Last verified: October 2026 — Sources: Île-de-France Mobilités, SNCF Connect, Service-Public.fr
France has one of the most extensive public transport networks in Europe: metro, bus, tram, regional trains (TER) and high-speed rail (TGV). This guide covers the main urban networks, 2026 fares, and the subsidies available to residents.
Types of public transport
| Mode | Description | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | Underground urban rail | Paris (16 lines), Lyon (4), Marseille (2), Toulouse (2), Lille (2), Rennes (2) |
| Tram | Light rail on the surface | Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes, Montpellier and other cities |
| Bus | Urban and inter-urban services | Every city and much of rural France |
| RER | Fast suburban rail (Île-de-France only) | 5 lines (A–E) linking suburbs to central Paris |
| TER | Regional express trains | Nationwide: connections between cities within a region |
| TGV / Intercités | High-speed and long-distance | National routes: Paris–Lyon 2 h, Paris–Marseille 3 h 15, etc. |
Transport in Paris and Île-de-France
The Île-de-France network is the largest in France, managed by Île-de-France Mobilités and operated mainly by RATP (metro and city buses) and SNCF (RER and Transilien).
2026 fares (Île-de-France)
| Ticket / pass | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Navigo monthly pass (all zones) | €90.80 | Unlimited metro, RER, bus and tram across Île-de-France |
| Navigo weekly pass (all zones) | €32.40 | Same coverage, Monday to Sunday |
| Navigo Annual (all zones) | €998.80 | Equivalent to 11 months (the 12th is free) |
| Navigo Jour (day pass) | €12.30 | All zones except airports |
| Single ticket metro/RER | €2.55 | €1.30 reduced fare |
| Single ticket bus/tram | €2.05 | €1.05 reduced fare |
| Imagine R Student | €393.30/year | For pupils and students up to 26 |
Solidarity fare (TST): 50 % or 75 % reduction on the monthly and weekly pass for low-income residents (C2S, RSA, ASS beneficiaries, etc.). For example, the monthly Navigo drops from €90.80 to €45.40 (–50 %) or €22.70 (–75 %).
Transport in other major cities
| City | Network | Monthly pass | Single ticket | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | TCL (Sytral) | €74.10 (zones 1–2) | €2.10 | 4 metro lines, 5 tram lines, funiculars |
| Marseille | RTM | ≈ €50 | ≈ €1.80 | 2 metro lines, 3 tram lines |
| Toulouse | Tisséo | ≈ €52 | ≈ €1.80 | 2 metro lines, 2 tram lines |
| Bordeaux | TBM | ≈ €49 | ≈ €1.80 | 4 tram lines |
| Nantes | TAN | ≈ €62.60 | ≈ €1.70 | 3 tram lines, busway |
| Montpellier | TaM | Free | Free | Largest French city with fully free public transport |
Each city has its own transport card and mobile app. Prices shown are indicative and may vary by zone.
Long-distance trains: TGV and OUIGO
SNCF operates two high-speed services:
- TGV INOUI: the standard service with reserved seating. Prices vary with how far in advance you book: from around €20 booked weeks ahead to over €100 last-minute. The average 2026 increase is 1 %, below inflation.
- OUIGO: the low-cost option. Tickets from €10 booked early. Cabin bag included; large suitcase supplement €5–20.
SNCF discount cards (2026)
| Card | Price | Discount | For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carte Avantage Jeune (12–27) | €49/year | Up to 30 % on TGV INOUI | Young people aged 12–27 |
| Carte Avantage Adulte | €49/year | Up to 30 % | Adults 28+ |
| Carte Avantage Senior (60+) | €49/year | Up to 30 % | Over 60s |
| Carte Avantage Famille | €49/year | Up to 30 % for the whole family | Families with children |
| Carte Libertés | €349/year | Up to 45 %, flexible tickets | Frequent / business travellers |
SNCF has announced that over 50 million TGV INOUI and OUIGO tickets will be available for under €30 in 2026.
Regional trains (TER)
TER trains link cities and towns within each region. Each region sets its own fares and passes:
- Monthly TER passes: vary widely by distance and region. A 30–50 km commute typically costs €60–120/month.
- Reduced fares: many regions offer 50–75 % reductions for young people, jobseekers and recipients of social minima.
- €1 tickets: several regions (Hauts-de-France, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, etc.) run €1 TER ticket promotions on weekends or in summer.
Subsidies and reductions
Mandatory employer reimbursement (50 %)
Every employer in France must reimburse 50 % of an employee’s public transport pass (art. L3261-2 of the Labour Code). This applies to the Navigo, TCL, RTM, Tisséo passes and any other urban or TER subscription used for commuting. The reimbursement is monthly and appears on the payslip.
Solidarity fare
People whose income is below the C2S (Complémentaire santé solidaire) ceiling are entitled to a reduction of at least 50 % on transport passes across the whole of France (art. L1113-1 of the Transport Code). In Île-de-France, this can reach 75 %.
Forfait mobilités durables (sustainable mobility allowance)
Employers can grant a tax-free allowance to employees who cycle, scooter or carpool to work. It can be combined with the 50 % public transport reimbursement.
Other support
- Young people: many regions offer reduced-price or free passes for under-26s. In Lyon, the monthly pass for 18–25-year-olds is €25 (zones 1–2).
- Seniors (65+): reduced fares on most networks. In Île-de-France, the Navigo Senior annual pass costs €544.80.
- Jobseekers and RSA recipients: region-specific schemes. Check with your CCAS or regional council.
EU vs non-EU differences
| Aspect | EU/EEA/Swiss nationals | Non-EU nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Access to public transport | No restriction | No restriction |
| Passes and tickets | Same prices | Same prices |
| 50 % employer reimbursement | Yes, if employed | Yes, if employed with a legal contract |
| Solidarity fares | Income-based eligibility | Income-based eligibility + valid residence permit |
Useful apps and tools
- SNCF Connect: book TGV, TER and Intercités tickets.
- Île-de-France Mobilités app: timetables, routes and ticket purchase in Paris.
- Citymapper: multimodal planner for Paris, Lyon and other cities.
- Google Maps / Moovit: public transport directions across France.
- Local apps: TCL (Lyon), RTM (Marseille), Tisséo (Toulouse), TBM (Bordeaux), etc.
Related guides
- Cost of living in France 2026
- Schooling for foreign children in France
- Driving licence in France
- Your first 30 days in France
Official sources
- Île-de-France Mobilités — 2026 fares
- SNCF Connect — Book tickets
- Service-Public.fr — Employer transport cost reimbursement
Fares and conditions may vary by city and region. Always check the official website of your local transport network for up-to-date information.