I'm fairly familiar with the Paris Metro system. I will have a Metro Pass covering zones 1-3, but we may have to get to Le Pecq on our own. I've figured that I can take RER A-1 to "Le Vesinet Le Pecq" from downtown Paris, but I am assuming that my pass will not cover this, but how is it detected that I started my trip in Paris? The exit turnstiles? If I have to purchase a separate ticket, can I do this at a machine or must I purchase at a window? Thanks.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3727 posts
As far as I know, you have to purchase a zone 4 ticket from central Paris, which you can do at a ticket machine or at a staffed window. I once had someone suggest that you can purchase a ticket from a station in zone 3 on the route between central Paris and Le Vesinet Le Pecq so you get the benefit of your three-zone pass, but I have never done that and don't know for sure that it will work because you will have to use the ticket to exit the station and I am not sure that the exit systems are set up to allow you to use two things (a ticket and a pass) to show that you paid the full fare.
Posted by
Chicago
8097 posts
There is no such thing as a 'zone 4 ' ticket. All RER tickets outside zone 1 are station specific e.g. you could get a Paris/Le Lecq ticket which will not necessarily work for other stations in the zone. ( I learned this the hard way) All tickets to stations in a zone are not the same price.
RER trips are metered by entry and exit turnstiles and if you arrive without the right ticket and are caught by an inspector there is a heavy on the spot fine and you cannot of course use the ticket in the turnstile.
All of Paris is zone 1 and the ordinary t+ ticket is valid to any metro station regardless of the zone it is in; a few are in zone 3 outside Paris, but generally it covers Paris.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1375 posts
Cindy, here is Paris By Train link,http://parisbytrain.com, you should be able to find you answer there.
Posted by
Paris
9681 posts
Cindy -- You can purchase at a machine. you put in that you want to buy a ticket and then alphabetically you scroll to the name of the station you want. (I think the Paris By Train website will show this in detail).