How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Train in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you might be considering taking the train to get around the city. But how much does it actually cost to ride the train in Paris? Let’s take a closer look.

Types of Trains in Paris

Paris has an extensive public transportation system, including both above-ground and underground trains. The most common types of trains you’ll encounter in Paris are:

  • Metro: The metro is a rapid transit system that operates mostly underground. It serves the entire city and is the most affordable way to get around.
  • RER: The RER is a network of express trains that connect Paris with its suburbs. It’s faster than the metro but also more expensive.
  • Transilien: Transilien trains operate within the suburbs of Paris and are often used by commuters.

Ticket Options

When it comes to buying tickets for the train in Paris, there are several options available:

  • Single Ticket: This ticket allows you one journey on any one of the modes of transport within Zone 1 (which covers most of central Paris). A single ticket costs €1.90 if bought individually, but can be cheaper if purchased in bulk.
  • Carnet: A carnet is a pack of ten single tickets that can be used at any time.

    It costs €16.90, making each journey €1.69 – a small saving compared to buying tickets individually.

  • Mobilis Pass: This pass allows unlimited travel on all modes of transport within Zones 1-5 for one day. Prices range from €7.50 for Zone 1 to €17.80 for all five zones.
  • Navigo Pass: This is a weekly or monthly pass that allows unlimited travel on all modes of transport within Zones 1-5. Prices start at €22.80 for a weekly pass and €75.20 for a monthly pass.

Additional Costs

While the ticket prices might seem reasonable, it’s important to note that there are additional costs to consider when riding the train in Paris. For example:

  • Airport Access Fee: If you’re traveling to or from Paris by train from one of the city’s airports (Charles de Gaulle or Orly), you’ll need to pay an airport access fee on top of your regular ticket price. This fee ranges from €4.70 to €6 depending on which airport you’re using.
  • Rush Hour Surcharge: If you’re traveling during peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6:30am-9:30am and 4:30pm-7:00pm), you’ll need to pay a rush hour surcharge of €0.30 per journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, riding the train in Paris can be an affordable way to get around the city, especially if you opt for a carnet or one of the unlimited travel passes. However, it’s important to factor in any additional costs such as airport access fees and rush hour surcharges when planning your journey. With a little bit of research and planning, you can enjoy all that Paris has to offer without breaking the bank on transportation costs!