Navigate the City of Light efficiently with our comprehensive guide to Paris transportation pass options, helping you choose between the Navigo pass Paris, Paris Visite, and other Paris city pass alternatives based on your travel style and budget.
Understanding Paris Pass Options
When planning your Parisian adventure, choosing the right Paris transportation pass can save you both time and money. With several options available, each designed for different types of travelers, understanding the benefits of each Paris city transport pass is essential.
The three main Paris public transport pass options are:
- Navigo pass Paris (weekly or monthly)
- Paris Visite pass (1-5 days)
- Mobilis (single day unlimited travel)
Let’s explore each option to help you determine which Paris transportation pass best suits your trip.
Navigo Pass: The Local’s Choice
The Navigo pass Paris is the preferred option for locals and visitors staying for a week or longer. Benefits include:
- Weekly pass (Monday-Sunday): €30 for all zones
- Monthly pass: €86.40 for all zones
- Unlimited travel on Paris metro, RER, buses, and trams
- Includes travel to airports and Versailles when purchasing all zones
To obtain a Navigo pass, you’ll need a small photo (available from photo booths in major stations) and to pay a one-time €5 fee for the card itself. While offering excellent value, the weekly pass always runs Monday-Sunday regardless of when you purchase it, so timing your visit accordingly maximizes savings.
Paris Visite Pass: Tourist-Friendly Option
The Paris Visite pass is specifically designed for tourists and offers:
- Validity periods of 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days
- Zone options (central Paris 1-3 or extended 1-5 including airports)
- Prices ranging from €14.20 (1 day, zones 1-3) to €79.50 (5 days, zones 1-5)
- Discounts at selected tourist attractions
This Paris city pass option is convenient but typically more expensive than the Navigo pass Paris for longer stays. However, its flexibility with start dates makes it perfect for weekend visitors or short trips.
Mobilis Ticket: For Single-Day Explorers
The Mobilis ticket provides unlimited travel for a single day and is ideal for intensive sightseeing days:
- Zone-based pricing (€8.45 for zones 1-2, covering central Paris)
- Valid on all Paris public transport including metro Paris, RER within your zones, buses, and trams
- Available from any ticket machine or window
This option works well for day-trippers or those who plan to use Paris public transport extensively on specific days.
Paris City Pass Combinations
Some visitors opt for combination passes that include both transportation and attraction entry:
- Paris Museum Pass + Paris metro pass
- Paris Pass (includes transportation and major attractions)
- Paris Explorer Pass
While convenient, these combinations are typically more expensive than purchasing transportation and attraction tickets separately.
Choosing Based on Your Travel Style
To select the ideal Paris transportation pass:
For Budget Travelers:
- Staying 5+ days: Navigo pass Paris (especially if arriving Sunday/Monday)
- Shorter stays: Carnets of individual metro tickets Paris (10 tickets)
For Families:
- Paris Visite with family discounts (children under 4 travel free)
- Navigo pass for parents and individual tickets for children, depending on usage
For Weekend Visitors:
- Paris Visite 2-day pass
- Individual Paris subway tickets if making fewer than 5 journeys per day
Digital Pass Options
Many Paris transportation pass options now offer digital alternatives:
- Navigo Easy: Rechargeable card for storing tickets and some passes
- RATP app: Allows purchase and storage of some ticket types
- Paris Visite “sans contact”: Contactless card version