I haven't been to Paris for ages. Do they still have those 10-ticket "carnet" discount books? Is there any recommended cheaper way to pay for the metro?
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
A carnet is not actually a book, but just a batch of 10 tickets for which there is a small discount. Go to "Paris by Train" for more details.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
446 posts
"A carnet is not actually a book, but just a batch of 10 tickets for which there is a small discount."
Yes, I knew that. From Rick's advice, looks like the carnet is still the best value.
Compared to the Metro in Berlin (2.10 Euros a ride) and in London (4 Pounds single ride!) the Paris Metro is still cheap.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
Yep, they still have carnet of 10 tickets. Depending on day of arrival and how long you are staying, you might want to look into a navigo card.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Tyler,
You specified the words "discount books" in your original Post, so it's not surprising that the first reply tried to clarify the point about "books". If you already "knew that", your OP was a bit misleading.
You might want to check Rick's France or Paris Guidebooks, as they provide some information on the most cost effective options for Metro travel in Paris for varying circumstances. Which option to choose will invariably depend on how much you'll be travelling on the Metro (or RER). I suspect for the majority of travellers, the 10-ticket Carnet is the best value.
You might also check the Paris By Train website as there's lots of great information there.
Cheers!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
Navigo can be cheaper and more convenient, depending on your travel dates. The pass is for one week, starting on Monday. If you will use it for at least 5 days, it is probably worthwhile, 4 days - depends on how much you will use it.
The metro has turnstiles that are Navigo-only, which is nice, especially in rush hour or when there is a group ahead of you. And it can save your legs and a bit of time, to just hop on a bus for one or two stops, since there is no incremental cost involved.
Posted by
Washington, DC
888 posts
Here is a good website that will explain your options: http://parisbytrain.com/paris-train-metro-week-pass-navigo-decouverte/.
What is most economical depends on when you will be using the pass and for what zones you will need it for (i.e., airport, Versailles, etc.), so read up and see what will work best for you.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Tyler,
One thing has changed about carnet tickets. "t+" tickets have replaced the old "t" tickets. "t+" tickets allow bus transfers up until 90 minutes after boarding the first bus. However, like the old tickets, they do not allow transfers between metro and bus. Tickets bought from a bus driver are good for one ride only--no transfers.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, California, USA
446 posts
"One thing has changed about carnet tickets. "t+" tickets have replaced the old "t" tickets. "t+" tickets allow bus transfers up until 90 minutes after boarding the first bus. However, like the old tickets, they do not allow transfers between metro and bus. Tickets bought from a bus driver are good for one ride only--no transfers."
Thank you. I have seldom taken a bus in Paris anyway.