Metro Tickets

Metro tickets can be bought in batches of 10 (un carnet), which offer considerable savings on the price of a single ticket. Each ticket is valid for one journey in the central zones, no matter how many changes are made. They must be stamped when you enter the metro and retained until you leave (see Things to Avoid). If staying for a few days, consider buying a Navigo Découverte (photo ID needed) or a Paris Visite card, which offer savings at some attractions too.

Bus Tickets

One type of ticket serves all bus and metro routes and Zones 1 and 2 of the RER network. As with the metro, you must time-stamp your ticket when boarding the bus and keep it until the end of the journey. You will be fined if you are not in possession of a valid ticket.

RER Tickets

Using metro and bus tickets on zones 1 and 2 of the RER network makes for a convenient way to get around. See the station maps for the extent of these zones.

SNCF Train Tickets

Tickets issued by the RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) are not valid on the mainline SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer) services, France’s national rail network. To find out about services to suburban stations, including Versailles, ring the General Information and reservations line.

SNCF information

• 3635 (special number)

• www.sncf.com

Theatre Tickets

These can be bought at the box office of the theatre, by telephone or at ticket agencies (including FNAC stores). Some theatres offer reduced-price tickets for students or stand-by seats 15 minutes before the performance. There is also a half-price ticket kiosk (see Cheap Seats).

Cinema Tickets

Prices are average for a European city, but ask about discounts that may be available for students, over-60s and families. Admission prices on Wednesdays are sometimes reduced. Larger cinemas take credit card reservations over the phone and online.

Clubs

Admission prices are high at all Paris clubs and are often increased at weekends or after midnight, but women can sometimes get in at a reduced rate or for free. Although the admission charge may include a first drink, subsequent drinks will usually be very pricey.

Tickets for Attractions

Some concessionary and discount tickets are available (see Paris on a Budget). The Museum Pass saves queueing if you are planning to visit many of the major museums. Some museums have online booking, and the Louvre has automatic ticket machines. Turning up early is another option.

Ticket Touts

Like elsewhere, Paris has its ticket touts, and the usual rules apply. It may get you tickets for an in-demand event, but be wary of forgeries and exorbitantly increased prices. Some Parisians carry a sign outside venues saying “cherche une place” (“looking for a seat”), which sometimes gets a ticket at face-value from someone with one to spare.

Ticket Agencies

Tickets for concerts and theatre shows are sold at the main tourist information centre at 25 rue des Pyramides and at ticket agencies around the city, including at several branches of the FNAC chain of CD/book/ video stores, and at the Virgin Megastore. There is a booking fee for using agencies.

• FNAC, 74 ave des Champs-Elysées

• Open 10am–midnight Mon–Sat, noon–midnight Sun