The Paris Metro was not designed with kids in mind. Thankfully, the city is compact, and many top attractions can be reached on foot. However, there will be times when you’ll need to take the metro with kids. So, here’s everything you need to know about using the metro in Paris, whether you’re visiting or living here.
How stroller-friendly is Paris Metro?
Now, I won’t lie, most metro stations have more stairs than a toddler can handle, and elevators are few and far between. So, if you’re a single parent with a buggy, don’t be shy about asking for help with the steps.
Every metro station has a gate to the side of the main ticket readers that can be opened on request. There is usually a large button you can press for help or get someone from the ticketing desk to open the gate for you. At least getting through the ticket gates is a breeze, before you need to face the steps again!
Where to buy Paris metro tickets
You can purchase tickets from automatic vending machines inside metro or train stations, or even better, buy virtual tickets or a Navigo pass through the IDF Mobilités or Bonjour RATP apps available on the App Store and Google Play. To validate a virtual ticket, simply tap your smartphone or Apple Watch on the reader at metro station turnstiles or on buses.
You cannot pay for Paris Metro tickets by tapping your credit card at the turnstiles. You must purchase a paper or virtual ticket instead.
How much do Paris metro tickets cost?
As of 2 January 2, 2025, Paris Metro ticket prices are as follows:
Single journey tickets:
- Metro, RER (within Paris), Train: €2.50 per ride
- Bus, Tram: €2.00 per ride
- Children (ages 4-9): 50% discount (€1.25 for Metro/RER, €1.00 for Bus/Tram)
- Airport Tickets:
- Charles de Gaulle (CDG) / Orly Airport: €13 per trip (special Airport ticket required)
Day passes:
Navigo Jour (Day Pass): €12 for unlimited travel across all Île-de-France public transport networks (excluding airports).
Paris Visite Pass is designed for tourists and includes discounts at select attractions. Valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days, this travel pass allows unlimited travel in Paris and the Île-de-France region, including access to Paris airports, Orlyval, Disneyland Paris and the Palace of Versailles.
- 1 day: €29.90 adult, €14.95 children (4-9)
- 2 days: €44.45 adult, €22.20 children (4-9)
- 3 days: €62.30 adult, €31.15 children (4-9)
- 5 days: €76.25 adult, €38.10 children (4-9)
Weekly passes:
Navigo Semaine (Weekly Pass): €31.60 for unlimited travel across all zones (valid Monday to Sunday).
- Requires a Navigo Découverte card (€5 one-time fee, passport-sized photo needed).
Navigo Mois and Navigo Annuel (monthly and annual passes)
Residents of Paris tend to use these two types of passes most often. They last for more extended periods and include a photo. With these passes, you get unlimited travel on all modes of transport in Ile-de-France: metro, RER, bus, tramway and train – except for the Orlyval line.
The monthly pass costs €89, and the annual pass costs €977 for all zones.
You can order these passes online on the Île-de-France Mobilités website. You can choose to receive them by post or collect at a metro station which offers the Navigo card printing service approximately 72 hours after ordering the pass.
Kids living in Paris get even more discounts on travel by metro
If you are a resident in Paris then travelling by metro with kids becomes even cheaper. You can apply for a Navigo pass for your children with an Imagine R annual subscription.
The Imagine R pass gives unlimited travel throughout Île-de-France, on all modes of transport (metro, bus, express tram, train, RER, tram) except for Orlyval airport shuttle, Disney shuttle and tourist buses.
There are 3 different packages depending on the age group:
1) Image R Junior
- For schoolchildren under the age of 11
- Rate of 24€ per year
2) Imagine R School
- For schoolchildren under the age of 16 or for young people under the age of 26 on 1 September of the school year who follow a course in primary or secondary education
- Rate of 382€ per year (all zones).
3) Imagine R Student
- For young people under the age of 26 on 1 September of the school year who are following post-secondary higher education
- Rate of 382€ per year (all zones).
How to subscribe for Imagine R pass
You can subscribe by clicking here. Create an account, fill in the online form and submit all the requested documents which include:
- A recent photo of your child
- Payment method
- Proof of enrolment in a school for students and proof of identity for juniors
After checking your application, you will receive your Imagine R card by post.
Paris metro tips
- Know your line: Metro lines are identified by numbers inside coloured circles. Always pay attention to both the line number and the direction, which is indicated by the final station on that line.
- Stay alert: The Paris Metro is known for pickpocketing. Keep an eye on your phone and belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Have a separation plan: If you get separated with your family members, have a plan. For example, instruct kids to exit at the next station and wait for you on the platform.
- Use the right ticket: You cannot pay by tapping your credit card at the turnstiles. You must purchase either a paper ticket or a virtual ticket.
- Mind the closing doors: Metro doors do not reopen once they start closing. Be quick when boarding or exiting.
- Exit shortcuts: Some large stations, like Châtelet or Montparnasse, have multiple exits – follow the signs to save time.
- Air conditioning? Nope. Most metro trains do not have air conditioning, so be prepared for hot rides in summer.
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