My sister is coming to Paris soon. I shared some easy tips with her about getting around Paris with public transportation. Now I’m posting them here for everyone who’s planning a first or return visit!
This story is now updated because during my sister’s visit we learned some things: One, one non-European tourists must use certain Navigo cards. Two, cardboard tickets do not work in all metro turnstiles. Three, random controllers will fine you.
Non-European Visitors
Non-European tourists have access to two Navigo cards (Navigo Découverte in French) Navigo Discovery (five euros in 2025) in English and Navigo Easy (two euros in 2025). Pick up the cards at a metro ticket office. For the Discovery card, to avoid a spot check by controllers and paying a fine, follow the instructions and add a photo and your name to the card. The Discovery allows you to have zones 1-5 for a weekly price, including the airports.
The Navigo Easy is only the card. The pass is a top-up style card. You buy your tickets at the ticket kiosk or online.
November 1, 2025 is the end of the cardboard tickets. Because my sister bought the Discovery card on Sunday, the ticket agent sold her a cardboard ticket, which worked in the turnstile. However, at the Saint-Germain des Près station, the turnstiles have been updated and there is no slot for the card board tickets. She and her friends walked back to their accommodation. Paris is a very walkable city and beautiful, especially when there is a full moon.
True Story
At the Metro stop Breguet-Sabin, controllers (agents) were checking passes. Three tourists were being fined because they had no photo or name on their Discovery Pass. I immediately texted my sister with instructions to go to the Photomaton, get the photo and write her name on the pass. She and her friends were on their way back from Vernon-Giverny. At Gare Saint-Lazare they followed my instructions immediately. At their stop in Châtelet, controllers were checking. Happy controller, happy visitors. Find all the information about Navigo passes here.
Essential Apps: Make Your Phone Your Ticket!
Before leaving home, download these two free apps to cover all your travel needs:
- Bonjour RATP : The must-have app for getting around Paris by metro, bus, RER, or tram. It’s user-friendly and stays in English, even as you dig into its features.
- IDF Mobilités : Great for travel into the Parisian suburbs.
- You will add your credit card information within the app in order to use your phone to buy tickets.
Their Tickets & Prices page breaks down all the different passes, including the ultra-useful Navigo. Tip: Buy your tickets or passes in either app. The ticket(s) show up in both! Super convenient.
Which Paris Travel Pass Should You Choose?
My sister’s trip is Saturday to Saturday—a common scenario! The Navigo Week Pass (all zones) is ideal for Europeans (you need a European phone number) and unlimited rides. It is valid Monday to Sunday, not seven days from the day you buy it. So, for arrival days before Monday, buy daily passes or singles. On Monday, activate your week pass.
Want to know which fare zones you’ll need? Use the handy zone guide on the IDF Mobilités site.
Mobile Tickets: How Does It Work?
In the Bonjour RATP app:
- You will add a credit card to this app in buy tickets and use the app at the turnstile.
- To use it Tap “Tickets,” then “How it works.” The app will recognize your phone and offer step-by-step instructions.
- You can load tickets or passes directly on your iPhone, Apple Watch or Android devices.
- Wondering if you can use your phone or watch to validate tickets for more than one person? Check the in-app Tickets page. Questions are answered and explained. Answers are also on the Bonjour RATP website
Quick Links for Paris Visitors
Say Goodbye to Paper Tickets
After many extensions, paper tickets (“ticket t+”) are no longer sold as of November 1, 2025. If you still have some tucked away, don’t panic! The RATP website assures us that they are still work during a transitional period. Keep the tickets handy. Don’t make origami out of them yet.
Paper or app maps?
Paper maps are still available at Metro ticket offices and in book stores. Downloadable maps are on Bonjour RATP and IDF Mobilités websites and in the apps on your phone. Getting around Paris has never been easier. Download your apps before you leave home, choose your pass, and tap in with your phone to start your journeys. Bon voyage, enjoy your Parisian adventure and see you on the metro!
