Navigating the Paris public transport system (Metro, RER, Bus, and Tram) is easy, but choosing the right ticket or pass for your trip can be confusing. With new tariff changes effective January 1, 2025, it’s more important than ever to know which pass offers the best value for your stay.
Here is a straightforward guide to the main passes available for tourists in Paris in 2025, helping you save money and time!
1. Navigo Easy: The Flexible Contactless Card
This is the replacement for the old paper t+ ticket system and the ideal choice for occasional travelers and short stays.
| Feature | Details (2025 Rates) |
| Card Cost | €2.00 (Reusable for future trips). |
| What It Holds | Single Metro/RER/Train Tickets (€2.50 each) OR single Bus/Tram Tickets (€2.00 each). |
| Best For | Tourists staying 1-3 days who only plan 1-4 trips per day, or travelers arriving late in the week (Fri/Sat/Sun). |
| Caveat | Cannot hold the Weekly or Monthly Unlimited Passes. You must pay per ride. |
| Usage | Tap and go. Cannot be shared simultaneously with another person. |
Single Ticket Pricing Update (2025): The price of a single Metro/RER/Train ticket is now a flat €2.50 regardless of the zone traveled (excluding airports). This makes the occasional trip quite simple!
2. Navigo Découverte: The Weekly Unlimited Pass
This is consistently the best value option for tourists staying a full week, as it offers unlimited travel across all zones at a fixed, low price.
| Feature | Details (2025 Rates) |
| Card Cost | €5.00 (Card is valid for 10 years). |
| Weekly Pass Price | €31.60 (All Zones 1-5). |
| Validity | Strictly Monday 12:00 AM through Sunday 11:59 PM. You can buy the pass from the previous Friday until the current Thursday. If you arrive on a Friday, you only get three days of use. |
| Best For | Travelers arriving Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday and staying 4 days or more. It covers Versailles, Disneyland, and CDG/Orly Airports. |
| Setup Required | You MUST provide a passport-sized photo (3cm x 2.5cm) to affix to the card. You can bring one or use a photo booth (€5) at a major station. |
Money-Saving Math: The total cost (€5 card + €31.60 week pass) is €36.60. Since a one-way RER ticket to/from CDG alone is €13, this pass pays for itself if you take the RER to/from the airport AND take just 9-10 additional metro rides during the week.
3. Paris Visite Pass: The Tourist Pass
This pass is designed specifically for tourists and offers flexibility on the start date, but comes at a significantly higher cost.
| Feature | Details (2025 Rates) |
| Card Cost | Loaded onto Navigo Easy (€2), or available on smartphone apps. |
| Pricing | 1-Day Pass: €29.90 (All Zones) |
| Flexibility | Valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, activated on first use. |
| Best For | Very short stays (1-2 days) arriving on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday when the Navigo Weekly Pass isn’t efficient. |
| Perks | Includes small discounts (10-20%) at certain museums, shops (like Galeries Lafayette), and river cruises. (Note: These discounts often don’t offset the high cost). |
4. Navigo Jour (Daily Pass)
A simple, all-zone unlimited pass for a single calendar day.
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Cost (2025): €12.00 (All Zones 1-5).
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Best For: Days when you plan to travel heavily (e.g., visiting Versailles and taking several Metro trips) or if you want unlimited access without the weekly commitment.
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Caveat: The daily pass does not include airport transfers (RER B/D or OrlyVal), which must be purchased separately (€13.00 flat rate ticket to/from CDG).
Quick Comparison & Recommendations
| Scenario | Recommendation | Why? |
| You Arrive Mon, Tue, or Wed (4+ days) | Navigo Découverte | Cheapest unlimited travel option (€36.60 total) and covers airports/Versailles. |
| You Arrive Fri, Sat, or Sun (Short stay) | Navigo Easy | The weekly pass expires Sunday. Use the €2.50 single tickets and walk when possible. |
| You Need Unlimited Travel for 2 Days (e.g., Sat-Sun) | Navigo Jour | Buy two consecutive daily passes (€12 x 2) for €24. This is much cheaper than the Paris Visite Pass. |
| You Want to be Stress-Free (Any Arrival) | Paris Visite Pass | Simple to buy and use on any day for any length, but expensive (€29.90/day). |