Navigo: Does It Really Save You Money on Public Transport in France? What to Look Out For When Buying?
Hello everyone and thanks for reading! I'm excited to share my thoughts on the Navigo pass, which has been a total game-changer for me during my long stays in France. I didn't get it right away on my first trip to France, but when I finally did, even with its not-so-cheap price tag, it's been a real lifesaver in terms of monthly expenses.
Why did I get the Navigo pass? This type of pass is perfect for you if you're planning to stay in Paris or its suburbs for a month or longer. It gives you access to all forms of transportation, including RER trains, metro, tram, bus, and regional trains. The Navigo pass is specifically designed for use in Paris and the Île-de-France region, so if you're planning to explore other parts of France, you might want to look into other options.
One of the best things about the Navigo pass is that I was able to travel to and from Fontainebleau with it, which ended up being a lot cheaper than buying separate tickets each way, especially if you plan to visit more than once. The pass also includes transfers, so you can use it for multiple changes, whether it's on buses or metro lines. This was a huge advantage for me, as I often found myself taking multiple trains and buses to get to my destination.
Additionally, the pass is super convenient because it lets you switch between different fare zones, which can be really beneficial, especially with regional trains and other transportation that goes beyond Paris. I was able to use the pass to travel to different parts of the Île-de-France region, including the suburbs and other cities, without having to worry about buying separate tickets.
The cost of the Navigo pass is around 90 euros for one pass, which might seem pricey, but if you're riding several times a week or every day, and using different types of transportation or making transfers, the savings are obvious. After a month, you need to top it up at special machines located everywhere on stations/trains, etc. Previously, you could pay for this pass in cash at the machine, but now it's by card.
How to buy? Initially, to purchase this pass, you need to personally visit the ticket office with your photo, like a passport or visa photo. Your name and surname are written on the back of the pass-card, where your photo and individual pass number are also located. Yes, the pass has a photo - which you need to show to the conductor. The control process is simple - you show the side with the photo and number, and the pass-card is scanned and reads your payment history.
The main thing is not to miss the period when you need to top up your pass again, which needs to be done at the end of the month - on the last day. One thing that caught my eye was the inclusion of a plastic transparent hard case that comes with the card. It's a nice touch, and it helps to keep the card protected when you're not using it.
I recently took a trip to a neighboring suburb and back, and the cost added up quickly. A one-way ticket from a different zone could cost up to 3.80 euros, and then another 10 euros for a metro ride and transfers. To return, I'd have to add another 10 euros on top of that. That's a total of around 23.80 euros for just one day, and that's not even accounting for the cost of food or other expenses. Over the course of two weeks or a month, the cost can really add up, especially if you're traveling multiple times a week.
In my case, I would have easily spent around 300 euros on individual tickets if I didn't have the Navigo pass. So, it's definitely a worthwhile investment in the long run. I've found the Navigo card to be super convenient - you can use it indefinitely, topping it up as needed.
The Navigo card is a great option for anyone who needs to travel a lot within Paris and the surrounding region. It covers all types of transport, including regional trains, local trains, metro, and buses. With this card, you don't have to worry about transfers or switching between different tariff zones - it's perfect for everything. It's convenient, practical, and it really does save you money.
I've gotta say, the actual travel pass itself is really well-made, with a unique number and my name on it, and it's good for life. That's been a lifesaver. I take it with me whenever I'm traveling in Paris and the surrounding capital region. I'd definitely recommend it.
You really do get a decent return on your investment.It lets you use public transport without any restrictions, including different tariff zones within the greater Paris region.You can make transfers and change modes of transport with ease.It covers regional train, RER, and metro fares - both within Paris and the suburbs.It's really easy to use.The protective case that comes with it is a nice touch.This is exactly what I'd call a travel card.For active people who travel a lot, it's a total game-changer.The tariffs are clear and easy to understand - both on the transit stations and online in the app.It's valid from the start of the month until the end.Cons:
The price has gone up.Now you can only top it up with a card - not all machines still accept cash, so you'll need to check the specific machine.