Passes to Paris: museums and transportation
This is a detailed and comprehensive guide to choosing a tourist pass to Paris.
Paris is one of the most beloved and visited cities in the world, famous and loved for its immense artistic-cultural heritage and the unmistakable charm of its streets.
Just think of the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower or the Orsay Museum-the French capital offers so many tourist attractions to visit.
Precisely because of this, organizing a comprehensive and satisfying trip can become challenging, both in terms of ticket costs and time spent waiting in line at ticket offices.
👉 The solution? Choose one of the available Paris sightseeing passes.
Better yet, choose the Paris pass that best suits your trip!
These tourist cards provide access to museums, monuments and public transportation, saving you money and valuable time during your vacation.
In this article we will analyze and compare the main tourist passes available in Paris (and there are many!), highlighting their features, advantages and possible disadvantages, so that together we can figure out which one is the most convenient for your trip.
This is the complete guide on passes to Paris. With the aim of analyzing each available pass, analyzing its features and advantages, to understand when it may be worthwhile to purchase one rather than the other.INDEX
- What are the passes to Paris?
- Do Paris Passes include public transportation?
- How do the passes to Paris work?
- Paris Museum Pass
- Paris Pass
- Go City Paris All-inclusive Pass
- Paris Passlib'
- Paris Explorer Pass
- Paris Digital Pass
- Other Paris passes no longer active
- Paris pass comparison
- Which pass to Paris to choose?
- Paris transportation passes
- FAQ on Passes to Paris
What are the passes to Paris?
In this guide I will analyze and compare in detail 6 tourist passes for Paris.
These are the most comprehensive, convenient and advantageous cards for visiting the city's main attractions while saving time and money.
🎯 Which passes to Paris will we see? Here is the overview, with their names:
- Paris Museum Pass
- Paris Pass / Plus
- Go City Paris All-Inclusive Pass
- Paris Explorer Pass
- Paris Passlib
- Paris Digital Pass
The names of these passes are not particularly intuitive, and indeed, they look very similar to each other. That is why it is important to analyze them well and understand clearly what the differences are.
In this guide I will look in detail at these 6 different tourist passes for Paris.
These products, distributed by different companies and based on different operating logic, all have a common goal: to allow you to visit attractions and museums while saving money compared to buying individual tickets 🎟️.
That is - in other words - to allow you to see the Paris tourist attractions included in the pass at a better price than having to buy the tickets individually.
After a few more dutiful clarifications, let's go on to analyze them individually to get to know them better, leading up to the end of the guide to comparison of the passes for Paris.
Do Paris Passes include public transportation?
No, none of the Paris passes include public transportation.
The public transportation pass (metro, bus and/or train) must be done separately.
I will cover the issue of Paris public transportation cards and passes again in this guide, in the final part.
How do the passes to Paris work?
Each tourist pass for Paris is based on a different rationale, and is therefore suitable for a specific type of traveler.
Those who want to see everything, those who want to see very little, those who have already seen some main things in the past and only want to focus on others.
There is no absolute "best" or "worst" pass, but each one proves more convenient than the others depending on the type of vacation we want to organize.
🎯 Our skill is to be able to Identify the most suitable pass with respect to our travel schedule, to achieve maximum cost and time savings.
Let us now take a detailed look at each of the main tourist passes available for Paris, analyzing their operation, advantages and weaknesses.
At the end of the guide you will find a summary comparison To orient yourself more easily,
And a parenthesis devoted exclusively to the public transportation passes, for city commuting.
👉 Let's get started!
Paris Museum Pass
It is a pass Strictly designed for visiting museums and monuments in Paris.
Does not include other types of tourism experiences or services. Only museums and monuments.
This card includes access to more than 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris, allowing direct entry (often skipping the long lines at the ticket office). However, it is important to clarify right away that the Paris Museum Pass is not necessarily the most convenient solution for everyone: it proves ideal primarily for those who intend to focus their vacation exclusively (or almost exclusively) on visiting museums and monuments.
Not just the main ones, but the whole Parisian museum park.
It can be purchased with validity: 2, 4, 6 days, depending on the length of your stay in Paris.
In short, the Paris Museum Pass is recommended if:
- You want to focus the itinerary on visiting numerous museums and monuments.
- Wish to avoid long waits at ticket counters thanks to priority access.
- Prefer a clear and simple pass, without including any extra attractions other than museums.
On the other hand, it is not the right pass if:
- Looking for a card that also includes tourist experiences, services and guided tours (ideal for a "complete" visit to Paris)
- You don't particularly like to visit many museums, preferring a mixed and balanced itinerary with other experiences.
Like all Paris passes, remember that it does not include public transportation.
Purchase the Paris Museum PassLet us now take an in-depth look at the features, duration and prices of this pass.
What does the Paris Museum Pass include?
The Paris Museum Pass is a true museum card: it includes access to more than 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris.
Just to name the most touristically relevant ones, we find included the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral (towers and crypt), the Palace of Versailles, the Centre Pompidou, the Pantheon, theArc de Triomphe, and the Sainte Chapelle.
Virtually all the museums and touristically relevant monuments in Paris are featured in the Paris Museum Pass.
You can see the full list of museums included in the pass at the following link: see museums and monuments included in the Paris Museum Pass.
The only negative note is that the Paris Museum Pass does not include the Eiffel Tower.
If this pass follows your travel philosophy (museums and monuments only), you can still buy it and add the Eiffel Tower by purchasing the ticket separately.
How does the Paris Museum Pass work?
The Paris Museum Pass is a handy paper card accompanied by a fold-out (accordion) map listing all the museums and monuments included.
👉 How to buy it:
The most convenient and advantageous solution is to buy online, because:
- Leave already with the purchased pass, without stress or wasted time.
- You can pre-book access to museums that require it, without risking not finding a seat
- You can refine the itinerary already knowing what you can visit included in the pass and based on the reservations made
- It is often available at better prices than buying locally.
- You can usually cancel up to 24 hours in advance for free, which is useful in case of unforeseen circumstances.
📍 How to pick it up in Paris:
Once in Paris, you will need to go to one of the pick-up points conveniently located in the heart of the city (you can find the complete list on the page where you purchase the pass) to convert the code you received into the physical card.
🖼️ How to use it in museums:
With the physical pass in hand, simply present it directly at the entrance to the attractions: in most cases, you do not need to go through the ticket office.
This allows you to skip the lines, a valuable advantage, especially during busy tourist periods.
Museum reservations
Some museums must be booked in advance.
In detail you must book your admission for the Louvre, via the appropriate website (select the option for pass holders).
Visits to the Château de Versailles, the Conciergerie or Sainte-Chapelle, the Musée de l'Orangerie, the Museum of Art and History of Judaism, the Hôtel de la Marine, and the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine should also be booked online.
You will receive instructions for booking museums once you purchase the Paris Museum Pass.
Purchase the Paris Museum PassMuseum Pass Prices
The Paris Museum Pass can be purchased with 3 different durations:
- 2 days - €90
- 4 days - 109€
- 6 days - €139
Paris Museum Pass + Seine River Cruise
On the Paris Museum Pass purchase site, there is also a variant available for each version (2, 4, or 6 days) that includes the panoramic cruise on the Seine, paying a small difference from the standard pass.
The Seine cruise is one of the most classic and impactful experiences you can have in Paris, and this option might be an interesting choice if, in addition to the museums, you wish to add only this activity.
If, on the other hand, you plan to include more tourist attractions and activities (such as guided tours, services, other experiences), it will probably be more convenient to consider a more comprehensive tourist pass such as the Paris Pass, which I will discuss later in this guide.
Paris Museum Pass for children and teens
In Paris, most public museums are free for those under 18 years of age, and for EU citizens under 26 years of age.
Thus, for these two categories it is not worthwhile to purchase the Paris Museum Pass, which is instead very useful for adults (26+) interested in visiting as many museums and monuments as possible, taking advantage of the benefit of skipping the queues and saving on the cost of individual tickets.
When is the Paris Museum Pass worthwhile?
Given its specific approach, the Paris Museum Pass is particularly worthwhile if your trip to Paris is mainly (or exclusively) oriented to museums and monuments.
To quickly understand the possible savings, let's do a simple approximate calculation together:
🎟️ Average cost of one admission to major museums and monuments in Paris: about 40€
🚶♂️ At a leisurely pace, you can visit at least 2 museums a day.
Taking the example of convenience with the 2-day Museum pass:
- You will visit at least 4 museums.
- Total ticket cost without pass: about 160€ (4 museums x 40€)
- Cost of the 2-day Paris Museum Pass: €90
- Direct savings: about 70€ per person.
For passes with a longer validity (such as 4 or 6 days), the convenience increases even further: the more museums you visit, the higher the overall savings.
👉 In summary: The Paris Museum Pass is a great option if you want to focus exclusively on museums and monuments.
If you want a more comprehensive visit, including additional attractions and activities, I suggest you move toward one of the other passes, such as the Paris Pass, next in analysis.
Validity
The Paris Museum Pass is valid for 2, 4 or 6 consecutive days, depending on the version purchased.
The validity starts from the first use.
⚠️ Be careful though: the day you activate it, the pass will always expire at midnight (so it does not last 24 hours).
Therefore, it definitely pays to activate it in the morning to take full advantage of the first day of validity.
If you arrive in Paris in the afternoon, between transfers, check-in and hotel accommodations, you will have little time left for sightseeing. In this case, it is definitely more convenient to wait until the next morning to activate the pass, thus avoiding "wasting" the first day of validity.
Where to buy the Paris Museum Pass
The Paris Museum Pass can be purchased directly in Paris, at the airport, train stations, tourist office, or at some of the museums included in the pass.
The best option is to purchase it online, before you leave.
That way you already leave with your purchase made, having been able to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Best of all, you will be able to book the most popular museums in advance, to avoid finding it full at some museums (easy to do, especially the Louvre).
My choice for purchasing is to do so on Get Your Guide, a safe and useful, multilingual travel portal.
Which also offers the useful free cancellation policy within 24 hours of arrival in Paris, which is always handy in case of unforeseen travel issues.
When purchasing, you can decide to combine the Seine cruise at a special price.
Paris Pass
He really does include a lot of Paris attractions in his list, from the most famous ones to more niche museums and tours that go into the details of the city as well.
Compared to its predecessor, it is a broader and more balanced pass: it offers a good mix of the city's most important museums and monuments, and a series of tourist experiences and guided tours that complement and enrich your sightseeing in Paris.
Not only museums then, but also tourist experiences capable of making you appreciate Paris in its nuances.
Its model works like this: you choose the duration of the pass--in versions of 2, 3, 4, 6 days validity--and inside its validity you can see all the attractions it includes.
You can visit each attraction only once, and there is no limit on the number of attractions you can visit in a day.
As of March 2025, the historic Paris pass with one format was "split" into two versions:
- Paris Pass (which I will call "basic" from now on)
- Paris Pass Plus
This differentiation was created to provide greater adaptability of the Paris Pass to the traveler's tourism needs.
Buy the Paris PassLet us first find out how the two versions differ, before analyzing how they work.
Difference between Paris Pass and Paris Pass Plus
The difference between Paris Pass (basic) and Paris Pass Plus lies solely in the number and nature of attractions included.
And - of course - consequently in the price.
All the rest of the operating logic (which we will see in a moment) is identical between the two versions of the pass.
What it includes. Attractions included in Paris Passes
Basically, we can say that:
- Paris Pass Plus: includes in the price a Paris Museum Pass (for all museums) + access to all ancillary tourist experiences
- Paris Pass: includes only ancillary experiences, without the Paris Museum Pass, thus excluding almost all museums.
The main tourist experiences of the Paris Pass - thus included in both versions - are (indicative list not complete):
- 1-day hop-on / hop-off sightseeing bus tour
- Cruise on the Seine by tourist boat with guide
- The Eiffel Tower (it is considered a tourist attraction, not a museum or monument)
- Notre Dame and the archaeological crypt
- Ascent to Montparnasse
- Montmatre Walking Tour
- Paris Aquarium
- Various culinary experiences and tastings
- Parisian breakfast at Café Louise
- Guided walking tour of more than 30 attractions in Paris (very nice!)
- Tour at the Stade de France (Stadium of France)
- Selection of guided tours on different tourist aspects of Paris
At this link you can better understand the list of attractions included in the two Paris Pass variants.
Those exclusive to the Paris Pass Plus are indicated by a purple label.
Does the Paris Pass include the Eiffel Tower?
Admission to the Eiffel Tower is included in both variants of the Paris Pass (basic and Plus).
It includes access up to the second floor via a guided tour with an accompanying tour guide.
Does the Paris Pass include the Louvre Museum?
Admission to the Louvre Museum is included only in the Paris Pass Plus.
It includes access up to the second floor via a guided tour with an accompanying tour guide.
When is Plus suitable and when is Basic?
Understanding that the difference between the two versions lies solely in the presence of the Paris Museum Pass included in the plus version, we can say:
- Paris Pass Plus is suitable for most tourist trips. The comprehensive and balanced range of attractions, including museums, monuments and experiences, makes it a broad and versatile pass.
Suitable for those who want to enjoy Paris by seeing many things in the days available, as per a classic first exploratory trip. - Paris Pass Base: given the lack of all museums in Paris, it is suitable when one is NOT interested in visiting museums, but wants to maintain an itinerary full of experiences.
There are instances when there is no interest and curiosity to visit a city's museums (because perhaps already seen on other previous trips), and this version embodies just that spirit.
Paris Pass PLUS Cost
The Paris Pass Plus-the richer version that also includes all Paris museums (thanks to the integrated presence of the Paris Museum Pass)-is valid on a daily basis, no matter how many attractions you decide to visit.
Let's look at the cost of the Paris Pass Plus by days:
- 2 DAYS ➜ €219 Adult | €79 Child
- 3 DAYS ➜ €249 Adult | €99 Child
- 4 DAYS ➜ €294 Adult | €114 Child
- 6 DAYS ➜ €349 Adult | €149 Child
Child is defined as 2 to 17 years old.
In the child version, the Paris Museum Pass will not be included, as all museums are free for children under 18.
Therefore, if you purchase the Paris Pass Plus for children, you will be given the Basic Paris Pass.
In fact, you can see that the child prices between Plus and Basic are identical, for this very reason.
These are the list prices of the Paris Pass Plus, but they are often on offer on the official website, with attractive discounts compared to the prices given here.
Discounts that in the larger denominations even go up to about €30 to €35 per pass.
Paris Pass Cost (basic)
The Paris Pass in its basic version is also valid on a daily basis, in exactly the same way as the Plus.
Let's look at the cost of the Paris Pass based on days:
- 1 DAY ➜ €99 Adult | €59 Child
- 2 DAYS ➜ €154 Adult | €79 Child
- 3 DAYS ➜ €179 Adult | €99 Child
- 4 DAYS ➜ €204 Adult | €114 Child
- 6 DAYS ➜ €239 Adult | €149 Child
A child is defined as 2 to 17 years old.
These are the list prices of the basic Paris Pass, again usually discounted through the basic offer on the official website.
With attractive discounts of up to €25 per pass in the larger 6-day denomination.
Paris Pass discount code
There is currently an opportunity to save an additional 5% off the already discounted Paris Pass / Paris Pass Plus prices.
You can use the discount code AFFGOALL to enter at the time of purchase, in the "Enter promo code" field provided.
The discount code applies to the prices already on offer for both versions of the pass, further increasing the convenience of the passes.
Buy Paris Pass with discount code⏰ LIMITED TIME OFFER - expires April 06, 2025 (unless extended) ⏰: discount code available PTCODE dedicated to readers of this site.
Discount of -12% on all Paris Pass Plus and Base, adult and child cuts.
Applies to already discounted base prices on the official website. Enter it at checkout to get the best possible price for Paris Pass! ✅
Paris Pass: Is it worth it?
From an economic point of view, the answer is definitely YES: the Paris Pass (both in the classic version and especially in the more comprehensive Paris Pass Plus variant) is affordable and saves quite a bit compared to buying separate tickets.
Of course, the extent of the convenience should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the attractions you choose to visit.
As explained at the beginning of the chapter, in my opinion it is a very valuable money-saving tool for those visiting Paris (ideally for the first time) and wanting to see as much as possible.
Example convenience calculation Paris Pass Plus
Let's take a quick numerical example to better clarify the economic benefit, taking the 3-day Paris Pass Plus as a reference.
The average average of Paris attractions included on the Paris Pass Plus is about 35€.
Of course, the most important ones go up to 40-50€.
In 3 days we can assume to see 3 attractions per day, with a balanced pace and not too intense.
So 9 attractions, for an average cost of €315, in the case of buying tickets without passes.
The 3-day Paris Pass Plus, between site discount and discount code, costs you about €213.
With an average savings of about €100 per person.
Consider that with a vacation of a few more days, a slightly more dynamic pace and a well-organized itinerary, you will be able to visit many more attractions, making the most of the value of the pass.
In such cases, the savings become truly remarkable.
Where can you buy the PAris Pass?
The Paris Pass, in both versions, can be purchased online at the official website that you reach from the links in this guide.
You will find the list prices already discounted with the site's basic offer.
When you get to the official website, you will see the two versions (basic and plus) side by side, and go to choose the one that best suits your trip.
After purchasing, you will receive your pass in digital format via e-mail, ready to use.
With the Paris Pass, do I skip the lines?
It depends on the attraction. Some sites and museums provide fast lanes or dedicated access for tourist pass holders such as the Paris Pass.
In these cases, yes, you can also save time by avoiding queues at ticket offices.
Not all attractions provide true "skip the line" (fast track).
Security checkpoints, where present, are mandatory for everyone, so in those cases the lines cannot be avoided, even with a pass.
At some attractions, you need to book visiting hours in advance, even with a pass, to be sure to find availability and reduce the wait.
In sisnthesis, you certainly save money and in many cases time with the Paris Pass, but to really optimize the experience it is essential to organize the itinerary well, trying to visit the busiest attractions at off-peak times (e.g., early morning or late afternoon).
PAris Pass attraction reservation
For most attractions you do not need to reserve admission.
However, in some cases you need to reserve admission in advance, even if you have purchased the London Pass. These are the most popular tourist attractions, such as London Eye, Madame Tussauds, The View from The Strand, and generally all guided tours.
Go City has provided a dedicated page (very neat) to book your admission without too much effort.
>> Book admission to attractions with the Paris Pass
Validity and Refunds PAris Pass
The Paris Pass, in both versions (standard and plus), you can use it within 1 year from the time of purchase. It is officially activated from the moment you visit the first attraction.
The Paris Pass, once activated, is valid for one day, not 24h. I recommend that you activate it in the morning so that you can take advantage of the entire day.
Any refund of the cost of the Paris Pass can be obtained up to 30 days after purchase, provided the pass has not been activated.
Go City Paris All-inclusive Pass
You can refer to the detail above for the Paris Pass Plus.
It is actually offered by the same company, Go City, which has currently chosen to show the same offering under two different passes.
I assume that in the near future it will combine the two passes or present a differentiated offering.
No need to print or pick up anything, you just show the pass directly from your smartphone.
Buy the Paris All inclusive PassParis All-inclusive Pass Prices
- 2 days € 219 - children 2-17 € 79
- 3 days € 249 - children 2-17 € 99
- 4 days € 294 - children 2-17 € 114
- 6 days € 349 - children 2-17 € 149
These prices are the list prices of the Paris All-Inclusive Pass (the same as the Paris Pass Plus).
They are usually already discounted on the pass's official website, compared to list prices.
Paris All-Inclusive Pass discount codes
You can use the discount code "AFFGOALL" to get an additional 5% off your purchase!
This discount code applies to prices already on offer on the official pass website for additional savings.
⏰ LIMITED TIME OFFER - expires April 06, 2025 (unless extended) ⏰: discount code available PTCODE dedicated to readers of this site.
Discount of -12% on all denominations of the Paris All-Inclusive Pass, adult and child.
Applies to already basic discounted prices on the official website. Enter it at checkout to get the best possible price for Paris All-Inclusive Pass! ✅
When does it pay off?
Again, since the proposal identical to the Paris Pass Plus, the same considerations apply.
The difference from other Paris passes is the extra attractions included. If they interest you, it is the right choice and the price is affordable!
All-Inclusive Pass or Paris Pass Plus?
More than fair question, since we said they are two identical passes.
I confirm, formally buy the Paris Pass Plus or this All-Inclusive Pass, it is the same thing.
There are no particular reasons to prefer one or the other.
Personally, given the greater historicity and sale of the Paris Pass in the past (it has existed longer), I prefer all things being equal to purchase the Paris Pass Plus.
Where to purchase it?
The Paris All-inclusive Pass is created and sold by Go City, which offers passes to many locations around the world. It can only be purchased online, on the official website, which can be reached by clicking the button below.
Use the discount code "AFFGOALL" to get 5% off your purchase!
Buy the Paris All inclusive Pass
Paris Passlib'
The Paris Passlib' is an official tourist pass designed for visiting Paris, issued directly by the French capital's Tourist Board.
It offers entry to 3, 5 or 6 museums, monuments or tourist experiences selectable from a predefined list.
This is an attractive pass because it allows you to customize your trip by choosing from top attractions (such as iconic museums and iconic monuments in the city), as well as different experiences such as guided tours, cruises on the Seine, tastings, or sports and recreational activities.
It is generally suited to trips with moderate itineraries, where at most you want to see 6 attractions.
So it is not well suited to the classic exploratory tourist trip, but rather to trips where by tourist choice or short stays, one is "content" to visit only 6 attractions.
Although formally an excellent tool, compared with other Paris passes it appears to be a bit more cumbersome in its operation.
What does the Paris PassLib' include?
Its logic of attractions is a bit unique and different from all the other Paris passes reviewed.
- Paris Passlib' DISCOVER - 3 attractions
Free admission to 3 museums, monuments or experiences from a selection of about 30 options (including we find museums, monuments, cruises, services like bike rentals, guided tours) - Paris Passlib' CITY- 5 attractions
Free admission to 5 Paris attractions: 3 chosen from the Discover list, plus two from an additional selection specific to the City version - Paris Passlib' EXPLORE - 6 attractions
Free admission to 6 Paris attractions: 3 chosen from the Discover list, 2 from the CITY list, and one from an additional selection propra from the Explore version
Here is the full list of attractions included
👉 Each version of the pass thus offers a progressively broader and more comprehensive set of experiences, allowing it to adapt well to both short stays and longer, more structured stays in Paris.
How does it work?
The operation of the Passlib' is similar to that of the other passes: once you purchase the pass online you can choose the activities you like best from the list seen above.
The pass is activated the first time you use it, and from that time it is generally valid for one year.
In some cases the validity may be reduced, such as until the end of the calendar year.
Always read the validity carefully before purchasing.
The pass is totally digital; you will receive it via e-mail after making your online purchase.
You will only need to present the card at the entrance to each attraction, or in some rare cases you will have to convert the pass at the ticket office.
Paris Passlib' prices
- Paris Passlib' Discover: Adults € 59
- Paris Passlib' City: Adults € 109
- Paris Passlib' Explore: Adults € 179
To understand the conditions that apply to children and teens check the official website
Consider that almost all museums are free for EU residents up to age 25.
When does it pay off?
Before analyzing affordability, it is good to clarify what type of travel this pass is best suited for.
The Paris Passlib' is a good tourist pass, but its structure can be slightly complicated compared to other passes because the list of available attractions changes depending on the version purchased (Discover, City, Explore).
⚠️ This means that, compared to other more flexible passes (such as Explorer Pass or Paris Pass), you may feel some limitation in the choice of activities.
It makes sense to choose PassLib' when:
- of approach you want to visit few attractions or have few experiences (max 6), regardless of the length of the trip.
- the version you choose includes specific activities not found in other passes (rare-for example, bike rental, special tours, or some special cruises).
PassLib' affordability
Economically it pays off, as per the main focus of every Paris pass.
Considering an average cost of €30 of the attractions included in the list, with 3 attractions you would have an average cost without a pass of about €90.
The Discover pass, from 3 attractions, costs €59, providing a savings of about €30 per person.
Higher versions (City, Explore) offer proportionately even greater savings.
When it doesn't pay to Pass Lib'
The Paris Passlib' is not suitable when you want to make classic tourist itineraries, full of activities and attractions, to fully experience the city.
In particular, Passlib' is found to be unsuitable if:
- Plan medium to long stays (from 5-7 days or more), where you have time to visit numerous attractions.
- You desire maximum flexibility and freedom in the choice of activities. In this case, Passlib''s "progressive" structure may be limiting.
👉 In these situations, it is preferable to move toward more comprehensive and flexible solutions, such as the Paris Explorer Pass or Paris Pass, which offer greater freedom of choice among all available attractions.
Where to buy it
The Paris Passlib' pass can be purchased online at the Tourist Board website, via the button below.
Once you purchase and enter your information, they will email you a QR code, and you can download the dedicated app. It is totally digital.
Validity
The Paris Passlib' is valid for 1 year. The validity starts from the first attraction you visit.
Paris Explorer Pass
You can choose whether Include 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions of your choice, from a list of about 50 tourist attractions and experiences Paris.
Since you activate it by visiting one of the included attractions, you have 30 days of validity to see all the others, depending on your choice.
Discover the Paris Explorer PassThe list of experiences included in the Paris Explorer Pass is very interesting because it proposes:
- Some of the main attractions in Paris (Louvre, Seine cruise, Eiffel Tower, etc.).
- A balanced selection of original tours and experiences perfect for exploring Paris in a more authentic and less touristy way.
Just as the name suggests ("Explorer's Pass"), it is ideal for those who want to combine a few must-see attractions with less ordinary tourist experiences, but without overfilling the itinerary.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Itineraries of medium duration (about 3 to 5 days), with a moderate schedule, without wanting to see as many things as possible
- Those seeking not only the must-see attractions of Paris but also a more original exploration through tours and experiences
- Those who prefer to decide directly in Paris, varying their itinerary day by day.
If, on the other hand, your approach is "I want to visit as many museums and experiences as possible," the Paris Pass is probably the most appropriate tool to consider.
Buy the Paris Explorer PassHow does the Paris Explorer Pass work?
The Paris Explorer Pass is very simple and flexible to use.
By purchasing it, you actually only choose how many attractions you want to visit (from 3 to 7 attractions). However, you do not have to decide right away which attractions you will visit: you can do this directly in Paris, even at the last minute.
For example, if you purchase the 3-attractions pass, you can visit 3 of your choice, choosing from the following list.
Once you purchase the Paris Explorer Pass, it is activated upon visiting the first attraction, and you have 30 days to take advantage of the scheduled visits.
- Choose how many attractions to include in the pass: 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
- After purchase, you will immediately receive an email with the QR code of the pass.
- You can use the pass directly from your smartphone, via the official Go City app, or print it out on paper.
- When you visit your chosen attractions, just show your QR code at the entrance.
You are not obliged to choose the attractions in advance.
You can freely decide on site, adjusting according to preferences, weather, queues and other needs of the moment.
Paris Explorer Pass Prices
- 3 attractions € 89 - children 2-17 years old € 59
- 4 attractions € 114 - children 2-17 years old € 74
- 5 attractions € 139 - children 2-17 years € 94
- 6 attractions € 159 - children 2-17 years old € 119
- 7 attractions € 174 - children 2-17 years old € 129
These are the list prices of Paris Explorer Passes.
You can almost always find them already on basic offer, on the pass's official website, with a discount ranging between €5 and €15 depending on the denomination chosen, for adults and children.
Explorer Pass Paris discount codes
You can use the discount code "AFFGOALL" to get an additional 5% off your purchase of Explorer Pass.
This discount code applies to the prices already on offer on the pass's official website for additional savings.
⏰ LIMITED TIME OFFER - expires April 06, 2025 (unless extended) ⏰: discount code available PTCODE dedicated to readers of this site.
Discount of -12% on all denominations of the Paris Explorer Pass, adult and child.
Applies to prices already discounted on the official website on a basic basis. Enter it at checkout to get the best possible price for Paris Explorer Pass! ✅
When does it pay off?
To assess the cost-effectiveness of this pass, we do as always a simulation calculation.
✅ Practical example: purchase of 4-attraction pass.
- Average price of attractions included: about 30€ each.
- Total cost without pass: about 120€ (30€ × 4 attractions).
- Price of Paris Explorer Pass (4 attractions), considering the standard offer and applying the 5% discount code: about 109€.
Consider that the main attractions individually cost between €45 and €55 (well above the average value considered), the actual savings could be much higher than this indicative example.
The same logic can be applied to all pass denominations, especially the higher ones (5, 6 or 7 attractions), where the savings increase proportionally.
📌 In summary:
The Paris Explorer Pass is a good solution for practical savings, particularly suitable for those:
- wants to maintain maximum freedom of choice and flexibility
- does not want too rigid a schedule
- Intends to visit a moderate number of selected attractions (maximum 7)
If you are aiming for a richer itinerary, however, better consider other more comprehensive passes (such as the Paris Pass).
Explorer Pass or PassLib?
Since they have a similar rationale, it is fair to ask the question.
In my opinion, Explorer Pass offers a more straightforward formula, without diversifying the list of available attractions according to the pass version chosen.
Therefore, it offers more flexibility than PassLib'.
Providing for the 4- and 7-attraction denominations also offers more choices and movement.
PassLib' makes sense when, depending on the version you choose, there should be something in the list of included attractions that you want to see in particular that is not included in Explorer Pass.
These are limited cases, but should it occur, then it makes sense to evaluate the PassLib'.
Where to purchase it?
The Paris Explorer Pass is sold by Go City and can only be purchased online, on the official website, which can be reached by clicking the button below.
Buy the Paris Explorer PassValidity
The validity of Explorer Pass starts from the first use, and you have 30 days to complete visiting the indicated number of attractions.
You can visit each attraction only once, but for as long as you want.
From the time of purchase, you have one year to activate the pass.
And 30 days to request any full refund, provided the pass has not been activated.
Paris Digital Pass
The Paris Digital Pass is a card for Paris with an interesting format.
Also known as the Paris City Card, it takes the place of the Paris City Pass, an old format that is no longer marketed.
The Paris Digital Pass allows you to visit 3 TOP attractions in Paris, freely chosen from a selection that includes the main landmarks of the French capital.
This card fits very well with:
- Long weekend in Paris, wanting to have a streamlined itinerary (with suggested attractions)
- Those who are visiting Paris for the first time but only for a few days (2-3), and want to quickly sample some of the city's significant attractions.
- Those who return to Paris having already explored it and prefer to focus on only a few selected experiences, enjoying the rest of their time walking around the city.
- For a short stopover in the French capital and you want to make the most of the short time available.
In addition to the three included attractions, the Digital Pass also includes a package of 10 percent discounts to be used for other tourist attractions, which can always be purchased through the official pass provider.
Discover and purchase the Paris Digital PassWhat does the Paris Digital Pass include?
Its format is quite simple to understand.
It includes 3 major attractions in Paris, with the following detail:
- Tourist cruise on the Seine (fixed attraction)
- Choice of: ascent to the Montparnasse Tower or ascent to the Eiffel Tower (extra charge)
- Choice of: Louvre Museum or Palace and Palace of Versailles
As you can see there are all top attractions in the city.
The Montparnasse Tower - for those who do not know it - is the only skyscraper in the city, 210 meters high.
From its observation deck, you can have a splendid 360-degree view of Paris from above.
This is in my opinion a very practical and functional solution, which is suitable as seen for different types of travel.
Also interesting is theaudio guide app included in the price, with descriptions and audio commentary by local experts, interactive maps, walking and public transportation routes.
Plus you will receive a dedicated promo code to get 10% off all other attractions, museums, tours of Paris, bookable always on the same Tiqets site that offers this pass.
Guaranteed reservation for every attraction
You'll be able (or rather you'll have to) book each of the 3 attractions, so you'll have your place secured on the date and time of your choice.
Most convenient for precise itinerary planning, especially since we're talking about short stays, to be optimized as best you can.
How does the Paris Digital Pass work?
Very simple.
You buy it online, reserving the date and time of each attraction you choose.
The pass is totally digital (as the name suggests), you will receive it via e-mail as soon as you complete your purchase.
All you need to do is show it at the entrance to the attractions, on the booked days and times, to grant you access.
You won't have to wait in lines at ticket counters or ticket offices, potentially saving you a lot of time.
Paris Digital Pass Prices
The Paris Digital Pass has a base price of €58 per adult.
Only in case you choose to go up to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower (instead of the Montaparnasse Tower), there is a €30 surcharge, bringing the cost to €88.
The pass is only available for adults 18+, as some of the attractions included (museums and monuments) are free for under 18s.
So for those under 18, the pass would not be convenient.
Under-26 EU residents also have the same benefit for city public museums.
In that case, consider the convenience based on the choices you make.
Since it is a pass with attractions of your choice, you need to figure out whether with or without a pass is convenient for you.
When is the Paris Digital Pass worthwhile?
To concretely assess the convenience of the Paris Digital Pass, let us make a simple practical example of calculation by taking the case of an adult:
If we choose to visit these 3 top attractions:
- The cruise on the Seine River costs about €20.
- The ascent to the Eiffel Tower on the 2nd floor costs about €55
- Palace of Versailles or Louvre Museum cost an average of €22
Without the pass, you would spend about €97 total on individual tickets.
With the Paris Digital Pass (version with Eiffel Tower included), you would instead spend €88, saving about €10 per person.
The sum of the tickets (without the pass) is €97, compared to €88 for the pass (with the Eiffel Tower option), providing a savings of about €10 per person.
Discover and purchase the Paris Digital PassThe savings are there, albeit small.
In fact, the biggest strength of this pass (besides the savings) is being able to book attractions in advance and being able to do everything online.
The 10% discount on other attractions is a good complement in case you want to enhance with an additional attraction or experience.
On the other hand, if you want to add more things for a richer itinerary, then it is better to go for other passes, which in my opinion are more convenient.
👉 In summary: The Paris Digital Pass is great for those who are visiting Paris for the first time, have little time to spare, and want to conveniently book only a few of the city's most iconic attractions online.
Where to purchase it?
The Paris Digital Pass is an exclusive offer from Tiqets, which can only be purchased online through their official website.
⚠️ It cannot be purchased on the spot in Paris, so remember to get it in advance before you leave.
Once purchased, you will immediately receive the digital pass via email, ready to be used directly from your smartphone.
Buy the Paris Digital PassOther Paris passes no longer active
For completeness and clarity, especially if you visited Paris several years ago and remember other pass names no longer available today, I will briefly point out:
❌ Paris Summer Pass: no longer active today, but effectively replaced by the passes presented in this guide.
🔄 Paris City Pass: old name for the pass you now know as Paris Digital Pass, reviewed earlier in this guide.
Paris pass comparison
In the following table, I quickly compare the Paris passes reviewed in this guide as a summary of the analysis just seen.
Feature | PARIS PASS / PLUS | PARIS MUSEUM PASS | PARIS EXPLORER PASS | PARIS PASSLIB' | PARIS DIGITAL PASS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operating logic | I choose the days of validity, see everything I want on the chosen days. Plus version: includes museums + tourist experiences. Basic version: only experiences, no museums. |
I choose the days of validity (2,4,6 days). I only see museums and monuments in and around Paris (no different experiences, tours, services or attractions) | I first choose the number of attractions I want to see (3, 4, 5, 6, or 7) During the vacation I choose which |
I choose the number of attractions first (3, 5, or 6) During the vacation I choose which ones Includes a selection of museums, tourist experiences, and services. |
Fixed package 3 TOP Paris attractions (including two with choice of alternatives) |
Number of attractions included | About 100, including museums, attractions, tours, services (in the Plus version) | Includes all major museums and monuments in and around Paris (excluding the Eiffel Tower, which is considered an attraction) | About 50 to choose from, mainly museums, attractions, tours | You choose from a list of 30-50 attractions, which changes depending on the version you choose of the pass (Discover, City, Explore). Mainly museums, attractions, tours in the Discover version. | Three attractions: two top attractions of your choice + a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River |
Does it pay off economically? | Yes, pretty much all the time | Yes, pretty much all the time. | Yes, from the 2nd attraction seen | Yes, since the 3rd attraction seen | Yes, the cost of the pass lower than that of individual attractions |
Type of vacation best suited to | Medium-long vacation (5-7 days) with a desire to see many things/experiences. Top for the classic tourist trip. | Medium-long duration trip (4-7 days), with an itinerary totally focused on museums and monuments. | Short/medium vacation, moderate itinerary with max 7 attractions to want to do/see | Short/medium vacation, with moderate itinerary, max 6 attractions to want to do/see. | Hit-and-run vacation, 1 to 2 days. |
Preference for typical vacation | ★★★★★ (plus) ★★★★☆ (basic) |
★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Direct link for purchase | Buy the Paris Pass / Plus now | Buy the Paris Museum Pass Now | Buy the Paris Explorer Pass now | Buy the Paris PassLib' Pass now | Buy the Paris Digital Pass now |
* This table does not include the Go City Paris All-Inclusive Pass, as it is identical to the Paris Pass Plus, therefore totally overlapping.
Which pass to Paris to choose?
This guide on Paris passes has been quite dense.
There are as many as 6 passes worthy of in-depth study, and therefore it is necessary to take time to learn about them, understand them, and figure out which one best fits our trip.
In general, to visit Paris it is practically always worthwhile to purchase a pass.
Except in rare cases where you want to explore the city without visiting museums, monuments, or paid tourist attractions, including experiences and services (such as cruises, rentals, guided tours).
In closing I try to give you a quick summary, to quickly direct you to each pass, based on the type of travel where it best fits.
- Classic sightseeing trip, with a few days to spare, and a desire to see iconic museums and monuments in Paris, and take cruises and guided tours to get to know the city -> Paris Pass Plus
- Medium-long stays, but with a desire to visit museums and monuments exclusively, without including different tourist experiences -> Paris Museum Pass
- Moderate itineraries, by tourist choice or for shorter stays (3-4 days) -> Paris Explorer Pass
- Bite-sized trips (weekend, 1-2 days), for a taste of Paris through (only) 3 of its TOP experiences -> Paris Digital Pass
What has just been done is, of course, a concise reading, but sufficient to guide you quickly in choosing the most suitable pass for your trip, clearly highlighting the context in which each tourist pass is able to offer its maximum yield.
If some passes have not been mentioned in the quick tip, it is simply because they do not have any particular strengths over those just illustrated, which are decidedly more comprehensive and beneficial for most tourist itineraries.
Paris transportation passes
As a reminder, all passes for Paris reviewed in this guide, do not include city public transportation.
If you are looking for a public transportation pass card, for Paris the best and most widely used are two:
- Paris Visite
- Paris Navigo
These are passes designed for tourists, allowing unlimited use of Paris transportation, for short periods.
I introduce both of them to you, to understand how these Paris public transportation passes work.
Paris Visite
The Paris Visite is a pass that includes only public transportation.
You will have unlimited access to Paris transportation for the duration of the pass.
Public transportation is defined as the metro, RER, streetcars, buses (except the Fileo, tourist circuits and Air France lines) and the Montmartre funicular.
With the Paris Visite you can also take advantage of a number of discounts for stores, landmarks in Paris. For example, you have 25% discount on the Tour Montparnasse, 25% on the Grévin Museum, and a reduced ticket for a 2-day pass to the Palace of Versailles.
As of January 2, 2025, the sales method of the Paris Visite season ticket has changed. The version of the card for only zones 1-3 is no longer available; it can only be purchased for zones 1-5.
With a downward adjustment in prices for Zone 1-5 subscriptions compared to the past.
The Paris Visite Pass can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days , which correspond to the period of validity of this Paris transportation pass.
It can only be purchased for zones 1-5, which include Orly and CDG airports and around Paris, going as far as Disneyland and Versailles (see image).
As a reference, keep in mind that from 5 or 6 rides a day you are better off doing the Paris Visite.
Prices Paris Visite
ZONES 1-5
- 1 day: Adults € 29.90 / children (4-10) € 14.95
- 2 days: Adults € 44,45 / children (4-10) € 22,20
- 3 days: Adults € 62,30 / children (4-10) € 31,15
- 5 days: Adults € 76,25 / children (4-10) € 38,10
Children aged 4 to 10 have a 50% discount from the adult rate.
The Paris Visite transport pass can be purchased at the Paris at stations, at ticket offices or vending machines, or online at the French transport company's website.
Paris Navigo
The weekly subscription is valid strictly from Monday to Sunday, and can only be purchased until Thursday for the current week.
The monthly one can be purchased from the 20th day of the previous month, until the 19th day of the month of validity.
Despite limitations on validity, the Navigo pass is very affordable, even if you only use it for a few days. The cost of the pass varies depending on the metro and transportation zones you want to include. To give you an idea, theweekly zone 1-5 pass costs € 31.60, to which must be added the € 5 one-time pass fee. This makes a total of € 36 or so - definitely a good price when compared to the Paris Visite.
The monthly one costs € 88.80 (+5). There are no reductions for children.
The Navigo Pass cannot be purchased online, only at metro ticket offices or SNCF stations in Paris, or at RATP contracted merchants.
To get the pass you will have to hand in an original passport photo. So I recommend that you bring one from home, otherwise you will also have to add the cost of issuing passport photos!
The Navigo Pass unlike the Paris Visite is not valid on the Optile network, Orlyval, which among other things connects the city with Orly Airport.
More information on the official website.
Better Paris Visite or Navigo Découverte?
There is no exact answer to this question. Your choice of Paris transportation pass depends on how many days you stay, when you arrive, where you are staying, etc.
On balance, the Paris Navigo pass costs less than the Paris Visite, lasts more days, and you can use it again if you return to Paris within 10 years.
On theflip side, however, it is valid only from Monday to Sunday, while you often go on vacation at the turn of the weekend, and it does not provide discounts on attractions and museums, which are offered by the Paris Visite instead.
FAQ on Passes to Paris
I always recommend activating a pass in the morning so that you use the entire first day of validity.
In the case of the Paris Explorer Pass this makes less sense, as you have 30 days to visit a maximum of 7 attractions, activated when you need them.
The Digital Pass is also an exception, as all 3 scheduled attractions must be booked with a specific date and time.
For the others check in the respective paragraph during the recesion.
Read the section on convenience where I direct you based on the type of trip you want to take.
Remember that children under 18 have free access to national museums. Only museums though, not tourist experiences like cruises, guided tours, etc.
In the review of each pass I address the convenience of the children issue specifically.
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