I know that the Navigo Pass runs from Monday to Sunday. However, is it possible to apply for the pass on Sunday and activate it on Monday? I'm asking because we will need it Monday Morning at around 9:00 since we have to begin a tour at 9:30 am. that will require us to take a couple of Metro rides. If not, then about how long does it take to apply for it? We will be staying in St. Germaine and it looks like the nearest Metro Station is Odeon. Is it possible to purchase a pass there?
We purchased our passes on Sunday for Monday (you can purchase them as early as Thursday). As long as you have your photos I believe you can purchase them in any Metro station that has a manned booth. I printed out a copy of the Navigo Pass instructions in case the person didn't speak English and it all was very smooth.
Not only possible, but it is your only option. Any pass purchased from Friday on will become active on Monday. From the RATP website
- How do I purchase a weekly travel pass? For the Navigo weekly travel pass, sales begin on the Friday preceding the week of validity, and end on the Thursday of the week for which they are valid. You may purchase your Navigo weekly travel pass: directly online at the website: Navigo.fr at all our ticket desks from an RATP agent, at our automatic vending machines, and in more than 1,500 local retailers authorised by RATP at more than 200 automatic teller machines (ATMs).
The pass and the charge for the week are two separate things. You can buy the pass any time and assemble it. If you charge it for a week from Fri-Sun, it starts on the following Monday. So you can buy the pass, have it charged up for the week (or charge it on the machine) on Sunday, take the kit back to the hotel and put it together and you are good to go. Occasionally the clerk will assemble it for you if there is no line and they are in the mood. Be sure to print your name on the line for name next to your picture. Bring the pictures with you. 25/30mm; you can print them on your computer at home or copy a driver's license photo or copy/reduce a passport photo. The space is quite small so the photo needs to be close to the size specified.
FWIW we had our passes checked by inspectors 3 times in the 5 weeks we just spent in Paris.
Thanks for your help!
janettravels44 -
You were lucky, we had our cards checked 4 times in a week. 3 times at Franklin D. Roosevelt station.