Hello!
Some of you may have already helped me with my previous question. It looks like my husband and I may be traveling to a wedding outside of Mantes la Jolie from Orly Airport using public transportation. It appears that if we purchase a Paris Visite pass, this will cover our needs (including transportation from the airport on a bus?). We will be in the Paris area for 5 days total, so I think it makes sense to buy the Paris Visite (zones 1-5), 5-day pass.
I am only unsure regarding the actual transportation from Orly. It looks like several types of buses travel from Orly to Paris proper (Ouibus, OrlyVal, OrlyBus, LeBusDirect, etc.). OrlyVal might be a train? It seems like OrlyVal and OrlyBus might be included in the purchase of the Paris Visite pass. Is anyone familiar with this? I am trying to avoid unnecessary spending. If the bus is already included in the pass, I won't buy separate bus tickets.
Also, is it recommended to buy any of these tickets/passes in advance?
Thank you,
Andrea
Posted by
Green Bay
20139 posts
You don't say what days of the week you will be in Paris. A Visite is probably overkill. You will be paying extra for benefits you may not be using. Public transit passes don't work for most airport buses as they are private operators. Also the Orlyval train to Anthony requires a separate ticket. Give more details of what you are doing and when.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Arrive in Paris: Orly Airport, 7. August 2019, 9:10. (Wednesday)
Travel to Mantes la Jolie by public transportation, and then to the wedding venue by taxi.
Depart wedding venue: 9. August 2019 (Friday) -- departure time uncertain, hopefully by early afternoon
Travel from Mantes la Jolie to Paris by public transportation. Possibly headed to the Pantheon area.
Sightseeing: 9. August - 11. August 2019. (Fri through Sun)
Likely to take several metro trains/forms of public transportation during this time.
Depart Paris: 11. August 2019 (Sunday)
We already have tickets for Thalys train departing Paris in the morning, heading to our next destination.
Posted by
Chicago
8063 posts
What you need is the Navigo Decouverte which will cover your travel in 5 zones for MUCH less. It doesn't work on the Orlyval. I would pay the ridiculous charge for the Orlyval shuttle to Antony RER station, buy the ND there and use it the rest of the time. It will still cost about half of the Paris Visite to do it this way.
The ND is 5 euro for the card and 22.80 for the weekly 5 zone pass. I think the Orlyval is about 12 or so
The Visite for 5 zones is 66 Euro. It does include the Orlyval.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you. I recall reading about the Navigo. What is the difference between the Navigo and Mobilis? For some reason I thought, as a tourist, I would need the Mobilis?
Posted by
Chicago
8063 posts
Navigo -- pass for locals
Navigo Decouverte which can be charged with a weekly or monthly (or daily pass) is for temporary workers and students in Paris or people who don't want their movements tracked. It is not marketed to tourists but there is no problem buying one. It is the best travel bargain in Europe. Requires 25/30mm photo. Runs from Mon-Sun of one week or a calendar month.
Mobilis is a daily pass. Two Mobilis day passes for 5 zones will cost more than a weekly ND
Visite is a product designed to hose tourists. or to be fairer, does not have the local subsidies that make the Navigo passes affordable. 95% of the time it is a bad choice. Might be appropriate if commuting a long distance daily and the trip is over a weekend when the ND doesn't fit.
Navigo Easy is the worst named product ever unless we only call it the 'Easy' as it will likely confuse tourists endlessly. It can only be loaded with Paris t+ tickets or Mobilis passes.
You want the ND.
Posted by
45 posts
Agree on the ND - best thing ever for travel and sightseeing in Paris!