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5 things to know about the end of the cardboard metro ticket in Paris

undefined undefined 15 janvier 2025 undefined 08h30

The Editor

© Stephen Cannon / Flickr

For years, we’ve been threatened with this, and now it’s finally happening! The cardboard ticket will soon be gone for good from the metro corridors in 2025. It will be gradually replaced entirely by digital transport tickets, and most importantly, these will no longer be zone-based. While we prepare to say a fond farewell for good, we’re here to answer all your questions.

It’s the end of an era that will be written in 2025. The definitive disappearance of cardboard tickets, those little pieces of paper found everywhere, which we never knew which ones had already been used or not, and which would de-magnetize for no reason at all when they came into contact with our keys and bills. While the RATP and Île-de-France Mobilité (IDFM) have rolled out a single ticket system since January 1st, the traditional ticket is set to take its final bow before the end of the year.


Titles still temporarily available

First thing to know, even though the end of paper tickets was officially enacted on January 1st, don’t get too carried away just yet; they will still be available for sale for a few months, just enough time to ensure a smooth transition and maybe also to clear out some stock. You mighYou can get it at the margin, in certain stations only, especially those that lack some suitable distribution channels. But be careful, their price might surprise you a bit, since they will already be up to 2.50€, including on the bus (whereas the new price normally caps at 2€), to dissuade buyers.


Old tickets that can still be used... under certain conditions

So, if you still have a little stock of tickets, what should you do with them? The answer is simple: use them as soon as possible. Indeed, they will not be exchanged or refunded for new models. However, we want to point out that while the new tickets are zone-free and allow you to travel throughout Île-de-France at no extra cost, the tickets sold before January 1st are still subject to the old rules, meaning they are specific to zones and modes of transport.


The Disappearance of the Carnet of 10

It’s probably the biggest change, as the end of paper tickets means the complete disappearance of the carnet of 10 tickets. This was an incredibly useful ally for occasional travelers, allowing them to get about ten transport tickets while enjoying a pretty nice discount. Going forward, you’ll still be able to buy tickets in lots of 10, but unfortunately, you will have to pay the full price, which is 20 or 25€ depending on the chosen option.


New Stations with Adapted Turnstiles

Another important point in all of this is that some stations simply no longer allow you to travel with old tickets due to the lack of adapted turnstiles. “« As soon as a new station is built or renovated, we set up new validators, like at the Saint-Denis-Pleyel or Orly Airport stations for example », says IDFM. On-site, you can only validate using a smartwatch, a phone, or a pass.


Alternatives are raining down!

Fortunately, even though the end of the paper ticket brings its share of inconveniences, this little transport revolution also offers a number of benefits, with the disappearance of zones taking the spotlight. Now, a single ticket will let you travel across the entire region. And getting one is super easy; just grab a rechargeable Easy card and you’re all set. Or, you can opt for a Pass Navigo, or even a Liberté +, which will allow you to travel for less by paying only for your rides at the end of each month!