How to Buy Metro & Train Tickets in Paris
Paris has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. Between the Metro, RER trains, buses, and trams, getting around the city (and to places like Versailles or CDG Airport) is straightforward—once you know how to buy the right ticket.
This guide covers how to buy Metro and train tickets in Paris, which tickets to choose, where to buy them, and how to use them without stress.
Types of Tickets & Passes
🎟️ Ticket t+ (Standard Metro/Bus Ticket)
Valid for Metro, RER (within Zone 1), bus, tram, and funicular in Montmartre
Single ticket: €2.15 (€1.73 if purchased via Navigo Easy card)
Good for 90 minutes of travel within the system, but no transfers between Metro and buses
🟣 Navigo Easy Card
A rechargeable plastic card (€2)
Load it with t+ tickets or day passes
Tap in at gates—no paper needed
Best for short stays or occasional use
🔵 Navigo Découverte Weekly Pass
Unlimited travel in all zones (including CDG, Versailles, Disneyland)
Costs ~€30 for the week + €5 for the card
Runs Monday to Sunday only (not 7 days from purchase)
Great for travelers spending 4+ days in Paris
🟡 Île-de-France Point-to-Point Tickets
For trips outside central Paris (like Versailles, CDG Airport, or Disneyland)
Price depends on the destination
Must keep this ticket for the entire journey—it opens exit gates too
Where to Buy Tickets
🟫 Metro Stations
All stations have ticket machines that accept cards (with chip), cash, or contactless
Machines offer multiple languages (look for the British flag icon for English)
🟦 Ticket Counters
Available at major stations (e.g., Gare du Nord, Châtelet, Saint-Lazare)
Staff can help with Navigo cards, pass recharges, or special tickets
📱 Île-de-France Mobilités App
Buy digital tickets and load them onto your phone (if NFC-compatible)
Also lets you load tickets onto a Navigo Easy card via QR code
🟪 Tabacs (Tobacco Shops)
Look for the “RATP” or “Île-de-France Mobilités” sign
Many sell paper tickets and Navigo Easy cards
How to Use Your Ticket
Paper ticket: Insert into the slot at the gate, wait for it to pop up, then walk through
Navigo card: Tap it flat on the purple reader
On buses and trams: Insert paper ticket or tap Navigo on the on-board reader
✅ Important: Always keep your ticket or card until the end of your ride. Inspectors do random checks, and there are steep fines for riding without a valid ticket—even if you just lost it.
Best Ticket for Tourists?
| Stay Duration | Best Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 days | 10-pack t+ tickets (or Navigo Easy + 10 t+ loaded) | Cost-effective, flexible |
| 3–5 days (Mon–Sun) | Navigo Découverte Weekly Pass | Includes airport, Versailles, Disneyland |
| Longer stays | Navigo Easy or Découverte depending on travel plans | Both can be reloaded |
Popular Routes & Which Tickets to Use
CDG Airport to Paris: Buy RER B ticket (€11.80)
Versailles: Buy point-to-point RER C ticket (~€4.45)
Disneyland Paris: RER A ticket to Marne-la-Vallée (~€5.60)
Metro within Paris: t+ ticket or use Navigo
Final Tips
Validate tickets before boarding trains and trams—look for the machines on platforms
Avoid buying single-use paper tickets in bulk—Paris plans to phase them out
Download the “Bonjour RATP” app for maps, route planning, and live updates
Getting around Paris by Metro and train is efficient and safe once you understand the system. With the right pass or ticket, you’ll save time and avoid unnecessary stress—leaving more energy for croissants, museums, and long walks by the Seine.
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