Paris Pass Plus vs Explorer Pass 2026
Choosing between Go City’s two Paris passes? A side-by-side comparison of costs, attractions, savings, and who each pass suits — so you can decide in minutes.
The Go City Paris Pass Plus is better for intensive sightseers who plan to visit 3 or more paid attractions per day over 2–5 consecutive days — it offers unlimited access with no credit counting. The Go City Paris Explorer Pass is better for travelers who have a specific shortlist of 2–7 Paris attractions and want a lower upfront cost with a more generous 30-day usage window. Both passes save 30–40% compared to individual ticket prices, but they suit fundamentally different travel styles.
Why This Comparison Matters
Both Paris passes are operated by Go City and cover a largely overlapping set of attractions — so choosing between them isn’t about what you can see, it’s about how you prefer to travel and how much you plan to do each day. Pick the wrong pass and you could end up paying for unlimited day access you don’t fully use, or running out of Explorer credits when you want to visit one more museum.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Paris Pass Plus | Paris Explorer Pass |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Unlimited access by consecutive day | Credits for chosen attractions |
| Attractions available | 30+ unlimited | 25+ (choose your own) |
| Access model | Unlimited within your days | 2, 3, 5, or 7 credits |
| Validity | 2–5 consecutive days | 30 days from activation |
| Adult price range | ~€79–€179 | From ~€59 |
| Entry price point | Higher | Lower |
| Flexibility | High within each day | High over a longer window |
| Includes Versailles | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (as a credit) |
| Best for | Packed itineraries | Selective planners |
Price Comparison
Neither pass is strictly cheaper than the other — it depends on which options you’re comparing.
Pass Plus Pricing
2 days: ~€79–€99
3 days: ~€109–€129
4 days: ~€139–€159
5 days: ~€159–€179
Explorer Pass Pricing
2 attractions: ~€59–€79
3 attractions: ~€79–€99
5 attractions: ~€119–€149
7 attractions: ~€159–€199
The Explorer Pass has a lower entry price — from ~€59 for 2 attractions vs ~€79 for the 2-day Pass Plus. However, at the 7-attraction level the Explorer Pass can cost as much as a 3 or 4-day Pass Plus. For short visits focused on a handful of specific sights, the Explorer Pass is usually more economical. For visits of 3+ days with an intensive sightseeing schedule, the Pass Plus typically offers better per-attraction value.
Attraction Coverage
Both passes cover the same headline Paris attractions. The Pass Plus covers 30+ with unlimited access — you never have to choose. The Explorer Pass covers 25+, but you select only your chosen number. Both include:
- Eiffel Tower (summit)
- The Louvre
- Palace of Versailles
- Musée d’Orsay
- Centre Pompidou
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Arc de Triomphe
- Musée de l’Orangerie
- Rodin Museum
- Paris Catacombs
- Bateaux Parisiens Seine cruise
- Hop-on hop-off bus
- Paris guided bike tour
Savings Comparison
For intensive sightseers visiting 3 or more paid attractions per day, the Paris Pass Plus typically offers the greatest total savings. For travelers visiting 2–5 specific attractions at a relaxed pace, the Explorer Pass offers comparable savings with a lower upfront investment. In both cases, savings of 30–40% versus individual prices are achievable with good planning.
Pass Plus — 3-day busy itinerary
| Attraction | Individual Price |
|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower (summit) | €29.40 |
| The Louvre | €22.00 |
| Palace of Versailles | €21.50 |
| Musée d’Orsay | €16.00 |
| Centre Pompidou | €15.00 |
| Sainte-Chapelle | €13.00 |
| Bateaux Parisiens cruise | €16.00 |
| Arc de Triomphe | €13.00 |
| Total if bought separately | ~€145.90 |
| 3-day Pass Plus | ~€109–€129 |
| Savings | ~€17–€37 per adult |
Explorer Pass — 5 attractions
| Attraction | Individual Price |
|---|---|
| Eiffel Tower (summit) | €29.40 |
| The Louvre | €22.00 |
| Palace of Versailles | €21.50 |
| Musée d’Orsay | €16.00 |
| Bateaux Parisiens cruise | €16.00 |
| Total if bought separately | ~€104.90 |
| 5-attraction Explorer Pass | ~€119–€149 |
| Savings | Modest at 5 — strongest at 7 |
The Explorer Pass savings grow significantly at the 7-attraction level — where you’re covering ~€145+ of individual value. Always include the Eiffel Tower and Versailles in your selection to maximise the value of your credits.
Validity: Which Pass Gives You More Time?
The Pass Plus runs on consecutive calendar days — a 3-day pass covers three days in a row from activation. Perfect for short, focused visits. Less suited to slow travelers or those with rest days planned.
The Explorer Pass gives you 60 days from purchase to activate, then 30 days from first use to redeem all your credits. You can visit one attraction this week and another the following week — ideal for extended stays or multi-city European trips. If Paris is one stop on a longer itinerary, the Explorer Pass’s 30-day usage window is a significant advantage.
Which Pass Is Right for Your Trip?
Best for first-time visitors: Paris Pass Plus
First-timers typically want to cover all the major landmarks — Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles, Musée d’Orsay, a Seine cruise, and more. The Pass Plus removes all credit counting and lets you visit everything included at your own pace within your days.
Best for returning visitors: Paris Explorer Pass
If you’ve already seen the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, you might want to focus on the Musée d’Orsay, Rodin Museum, a guided bike tour, and the Paris Catacombs. The Explorer Pass lets you pick exactly those experiences without paying for unlimited access to attractions you’ve already visited.
Best for families: Paris Pass Plus
Families with children benefit most from the Pass Plus’s unlimited access. You can follow the kids’ energy — visiting a museum in the morning, a boat cruise in the afternoon, and skipping anything that doesn’t suit the group without losing credit value.
Best for short visits (1–2 days): Explorer Pass (2–3 attractions)
For a very short Paris stop — a weekend or day trip from London — a 2 or 3-attraction Explorer Pass at ~€59–€99 is the most cost-effective option. A full day-based Pass Plus doesn’t offer meaningful advantage if you’re only visiting two or three sights.
Best for multi-city European trips: Explorer Pass
If Paris is one city on a longer itinerary, the Explorer Pass’s 30-day usage window gives you flexibility to plan your Paris sightseeing without being locked into consecutive days. You can visit the Eiffel Tower on day two and redeem your Louvre credit two weeks later if your itinerary shifts.
Our Verdict
Both are excellent passes that offer genuine savings over individual tickets. The decision comes down to one question: do you want to pack in as much as possible each day, or do you want to pick a specific few attractions and take your time?
Pack it in → Pass Plus
For first-timers, families, and intensive sightseers staying 2–5 days who want unlimited access without counting credits.
Book Paris Pass Plus →Pick your favourites → Explorer Pass
For returning visitors, relaxed itineraries, and multi-city trips. The 5-attraction level is the safest middle ground at ~€119–€149.
Book Explorer Pass →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade from the Explorer Pass to the Pass Plus?
No — the two passes are separate products. If you want more access than your Explorer Pass credits allow, you would need to purchase additional individual tickets or buy a new pass. It’s better to choose the right pass before purchasing.
Do both passes include the Eiffel Tower?
Yes — the Eiffel Tower summit is included on both the Paris Pass Plus and the Go City Paris Explorer Pass. In both cases, you must book a timed-entry reservation in advance — summit slots sell out weeks ahead during peak season. See our Paris tips guide for booking advice.
Do both passes include Versailles?
Yes — Palace of Versailles château access is included in both passes. Timed-entry slots are required and should be booked as soon as you receive your pass. The RER C train journey to Versailles (~€7 each way) is not included in either pass.
Which pass is better for art lovers?
Both passes cover Paris’s greatest art museums — the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and Musée de l’Orangerie. For a dedicated art lover planning multiple museum days, the Pass Plus offers better value since you can visit all of them without counting credits. For an art lover with a focused shortlist of three or four specific museums, the Explorer Pass is perfectly adequate.
Is there a Paris tourist pass that includes the Metro?
Neither the Pass Plus nor the Explorer Pass includes the Paris Metro or RER network. Both passes are attraction-only. Purchase Metro tickets or a Navigo pass separately for getting around the city.
