Navigo Decouverte
 

Hi,

I am going to be flying into CDG Airport and I need to get into Paris. I am planning to buy the Navigo Decouverte but I am also stuck on what zones I should load onto the card. I was also planning to go to Versailles (Zone 4). So, I was wondering, if I should the Navigo Decouverte Zones 1-5 or Zones 1-3 and pay individually for the transport from CDG to Paris and from Paris to Versailles and back???

Thanks in advance,

Yash Mankad

1-3 and just buy the one ticket to Versailles.

Purchase the Navigo Découverte weekly fare at 20.40€ covering zones 1-2. I am not sure why you would want zone 1-3 coverage, the entire métro network is covered with the zone 1-2 coverage (even the métro stations which are located in zone 3). Purchase a zone 1-3 coverage only if you are regularly using an RER station in zone 3.

For travel outside of zone 1-2, purchase a Complément de parcours using your zone 1-2 Navigo Découverte. You´ll receive approximately a 20% reduction (depending upon itinerary) on the normal fare. Complément de parcours fares must be used within 3 hours of purchase and are not valid for bus travel.

It's hard to believe you would have need for zone 3, there are only a few stops in it and not where a tourist would usually go.

I would only buy zones 1-2 and buy separate tickets for the other trips.

Thanks menachem, Sarastro and Christina. So, I should buy the pass for zones 1-2 and then get a Complément de parcours card for my travel from cdg to paris and then from paris to versailles? They are my only trips out of paris.

Thanks

Yash Mankad

I am travelling in a group of 4 (me included), so would that be the best option?

Thanks,

Yash Mankad

A group of 5 might change your options somewhat as tickets sold in groups of 10 receive a discount but for 4, purchase the ND for zone 1-2 and add a Complément de parcours for those segments travelled outside of zone 2.

Ok and how do I get a complement de parcours card?

The complément de parcours is not a card, it is a special fare that is added to a valid Navigo card. Only one Complément de parcours fare is added at a time and it is only valid for a period of 3 hours after it is added.

Place your Navigo Découverte on the specified location at a ticket kiosk and follow the instructions on the menu. Upon arrival at CDG, purchase a zone 1-2 fare for you Navigo Découverte and purchase a complément de parcours for you trip into Paris, cost is between 7€ to 8€ instead of the regular price of 9.50€

Ok thanks and how do you think I should get from Versailles and back?

There is only one way, by the RER to stop Versailles-Rive Gauche, if you are talking about the Parisian public transportation system (I assume you aren't considering a regular big train as that would have nothing to do with the Navigo Decouverte). The RER is the commuter light suburban rail system, but it goes through central Paris. That would be line C.

There is a bus, also, but it's completely separate and private, I believe. The Versailles Express, leaves from Eiffel Tower. It costs 29 euro, and 44 euro if entry is included. That is the actual price of entry (15 euro), so I guess would be convenient to already have the ticket. Of course you can get to/from a lot cheaper than 29 euro, and they have limited times, but it's another method.

info

http://en.chateauversailles.fr/prepa.../single/access

http://www.versaillesexpress.com/fr

Thanks. But should/can I use Complement de Parcours for the trip???

Yash Mankad

<i>Thanks. But should/can I use Complement de Parcours for the trip???</i>

Of course. The Complément de Parcours is a lower cost travel option for those holding a valid Navigo card (or Navigo Découverte) for travel anywhere outside of the zones included in their purchased fare.

For example, those purchasing zone 1-2 coverage on their Navigo, a special Complément de Parcours is available for travel anywhere up to and including destinations in zone 5.

Ok. When I go to Versailles, I am going to go from Gare d'Austerlitz. Can I buy the Complement de Parcours there? And when I come back from Versailles Rive Gauche can I buy it there?

And also, if I have an expired ND can I still use the Complement de Parcours?

Thanks so much,

Yash Mankad

<i> Can I buy the Complement de Parcours there?</i>

Yes. A Complément de Parcours is only valid for three hours so yo must purchase it just before you travel. You may purchase one anywhere you find a ticket kiosk.

<i> if I have an expired ND can I still use the Complement de Parcours?</i>

No. Without a valid/current zone fare loaded onto your Navigo card, the Complément de Parcours is not available. You will need to purchase a normal fare, point to point ticket.

Ok. So, I can buy the Complement de Parcours at any kiosk?

Why try to mastermind all these add-ons which 'might' save 2€ instead of just buying the Nav Decou for zones 1-5 @34.40 and be done with it?
(ND z.1-2 20.40, CDG compl. 8.00?, Vers.compl. 5.00? is still around 33€)

Ok. But when you say Versailles Complement = 5.00. Is that for the return ticket as well? Because if it isnt then I will buy the ND with zones 1-5.

Yash Mankad