Paris, the city of love and light, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and rich culture, it’s no surprise that millions of people visit this beautiful city every year.
However, with so much to see and do in Paris, getting around can be a bit daunting. One of the most common questions asked by visitors is: how do you pay for metro in Paris?
Well, the good news is that paying for metro in Paris is relatively easy. The city has an extensive public transportation network consisting of buses, trams, trains, and metros. The metro system is particularly efficient and affordable, making it a popular mode of transportation among tourists and locals alike.
To pay for metro in Paris, you need to purchase a ticket or pass. There are several options available depending on your needs and how long you plan to stay in the city. Let’s take a closer look at each option.
Single-Use Tickets
If you’re only planning to use the metro a few times during your stay in Paris, then single-use tickets are your best bet. These tickets can be purchased at any metro station from ticket machines or ticket booths.
A single-use ticket costs €1.90 and allows you to travel on any metro line within the city limits for up to 2 hours after validation. You can also transfer between different lines as long as it’s within that 2-hour window.
It’s important to note that single-use tickets cannot be used on buses or trams.
Carnet
If you plan on using the metro more than just a few times during your stay in Paris but don’t need unlimited access every day, then purchasing a carnet might make more sense.
A carnet is essentially a pack of ten single-use tickets that cost €16.90 (which means one ticket costs €1.69 instead of €1.90). This option is convenient for those who plan on using the metro sporadically throughout their trip and want to save a bit of money.
Paris Visite Pass
The Paris Visite Pass is a travel pass that provides unlimited access to the metro, buses, trams, and RER trains within the city limits. This pass is available for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days and offers discounts on selected museums and attractions.
The price of the Paris Visite Pass varies depending on the number of days you choose. For example, a 1-day pass costs €13.20 for zones 1-3 (which covers most tourist attractions within the city), while a 5-day pass costs €65.80.
Navigo Pass
If you’re planning on staying in Paris for more than a week or are using public transportation frequently during your stay, then purchasing a Navigo Pass might be your best option.
The Navigo Pass is a weekly or monthly travel pass that provides unlimited access to all modes of public transportation within the city and its suburbs. The weekly pass costs €22.80 (which covers zones 1-3), while the monthly pass costs €75.20.
To purchase a Navigo Pass, you need to have an ID photo with you and fill out an application form at one of the designated RATP offices or stations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, paying for metro in Paris is relatively straightforward. Whether you’re only using it once or plan on using it frequently during your stay in the city, there’s an option that will suit your needs and budget.
Remember to always keep your ticket with you until you exit the station as there are occasional ticket checks by inspectors who can issue fines if you don’t have a valid ticket.
Now that you know how to pay for metro in Paris, you can navigate the city with ease and enjoy all that it has to offer!