I'm a little confused about the Paris Metro prices and which pass we should get. We will be in Paris from Sunday through Saturday. Should we buy Carte Orange zones 1-2 passes plus RER tickets to and from CDG , or a zone 1-5 Carte Orange? I have looked online, but can't find the answer (in English, anyway)!Thanks!
Posted by
Newburyport, MA
683 posts
We spent a week in Paris this past summer and used carnets (groups of ten tix). This gives flexibility. Having never used cards we cannot tell which is better but your choice boils down to how you will use transit.
Will you do lots of walking or will you use 3 or more lines each day with two roundtrips for each line? Will you confine your trips to Zones 1 and 2 or do you plan to go beyond? Is the cost of a pass that includes trips to CDG greater than RER tix?
Posted by
Marietta, Georgia
157 posts
Go with the Carte Orange for zones 1-2, however it is good only Monday-Saturday. You can use the RER Tickets from CDG if you choose, but beware all those Metro steps are a real pain with luggage
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Zone 1-2 Carte Orange: €16.30. Zone 1-5 CO: €32.10. Single ticket from CDG to Paris: €8.20. It will be cheaper for you to buy single tickets from CDG to Paris and back plus a zone 1-2 CO.
Posted by
OP
Bend, OR
576 posts
Thanks everybody!
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
A ticket for the RER from CDG to Paris will also cover the Metro to wherever you are going. Just keep using the same ticket through the gates and it will work. To return to CDG, buy your RER ticket in advance at any Metro station. It's more convenient to have your ticket already bought. If you have luggage larger than a carry-on size, use special gates at RER/Metro to enter or leave the system. The Carte Orange can be used on city buses, also. Just show it to the driver when getting on and take a seat. It's a great system and will save time and money. Printed Metro/RER guides, available at the stations, will also show bus routes. Get creative and use buses for sight-seeing.
Posted by
Baltimore
104 posts
I agree with the others. Buy a Zone 1-2 Carte Orange and separate RER tickets. Try to bring a small photo of yourself for the Carte Orange to save yourself a few euros. Otherwise, you need to get a photo from the photo booth at the metro. (At least based on our trip 2 years ago.) The Carte Orange was our "freedom card". It was fantastic.
Posted by
Monroe, WA, USA
151 posts
We did not get to use the Carte-orange for our week as it was Thursday to Thursday this summer. We did use the carnets and it was SO EASY. There are also reduced tickets for kids, so if you are travelling with them keep that in mind.
Also, make sure to keep your ticket in a separate pocket from the unused ones as you may need it to exit the station, change lines, or even prove to metro police that you paid your fare.
We had such a collection when we returned that we are planning a scrapbook page of metro tickets!
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
473 posts
To expand on Swan's comment about using the RER ticket for the Metro, the ticket is good only while you are in the transport system. There are sometimes gates when you transfer from one line to the next. Your ticket will be good at these gates. Once you make your final exit to street level, the ticket is no longer valid.
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
Terry -
See the RATP Website - now with English information for you.
Note with your purchase at CDG - to use the kiosk you must have a European Credit/Debit card otherwise one change (no bills) will be excepted. There is a change machine just inside the ticket office if you would rather not wait in line - hard to find - so take a look (or ask the information desk).
RATP is now selling Paris Visite passes - zone 1-3 for 5 days for example - the website has the best information.
www.ratp.fr - click the British flag to change the language.