Using Your iPhone to Buy Paris Metro Tickets
If you’re visiting Paris in 2025 and want the easiest, most modern way to ride the metro, buying your ticket with your iPhone is the way to go. Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide using the official Île-de-France Mobilités app. If you’re searching how to buy Paris Metro tickets — this is your all-in-one answer.
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Step-by-Step Instructions (One Image = One Step)
Step 1: Download the App
Search for Île-de-France Mobilités in the App Store and download it.
Step 2: Open the App and Tap “My Space”
Tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen.
Step 3: Tap “Login / Register”
This will begin the process of creating your account.
Step 4: Tap “Create a New Account”
Create an account. Just follow the steps shown in the app — it will guide you through everything automatically.
Step 5: Tap “Purchase” at the Bottom of the Screen
This brings you to the ticket purchase menu.
Step 6: Select “On My iPhone”
You’ll be using your iPhone as a contactless ticket.
Step 7: Tap “I’m a New User or Don’t Have Any Active Ticket”
Continue as a new user to activate the ticket function.
Step 8: Choose “Single Tickets”
Select “Single Tickets” if you’re planning just a few metro rides. You can always explore the other ticket types by tapping through the app — everything is clearly explained with pricing and zone info.
Step 9: Select “Metro-Train Ticket” and Tap Buy (€2.50)
Metro-Train Ticket (€2.50): Ideal if you only need a few rides. This option allows you to travel across the entire Paris region — metro, buses, trams, and RER trains — including popular destinations like Disneyland and Versailles. However, it does not cover special airport routes like Orlyval to Orly or the RER B to Charles de Gaulle Airports. Choose the quantity you need and continue.
Step 10: Enter Your Email and Accept the Terms
Provide your email to receive a receipt. Then agree to the terms and pick your payment method (Apple Pay or other).
Step 11: Tap “Add to Apple Wallet”
Once payment is complete, you’ll be prompted to add your ticket to Apple Wallet.
Step 12: Choose Your Device (iPhone or Apple Watch)
Select the device where you want the virtual card installed.
Step 13: Accept the Terms and Conditions
Tap “Agree” to proceed.
Step 14: Confirmation — Card Added
The virtual Navigo card is now added to your Wallet.
Step 15: Tap “Done”
Your card is ready for use. It works automatically with Express Transit.
Step 16: Final Message: “Ticket(s) Loaded”
Tap OK to complete the process.
Step 17: Check Your Ticket Anytime
You’ll see your active tickets in the app under the “Purchase” tab.
Step 18: Go to iPhone Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay
Access your card and settings there.
Step 18: Go to iPhone Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay
Access your card and settings there.
Step 19: Tap on Your Navigo Card
View active tickets and purchase history.
Step 20: Confirm You Have Tickets Loaded
Check under “Metro Train Ticket” to verify how many rides you have.
What Else the “Île-de-France Mobilités” App Can Do
If you’re looking not only for how to buy Paris Metro tickets but also how to navigate the system like a pro, this app offers a wide range of features beyond ticket purchases:
- 🛣️ Plan Your Journey – Real-time navigation across metro, RER, buses, trams, and Vélib’ bikes.
- ⏱️ Live Traffic Info – Know about delays, strikes, and service changes.
- 🗺️ Station Details – Accessibility info, elevators, escalators, and services.
- 💳 Manage Navigo Card – Load and check passes or tickets.
- 🔍 Search Stops or Addresses – Quickly locate your route.
- ⭐ Save Favorites – Mark preferred routes and receive alerts.
- 🚲 Bike Station Info – See availability of bikes in real time.
Metro Rules, Tips & Safety
General Rules
- Always validate your ticket before entering.
- Keep your phone charged — no battery = no ticket.
- Each person must have their own ticket or pass — one phone, one person, one ticket. You cannot validate multiple tickets for several people from the same phone.
- No need to scan your ticket when exiting the metro (except on RER trains)
Avoid Fines
If you’re figuring out how to buy Paris Metro tickets and stay fully compliant, remember that metro controllers (inspectors) frequently check tickets, especially inside trains and near exits.
- Fines are €50+ on the spot for unvalidated or missing tickets.
- Digital tickets validate automatically when you tap your phone at the turnstile — just hold it near the reader and the system will detect your ticket.
Sometimes gates are broken or left wide open. In this case:
- Look for signs the gates are blocked, powered off, or taped.
- If only a wide access door (usually for luggage or strollers) is open, you may pass through.
- Be sure to record a short video showing:
- The main turnstiles are non-functional or closed.
- The open gate is unattended.
This may serve as proof to controllers that you didn’t skip validation on purpose.
Watch Out for Pickpockets
- Most common in busy stations, especially on the most tourist-heavy metro lines like Line 1 and Line 4: Châtelet, Gare du Nord, Champs-Élysées.
- Keep your phone and wallet in a zipped inner pocket or a secure, close-to-body bag — even front-facing backpacks or chest bags are not fully safe. Inner jacket pockets or bags worn inside your coat are much better options to protect against pickpockets.
- Never hang your bag loosely from one shoulder.
Check out our full article on scams in Paris: Is Paris Safe? Tips for 2025 Travelers
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