Paris Metro 

Finally, you’ll need to know the operating hours of the metro, especially if you plan to go out late or want to use it early in the morning.

The metro runs every day from 5:30 am to about 1:15 a.m. but extends up to 2:15 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and several bank holidays.

If the metro is closed and you can’t get a taxi, there is an option for a night bus known as Noctilien from 12:30 am to about 5:30 a.m.

Although as a tourist, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you go out late, always use a taxi/Uber.

Final Thoughts on How to Use The Paris Metro

And that’s it guys! I hope you enjoyed this article! Let me know in the comments below if you found it helpful and if you did, please share it with other travelers to help them plan their trip to Paris with ease.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Big Mistakes to Avoid in Paris
• What Not to Wear in Paris
• Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Paris
• The Ultimate Paris Bucket List

Was this post on how to use the metro in Paris helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

Sharing is caring!

Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

Similar Posts

Which Paris Metro Tickets Or Passes Should You Buy In 2024

Traveling to Paris but are not sure which Paris metro tickets or Passes to buy? Then this article will help you figure that out! In my last article, I showed you exactly how to use the Paris metro. Today, I…

How to Get From Paris to Disneyland Paris (5 Possible Ways)

Planning your trip to Disneyland Paris but not sure how to get there? Then this post will give you various options on how to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris! As someone who lives in Paris and has visited Disneyland…

How To Get From Paris To Versailles Palace (6 Best Possible Ways)

Are you planning to visit Versailles but not sure how to get there? This article will give you various options on exactly how to get from Paris to Versailles! The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful…

How To Get From CDG To Paris In 2024 (5 Best Possible Ways)

Not sure how to get from CDG to Paris? This post will give you detailed options to choose from depending on your travel style including the pros and cons for each! If you’re planning to visit Paris, you’re in for…

These Paris Mistakes Could Get You Fined

This article will show you the biggest mistakes to avoid on the Paris metro if you don’t want to get fined! In previous article, I showed you exactly how to use the Paris metro. And while it’s easy to navigate,…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Paris Visite

The Paris Visite travel card allows unlimited use of the transport system in Paris: Metro , Bus , RER , Tramway , Orlyval, Montmartrobus, Noctilien and Montmartre funicular .

The Paris Visite pass includes certain discounts for some of Paris’ attractions , including the Ópera , a sightseeing cruise on the Seine or a bus tour . 

Validity Period

Travellers can purchase a Paris Visite pass for different periods of 1, 2, 3 or 5 days . The validity period starts at midnight on the first day and ends at midnight on the last day .

At the back of the card you have to write your personal information .

The Paris Visite pass can be purchased for two different zones : 1-3 and 1-5. The first (zone 1-3) is enough to get around the centre of Paris. The second (1-5) is useful if you need to go to the  Orly Airport ,  Charles de Gaulle Airport or Disneyland .

*Children (ages 4 to 11)

Is It Worthwhile?

The Paris Visite is quite expensive and it is only worth purchasing if you’re staying in Paris only for a couple of days, going to   Disneyland,  or if you would like to get to the airport by public transport. If this is your case, then we recommend purchasing the Paris Visite zones 1-5.

The Passe Navigo is a cheaper option if you’re staying in Paris for over three days.

Where to purchase the Paris Visite?

The Paris Visite travel card can be purchased at any Metro or RER station . It can also be acquired in the airports and tourist information points in the city.

You may also be interested in

The t+ ticket is the name given to the single-journey transport ticket in Paris. With this ticket, travellers and visitors can change and use several main means of transportation for 90 minutes.

Passe Navigo

The Passe Navigo is the travel card used by the inhabitants of Paris and the cheapest way of getting around Paris. Travelers can either purchase a weekly pass or a monthly pass.

Paris Metro Pass

Paris metro pass overview.

To buy a Paris Metro Pass good for Paris Metro, Trains, Buses, and Trams one would buy either a Navigo Découverte Pass or a Paris Visite Pass .

Which Paris Metro Pass you choose depends on what day of the week you arrive in Paris and how far outside of central Paris you want to travel on Paris Public Transportation.

Navigo Découverte

• Official name is “ Navigo Jour ” (jour is “day” in French)
• Buy + use any day of week, valid from 00:00 to 23:59 (till end of service for Night Buses, around 04:30)
• You must choose the day(s) of week your Navigo Day pass(es) will be active at the time of purchase
• 8.65€ for central Paris only (zones 1-2) + 5€ Navigo card fee (see zone map )
• all zones including CDG Airport / Orly / Disney / Versailles , Fontainebleau (except OrlyVal train )
• Monday-Sunday, (coverage ends Sunday midnight)
• covers all zones including CDG Airport , Orly Airport (Orlybus or Tram 7), Disneyland Paris , Versailles , Fontainebleau , etc. (except OrlyVal train )
• Navigo Prices for week pass 30.75€ + 5€ one-time fee for Navigo card

Paris Visite Pass

Paris Visite Pass 5-day 3-zone

• starts any day of the week
• 1-3 zone (Central Paris + La Défense, see zone map )
• 1-5 zone (CDG/ORY airports, Versailles, Disneyland, etc.)
• 13.95€ for 1 day 1-3 zone
• 76.25€ for 5 day 1-5 zone
• children prices (4-9 years, 3 & under free) are discounted ~50%
• 6.95€ for 1 day 1-3 zone
• 38€ for 5 day 1-5 zone
• Includes discounts to a handful of tourist attractions around Paris

Which Paris Metro Pass to choose?

It depends…. Factors to consider in choosing which Paris Metro Pass:

• Day of week you arrive in Paris
• How many days in Paris
• 4+ rides per day? Or less?
• To a lesser extent: which Paris airport you arrive at

Day You Arrive

How many days you stay in Paris and the day of week you arrive in Paris are the two biggest factors in choosing a Paris Metro Pass to buy.

Monday – Thursday Arrival

If you arrive between Monday and Thursday, Navigo Découverte is always the best pass if you plan on staying more than 1 day in Paris.

Navigo, as a week pass, is only on sale for the current week up until Thursday midnight.  After Thursday midnight, all Navigo week pass sales (made from Friday 00:00 till Sunday 23:59) are only valid for travel  for the following week starting Monday 00:01.  Example: if you purchase Navigo on Friday at noon, you cannot use the Navigo week pass until Monday morning.

Friday – Sunday Arrival

Arriving on Friday means you can’t use Navigo week pass until Monday. For unlimited ride passes your choices are:

• Paris Visite

Navigo Jour Day Pass

Ticket mobilis, days in paris.

If you need 2-3 day coverage from Friday-Sunday and don’t want the hassle of juggling multiple day tickets, then Paris Visite is your best option.

Rides Per Day

If you plan on taking Paris Metro, RER, Bus or Tram 4+ times per day, then an unlimited ride ticket/pass is your best option. Options are Navigo Jour Day Pass & Ticket Mobilis day ticket.

If you plan on taking Paris transit 3 times or less per day, a pre-loaded ticket card called Navigo Easy, is a cheaper option

If you only need 1 or 2 days of coverage, plan on 4+ rides per day and plan on getting a Navigo week pass on Monday, then Navigo Jour Day Pass is a good option.

One can buy Navigo Day Pass any day of the week and use Navigo Day Pass  immediately until 23:59 that same day (or until end of Night Bus service if you’re using night buses, ending around 04:30 in the morning).

You cannot have more than two days of Navigo Day Passes on your Navigo card at any one time.  If you need Navigo Day Pass for more than two days, you can only buy another Navigo Day Pass after one of the two on your Navigo card has expired

Navigo Day Pass is valid on RER B trains from CDG Airport to Paris city center and from Paris city center to CDG Airport on RER B.

Navigo Day Pass is valid for Orly Airport to Paris on the Orlybus or Tram 7 (from Villejuif – Louis Aragon station terminus of Metro line 7)

Ticket Mobilis is a Paris transit day pass in paper ticket form . There is no “card fee” for Ticket Mobilis day tickets. (Navigo Day/Week passes require a physical plastic card, costing 5€.) If you only need one or two days of day tickets and don’t plan on using Navigo week pass, then Ticket Mobilis is a cheaper choice than Navigo Jour day pass, with exact same coverage (including CDG & ORY airports with appropriate Ticket Mobilis zone coverage choice).

Navigo Easy

If you don’t plan on using Paris Metro/RER/Bus/Tram more than 4 times per day, are mostly staying within central Paris, then a Navigo Easy pre-loaded ticket card may be a good option for you. There is no expiry date on the tickets loaded onto Navigo Easy. So for occassional riders for whom unlimited ride passes are overkill, this is a good option.

• Ask a question

I want to support Ben

• Terms of Service
• Privacy Cookie Policy

How To Use The Metro In Paris

A fter countless trips to Paris as the founder of En Route to Rêverie , I can confidently say my preferred method of transportation in the city is my own two feet (I guess that’s the New Yorker in me!) However, for times when I need to travel further distances or the weather is uncooperative, I always turn to the Paris Metro. 

How to Use the Metro in Paris

This underground train network provides an affordable and efficient way for locals and visitors to get to any part of the city. For a lot of first time visitors the Paris metro system can be a daunting experience. So today I’m sharing a guide to help you navigate the Paris Metro with ease. Be sure to save this video on Instagram as well to bookmark for your next trip.

Related: Paris First Time Visitors Guide

I find the idea of using public transportation abroad can be overwhelming for a lot of people, especially when it’s in a different language! This post will give you all the basic information you need on what the Paris Metro is, how it works, which Paris Metro pass to purchase, and where to buy metro tickets.

I’ll also share some of my tried and true tips so you can confidently navigate one of Europe’s best subway systems. My En Route to Rêverie clients also get additional insights, advice, and guidance on navigating the Paris metro system as well as my most trusted alternative transportation options.

What Is The Metro in Paris

One of the oldest subway systems in the world, the first Paris Métropolitain (or simply Métro) line was opened in 1900, just in time for the World’s Fair. Today, there are 16 interconnected lines (each with a number) and the subway system transports over 4 million passengers per day! This extensive public transportation system is built under the city of Paris and extends out to nearby suburban areas of the city.

The Paris Metro is a densely packed system (there are over 300 Paris metro stations), meaning stations are not too far apart which is great for getting as close as possible to your destination. I personally find the Paris Metro to be one of the most efficient, reliable and affordable subway systems.

It’s important to note that the RATP (the name for Paris’ public transportation system) includes the metro (underground subway), buses, RER Paris regional trains (sort of a metro-rail hybrid), and trains. 

Paris Metro Zones

Paris operates on a “zone” system for public transportation. The city and surrounding areas are divided into 5 transportation fare zones (this is different from the 20 neighborhoods or arrondissements!) It’s important to note that the metro zones really only come into play for travel passes. Or if you want to take something other than the Paris Metro – like RER trains or buses. The Paris Metro subway operates exclusively in zones 1-3, with the overwhelming majority of stations in zone 1. 

Zones 1-3 include the majority of major tourist attractions in Paris. Most visitors will never even leave zone 1. Here you’ll find most hotels as well as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Trimophe.

Zone 4 is where you will find Chateau Versailles and Orly Airport. The Paris Metro underground does not reach these destinations. To get to Versailles, you will have to take the RER train to Versailles-Rive Gauche . To get to Orly Airport you will have to take the RER train to Antony and then the OrlyVal train (the airport’s specific automatic train).

Zone 5 is where you will find Charles de Gaulle Airport and Disneyland Paris. To get to CDG Airport you will need to take the RER train to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 1 (terminals 1 & 3) or Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2  (terminal 2).

To get to Disneyland Paris you will need to take the RER train to Marne-la-Vallée — Chessy. 

Paris   Metro  Passes

With such a sprawling RATP network, there are endless public transportation pass options. Below are the Paris travel passes I would most recommend for visitors. Unfortunately (and probably the only major downside of the Paris metro), unlike in other cities you cannot just tap-to-pay with your credit card. You will need to purchase some type of pass.

Single Tickets

One of the easiest options for riding the Paris Metro is a single ticket, or a t+ ticket. A single ticket costs €2,10 and gives you access to travel to any metro station regardless of zone, including metro transfers, as well as the Montmartre funicular. Historically these have been sold as small paper tickets that you can purchase in a packet of 10 (a carnet) for a slight discount, but these paper tickets are being phased out. However if you do use the paper tickets you will need to physically insert the ticket into the gate, it will be validated, the doors will open, then you need to take the ticket with you.

Navigo Easy Pass

As the paper tickets are phased out, the Navigo Easy Pass is far and away the best option for Paris Visitors. It’s similar to an Oyster card in London or a Washington, DC SmarTrip card. It’s a reusable, refillable plastic metro card (no more losing paper tickets!) that costs €2 to purchase – you can then add a single ticket, or a digital packet of 10 tickets at a discount.

With these passes, you will tap them at the gate to open. You will need to purchase your Navigo Easy Card from a booth with an attendant at a metro station, major train station, or CDG airport. And you can reload your pass with a credit card at any of the purple kiosks you see at metro stations.

You cannot share a Navigo Easy pass between multiple people on the same journey. And you will need to purchase a separate ticket to get to the airport, Versailles, or Disneyland Paris via RER. You can purchase those tickets at the RER station.

Navigo Decouverte Pass

This is a bit of a tricky pass, but you can get a lot of bang for your buck if the conditions are right. Similar to the Easy Pass, the Navigo Decouverte is also a reusable, refillable plastic metro card. The difference is that this card is a week-long, unlimited pass for the Paris Metro, all RER trains, all buses and trams. It includes travel to CDG, Disneyland Paris, and Versailles and costs €30 for the week.

The catch is that regardless of when you purchase a weekly pass, coverage is only valid from Monday morning at 12:01AM to Sunday at 11:59 PM. If you buy the pass after Thursday at midnight you cannot use the pass for that current week. Like the Easy Pass, this pass must also be purchased from a booth with an attendant. It costs €5 and also requires a small passport photo (another tricky aspect) so you will need to either bring one with you or use one of the photo booths in the station. Like I said, this pass is complicated but can be an amazing deal if your travel dates line up and you don’t mind the extra hoops.

Paris Visite Pass

The Paris Visite Pass is a multi day pass marketed specifically to visitors and offers unlimited public transportation on the Paris Metro, RER, and buses for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days. You must select how many days and which zones you’d like access to (either zones 1-3 or all zones). Depending on how much you anticipate taking public transportation this can be a great deal! They also offer discounted passes for children. These are paper passes that can be purchased at the ticket booth or kiosks in metro and RER stations, train stations, airports, and tourist offices.

Where To Buy  Metro  Tickets In  Paris

Metro tickets and passes can be purchased at:

• Paris metro stations
• RER stations
• Train stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, Gare Saint-Lazare)
• Airports (CDG and Orly)

Keep in mind that travel passes like the Easy Pass and Decouverte need to be initially purchased at a manned ticket booth inside the stations, but then can be topped up at a kiosk. You can still purchase paper tickets at most automatic ticket kiosks. You can always use a credit card to purchase your ticket(s) or pass.

Paris   Metro  Tips

Hold onto your paper ticket.

You need to be in possession of your paper ticket until you’ve finished your ride and left the Metro station for good. Police are regularly checking passengers’ fares. So be sure you always have your proof of payment at the ready otherwise you may land a fine. I know many travelers who have fallen victim to this often forgotten rule! This is another reason why I suggest purchasing the Navigo Easy Pass.

Kids don’t always travel free

While children under 4 ride free, children 4-10 can ride at a 50% discount. Remember, when traveling with kids they need to have their own Navigo Easy pass or their own paper ticket.

Know the Paris Metro operating hours

The Paris Metro operates from 5:30AM to 1:15AM daily. On Friday and Saturday evenings it operates until 2:15AM. Rush hour for the Paris Metro is usually 8 – 9 AM, and 6 – 7:30 PM. 

Keep an eye on your things 

As in most major metropolitan cities, use caution and exercise good judgement. Keep your personal belongings zipped up and in front of you, important items like wallets and phones should also be in your bag or front pocket. This should be followed for your entire metro experience – not just on the train itself.

Visit the iconic Art Nouveau metro entrances

It’s always such a treat to visit one of the iconic and historic Art Nouveau metro entrances. At the turn of the century, French architect Hector Guimard was hired to design these aesthetically pleases entrances to the city’s brand new metro system. Today, 86 still remain. Some of my favorites include Palais-Royal–Musée-du-Louvre, Cité, and Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame. 

You might need to open the door yourself

On most of the metro cars, you will need to manually open the door to get on and off. Only a couple of lines have automatic doors! My tip is to watch how others do it your first time. It’s very easy!

I hope you find this post helpful for your next trip to Paris!

Heading to Paris? Book  En Route to Rêverie  with me and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip to Paris the best one yet.

You may also like:.

• How to Plan a Trip to Paris .
• How to Plan a Girls Trip to Paris .
• Best Time to Travel to Paris .

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

European city break destination will be even more expensive this summer

Share this with

For any city-breakers heading to Paris this summer , you might want to take a closer look at your budget.

That’s because the cost of travel in France ’s city of love is about to dramatically increase in price.

Paris’ public transport authority are about to raise the prices of Métro tickets by more than 85%, while the cost of a bus ticket will double.

As of 20 July, a ticket for a single journey in the Métro will now set you back €4 (£3.43) instead of €2.15 (£1.85).

Meanwhile, the price for a city bus ticket will double from €2.50 (£2.15) to €5 (£4.29). 

The hike comes into force just six days before the Olympic and Paralympic Games begin in the French capital, and will remain until the 8 September, the day the games finish.

City officials have insisted that regular travellers, such as local commuters, will be unaffected by the higher tariffs because they have transport passes, for which the prices have stayed the same. 

The Île-de-France regional authority has made a website to help locals plan their journeys around the upcoming Games, but it also has key info for tourists planning to hop on and off the Métro.

In particular, tourists will want to be aware that three busy stations – Champs-Élysées – Clémenceau, Concorde and Tuileries – will close before the Games and will not reopen again until September.

So, to save money, your best bet is to buy the aforemention weekly travel pass instead.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital engagement at eurochange , explains to Metro.co.uk:‘It’s a great idea to get hold of a weekly pass to save quite a bit of cash.

‘There a weekly and monthly travel passes are valid on all forms of public transport in the Île-de-France region, including Métro, RER, bus, tram and train, with the exception of the Orlyval, SNCF train lines with reserved seating, and the Optile special fare lines.’

The pass comes in two forms – and London commuters will be familiar with how it all works.

You can either buy an ‘all zones’ travel pass, which allows you to travel across all zones, every day of the week. There’s also the ‘2-zone’ pass, allowing you to travel outside your two zones and only pay for the extra distance travelled.

Weekly passes are priced at €30.75 (£26.39) for zones 1 to 5 while a Navigo Day Pass costs €8.65 (£7.42) to travel across two zones. 

A Paris Pass is also on offer, which is specifically aimed at people visiting for the Olympics and Paralympics between July 20 and September 8, 2024.

The pass, which works like a season ticket, can be used for up to seven days and prices start from €16 (£13.78, $17.18).

When is the best time to get Euros?

Don’t leave it until the last minute to convert your pounds into Euros. ‘Typically, the EUR rate only moves very slightly over any given month,’ Laura tells Metro.co.uk.

‘Even when the exchange rate differs marginally when buying larger amounts, it can soon add up, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on the exchange rate before you head to Paris. 

‘I would always recommend buying your euros before you get to the airport or Eurostar train station, as the exchange rates tend to be far lower than if you were to buy in branch or online in advance. 

‘Typically, Monday through to Thursday is the best time to buy your euros, as these are the least busy days for transfers, so you might see a little less fluctuation in the mid-market rate.’

You can find out more about tariffs and how to buy them here . You can also buy passes at any ticket desk or at any of the kiosks at stations around the city. 

‘It could be worth looking at which zone your accommodation is in, and where you’ll be travelling to each day, to see which pass would suit you best,’ Laura warns.

Have hotel prices changed because of the Olympics?

It’s not just transport that’s been affected. Hotels have also upped costs for the huge sporting event. 

French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir found that on the night of the opening ceremony, a double room in a three or four start hotel will cost on average €1,033 (£899) compared to €317 (£273). 

And if you still haven’t got your hotels sorted, you may be too late.

Half of the hotels surveyed for the UFC report in late December reported being fully booked and 30% of them had introduced a minimum two-night stay requirement for bookings. 

Your Daily Horoscope

What does the week have in store? Your tarot horoscope reading for May 13 to May 19

There are properties available on Booking.com during the first weekend of the Olympic Games (two nights between July 26-28) however, many of the four-star hotels have limited rooms left. For a room with a ‘very good’ rating, you can expect to pay around £800 at the time of writing.

You can stay in Musée d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony

Holidaymakers will have a chance to sleep in a museum this summer because it’s becoming an Airbnb for a limited time.

The holiday rental platform announced its new ‘Icons’ category this week, which includes astounding destinations for travellers to book, including Musée d’Orsay in Paris .

But there is a caveat; there’s a lottery system in place and the bedroom will only be available for one night – the day of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games on July 26.

Booking will be made available from Tuesday May 21, 2024. From this date, Airbnb users guests will be able to request to book through the app. The lucky guests who are selected will be able to stay there for free.

You can find out more information on how to book the Airbnb here .

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

MORE : Gatwick Airport terminal evacuated with fears of ‘inevitable’ flight delays

MORE : Lego travels to Paris with new Notre-Dame and Mona Lisa sets

MORE : Brits banned from going into the sea at holiday hotspot after shark spotted in water

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Sign up here....

Privacy Policy

To the Nigerian mistaken for a Ghanaian traveling from Woolwich to…

To the guy with blond, shoulder-length hair wearing a greyish-black,…

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Paris authority slated for hiking cost of Métro and bus trips during Olympics

Union says rise unwelcome for tourists and residents – but officials say holders of regular transport passes will not be affected

Paris’s public transport authority has been accused of initiating ‘a bit of a racket’ after raising the price of Métro tickets by more than 85% and doubling the cost of bus tickets during the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.

A single journey ticket in the Métro will rise from €2.15 to €4, while a ticket for a city bus will double from €2.50 to €5 from 20 July – six days before the Games begin – and remain until 8 September, the transport authority RATP has announced.

Sami Kennouzi, of the CGT union at public transport company RATP, responsible for bus and tram workers, said it had not been consulted about the increase and only found out when the authority announced it.

“For us this ticket price increase doesn’t correspond to our idea of a public service and for such a global event it comes across as a bit of a racket for tourists and [local] passengers,” Kennouzi said.

City officials say most regular travellers will be unaffected by the hiked tariffs as they will already have transport passes, whose price has not risen. Those that do not have a pass have been advised to buy their tickets before 20 July.

One occasional bus user, Colombe, however, told BFM TV she would walk or cycle and avoid the bus. “Already the price for a short journey is high so I won’t be taking the bus for that price. We’ll find another solution,” she said.

Valérie Pécresse, the president of the Île-de-France regional authority, had previously said the aim of the Métro ticket hike, first announced in November, ahead of bus prices rises, was to avoid congestion at stations and urged Parisians to buy passes in advance. “I know a lot of ink has flowed on this subject … the ticket has been fixed at €4 precisely so nobody buys one,” she said in March.

She said there were an estimated 4 million occasional public transport users in the region and about 430,000 had signed up for a pass allowing them to avoid the higher ticket price. “Therefore, we have two months to convince around 3,570,000 people to do so,” she added.

The authority has set up a website to help locals plan for the Games, including details of roads and public transport showing which routes and lines will be most affected.

Three central Métro stations – Champs-Élysées – Clémenceau, Concorde and Tuileries, will be closed before the Games.

During the Games, 185km of road lanes around Paris will be reserved for vehicles carrying Olympic athletes, accredited journalists and members of official delegations.

• Olympic Games
• Paralympics

Most viewed