Short description

Using the Paris Visite metro pass, you will have unlimited access and travel by metro, bus, rer trains and the funicular in Montmartre.

Type of passes

• 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days
• 3 or 5 zones
• Adult or child (under 12)
• Free access to public transportation if aged under 4

Description

So, this metro pass is named ‘Paris Visite Pass‘ and is composed of a foldable black card where you will slide in the ticket/pass. It’s valid for consecutive days and will start the first day you use it for calendar days. This means that if you start your pass the first day at 6PM then first day will end at midnight therefore it’s better to start it in the morning.

Paris transportation system is split into zones. 1 to 3 zones covers the entire city of Paris and very close suburbs while 1 to 5 zones will include Paris of course but also destinations like Versailles castle located SW, Disneyland located W of Paris or both Paris airports ORY/CDG. So, select the pass that best suits your needs but I will strongly suggest to not use it for airport transfers because very little is done when you need to carry luggages in stations, you will have to struggle with turnstiles and no space to pass your luggages. Not a great way to start your relaxing stay! You will find here a map showing Paris transportation zones and here a useful online metro map. Since a few years, we’re having these passes (included in combo pass) delivered directly to our hotels prior to arrival using this service, works perfectly, ready to go.

Frequent question: best to use single metro tickets or the Paris Visite metro pass? Ah, it depends in fact on how much you intend to use transportations. I was used to buy tickets by 10 but with a family of 4, you run out of them pretty quickly and you must know that more than 100 metro stations in Paris do not have attendants anymore but machines. Doing a simple calculation proves that the pass is a deal if you’re using transportation at least 3 to 4 times a day added to the fact that it also eases your mind with tickets handling.

You will also notice that there’s no 4 days pass, only 3 or 5. Just combine them to cover the length of your stay (either 3+1 or 2+2). Same thing if you’re staying more than 5 days.

Conclusion

We consider this pass as a must have as stand alone or included in the combo passes listed in tabs above. Some may use metro tickets instead, your call.
2013 Update: The small ticket was used to come with a black card, not needed anymore.