Stay Abroad

Paris Metro Tickets for Visitors: Types & How to Buy

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A Simple Guide for International Travelers

If you’re visiting Paris and plan to use public transportation (metro, RER, bus, or tram), knowing which tickets to buy can save you time, money, and confusion.

1. Ticket t+ (Single Ride Ticket)

  • What it is: Standard single-use ticket for most forms of transport in Paris (zones 1–2).
  • Valid for:
    • Metro
    • RER (within Paris)
    • Bus (except OrlyBus, RoissyBus, airport shuttles)
    • Trams
  • Transfer rules:
    • Unlimited transfers between metro/metro or metro/RER within 90 minutes
    • Bus to bus/tram allowed, but not between bus and metro

Price (as of 2024):

  • €2.10 per ticket
  • €16.90 for a carnet of 10 (digital or paper)

Where to buy:

  • Metro/RER station vending machines (accept card/cash)
  • Tabacs (tobacco shops)
  • RATP app or Navigo Easy card

2. Navigo Easy Card

  • What it is: A reusable plastic smart card (€2) that stores tickets.
  • Why use it: Convenient for loading multiple t+ tickets, day passes, etc.
  • No more paper tickets – just tap at gates.

Buy it at: Metro stations or RATP counters

3. Paris Visite Pass (1, 2, 3, or 5 Days)

  • What it is: Tourist pass offering unlimited travel for a set number of days.
  • Valid for: Metro, RER, bus, tram, and even discounts at some museums.

Price (Zone 1–3):

  • 1 Day: €13.55
  • 2 Days: €22.05
  • 3 Days: €30.10
  • 5 Days: €43.30

Tip: Zones 1–3 cover almost all tourist attractions. Zones 1–5 needed for airport, Versailles, Disneyland.

Buy it at:

  • Airports (CDG, Orly) RATP counters
  • Major metro stations
  • Online or through apps

4. Navigo Weekly Pass (Monday–Sunday)

  • What it is: Unlimited travel for a full week (best for stays over 3 days).
  • Important: Only valid Monday to Sunday, not 7 days from purchase.

Cost (Zones 1–5): ~€30 (as of 2024)
Card: Requires Navigo Découverte card (€5 + ID photo)

Buy it at:

  • Metro stations with counters
  • Plan ahead if arriving mid-week

How to Buy Tickets

  • Ticket Machines: Located at every metro/RER station, available in multiple languages
  • Contactless Card: You can tap your Visa/Mastercard directly for a t+ ride
  • Mobile Apps:
    • RATP App
    • Bonjour RATP
    • Apple/Google Pay with Navigo Easy virtual card (if available)
  • Always validate your ticket before boarding.
  • Keep your ticket until the end of your journey (spot checks are common).
  • For Disneyland, Versailles, or airports, double-check zones before using a t+ ticket.
  • Don’t confuse RER trains with the metro — they use the same stations but cover longer distances.

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