Travel

As part of the modernization of the public transportation system, the city of Paris is currently phasing out the use of physical paper tickets (tickets+ or t+). These tickets are still available for purchase at some stations and at airports. We recommend only using this option if you do not yet have a transportation pass/metro card. Multiple options exist for passes depending on how frequently you plan to use public transportation and how long you are staying in Paris. All transportation passes can now be managed directly through the Île-de-France Mobilités smartphone app. You can also use your phone to scan into the metro system.

Navigo Easy

Suitable for infrequent use of the public transportation system.

You can get a Navigo Easy card for 2.00 EUR at any ticket office, Navigo SNCF Service Counter or carrier counter. On this card, you will be able to charge tickets+ individually or in bundles, Navigo Day or Weekend passes, Orlybus and Roissybus tickets. There is no requirement to get the card, it is anonymous and can be used by several people — just not simultaneously for the same trip.

Navigo Découverte

Suitable for summer and semester-long program participants who wish to purchase their card in person.

You can buy the Navigo Découverte at almost every metro station. All you need is and I.D.-sized personal headshot (no paperwork, no proof of residency). The Navigo Découverte is name-specific and cannot be shared. After you have purchased the card once (for 5.00 EUR), you can charge it directly at ticket machines in nearly any metro station or on your phone via the SNCF Connect or IDF Mobilités app. The prices for the daily, weekly, or monthly pass are the same for the Découverte and the Passe Navigo.

Passe Navigo

Suitable for all students. Our recommendation for students participating in semester-long programs.

The Passe Navigo is a personalized travel card which allows you to purchase daily, weekly, and monthly travel passes for the Paris region. You can set up your account online and order your card before you arrive in Paris. You will need to provide proof of residency. One advantage of having the Passe Navigo is that you will get reimbursed if you lose it. If you lose your Navigo Découverte, you will not get reimbursed and have to charge it again at full price.

If you order a passe navigo prior to arrival, please have it delivered to the following address. Columbia in Paris staff will ensure you receive it on the first day of orientation.

Your name

Columbia University Undergraduate Program in Paris

4 rue de Chevreuse

75006 Paris

France

Imagine R Student Travel Pass

Our recommendation for students participating in academic-year programs.

The Imagine R student travel pass for university students under age 26. You save more than 50% off the price of a regular Navigo monthly travel pass.

• The pass costs 374,40€ per year plus 8€ subscription fee when you sign up for the card
• You can sign up online by providing the required documentation (I.D. photo) and proof of student status.
• The card is valid for 12 months (you can begin travelling with the card on one of five dates: 1 September, 1 October, 1 November, 1 December or 1 January)
• It allows you to travel on all of the public transportation networks in the Île-de-France region: metro, RER, bus, tramway and train, with the exception of Orlyval, Filéo/Roissybus CDG, Air France airport shuttles, SNCF train lines with reserved seating, and the Optile special fare lines.
• It costs 23€ to replace a lost or stolen card.

If you order an Imagine R prior to arrival, please have it delivered to the following address. Columbia in Paris staff will ensure you receive it on the first day of orientation.

Your name

Columbia University Undergraduate Program in Paris

4 rue de Chevreuse

75006 Paris

France

If you wish to travel by train, you can purchase tickets online with a credit card at www.sncf-connect.com/billet-train or in person at any train station in Paris. If you plan on traveling often, or traveling after the program, it might be worthwhile to purchase a “Carte Avantage Jeune”. This discount pass is for those between 12 and 27 years of age. It costs 49.00€ for the year and entitles you to travel at rates discounted up to 60 %.  You are guaranteed a 30% discount on train tickets. See: www.sncf-connect.com/app/catalogue/description/carte-avantage-jeune

Paris is incredibly well connected to the rest of Europe by train. If you leave Paris to explore other cities in France and in Europe, consider taking a train rather than flying. High-speed rail can have you in Brussels in 1.5 hours, Bordeaux in 2 hours, and Geneva in 3 hours. Quite often, when you factor in wait times at airports, train travel is the fastest option! An interrail pass might be a good option if you are planning on taking multiple train trips: https://www.interrail.eu/en.