Introduction
Here’s a detailed blog post tailored for tourists navigating public transport in Paris, with practical steps on using the Île-de-France Mobilités app, buying tickets, and making travel seamless.
Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world.
But when your feet give out or the Louvre is across town, the Metro, RER, buses, and trams are your best friend.
Here’s how to master the public transport in Paris like a local.
🗺️ Overview of Public Transport in Paris
| Type | Description | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | Underground subway | Within Paris (Lines 1–14 + several bis lines) |
| RER | Regional trains | Paris + suburbs (Lines A–E) |
| Bus | Surface buses | Paris and surrounding towns |
| Tram | Light rail | Circles Paris and serves outer districts |
| Noctilien | Night buses | 00:30–05:30 across the Île-de-France region |
All transport modes are integrated under Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM), the regional transit authority.
📱 Step-by-Step: Using the Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) App
The IDFM app (also known as “Bonjour RATP”) makes travel easy with journey planning, digital tickets, and real-time traffic updates for public transport in Paris.
✅ Downloading the App
- Available on iOS and Android under “Île-de-France Mobilités”
- Interface available in English, French, and other languages
🔐 Creating an Account
- Optional but recommended: lets you store tickets, reload passes, and access support
- Use a valid email + create a password
🎟️ Buying and Uploading Tickets
You can purchase digital tickets for public transport in Paris in the app and load them directly to your phone (via NFC) or a physical Navigo Easy card.
Option 1: Load tickets to your phone
- Enable NFC (Near Field Communication) in your settings
- Go to “Tickets > Buy”, choose your ticket type (see below)
- Pay with credit/debit or Apple Pay/Google Pay
- The ticket is stored digitally, and you validate by tapping your phone on the turnstile reader
- Available at any RATP ticket machine or service desk
- Costs €2 (one-time purchase)
- Tap your card on your phone via NFC to load tickets via the app
- Validate by tapping the card at the entry gates
🎫 Types of Tickets for Tourists
| Ticket | Description | Price (2024 est.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket t+ | Standard ride for Metro/RER (within Paris), bus, or tram | €2.15 | Short stays, occasional travel |
| Carnet of 10 tickets | Pack of 10 t+ tickets | €17.35 | Light travelers, couples |
| Mobilis pass | Unlimited travel for one day | €8.65–€20.10 | Day trips across zones |
| Paris Visite pass | 1–5 day pass; covers Metro, RER, bus, tram, and airport routes | €13.55–€65.80 | Tourists making multiple trips per day |
| Navigo Week Pass | Unlimited Mon–Sun travel for zones 1–5 | ~€30 | Longer stays (especially Monday arrivals!) |
🚦 Validating Your Ticket
Whether paper, digital, or card-based, you must validate your ticket before boarding when using the public transport in Paris.
- Metro/RER: Tap phone or card on entry gate
- Bus/Tram: Tap validator near the driver or inside the carriage
- Paper tickets: Insert into the slot, or tap for magnetic version
- Fines for unvalidated travel: Up to €50–€100
🧭 Best Routes and Tips for Tourists
- Use line 1 (Metro) to access Champs-Élysées, Louvre, and Bastille
- Use RER B to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Use bus 69 for a scenic ride past Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and more
- Avoid Metro peak hours: 08:00–09:30 and 17:00–19:00
- Keep valuables safe—pickpocketing does happen, especially in crowded metros
🌐 App Benefits Beyond Tickets
- Live traffic updates and delays
- Accessibility options (elevators, step-free access)
- Integration with other apps (like Apple Maps and Google Maps)
- Trip planning with suggested routes, walking transfers, and real-time arrival estimates
🧳 Bonus Tip: Airport Travel
| Airport | Line | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | RER B | €11.45 | Runs ~every 10–15 min |
| Orly | Orlyval + RER B | ~€12.05 | Transfer at Antony station |
| Beauvais | Shuttle bus | €17–€29 | Leaves from Porte Maillot; not covered by Metro/RER fares |
Does all of this sound a little overwhelming?
We highly recommend you check this helpful video by The Frenchies about how to use public transport in Paris.
Paris transit may seem daunting at first, but with the Île-de-France Mobilités app and a few well-chosen tickets, you’ll be navigating public transport in Paris (aka the City of Light) like a pro.