I could use some help understanding how to use the metro tickets that I purchased via the IDFM app on my iphone. The "tickets" are currently in my Apple wallet, however they do not have any QR or barcode on them. How do I actually use them? I am puzzled because there doesn't seem to be anything to scan and all other train tickets I've ever bought and used via my phone are scanned via a QR code. Can anyone help here?
Posted by
3274 posts
Tickets use NFC for access, not barcode or QR code. Just place your watch near a reader or turnstile for access. How these tickets may be used depends upon when you purchased them. All tickets purchased since January of this year are either bus/tramway tickets (2.05€ each) or métro/train/RER tickets (2.55€) B/T and M/T/R tickets are not interchangeable.
If you purchased tickets t+, sold before January of this year, the rules for use are still what they were when you purchased the tickets: valid for bus, tramway, métro, but only on the RER within zone 1 or Paris.
Posted by
OP
23 posts
Thanks for this reply, Tocard -- I purchased the tickets about two weeks ago, and they are metro tickets. Will i need to scan tickets on both entrance and exit?
Posted by
3274 posts
Scan for entry. Sometimes you scan when making a connection, sometimes at exit (RER stations).
Posted by
OP
23 posts
Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Versailles, France
31 posts
Old T+ tickets stopped to be sold in nov 2025.
Posted by
Florida
65 posts
Some tickets on your phone require you to have the My Navigo Tickets app also installed on your phone in order to access the tickets from whatever ticket app you're using (SNCF, Bonjour RATP, Isle de France, etc.). These apps are tied to the My Navigo Tickets app so my point is DO NOT un-install the MY Navigo Tickets app before or during your trip or you will lose any tickets you've purchased and will have to purchase again after re-installing the My Navigo Tickets app (which I did by mistake thinking it was not an app I needed and when I went to access my Metro ticket through Bonjour RATP, it was gone and not retrievable so I had to download the My Navigo app again and repurchase the tickets. It does warn you of this happening but it's not really clear what you're not supposed to uninstall. Fortunately it was a small price to pay for the learning experience - I had only purchased one "sample" ticket). All of these apps are tied to the My Navigo Tickets app.
Posted by
OP
23 posts
A follow-up after my trip: It was ridiculously easy. I just didn't trust the fact that the thing I'd need to scan did not have a QR or bar code. I downloaded the IDFM app, then purchased tickets through that by clicking "on my iphone." Once I had the first Navigo pass loaded in my Apple Wallet, I was able to add additional metro and bus tickets by opening the pass in my wallet and double clicking to purchase via Apple pay. It took seconds and couldn't have been easier.
What wasn't clear when I first arrived at Gare du Nord was exactly where or how I should "tap" my phone, but a man in front of me did it with his and that's how I learned!
Thanks to those that offered suggestions and advice!
Posted by
Florida
65 posts
What wasn't clear when I first arrived at Gare du Nord was exactly where or how I should "tap" my phone, but a man in front of me did it with his and that's how I learned!
Please DO share how you should "tap" your phone.
Posted by
OP
23 posts
As you enter the turnstile at the metro station, on the right there is a spot to insert a ticket and then a light gray image of a circle -- you tap your phone on that circle. You do not need to scan your phone's screen. If you have the Navigo app open you will then see a record on the time and station you entered. Hope that helps!
Posted by
1 posts
Do I need both apps.
Navigo and IDFM?
Posted by
3274 posts
Navigo is a general name given to all things concerned with electronic ticketing vs. the old paper system. There are Navigo cards, and Navigo fares. There are also two apps you may load and configure on your smartphone, eliminating the need for one of the Navigo cards:
- Ile de France Mobilités
- Bonjour RATP
Either app works very well
Posted by
50 posts
Tocard's responses are spot on. We used the RATP app for the first time in June and were pleasantly surprised at how easy and convenient it was. No need to buy your tix much in advance, With the average cell connection you can get them in the city per need. Just be aware that the RER to the airport is time-stamped; you have to use it within a few hours of purchase. And that, as Tocard remarks, your phone will sort bus tix separately from metro tix. If, for example, you have stored on your phone 5 E worth of metro tix, they cannot be applied to a bus far for whaterver reason.
And you don't scan, you just hold phone near a reader. Nor do you even need to have the RATP app open! Un tel merveille!