How Much Is a Metro Card in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you’ll likely be using the city’s metro system to get around. But before you can start exploring, it’s important to know how much a metro card will cost you.

What is a Metro Card?

First things first, let’s define what we mean by a “metro card.” In Paris, the metro system is operated by RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens), and their ticketing system includes both single-use tickets and reloadable passes. The pass that we’ll be discussing in this article is the Navigo pass – a reloadable card that can be used for unlimited travel on the metro, buses, RER trains within certain zones.

How Much Does a Navigo Pass Cost?

The cost of a Navigo pass will depend on which zones you plan to travel in. For example, if you only plan to stay within central Paris (zones 1-2), your pass will cost €22.80 for a weekly pass or €75.20 for a monthly pass. If you plan to travel further out into the suburbs (up to zone 5), your pass will cost €38.35 for a weekly pass or €126.90 for a monthly pass.

It’s worth noting that these prices are accurate as of 2021 and are subject to change in the future.

How Do I Purchase and Use My Navigo Pass?

To purchase your Navigo pass, head to any RATP ticket office or authorized reseller (such as newsstands or convenience stores). You’ll need to provide a passport-sized photo and fill out an application form with your personal details.

Once you have your card, simply touch it against the designated reader at any metro station or bus stop to validate your journey – there’s no need to insert it into a machine like you would with a single-use ticket.

Other Things to Know About the Navigo Pass

  • The weekly pass is valid from Monday-Sunday, while the monthly pass is valid from the first day of the calendar month to the last.
  • If you’re only in Paris for a few days, it may be more cost-effective to purchase single-use tickets rather than a Navigo pass. A pack of 10 tickets (known as a “carnet”) costs €16.90 and can be used by multiple people.
  • The Navigo pass can also be used on certain RER trains within the designated zones.

Conclusion

In summary, a Navigo pass in Paris will cost between €22.80-€126.90 depending on which zones you plan to travel in. While it may seem expensive upfront, it’s likely that you’ll make back your investment in just a few days if you plan to use public transport frequently during your trip.

Don’t forget to purchase your Navigo pass from an authorized reseller and validate your journey by touching your card against the reader at metro stations and bus stops. Bon voyage!