Getting Around Paris: Everything We Learned (and Struggled With)

We just got back from a week in Paris. Navigating the city was easy once we got going, but figuring out how to buy tickets, what kind of pass to get, and how to use them was way more confusing than expected.

Here’s everything we wish we’d known before our trip – broken down clearly so you don’t spend your first morning stuck at a Metro turnstile.

Arriving at CDG: Take the Train or Taxi?

• The RER B train leaves directly from inside the airport. It’s reliable, no traffic, and gets you to the city quickly.
• However, don’t try to use multiple RER tickets on one phone – even if you bought them ahead. It usually fails after the first scan. Keep reading for phone use.
• If you’re traveling with 4+ people or have lots of luggage, a G7 taxi might be worth it. It’s around €80 to central Paris. RER tickets for 6 people would’ve cost €72 total, so the extra money bought comfort and simplicity.

Metro & Bus Tickets: What Your Options Are

Paper tickets

• These are still sold (as of March 2025) and work reliably.
• They’re simple, but they’re being phased out and can demagnetize easily.
• Some locals think they’re messy and environmentally wasteful.

Navigo Easy card (plastic)

• Costs €2. Can be bought at airport kiosks, Metro stations, and many Tabacs.
• Reloadable with individual tickets or day passes.
• Works for Metro, bus, tram, and some RER zones depending on your fare.
• You can’t mix Metro and bus tickets on one card—you choose one type per top-up.

Navigo Découverte (weekly pass)

• €5 for the card, plus €30–€32 for the pass.
• Runs Monday to Sunday only – no rolling 7-day option.
• Requires a printed passport-style photo.
• Worth it if you plan to ride transit a lot during a full week.

Navigo on your phone

• Apple Wallet or Android with Bonjour RATP / IDF Mobilités
• iPhone users can add a transit card via Apple Wallet: tap the + sign > Transit Card > France.
• You can preload a 5-day pass even before leaving home.
• You must activate each ride using Face ID/passcode before scanning.
• Using one phone for multiple people is technically possible on iOS, but unreliable and risky – inspectors may still fine you.

Individual single tickets (t+ tickets)

• €2.15 – €2.50 each.
• Good for a single Metro ride or 90-minute bus/tram journey.
• Cheapest option if you only use public transport a few times a day.

Phone vs Card: More Details

Question	Answer
Can I buy a pass before arriving in France?	Only via Apple Wallet. Most apps block purchases abroad unless you use a VPN.
Can I use one phone for 2+ people?	Technically possible on iPhone, but prone to failure and fines. Not recommended.
Is it easier to use physical cards?	Yes, especially with kids or in crowded stations.
Can I use one card for multiple types (bus + Metro)?	No. You choose one type per top-up on a Navigo Easy card.
Do tickets for kids under 13 work in Apple Wallet?	No. Kids under 13 can’t use the IDF card in Wallet. Get them physical cards.

Common Pitfalls + Insider Tips

• Putting multiple tickets on one phone?
  It might work in theory, but people were fined €60 for it. Best case, you hold up the line switching between passes. Worst case, you get stopped by an inspector who doesn’t care what the website says.
• Apps like Bonjour RATP or IDF Mobilités?
  They work, but they’re confusing. Some Android users couldn’t make purchases. Others lost tickets or had trouble scanning. Even when tickets were bought in the app, you had to activate them in Apple Wallet.
• Tabacs (corner shops)
  These often sell Navigo Easy cards, but not always with all pass types. Some don’t offer the daily Navigo Jour pass (€12). Machines can be hit or miss too.
• Loading passes on your phone
  If you have a physical Navigo Easy card, you can top it up using your phone via NFC (iPhone/compatible Android). That means fewer lines at machines after the first purchase.
• Weekly pass confusion
  Many people thought they could buy a 7-day pass from any day of the week. Not so. The Navigo Découverte only runs from Monday to Sunday. If you arrive midweek, it might not be worth it.

Getting Around Once You’re in the City

• Metro trains are fast and reliable. We rarely waited more than 2 minutes.
• Google Maps doesn’t always get walking distances right. Some transfers are much longer than they look. Montparnasse-Bienvenue was like a 2km hike underground.
• Transit maps in stations don’t show landmarks. Find a custom Paris map online that overlays Metro stops with tourist sights. Way more helpful.

What About Buses?

• Bus and Metro tickets were separated into different types in 2025. This adds another layer of confusion.
• Bus tickets are often trickier than Metro ones. Drivers may not accept cash, and ticket types must match what’s loaded on your card.
• Some drivers just let tourists on for free rather than explain how the system works.

Alternatives: Uber, Taxis, and More

• Uber XL worked great for groups of 5+. Not cheap, but saved a lot of time and hassle.
• Taxis from the stand are more expensive than booking through the G7 app. However, both are more comfortable than lugging suitcases through the Metro.
• Bolt is probably the cheapest option. Be aware, however, that there are common ride cancelations during rush hour, so start early.
• In France, ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, Free Now, and Heetch are collectively referred to as VTCs (Véhicule de Transport avec Chauffeur), which just means private hire vehicles with drivers, similar to saying “rideshares” elsewhere.

Final Tips and Reminders

• Don’t assume the system works like it does in London or NYC.
• Validate (“valider”) means two things in Paris: “confirm your selection” on a machine or “scan your ticket to enter.”
• If you’re buying multiple cards or tickets, load them one by one. Avoid doing it all from one device.
• Check your pass type before topping up. Again, bus and Metro options are not interchangeable.
• Stick to physical cards if you don’t want to deal with tech stress.
• Don’t rely on second scans or lingering at turnstiles to let people through – it might trigger alarms or fines.
• Some inspectors are rigid and will fine you even if you followed online guidance.