Can You Pay Cash on Paris Buses?

By Michael Ferguson

Traveling around Paris is an adventure in itself, with its beautiful architecture, museums, and famous landmarks. One of the best ways to explore the city is by bus.

It’s affordable and offers a unique perspective of the city. But a question that many tourists often ask is – can you pay cash on Paris buses?

Payment options on Paris buses

Paris has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses, metro trains, trams, and suburban trains. The payment options for each mode of transport differ slightly.

Bus

If you plan to take the bus in Paris, there are various payment options available. You can either use a ticket or pass or pay directly on the bus.

Tickets and passes

The most common way to travel by bus in Paris is by using a ticket or pass. You can purchase these from authorized vendors such as metro stations or bus stations.

  • T+ Ticket: This ticket costs €1.90 and allows you to travel on any mode of transport for up to 2 hours with transfers between buses.
  • Mobilis Pass: This pass costs €7.50 and allows you unlimited travel within specific zones for one day.
  • Navigo Pass: This pass costs €22-€75 per month depending on the zones covered and allows unlimited travel on all modes of transport within those zones.

Paying directly on the bus

If you don’t have a ticket or pass, you can still pay directly on the bus using cash or a credit card. However, it’s important to note that not all buses accept cash payments.

Can you pay cash on Paris buses?

The answer is both yes and no. While some buses do accept cash payments, it’s not a guaranteed payment option. This is because many buses in Paris have transitioned to contactless payment methods such as credit cards or mobile payments.

If you board a bus that doesn’t have a ticket machine or a driver’s cabin, it means that the bus only accepts contactless payments. In this case, you’ll need to use an alternative payment method such as a travel card or buy a ticket from an authorized vendor before boarding the bus.

It’s also important to note that if you do pay in cash, you’ll need to have the exact amount as the driver won’t be able to give you change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while you can pay cash on some Paris buses, it’s not a guaranteed payment option. It’s always advisable to carry a travel card or purchase tickets from authorized vendors before boarding the bus to avoid any inconvenience. Regardless of the payment method, taking the bus is an affordable and convenient way to explore Paris and its many attractions.