Optimize your Transport Budget in Paris
Calculate the exact transport fare you’ll pay in Paris based on your stay duration and daily habits.
Designed for future students, expats and tourists.
Based on 2026 Île-de-France Mobilités fare data.
Quick Summary
- Airport Surcharge: A standard metro ticket/Navigo Easy (€2.55) is invalid for airports. CDG & Orly require specific fares (€14) or a Zone 1-5 Pass.
- The “Calendar” Rule: The Weekly Pass is strictly valid from Monday to Sunday. Similarly, the Monthly Pass always starts on the 1st.
- Employer Benefit: If you work (even part-time), your company must reimburse 50% of your subscription by law.
- Imagine R (Student Pass): The deeply discounted pass (~€38/mo) is reserved for students under 26 enrolled in state-recognized universities. Most private language schools do not qualify.
- Need more details? For a deep dive on how to buy, zones, read our Ultimate Guide to the Navigo Pass.
Master the Metro… and the French Language?
Invest your transport savings in your career. FTC Paris offers premium French courses in Paris La Défense.
Download the Apps
To buy your pass on your phone, download the IDF Mobilités app.
Why Calculate? 3 Real-Life Scenarios
Most visitors lose money by picking the wrong option. Here is the mathematical proof.
Case #1: The “Friday Arrival”
The Context: Sarah visits Paris for a long weekend (Friday to Sunday) by train. She uses her phone to travel in Paris.
❌ The Math (Paris Visite Pass):
- Paris Visite (3 days, zones 1-5): €63.80.
- Setup fee: €0 (Smartphone App).
- Total Cost: €63.80 for 3 days.
✅ The Optimizer Solution (Pay as you go):
- Standard Ticket: €2.55 (Metro/Train/RER).
- Total: 12 trips x €2.55 = €30.60.
- Result: Sarah saves money by NOT taking the Paris Visite pass. (If she bought a Weekly Pass before Thursday evening, it would cost €32.40 for unlimited use.)
Case #2: The “Zone 5” Strategy
The Context: Mike comes for business (Mon-Thu). He lands at CDG Airport (Zone 5).
❌ The Math (Single Tickets):
- Airport Round Trip: €14.00 x 2 = €28.00.
- 8 Metro trips in Paris: 8 x €2.55 = €20.40.
- Total Cost: €48.40 (€78 with Paris Visite 5 days)
✅ The Optimizer Solution (Weekly Pass):
- Weekly Pass Cost: €32.40 (Zone 1-5 via App).
- Result: The calculator highlights the weekly pass as the winner because it “absorbs” the high airport fees.
Case #3: The “Yearly” Strategy
The Context: Elena studies at FTC Paris for one year and works part-time (5 days/week). She hesitates to commit to the Annual Pass.
❌ The Trap (Monthly Renewal):
- She buys a pass every month manually.
- She forgets to ask for reimbursement.
- Total Cost: €90.80 x 12 = €1,089.60 / year.
✅ The Optimizer (Annual + Job):
- 1 Month Free: The Annual Pass bills 11 months for 12 months of validity (€998.80 total).
- 50% Off: Her employer legally covers half (- €499.40).
- Final Cost: Only €499.40 / year.
- Result: She saves €590.20 per year. That is a free return flight home!
Avoid Fines (50€ to 70€)
1 Person = 1 Ticket
Never pass a single card for multiple people at the turnstile. It’s an immediate fine.
Photo Mandatory
On “Navigo Découverte” (Week/Month), you MUST stick a photo and write your name immediately.
Smartphone Battery
If you use your phone as a ticket (NFC), it must be ON during inspection. No battery = Fine.
Expert Tips for a Smooth Trip
Best Apps
Use Citymapper or Bonjour RATP for real-time schedules. Google Maps is okay but often lags on disruptions.
Need Help?
Ask at ticket counters in stations. Agents can help in English or French. In case of harassment, call 3117 or text 31177
Bathrooms
Free in major stations (Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse, etc.) if you have a valid Navigo Pass. Scan it at entrance.
What to do in case of loss
Week / Month / Year
Go to a counter. You pay €15 (fee) to replace it, but your subscription is restored.
Annual Pass: Free replacement (2x/year).
Liberté +
Pay €15 fee. Declare the loss immediately online or at a counter! Until blocked, you pay for the thief’s trips.
Navigo Easy (Tickets)
Bad news. This card is anonymous. If lost, your tickets are lost forever. You must buy a new card (€2) and new tickets.
Common Questions (Fast Answers)
The goal: avoid mistakes that cost money (or fines).