Paris Transit Fares
Complete traveller's guide to choosing the best and most convenient fare options for getting around Paris during your vacation
The fare system in Paris is actually reasonably straight forward and pretty easy to learn, but there are a few things you should know before your visit.
Most Public transport in Paris is overseen by the RATP and fares for the various modes of public transportation are co-ordinated by them. Regional Trains are operated by SNCF and have a separate fare structure and tickets with the exception of rides on the SNCF Transiliean and RER Network being covered by the Navigo Pass or the Paris Visite Pass.
Navigo Easy Pass or Bonjour RATP app - Usually the most econmical option
The Navigo Easy card or Bonjour RATP app is a contactless, reloadable payment method that is replacing paper tickets throughout the Paris public transportation system. This is usually the most economical option for getting around Paris. You can purchase a Navigo Easy pass for $2 € or you can download the Bonjour RATP app for free. Either lets you purchase and load tickets for single trips or multiple trips.
For single trips you can choose either Buses and Trams, or Metro and RER Trains. For multiple journeys you can choose from day passes, week passes, weekend passes and even longer periods. These passes are valid for travel on all modes including Buses, Trams, Metro and RER Trains.
If visiting Paris on the weekend you can load a Zone 1-3 pass (All of central Paris) for just 4.70 € or all 5 zones for just 10:35 €. This is an exceptional value.
On weekdays, if you think you will make more tha 4-5 one way trips in a day, load your card or app with a Navigo Day Pass which covers all 5 zones for only $12 €. If your visit to Paris starts near the beginning of the week, consider the Navigo Week pass valid Monday through Sunday for 31.60 €. These are valid on the Metro, RER, buses and trams for unlimited travel throughout Île-de-France.
The daily or multiday Navigo passes will be more economical than the Paris Visite Passes below unless you are able to take full advantage of the included airport buses and the discounts those passes offer at a number of popular attractions and businesses.
Paris Viste Pass - Designed for Visitors
The Paris Visite Pass gives you unlimited travel on the Metro, RER, Buses, Trams, and SNCF Transiliean Trains in all 5 zones including going to Disneyland Paris, Chateau Fontainebleau, Chateau de Versailles or France Miniature. It also has the advantage of including Orlyval, RoissyBus, OrlyBus (airport connections), as well as access to airport zones via rail modes (Metro line 14 and RER B)
We do not recommend purchasing or activating your Paris Visite Pass if you arrive late in the day or evening, as your first day of use will expire by 1am. In that case, purchase an individual fare to get from the airport to your hotel, or see if your hotel offers a free shuttle service. Days on the Visite pass are consecutive and begin on the day that you first use (validate) the pass.
In addition to its convenience the main advantage of the Paris Visite Pass is that it gives you a significant discount at many major attractions and shops, which combined can add up to more than the cost of the pass. Get more information on the on the Paris Visite Pass from RATP.
SNCF High Speed and Intercity Trains
Grandes Lignes (TVG): Tickets for high speed and intercity trains such as Grandes Lignes and the TVG can also be purchased at designated machines and ticket offices inside the stations that are served by them. Seats on these trains must be reserved, and while you may be able to book a seat at the last minute it is best to plan ahead and pre book. For that we recommend visiting SNCF's website.
If you are travelling in central Paris with young children under 4 years old, they are free.
Common Ticket Options and Passes for Tourists | Adult | Children 4 to 10 |
---|---|---|
Single ticket t+ Bus Tram Valid for 1h30 travel on Buses and Trams. | 2.00 € | 1.00 € |
Single ticket t+ Métro Train RER Valid for 2 hours from time of first entry onto Métro or RER. | 2.50 € | 1.25 € |
Navigo All Zone Day Pass loaded on Navigo Easy card or the Bonjour RATP App Allows unlimited travel throughout Île-de-France (zones 1 to 5) for one full day. | 12.00 € | 12.00 € |
Navigo Weekend Pass loaded on Navigo Easy card or the Bonjour RATP App Allows unlimited travel throughout Île-de-France (zones 1 to 5) for one full day. | 4.70 € | 4.70 € |
Navigo weekly Pass loaded on Navigo Easy card or the Bonjour RATP App Allows unlimited travel throughout Île-de-France (zones 1 to 5) for one full day. | 31.60 € | 31.60 € |
Paris Visite Pass - All Modes and Zones including Airport Transportation | ||
1 Day | 29.90 € | 14.95 € |
2 Days | 44.45 € | 22.20 € |
3 Days | 62.30 € | 31.15 € |
5 Days | 76.25 € | 38.10 € |
Roissybus Shuttle from Charles de Gaulle Airport | 13.00 € | 6.50 € |
RER B from Charles de Gaulle Airport | 13.00 € | 6.50 € |
Orlyval + RER B from Orly Airport | 13.00 € | 6.50 € |
Where to Purchase:The Navigo Easy Card, can be purchased from ticket vending machines or ticket offices in any Metro or RER Station or by installing the Bonjour RATP app on your phone. Paris Visite Passes can be purchased from ticket offices at any of the above stations or they too can be loaded onto the Bonjour RATP app. SNCF Grandes Lignes, TER and TVG tickets can be purchased at their designated stations or in advance from OUI.sncf to ensure you get a reservation.
Official Website: https://www.ratp.fr/en/visite-paris/english/preparing-your-trip-tickets-and-travel-passes-designed-you
More Info for Getting Around Paris on Public Transportation
- Fares
- Metro
- RER
- Buses and Trams
- Batobus (River Transport)
- Regional Trains (SNCF)
- Velib Bikes
- Airport Transportation
- Transit Tips