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To visit Paris without unpleasant surprises, budget €2.55 per metro trip, €14 to reach the airport and a card with no foreign transaction fees, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. You avoid the 2.5% that most Canadian cards add to every purchase in euros.
In this guide, we give you the real prices of the metro, RER and Vélib', our seven favourite neighbourhoods to stay in or wander, four day trips less than two hours from Paris, and the customs to know at restaurants.
How Does Public Transport Work in Paris?
In the City of Light, the best way to get around is by metro. On average, there are only 500 metres between each metro terminal. So wherever you are, you’re likely to find yourself near one of them.
For a short stay, two tickets are all you need: the €2.55 Metro-Train-RER ticket for trips in the city and suburbs, and the €14 Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket for your arrival and departure. If you plan to leave Paris by train, for Lyon, Bordeaux or Normandy, we compare the options in our guide to getting around France.
Getting to Roissy and Orly from Paris
The easiest way to reach Roissy–Charles de Gaulle is the RER B, with the €14 Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket: allow about 45 minutes from Châtelet. For Orly, metro line 14 gets you there in about thirty minutes from the city centre, with the same ticket. The RoissyBus stopped running on March 1, 2026, according to Île-de-France Mobilités.
Subway
The metro network is made up of 16 lines and more than 300 stations, the entrances are easy to find as they are marked with a large yellow M. The service starts around 6 a.m. each day and ends around 12:45 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 1:45 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Unlike Montreal, where you can wait ten minutes for the metro, the Paris metro can run every 2 minutes.
The bus remains an alternative, but the metro is often a wiser choice, guaranteeing that you avoid the notorious Parisian traffic jams.
How Much Does the Metro Cost?
One ticket is all you need for the metro: the Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.55 (€1.30 at the reduced fare), whatever the distance. Buses and trams have their own ticket, at €2.05. You can buy them from the machines in stations or in the Île-de-France Mobilités app.
Planning several trips a day? We recommend the Paris Visite pass, which gives you unlimited travel on the metro, RER, bus and train throughout Île-de-France, airports included, for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days.
The 1-day pass pays off from 12 trips. The 5-day pass, at €78, also includes your two airport trips (€28 on their own): it pays for itself with about twenty metro rides over the week.
| Length | Price | Price per day | Equivalent to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | €30.60 | €30.60 | 12 tickets at €2.55 |
| 2 days | €45.40 | €22.70 | about 18 tickets |
| 3 days | €63.80 | €21.27 | 25 tickets |
| 5 days | €78.00 | €15.60 | 2 airport trips + 20 tickets |
RER
To explore the surrounding area, the RER is better than the metro. This is the “Réseau Express Régional”, a public rail network in the Ile-de-France region, linking the center of Paris with its suburbs. It serves popular destinations such as Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) (RER B), Disneyland Paris (RER A) or Versailles (RER C).
RER service starts daily, including on public holidays, at around 6 a.m. and continues until around 12:45 a.m.
How Much Does the RER Cost?
Good news: the RER costs the same as the metro. The €2.55 Metro-Train-RER ticket takes you from Paris to Versailles or Disneyland Paris, anywhere in Île-de-France, except to the airports, which require the €14 Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket.
To buy RER tickets, we recommend using the SNCF Connect app. Very intuitive, it allows you to view timetables according to the destination selected, and buy tickets for the slots that suit you best. You won’t need to print them out; the QR code will be displayed directly in the app.
Please note, however, that on some routes, tickets must be stamped. This means you’ll need to scan your QR code on the station platforms before boarding the train.
Vélib’
Paris’s Vélib’ is like Montreal’s Bixi. And just like in Montreal, there are classic bikes and electric bikes.
There’s a Vélib’ station every 300 meters on average; there are over 1,400 in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Whatever your neighborhood, it’s easy to find a Vélib’ terminal close to your home or workplace.
For a stay of a few days, you don't need a subscription: a short-term pass is enough. The €5 24-hour Vélib' pass covers most rides on a classic bike, and the €20 3-day pass pays off as soon as you ride every day.
| Pass | Price | What is included | Beyond that |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket-V | €3 | One 45-minute trip, classic or electric bike | €1 (classic) or €2 (electric) per 30 minutes |
| 24-hour classic pass | €5 | 24 hours of 30-minute classic bike trips; electric bike at €2 per trip | €1 (classic) or €2 (electric) per 30 minutes |
| 24-hour electric pass | €10 | 24 hours of 60-minute classic bike trips, plus 5 electric trips of 45 minutes | €1 (classic) or €2 (electric) per 30 minutes |
| 3-day pass | €20 | 72 hours of 60-minute classic bike trips, plus 5 electric trips of 45 minutes | €1 (classic) or €2 (electric) per 30 minutes |
To subscribe, go to the Vélib’ website.
Which Credit Card Should I Use in Paris?
You can pay by card almost everywhere in Paris, contactless in most shops. Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere, while American Express is less common with small merchants, so keep a Visa or a Mastercard as your main card.
Most Canadian cards add about 2.5% in foreign transaction fees to every purchase in euros. To avoid them, we recommend one of the cards with no foreign transaction fees, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, which also earns Scene+ points on your travel spending.
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Which Paris Neighbourhoods Should You Visit First?
Paris is a sprawling city, so you won’t have time to see everything in one visit. But to fully immerse yourself in the unique Parisian atmosphere, be sure to visit these neighborhoods, or even stay in them.
Want to stay there on points? Our comparison of Marriott hotels in Paris on points gives you the price of 17 hotels, from the centre to the suburbs.
3rd and 4th Arrondissement – Le Marais
Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Marais is a historic gem where medieval architecture blends with a contemporary art scene. Stroll its cobbled streets to discover designer boutiques, avant-garde art galleries and quaint cafés.
Don't miss the Place des Vosges, one of the city's most beautiful squares. Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral reopened to the public on December 8, 2024, after five years of work, and admission is still free.
5th arrondissement – The Latin Quarter
Vibrant and lively, the Latin Quarter is the intellectual heart of Paris, home to the famous Sorbonne and numerous independent bookshops. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of student life as you stroll along boulevards lined with lively cafés and trendy boutiques.
Don’t forget to visit the Jardin du Luxembourg for a peaceful getaway in the heart of the city.
6th Arrondissement – Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The bohemian soul of Paris resides in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, an emblematic district that has been a favorite of intellectuals and artists for decades. Soak up the refined atmosphere as you stroll along its lively lanes, explore its fabulous bookshops and stop off at legendary cafés such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.
7th Arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon
The Champ-de-Mars and, across the Seine, the Trocadéro gardens give you the best views of the Eiffel Tower, free of charge. You will also find room for a picnic there, as Parisians do on summer evenings.
Make the most of it to see the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay and the Pont de l'Alma, all within walking distance. The Dôme des Invalides, which houses Napoleon's tomb, is in the same arrondissement.
10th Arrondissement – The Canal Saint-Martin District
This emerging district offers a relaxed, trendy atmosphere, far from the tourist hustle and bustle. Stroll along the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, lined with trendy cafés and vintage boutiques. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a picnic by the water or to stroll around on a sunny day.
18th Arrondissement – Montmartre
Perched on a hill, the Montmartre district charms visitors with its bohemian ambience and panoramic views over the city. Explore the steep alleyways that inspired artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh, visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and be enchanted by the magic of the Moulin Rouge.
19th Arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont
Quieter than the centre, the 19th arrondissement is home to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: 25 hectares of cliffs, bridges and lawns opened in 1867. Check its status before you go, as the heart of the park, including the Temple de la Sibylle and the waterfalls, is closed for safety reasons, with work continuing until 2027. Further north, Parc de la Villette brings together the Cité des sciences and the Philharmonie de Paris.
What to See Around Paris?
Paris isn’t the only city worth visiting! When you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of the city, head for the provinces, where you’ll find a host of charming little villages steeped in history.
Versailles
Just a short distance from Paris, the majestic Château de Versailles rises in all its splendor. Explore the decadent royal apartments, stroll through the vast formal gardens, dotted with fountains and groves, and immerse yourself in the history of the French monarchy at the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fontainebleau
Nestled in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest, this historic town is home to the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, another iconic royal residence. Admire its remarkable architecture, richly decorated rooms and peaceful gardens, where French history resonates around every corner.
Giverny
Immortalized by Impressionist artist Claude Monet, Giverny is a haven of peace where nature and art meet in harmony. Stroll through the enchanting gardens of Monet’s home, where the famous water lilies and Japanese bridges still inspire visitors from all over the world.
Chantilly
Surrounded by vast green expanses, the town of Chantilly is home to an architectural and cultural treasure: the Château de Chantilly. Discover its exceptional art collections, stroll through its formal gardens and watch dazzling equestrian shows in the magnificent setting of the Grandes Écuries.
Tipping and Opening Hours: Paris Etiquette
Although French culture is somewhat similar to Quebec culture, there are some notable differences, particularly when it comes to tipping and shopping hours.
Tipping
In France, the tipping culture is very different from that in Canada. As a general rule, the French are not in the habit of leaving a tip, unless they are particularly satisfied with the service, in which case they may leave an additional 5-10% of the bill.
No need to look for a service line on the bill: French law requires service to be included in the displayed prices. The amount shown is the amount you pay.
Closing of Shops
Whereas in Canada, everything is open all the time, the situation is very different in France. Outside tourist areas, restaurants may be closed in the afternoon. So be sure to check restaurant schedules before planning your day. It’s not unusual for service to be interrupted between lunch and dinner, generally between 3 pm and 6 pm, or even 7 pm. Because in France, dinner is served much later than in Quebec. The French normally eat around 8 pm.
And don’t forget that most shops are closed on Sundays. Grocery stores are generally open in the morning, but normally close around 1 p.m.
Visiting Paris: The Bottom Line
Paris is easy to plan from Canada. A €2.55 ticket for the metro, €14 to reach the airport and a card with no foreign transaction fees will spare you most of the unpleasant surprises. For museums, cafés and restaurants, our Paris address book picks up where this guide leaves off. And to continue your trip elsewhere in France, our comparison of train, coach and plane gives the prices and travel times for five routes from Paris.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a metro ticket cost in Paris?
A single trip by metro, train or RER costs €2.55 anywhere in Île-de-France except to the airports. The reduced fare is €1.30. Buses and trams have their own ticket, the Bus-Tram ticket, at €2.05 per trip.
How do you get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris?
The fastest option is the RER B, with the €14 Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket. Buses 350 and 351 also link Roissy to Paris with a simple €2.05 Bus-Tram ticket, but the ride takes longer. The RoissyBus no longer runs since March 1, 2026.
Is a metro ticket valid on the bus?
No. Since Île-de-France Mobilités overhauled its fares, the Metro-Train-RER ticket and the Bus-Tram ticket are two separate tickets. If you board a bus with a metro ticket, you are travelling without a valid ticket.
Is the Paris Visite pass worth it?
Rarely for a single day: at €30.60, it only pays off from twelve trips. The 5-day pass at €78 includes the airports, which already covers €28 of return trips to Roissy. For a week with arrival and departure by air, it pays for itself from about twenty trips.
How much does a Vélib' cost in Paris?
The Ticket-V costs €3 for a 45-minute trip on a classic or electric bike. The 24-hour pass costs €5 for classic bikes and €10 with electric bikes, and the 3-day pass costs €20. Vélib' pre-authorizes up to €300 on your card, charged only if a penalty applies.
Should you tip in Paris?
Service is included in the bill in France. Tipping is therefore optional: French diners leave 5 to 10% when they particularly enjoyed the service, and nothing otherwise.
Is Notre-Dame de Paris open to visitors?
Yes. The cathedral reopened to the public on December 8, 2024, after five years of work, and admission is still free. You can book a time slot online to skip the line.
Which credit card should you use in Paris?
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Paris. With a regular Canadian card, every purchase in euros costs you an extra 2.5% in foreign transaction fees. A card with no foreign transaction fees removes that surcharge for your whole stay.