The Paris Metro is one of the quickest ways to get around Paris with kids, but it isn’t always the easiest. Many stations have stairs rather than lifts, and working out which tickets to buy can be confusing, especially since the ticket system changed in 2025.
I live in Paris with my two daughters, and my advice is to use the Metro when it makes sense, but don’t feel you have to take it everywhere. Paris is a very walkable city, and sometimes walking between sights is easier than navigating a busy station with children.
Here’s what you need to know about Paris Metro tickets, fares for children, travelling with a stroller and making journeys a little easier for the whole family.
1. How much do Paris Metro tickets cost in 2026?
Paris introduced a simplified ticket system in 2025, replacing the old system of separate fares for many journeys. The important thing to know is that Metro, train and RER tickets are now separate from bus and tram tickets.
The following fares apply in 2026:
Single Metro journey: The standard Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.55 for adults in 2026, or €1.30 at the reduced rate.
Single Bus journey: The standard bus ticket costs €2.05 for adults in 2026, or €1.05 at the reduced rate.
Children aged 4 to under 10 qualify for the reduced fare on these single tickets. Children under 4 travel free. Reduced-fare eligibility rules apply, so check the official transport website if you’re unsure whether your child qualifies.
The Metro-Train-RER ticket is valid for connections between the Metro, RER and eligible trains within a two-hour period, provided you don’t leave the transport network. It doesn’t cover a transfer to a bus or tram.
These fares are correct for 2026; check the official Île-de-France Mobilités ticket and fare information before travelling in case prices or rules change.
2. Where to buy Paris Metro tickets
You can buy tickets at station ticket machines or use the official Île-de-France Mobilités and Bonjour RATP apps.
For a family visiting Paris, there are two practical options:
- Use a smartphone: Depending on your phone and the ticket type, you can buy and store tickets digitally and validate your journey with your phone.
- Use a Navigo Easy pass: This is a reusable contactless travel card that you can load with tickets. It’s a handy option if you prefer not to rely on your phone or need to manage tickets for children.
Each traveller who needs a ticket must have a valid ticket for their journey. Don’t assume that buying one ticket on your phone covers the whole family.
One important detail: you cannot simply tap an ordinary bank card at a Metro turnstile to pay for a standard Metro journey. Buy the appropriate ticket or pass first. Contactless bank-card payment options for certain bus journeys are a separate arrangement.
For current ticket options and instructions, see the official Île-de-France Mobilités website.
3. Should you buy a Paris travel pass?
If you’re visiting Paris for a few days, you may be wondering whether to buy individual tickets or an unlimited travel pass. It depends on how much you plan to travel and whether you’re visiting places outside central Paris.
Navigo Day Pass
The Navigo Day pass costs €12.30 in 2026 for all zones. It offers unlimited travel across the Île-de-France network for the day, but does not include airport journeys.
It may be worth considering if you’re planning several journeys in one day, especially if you’re travelling beyond central Paris. If you’ll mostly be walking between nearby sights, individual tickets may work out cheaper.
Navigo Week Pass
The all-zones Navigo Week pass costs €32.40 in 2026 and is valid from Monday to Sunday, rather than for seven consecutive days from the date you buy it.
This can be useful for a longer stay that falls within one calendar week, particularly if you plan to travel frequently. Check the conditions and the best way to load the pass before buying it.
Paris Visite pass
The Paris Visite pass is designed for visitors and offers unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days. It includes airport travel and journeys to destinations such as Disneyland Paris and Versailles.
In 2026, the adult prices are:
- 1 day: €30.60
- 2 days: €45.40
- 3 days: €63.80
- 5 days: €78
Children aged 4 to under 10 receive half-price fares on this pass.
It’s convenient, but it can be considerably more expensive than buying individual tickets or using a Navigo pass. Compare the options based on your actual itinerary rather than assuming a tourist pass will save you money.
4. Is the Paris Metro stroller-friendly?
Now, I won’t lie: travelling on the Paris Metro with a stroller is challenging. Many older stations have stairs, and lifts aren’t available everywhere. Even if you manage to get through the ticket gates easily, you may still have several flights of stairs to negotiate.
If you’re travelling alone with a buggy, don’t be afraid to ask station staff or another passenger for help. But I wouldn’t plan on being able to carry a stroller up and down stairs at every station.
5. Plan your Paris days to avoid unnecessary Metro journeys
One of my biggest tips for visiting Paris with kids is to group nearby attractions together. You don’t need to cross the city several times a day if you plan your sightseeing by area.
For example, you can combine the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens and Palais Royal in one day, or explore Île de la Cité, the Latin Quarter and the Jardin du Luxembourg together. This means less time on public transport and more time enjoying Paris.
My Paris itineraries with kids bring together attractions, parks and places to eat so you can plan a day around one part of the city.
If you’re still deciding where to stay, my guide to the best areas to stay in Paris with kids explains the differences between neighbourhoods and helps you choose a base that suits your family.
And if you want more ideas for what to see and do, take a look at my Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids, which includes family-friendly recommendations to help you plan your visit.
Join me on Instagram to get inspiration for things to do and see in Paris.
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