Navigating Paris During the 2024 Olympic Games

With an estimated 15 million visitors expected to descend on the French capital during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris’s public transportation system and security forces will be under immense pressure. The lead-up to the games, starting with the opening ceremony on July 26 and ending September 8, has been accompanied by a flurry of new metro fare announcements, road and metro closures, and security measures. This may cause confusion for locals and visitors alike.

Essential Travel Documents for the Paris 2024 Olympics

Holders of American, Canadian, British, and EU passports can travel to France visa-free for stays of fewer than 90 days. If you’re from another country, check the government’s visa portal to determine if you need a visa and the required travel documents.

Locations of the Paris 2024 Olympics

The games will be held across 15 Olympic and 11 Paralympic sites, extending beyond Paris to suburbs including Les Yvelines, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-et-Marne, and Seine-St-Denis. Notably, soccer, handball, basketball, and sailing events will occur in cities like Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, St-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille. Moreover, the surfing competition is set for Tahiti.

Metro Ticket Pricing During the Olympics

The cost of a metro ticket in Paris will double for visitors who do not plan ahead. From July 20 to September 8, the single metro fare will rise from €2.15 to €4. However, with a little advance planning, you can avoid this price increase.

By downloading the regional transport authority’s app before July 20, visitors can purchase single tickets at the regular fare of €2.15. Additionally, a book of 10 tickets will cost €17.35, providing a reduced fare of €1.73 per trip. This method not only saves money but also allows for storage of up to 30 tickets on your device, simplifying the purchasing process.

Limited-time Paris 2024 Pass

Visitors may also purchase a special daily Paris 2024 Pass, starting at €16 for one day, granting unlimited access to all competition venues in Île-de-France, as well as Orly and Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airports. Discounts are available for longer durations, bringing the cost down to €10 a day for a 7-day pass.

New Metro Services to Orly Airport

A recent extension on metro line 14 now links Paris-Orly airport to the city center. Travelers arriving at Orly can connect to stop-off stations like Châtelet and Saint-Lazare. Note that fares to the airport are not included in the standard metro rates, costing an additional €10.30 per trip.

Key Station Closures

While planning your metro itinerary, be aware that several stations will be closed from July until September 21, including:

• Concorde
• Tuileries
• Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau

Understanding the QR Code Requirement

Whether you need a QR code to navigate Paris will depend on your chosen mode of transport and travel dates. The Games Pass is a digital pass allowing access to sensitive security areas, especially leading up to the opening ceremony, which will be notably outdoors along the Seine river this year.

Preparation for the Opening Ceremony

From July 18-26, if your reservations fall within the high-security grey zones along the Seine, you will need to apply for a QR code to justify your access when traveling by foot or bike. Taxis and ride-shares will be prohibited. However, ticket holders for attractions will be exempt from this requirement.

Post-Opening Ceremony Regulations

Between July 27-August 11 and again for the Paralympics from August 28-September 8, areas around competition venues will shift to red zones 2.5 hours before each event, and one hour after. Though pedestrians and cyclists won’t need a QR code, commuters in the area via taxi or ride-share must present a Games Pass.

Using France’s Rail Network for Other Cities

If visiting other cities during the Olympic Games, be aware of France’s ban on domestic short-haul flights enacted in 2022, which mandates the use of trains for trips under 2.5 hours. This train travel is an efficient and less stressful option. Key rail services include:

• SNCF: The national rail service offering high-speed TGV trains.
• Inoui: Designates premium seats and service.
• Ouigo: A low-cost version of SNCF with limited routes.
• Intercités: Connects cities that lack high-speed train options.
• TER: Regional express trains for smaller towns.

While the logistics of planning your trip for the Olympics may seem daunting, understanding your transportation options and requirements can help you effectively navigate the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.