Ultimate Guide to Buying Paris Metro Tickets 2024: Tips, Passes, and Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Introduction to Paris Metro Tickets 2024

In this blog, I’m going to show you how buying Paris Metro tickets in 2024 works, which daily or weekly pass is best for you, how to navigate the Metro, and the costly mistakes you should avoid. This is a step-by-step tutorial where I’ll demonstrate how to use the machines to buy your pass and how to use your phone as the pass itself. Stay tuned until the end because I’ll answer some of your questions about Paris Metro tickets.

Understanding Paris Metro Zones and Tickets

The Paris Metro is all within the Paris city limits, with the exception of a few lines that extend beyond. That is the Paris Metro, which is Zone 1. Let’s move to the big map so you’ll see the entire extended Paris region and understand the ticket zones.

On this map, you can see that Zone 1 is the city of Paris, where the Paris Metro is located. Everything beyond that is covered by the trains or the RER. You will take the train or the RER to go to and from the airport, such as Charles de Gaulle, Disneyland Paris, or Versailles, and of course Orly, which is all the way at the bottom.

Choosing the Right Paris Metro Pass

If you plan on having a pass that will give you access to all of these areas, you’ll need Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. You’ll need all five zones to navigate in and out of the Paris Metro, including going to the airports and other attractions you want to visit. But be careful: you could hop on an RER with a Metro ticket and go all the way to Disneyland. There’s nothing stopping you from doing that, but if you’re checked on your way to Disneyland with a Metro ticket, you’ll get a hefty fine. So it’s really important to get the proper pass for the Paris Metro.

Main Options for Buying Paris Metro Tickets 2024

If you check the website for Metro options, it’s easy to get confused because it can be complicated. Let’s break down the four main options for buying Paris Metro tickets in 2024.

Single Trip Paris Metro Ticket

First, you can buy a single trip on a paper ticket. You can get a Navigo Easy Pass for multiple one-off trips within the city limits, or you can get the Navigo Découverte weekly pass for unlimited rides around Paris, Disneyland, Versailles, and the airports. There’s also the daily Visit Paris pass, which includes Paris, Disneyland, Versailles, and the airports.

Navigo Easy Pass for Paris Metro

The second option is the Navigo Easy Pass, my preferred option if you’re staying within Paris city limits (Zone 1). You can buy this at a booth with an attendant by saying “Bonjour,” asking if they speak English, and then requesting a Navigo Easy Pass loaded with 10 trips. The physical Navigo card costs €2, and the 10 trips are €17.35. Note that each person in your group needs their own card; you can’t share one card for multiple people.

Navigo Pass on Your Phone

The third option is to buy the Navigo pass on your phone. Unfortunately, this isn’t available for iPhones yet, despite promises for 2024. It only works for Androids. Open the IDF Mobility app, which I’ll link in the description. Click “Purchase,” then buy tickets or top up your Navigo pass. Select the number of tickets, accept the terms, and enter your payment information. Your phone becomes the pass, so you don’t need a physical card.

Weekly Navigo Découverte Pass for Paris Metro

The third option is the weekly Navigo Découverte pass, which includes all zones. This is perfect if you plan to visit Versailles, Disneyland, or the airports. This pass starts on Monday and ends on Sunday, regardless of when you buy it. If you buy it mid-week, it’s not worth it. You’ll also need a passport photo unless you’re using your phone, as the physical card is personal. You can buy the physical card at a booth with an attendant. Say “Bonjour,” ask if they speak English, and request a Navigo Découverte card with a weekly pass. The physical card costs €5, the daily pass for all zones is €7.60, and the weekly pass is €30.75. You need to sign the card and add your photo within 24 hours, or you’ll get a €35 fine. Photo booths are available at most Metro stations.

Paris Visit Pass for Unlimited Travel

The fourth option is the Paris Visit Pass, a daily pass for all zones. It’s perfect for people who want to use the transportation system for one day without buying a physical card or loading an app. The daily unlimited pass costs €29.25. You can buy it at a machine or a booth with an attendant. This paper ticket is personal, and you need to write your first and last name on it, with one ticket per person.

How to Use Paris Metro Ticket Machines

Now, let me show you the types of ticket machines you will find at a Metro and train station in Paris. In all the Metro stations in Paris, you’ll find these machines: the purple one here on the left and the ones right here where you can buy the ticket. In a major train station, you’ll see ticket machines that are blue, red, and yellow, but these are strictly for long-line train tickets that will take you away from Paris, like to Normandy or the south of France.

Ticket Machines in Train Stations and Airports

In a train station or the airport, you’ll see machines with blue, white, or pink bars. The ones with the pink bar at the top are where you can buy your Navigo pass and load it with your tickets in one transaction, which means you don’t need to speak to an attendant. I’ll show you that step-by-step later in the blog. The machines with the blue or white bars do not sell the physical Navigo card; you can only refill a card but not buy the actual physical card. So it’s important to find one with the pink bar. If you’re using your Navigo pass or your phone as a Navigo pass, just tap it on the little purple dot and go right through.

Insider Tips for Buying Paris Metro Tickets

As an insider tip, I recommend getting your passes and tickets away from major stations like Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon because the lines there will be long. If you walk over to the next station, you’ll probably have no lines at the booth or the machines, and you’ll have less chance of being pickpocketed.

Buying a Single Ride Paper Ticket for Paris Metro

Let’s start by buying a single ride paper ticket. I’ll tap the screen to select English. I don’t have a Navigo pass, so I’m going to tap on the screen. I want a T+ ticket; I’m not buying an all-day pass, just a single ride. I want to ride a Metro, tram, or bus, so I select a T+ ticket and then choose to buy one ticket for €2.50. Validate that, insert your bank card, and the ticket will print out here. The paper ticket isn’t the best option because they’re phasing those tickets out and encouraging people to use Navigo cards or their phones. Some stations may not even have a turnstile for paper tickets. While this is still available in 2024, I don’t recommend it.

Buying a Navigo Easy Pass at a Machine

The second option to buy a Navigo Easy card is at a machine. Let me show you how:

First, tap on the screen and pick your language. Select “Buy Navigo Pass with tickets.” Choose how many cards you want to buy, up to nine. For this example, I’ll buy one for €2. It asks if you want to add a daily pass, a weekend pass (Jeune means youth), or 10 trips. Select T+ tickets and then full fare (avoid reduced fare unless you qualify). A booklet of 10 rides costs €17.35, plus €2 for the card, totaling €19.35. Click “Pay,” insert your card, and the pass will be created and drop out below.

If you already have a Navigo card and want to add more rides, use a machine that says “Rechargement” and follow the instructions. Put your card in, choose the number of tickets, pay, and your card is reloaded.

Safety Tips for Using the Paris Metro

One of the questions I get asked often is how to stay safe and keep your belongings secure while traveling on the Paris Metro or in train stations. I’ve included a link in the description to some travel gear I love that can help keep you and your stuff safe. Check it out to see if it’s right for you.

Common Questions about Paris Metro Tickets

I often get questions, and many are repeats. Here are some examples:

Can I Buy One Navigo Card for My Family?

“We’re a family of five planning our first trip to Paris, including Disneyland, for six days before heading to Italy. Can I buy one Navigo card and use it for the whole family?” No, each person needs their own card.

Do I Need Multiple Tickets for Transfers in Paris Metro?

“When I have an itinerary with two Metro and one bus transfer, do I need three tickets?” No, one ticket covers transfers within 90 minutes.

Is the Navigo Weekly Pass Suspended During the Olympics?

“We’re visiting during the Olympic Games, and I heard the Navigo weekly pass will be suspended. Is that true?” Yes, from July 20th to September 8th, you can’t buy the weekly pass, but you can get the Paris 2024 daily pass for all zones at €16 per day or €80 for five days.

Can I Buy the Navigo Weekly Pass at Charles de Gaulle Airport?

“Can I buy the Navigo weekly pass at Charles de Gaulle airport?” Yes, at the train station at Charles de Gaulle, during business hours. If the booth is closed, buy a one-way paper ticket to Paris and get your pass in town.

Conclusion

Now that you know how buying Paris Metro tickets in 2024 works, next, check out my blog on Navigating Paris from CDG Airport. If you have any questions about buying Paris Metro tickets in 2024, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to help.