What Metro Ticket should I purchase in Paris?
Paris Explained
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The most common request I get from clients for my personalized itineraries is that they want to feel like a local. There's no better place to get up close and personal with Parisians than by riding the métro. It doesn't have to feel overwhelming. I’ll break it down for you.
The entire Paris transportation system was overhauled in 2025. Paper tickets are gone, and so are the discounted packs of ten known as carnets. While the new system may seem more complicated at first, it's actually much simpler once you understand the basics. Stick with me!
There are now just two flat-rate fares for travel throughout the entire Île-de-France region (Zones 1–5):
€2.55 for the metro and RER
€2.05 for buses and trams
Bus tickets can also be purchased directly from the driver using a credit card (€2.55), but these tickets are not valid for transfers.
The best part? It costs exactly the same to travel one metro stop as it does to ride the RER all the way to Versailles or EuroDisney.
Airports are, however, not included in this price. The new flat rate from Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport is Euro 14 one-way.
Alternative 1: Download the app “Ile-de-France Mobilités”. This app will not accept a U.S. phone number and is only available for registration once you are physically in France. After creating an account, you can purchase your tickets directly within the app.
The biggest advantage is that you won't have to wait in line at the station to buy tickets. However, you'll need to use your phone to pass through the turnstiles, so make sure you always have enough battery power.
Each traveler must create and use their own account.
Alternative 2: If you're old-school like me (or you have a U.S. phone number), head to a metro ticket counter or ticket machine in any metro station and purchase a Navigo Easy card for €2. This reusable plastic card can only be loaded with individual metro and bus tickets.
Metro ticket: €2.55 each
Bus ticket: €2.05 each
You can add tickets to your Navigo Easy card at the ticket machines in any metro station. Before adding more tickets, you'll need to use the ones already stored on your card. If you don't use all of your tickets during this trip, they'll still be there waiting for your next visit to Paris!
A single Navigo Easy card cannot be shared. Each traveler must have their own card.
If you have access to the IDF app, you can also add tickets to your Navigo pass by using the Ile-de-France Mobilités app on your phone.
Alternative 3: If you have an iPhone, go to your wallet. Select the + sign in the upper right-hand corner. Select transit card. Scroll down to France and select “Navigo”. Tap that and follow the steps. You should now have a virtual Navigo Pass in your wallet on your phone. You can add passes by using Apple Pay. Select “forfait Navigo jour” for a daily pass for Euro 12.30 (not valid from the airport) or Euro 2.55 for a single metro journey. You will not be able to purchase a weekly or monthly pass with this alternative.
Alternative 4: You can purchase a Navigo Découverte card if you plan to use one of the following passes:
Navigo Monthly (€90.80) – Available only until the 19th of the month in which you want the pass to begin.
Navigo Weekly (€32.40) – Valid from Monday through Sunday. You cannot choose your own start and end dates, and you can only purchase one week at a time.
Navigo Daily (€12.30)
These passes are valid on the metro, buses, RER trains, trams, and to and from the airports.
If you're purchasing a physical Navigo Découverte card, you'll need to buy it at a staffed ticket counter (unfortunately, not at CDG Airport). The card costs €5, and you'll need to attach a passport-style photo (25 mm × 30 mm).
Alternatively, you can load these passes (and a photo) onto your phone using the Île-de-France Mobilités app, eliminating the need for a physical card.
Unlike the Navigo Easy card, the Navigo Découverte card cannot be loaded with individual metro or bus tickets.
Alternative 5: The Navigo Liberté+ pass is the only option that offers discounted fares. However, it's not a practical choice for most visitors because it requires a French bank account for direct debit payments. Instead of purchasing tickets in advance, you simply pay at the end of each month for the journeys you actually take.
I have to admit, I miss those little paper tickets. The constant game of "Did I already use this one?" is a thing of the past, but so is the delightful artwork that decorated the backs of the metro tickets.
