Metro in Paris
 

Hi,<BR><BR> I've been to Paris for study purposes and always buy la carte orange. This time I will be in Paris for only one week. Which ticket do I buy? Can I buy it in advance??<BR> Thanks!

When buying metro tickets, unless you buy one of the passes, you should probably ask for a carnet (10 metro tickets). But, if you’ll be in Paris for 4-7 days, don’t bother with a carnet and opt for a “coupon hebdominaire.” This is a week pass, and you can get it at the machines in most stations, using a credit card or cash, as well as at the customer service window. (the machine accommodates multiple languages). This week pass is only 87F ($11-12USD) for unlimited travel on metro and RER, for seven days—Monday to Sunday—so it’s a great deal, even if you’re not there an entire week.

Snorkleman: is the "coupon hebdominaire" the same thing as the Carte Orange I've been reading about, or is this a new type of ticket? Thanks for your help!

toppint

Carte Orange is for whole month of travel and if I remember correctly it's about $45-50 USD?<BR><BR>Thanks for the info on the coupon hebdominaire!

The "coupon hebdomadaire" (simply means "weekly coupon") is part of the Carte Orange. When you buy it you ask for the coupon hebdomadaire, E13,25 for zones 1-2, or the coupon mensuel (monthly), E44,35 zones 1-2. Of course, most tourists would want the weekly version. Years ago, when I was a student in Paris, I bought the monthly coupon and it was a great savings for me.<BR><BR>There is also a RATP ticket called a Carte Hebdomadaire, which is good for 12 trips in a week. I guess this might be useful for commuters, but is not something a tourist would find useful, IMO. Don't confuse the two.

Thanks Betty!

The Carte Orange consists of a gray plastic folder containing an orange card with your photo (any 1x1 will do), name and a number (it's free). When you buy the "coupon hebdomadaire," you write the number of the carte orange on it. There is also a slot for the coupon in the little folder. You actually use the coupon in the Metro, but in buses, just flash the carte orange and coupon at the driver.