Single €2.50 ticket price to be introduced across Paris region for metros and trains

A revamp of ticket prices across the Parisian public transport network is to come into force in January 2025, with the aim of simplifying journeys. 

A single-use ticket for any metro, RER (local trains that go into the suburbs and run through central Paris) and Transilien (regional train services to other cities in the region) service will cost €2.50 from January 1, regardless of the destination. 

It means the cost of a single metro ticket will increase by 35c (currently costing €2.15), but fares on RER and Transilien trains will be cheaper for many, as these currently reach up to €5.

Ticket prices for a single journey on a bus or tram on the Parisian network will drop to €2, however only if purchased in advance – tickets purchased on board a bus will cost €2.50 for a single journey.

The ‘carnet’ of 10 single-use tickets on the Parisian network, which can be purchased at metro stations, will also be discontinued from this date, and new fixed fees for journeys to Paris’ two main airports will come into effect.

Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France-Mobilités (IDFM) which runs public transport in and around the capital, has called it a “ticketing revolution” for the city.

Currently, ticket prices to destinations outside of central Paris vary depending on which ‘zone’ a station is in, however this system will be abolished with the introduction of the flat fares. 

The use of ‘zones’ was already abandoned in 2015 for holders of monthly transport passes in the capital, who now pay a flat rate per month for unlimited journeys on the network.

There is no information on whether an increase in the price of monthly passes using the ‘Navigo’ cards will also come into force in 2025. A press conference being held today (September 18) about the ticketing changes may provide an update.

Read more: Is it easy to buy French train tickets online, even if abroad?

Authorities recommend using transport passes

The change in structure is meant to not only simplify the task of buying the correct fare for residents and tourists, but also push people towards using subscription cards instead of single-use tickets. 

The standard monthly ‘Navigo’ passes can only be obtained for people who live in the region - tourists cannot get one - and they are not cost effective for people who live in Île-de-France but only occasionally take public transport.

The IDFM recommends these groups now use a Liberté+ card, as it is cheaper than buying physical tickets.

This physical card can be scanned on a journey-by-journey basis, and takes funds out of a linked bank account via direct debit the month after your journeys are made.

It caps the amount you can spend one day on public transport (useful for tourists) and can be used across the entire public transport network managed by the IDFM.

Prices for a single journey using the Liberté+ card will be capped at €1.99 on metros and trains, and €1.60 on buses and trams, from January 2025 onwards, cheaper than the €2.50 / €2 physical tickets. 

You can sign up for the card using the IDFM website, or using the Navigo app on your smartphone.

Alternative options for occasional visitors include the Navigo Easy pass, which is non-titular and can be exchanged between people.

It is a scannable transport card which can have journeys pre-loaded into it, but does not benefit from reduced fees. It can also be used via an app on some smartphones.

Unlike many other major cities, you cannot use a bank card or banking application to use Paris’ public transport system. 

Read more: Paris ring road: region to oppose October speed cut to 50 km/h