In the face of the ozone pollution episode spreading across the entire Île-de-France since May 26, 2026, Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) has activated its anti-pollution pass for three consecutive days: from Thursday, May 28 to Saturday, May 30, 2026, inclusive. This daily fare of €5.10 lets you travel unlimited across the entire Île-de-France network (metro, RER, buses, trams, Transilien) from 00:00 to 23:59. For Noctilien lines, the pass remains valid until 05:59 the following morning.
This is a measure that tends to reappear during pollution spikes, yet many travelers don’t always think to use it. The pass can be loaded directly onto a Navigo Easy card, onto a smartphone via the Île-de-France Mobilités and Bonjour RATP apps, or at RATP and SNCF station counters and ticket machines. It can even be purchased the day before the affected day.
Contrary to what one might think, no. This scheme isn’t automatically activated every time there’s a spell of poor air quality. Its activation depends on a specific decision by Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) or a prefectural order. In this case, it was the scale and duration of the ozone episode that prompted its deployment for three days. To know whether the scheme is active, you must await official confirmation on the Île-de-France Mobilités site or via the Bonjour RATP app. Airparif, the body responsible for air-quality monitoring in Île-de-France, also publishes real-time forecast bulletins to help people anticipate.
The road situation is also affected. The police prefecture activated the circulation différenciée from Thursday, May 28 at noon, until Saturday, May 30 at 23:59. Only vehicles bearing a Crit'Air 0, 1 ou 2 sticker are allowed to circulate inside the perimeter delimited by the A86. The limitations de vitesse are lowered by 20 km/h on the major Île-de-France axes. The City of Paris has extended the gratuité du stationnement résidentiel for Thursday, May 28, a supplementary measure to encourage drivers and motorcyclists to leave their vehicle in the garage.
The combination of strong sunshine and high temperatures, typical of late May 2026, is fuelling the photochemical formation of ozone in the atmosphere. This occurs when UV rays react with pollutants emitted, notably by road traffic. Air quality is judged poor across most of the region. Sensitive groups — children, the elderly, and those with asthma — are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activity during these pollution peaks.
This measure is primarily aimed at drivers and motorcyclists who can leave their cars at home for these three days, but it also serves anyone looking to get around cheaply during the episode. The anti-pollution pass is available on the RATP website and on the usual apps. To track ongoing disruptions on the network, check out our article on the transport disruptions from May 25 to 31, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France. And if the heat is weighing you down, our guide on what to do in Paris when it’s too hot offers refreshing outing ideas.
Ozone pollution in Île-de-France: differentiated traffic restrictions activated this Thursday
Facing the heatwave and the peak in pollution in Île-de-France, the Paris police prefecture is imposing traffic restrictions from this Thursday through May 30, 2026. The maximum speed will be reduced by 20 km/h on many roads, and telework is strongly encouraged to limit travel. Here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]
In light of the ongoing ozone pollution episode in Île-de-France, the City of Paris extends free residential parking this Thursday, May 28, 2026. Here are the application conditions and recommendations to follow to limit pollutant emissions. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts May 28, 2026
Prices
Tarif unique: €5.1
Official website
www.ratp.fr
Ozone pollution in Île-de-France: differentiated traffic restrictions activated this Thursday
Pollution in Paris: Free residential parking extended this Thursday, May 28, 2026.
