Paris City Pass FAQ 2026
Everything you need to know before buying a Paris tourist pass — costs, inclusions, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, booking, and which pass is right for you.
Before buying a Paris tourist pass, confirm which attractions you want to visit and check they’re included in the pass you’re considering. Book in advance — not on arrival — so you can immediately secure timed-entry slots for the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, which fill up weeks ahead in summer. Choose between the Paris Pass Plus (unlimited access by day, better for intensive sightseers) and the Paris Explorer Pass (choose 2–7 attractions, better for selective planners) based on how many attractions you realistically plan to visit per day.
General Questions
What is a Paris tourist pass?
A Paris tourist pass is a prepaid bundle that gives you discounted entry to multiple Paris attractions under a single purchase. Instead of buying individual tickets at each venue — often at full price and with separate queues — a city pass lets you pay once and visit several experiences at a combined cost that’s typically 30–40% less than buying individually.
The two main Paris passes are the Go City Paris Pass Plus (unlimited access to 30+ attractions over 2–5 consecutive days) and the Go City Paris Explorer Pass (choose 2–7 attractions from a list of 25+). Both are operated by Go City, one of the world’s largest tourist pass providers.
Which Paris tourist pass is best?
The best pass depends on how you travel. The Paris Pass Plus is best for first-time visitors who want to cover as many attractions as possible and prefer unlimited access over counting credits. The Explorer Pass is best for travelers with a specific shortlist of attractions, those on a shorter visit, or those who want a lower upfront cost with a flexible 30-day usage window. For a detailed comparison, see our Paris Pass Plus vs Explorer Pass guide.
Are Paris tourist passes worth it?
Yes — for most visitors planning to see three or more paid attractions, a Paris tourist pass offers genuine savings over individual tickets. The Eiffel Tower summit (~€29.40), the Louvre (~€22), and Versailles (~€21.50) alone total nearly €73 per adult at the door. Most pass options covering these three attractions cost less than that combined, with many more attractions included at no extra cost.
Beyond savings, the passes save time — no need to purchase tickets at each venue or stand in separate ticket queues.
Do I need to buy a Paris tourist pass in advance?
Yes — always buy in advance rather than on arrival. Purchasing early gives you time to book timed-entry slots for the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, which are mandatory even with a city pass and can sell out weeks ahead in peak season. Waiting until you arrive in Paris may mean losing your preferred Eiffel Tower time slot.
Can I buy a Paris tourist pass at the airport?
Both passes are primarily sold online and delivered digitally — no physical pickup is needed. The recommended purchase method is online through Tiqets, which delivers your QR code immediately. While some physical purchase points may exist in the city, buying online in advance is always the better option for Paris.
Pass-Specific Questions
What is the difference between the Paris Pass Plus and the Explorer Pass?
The Paris Pass Plus works on a day-based unlimited access model — you pay for 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days and can visit any included attractions within that window. The Explorer Pass works on a credit system — you choose how many attraction credits you want (2, 3, 5, or 7), then select which specific attractions to visit from a menu of 25+.
The Pass Plus suits intensive sightseers who want maximum access; the Explorer Pass suits those who prefer choosing exactly what they see with a longer validity window.
How many days should I buy for the Paris Pass Plus?
Choose the number of days that matches your full sightseeing schedule — not your total time in Paris. If you’re spending five days in Paris but one is a travel day and one is for shopping and cafés rather than attractions, a 3-day pass is likely the right choice. Remember: days on the Pass Plus are consecutive calendar days from the moment you first activate it — never activate on arrival or rest days.
How long is the Paris Explorer Pass valid?
The Explorer Pass is valid for 60 days from purchase to activate (start using), and then 30 days from first activation to redeem all your chosen attraction credits. This generous window makes it ideal for multi-city European trips where Paris is one of several stops.
What happens if I don’t use all my Explorer Pass credits?
Unused credits expire at the end of your 30-day usage window with no refund. It’s important to choose the right number of credits and plan your itinerary so you use them all. If you’re uncertain whether you’ll use five or seven credits, err on the side of fewer — it’s better to buy a 5-credit pass you definitely use than a 7-credit pass with two credits left over.
Can I buy both passes?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended — you’d be paying for overlapping access to the same attractions. If you find the Explorer Pass doesn’t cover enough attractions for your trip, it’s more efficient to purchase additional individual tickets than to buy a second full pass.
The Pass Plus sweet spot is 3+ attractions per day over 2–5 days. The Explorer Pass sweet spot is 5–7 attractions at a relaxed pace over multiple days or cities.
Booking & Using Your Pass
How do I use my Paris tourist pass?
Both passes are fully digital. After purchasing, you’ll receive a QR code delivered by email or through the Go City app. Present the QR code on your smartphone at each attraction entrance — no physical ticket is required. Download the Go City app before your trip, log in, and make sure your pass is accessible without needing Wi-Fi.
Do I need to book timed-entry slots with a Paris city pass?
Yes — for two key attractions, advance timed-entry reservations are mandatory even with a city pass:
- Eiffel Tower: Book your timed-entry slot immediately after purchasing your pass. Summit slots in July and August sell out three to four weeks in advance.
- Palace of Versailles: Timed-entry is required and should be booked as soon as your pass is confirmed.
Most other attractions on both pass lists operate on a walk-in basis with your QR code, though pre-booking timed entry where available always reduces waiting time.
How do I book the Eiffel Tower with a Paris city pass?
After receiving your pass confirmation, go to the official Eiffel Tower website (tour-eiffel.fr) and select the “visitor with a city pass” or “skip-the-line” booking option. You’ll need your pass reference number. Choose your date and time slot carefully — summit access at dusk (30–45 minutes before sunset) is the most popular option and fills fastest.
Can I use my Paris pass on the Metro?
No — neither the Paris Pass Plus nor the Paris Explorer Pass includes the Paris Metro, RER, or bus network. You’ll need to purchase transport separately. Options include:
- Navigo Easy card (€2 deposit, pay-as-you-go) — convenient for occasional journeys
- Weekly Navigo pass (~€30, unlimited Metro/RER/bus Mon–Sun) — good value for stays of 5+ days
- 10-trip carnet — a booklet of Metro tickets at a slight discount
Note that the RER C train to Versailles is also not included in either pass — budget approximately €7 each way.
Can I visit the same attraction twice with a Paris pass?
On the Paris Pass Plus — in theory yes, as it’s an unlimited access model. In practice, most visitors won’t want to visit the same major attraction twice in a short trip. On the Explorer Pass — no, each credit covers a single visit to a specific attraction.
Attractions & Inclusions
Does the Paris pass include the Eiffel Tower?
Yes — both the Paris Pass Plus and the Paris Explorer Pass include Eiffel Tower summit access (the highest of the three levels, at 276 metres). A timed-entry reservation is required even with the pass — book immediately after purchasing. The summit offers 360-degree views across Paris and beyond on clear days.
Does the Paris pass include the Palace of Versailles?
Yes — château access to the Palace of Versailles is included in both passes, covering the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and the main palace interior. The gardens of Versailles are free to enter on most weekdays. The RER C train journey to Versailles is not included in either pass — budget approximately €7 each way.
Does the Paris pass include the Louvre?
Yes — general admission to the Louvre Museum is included in both passes, covering the full permanent collection. Some special temporary exhibitions may require an additional charge. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays — plan your visit accordingly.
Does the Paris pass include Notre-Dame Cathedral?
Notre-Dame Cathedral is free to enter (no ticket required) for the exterior and, following the 2024 reopening after the 2019 fire, for the interior as well — making it independent of any city pass. Climbing the towers requires a separately purchased ticket and is not included in the Paris passes.
Does the Paris pass include Disneyland Paris?
No — neither the Paris Pass Plus nor the Explorer Pass includes Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris tickets are sold separately and are not part of any standard Go City Paris pass.
Is the Musée d’Orsay included in Paris passes?
Yes — the Musée d’Orsay is included in both passes. Note that the Musée d’Orsay is closed on Mondays — plan your visit accordingly. Thursday evenings (open until 9:45pm) are notably quieter than daytime visits.
Planning Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Paris?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are widely considered the best times — pleasant temperatures, manageable crowds, and generally clear weather for observation deck visits. Summer (June–August) is peak tourist season with the largest crowds and the most competitive Eiffel Tower booking windows. Winter (November–February) is the quietest period, often with lower hotel prices, but some outdoor attractions are less enjoyable in cold weather.
How many days do you need in Paris to use a city pass?
For the 3-day Pass Plus covering the major highlights comfortably, three full sightseeing days is ideal. For the 5-attraction Explorer Pass, three to four days works well. Paris rewards taking your time — don’t try to rush through major museums in a single session.
Is Paris accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Most major Paris attractions covered by tourist passes are accessible for visitors with mobility impairments, though the historic city has some challenges. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou are fully accessible with lifts and ramps. The Eiffel Tower has lift access to the summit. Versailles has accessible routes through the main château, though parts of the gardens may be uneven. The Paris Metro has limited accessibility — above-ground buses are more accessible. Always check directly with each attraction for the most current accessibility information.
Is Paris safe for tourists?
Paris is a major international tourist destination and is generally very safe. The main areas visitors frequent — central arrondissements around the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Marais, and Montmartre — are busy and well-patrolled. As in any large city, be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas like the Metro and major tourist sites. English is widely spoken at hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
