The metro (and bus) is a fantastic way to get around Paris, and you can save both time and money by buying a carnet or book of 10 tickets, which can be used on the bus, metro, and RER (within zone 1-2, which is mainly where you'll be with the exception of airports and Versailles). There are weekly and monthly passes, which are great if you're here for a long time and expect heavy ridership, but there's a small fee up front (~5 Euros) and you'll need to have a passport size photo to use with your navigo pass. However, with all my visitors – I've had 13 in the past two weeks – I find that a carnet suits everyone just fine.Don't miss more Paris travel tips (including last week's tip for riding the bus) and my Paris visitor's guide!
I'll add a few tips for visitors that come from my learning the hard way...
ReplyDeleteYour used metro tickets look just like unused ones. To tell the difference, turn it over. On the backside you should be able to see purple printing/stamp on the used ones. Sometimes it's quite faded.
Don't put them in your bag next to anything that might demagnetize them. But if like me, yours mysteriously stop working, take them to the attendant at the window and they will replace them.
Finally, keep your ticket with you the whole ride just in case the Metro police ask you for proof you bought a ticket!
If you buy a carnet, make sure you have euro COINS to put in the machine- it doesn't accept bills! (I found this out the hard way)
ReplyDeleteGreat additions, Lynn! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnna, good point. FYI, some of the machines take bills (you just have to look). Also American credit cards (i.e. cards without a "puce"/chip) don't always work in the machines.
Thanks!
Anne
For us, it was NEVER worked in the machines (our American credit card)..
ReplyDeletewe got good at telling others like us to go to a window with a person when they were standing there perplexed...
I'm so glad that you're doing Paris travel tips. I'm trying to prepare since my husband and I will be there next summer. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you're doing Paris travel tips. I'm trying to prepare since my husband and I will be there next summer. Thanks
ReplyDelete