How to pay for buses in Paris
Paris buses do not work like London-style open-loop tap-to-pay for ordinary visitors: use Navigo Easy, the Île-de-France Mobilités app, an eligible phone ticket, or an SMS boarding ticket where available.
Best option for tourists
For buses and metro, buy the right Île-de-France Mobilités ticket on Navigo Easy or in the official app. For a one-off bus ride, the official SMS boarding ticket is the backup option where available.
| Transport | Card | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Cash | Onboard | Advance ticket | Front door | Tap off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris busParis buses require a valid Île-de-France Mobilités ticket product, phone ticket or SMS boarding ticket; direct open-loop bank-card tap-to-pay is not the default bus answer. | No | Partial | Partial | No | Partial | Partial | Unknown | No |
Can you pay by card on the bus?
Usually no for direct bank-card tap-to-pay on ordinary Paris buses. Use a valid ticket loaded on Navigo Easy, a supported phone/app ticket, or an SMS boarding ticket instead.
Do you need to buy a ticket before boarding?
Yes, you should have a valid ticket product before or at boarding. Île-de-France Mobilités lists app, Navigo Easy and SMS media for relevant tickets.
Cash, boarding doors and tap-off rules
Do not rely on cash on the bus. The official visitor-friendly options are ticket media such as Navigo Easy/app tickets and SMS boarding tickets, not paying the driver with cash.
Common questions
Can I pay with card on the bus in Paris?
Usually no for direct bank-card tap-to-pay on ordinary Paris buses. Use a valid ticket loaded on Navigo Easy, a supported phone/app ticket, or an SMS boarding ticket instead.
Do I need cash for buses in Paris?
Do not rely on cash on the bus. The official visitor-friendly options are ticket media such as Navigo Easy/app tickets and SMS boarding tickets, not paying the driver with cash.