Paris Metro Pass

I visited Paris maybe a dozen times and each time I bought a ready to use Paris metro pass to be delivered to my hotel. Now, let me explain the purpose and advantage of this pass for the Paris traveler.

Presentation

It's official name is "Paris Visite" but "Paris metro pass" is the commonly used term. This is a travel card pass enabling you to use for free all the public transport services with no photo required. It provides unlimited free travel on the transport system of Paris region including the Metro, RER, bus, tramway, suburban SNCF trains, Montmartre funicular, Montmartrobus, Noctambus, and Optile bus system. It consists of a travelcard and a ticket to insert in turntiles.

Paris Visite comes in four versions, valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days, starting any day of the week. It is valid starting on the day you first use it, not from the date of purchase or delivery, for the specified number of consecutive days. You must select a pass matching the length of your stay and the places you want to visit:

* For Zones 1 to 3: includes Paris and the nearby suburbs (La Défense, Saint-Denis Basilique, Le Bourget)
* For Zones 1 to 6: includes Paris and the surrounding area (Popular destinations like Versailles Castle, Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports, Disneyland® Resort Paris at Marne la Vallee - Chessy RER station)

How to use it

Once you get your pass, immediately fill in your name on the black card. Write down the card serial number on the ticket and write the date of first usage. Card and ticket must be held together at all times. RATP staff are entitled to verify your pass at any time.

Paris Visite pass includes discounts and savings at selected places, restaurants, museums, theme parks... To learn more about the special offers available for Paris Visite pass holders, see the FAQ section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use passes for CDG airport transfer?

Yes, but this means having the passes delivered to your home but you must know that this is not convenient at all if you have a lot of luggage: I've been stuck once in a metro station because I could not get my luggage through turnstiles. I often use the cheap Paris shuttle service named Paris Shuttle instead and order 1 to 3 zones passes.

Are Versailles castle, the airports, and Disneyland included in 6 zones passes:

Absolutely, all these destinations are located within the 6 zones

What if I only need to get to Versailles?

Then the round trip RER Paris to Versailles ticket is the perfect add-on to a 3 zones passes. It's available online for sale, just google "round trip RER Paris to Versailles ticket" and you should find it.

Can I use a three-day pass on Monday, then again on Thursday?

No, passes are valid for consecutive days only, beginning with the first day you use them (not from the date of purchase or delivery), they don't have dates printed on them. For example, if you start to use them at 5PM then first day of usage will end at midnight, not next day at 5PM.

Is there a Museum/Transportation pass?

NO, such pass don't exist. You will find some 'blah blah pass' out there, that are NOT official at all. This is exactly the identical separate and regular passes: one for museum and monuments and the other one for transportation. Although, I've seen that Conciergerie.com is now offering a Paris ComboPass, will probably try that one on my next scheduled trip to Paris in March 2009!

I'll update this lens each time needed.