Transportation in Île-de-France: Final discontinuation of paper tickets on buses set for May 2026

Since November 5, 2025, it has been impossible to purchase paper tickets on the bus and tram network, as well as at all metro stations and RER train stations. However, Paris and Île-de-France public transport users can still use their old paper tickets on the metro, RER, and buses. But beware, because Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) has announced the final end of paper tickets in 2026. Specifically, from May 2026, it will no longer be possible to use or validate a paper ticket on all bus routes across Île-de-France. Then, in June 2026, the entire rail network—metro, RER, and train lines—will follow suit.

So, what are the alternatives available for occasional users who want to hop on a bus in Paris or throughout Île-de-France? Several options exist. One popular choice is the well-known Navigo Easy Pass. This small contactless card, sold for €2 at ticket machines and counters, allows you to load individual tickets—Metro, Train, RER—at €2.55 each, as well as single bus and tram tickets at €2.05 (prices set for 2026). Another option? Your smartphone. With the Île-de-France Mobilités app or Bonjour RATP, you can purchase and store your tickets digitally without needing a physical card.

Since November 2025, Île-de-France Mobilités has introduced a new payment option on buses across the region: contactless card payment. These new payment terminals, located at the bus doors, allow passengers to purchase travel tickets for €2.50 directly using their bank cards.

• To be read
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• Transport in Île-de-France: Four new express bus lines scheduled to launch in 2026
• Transport in Île-de-France: What's new and changing in 2026

Note that these payment kiosks with card readers allow you to purchase up to four repair tickets. However, this new option is only valid for the current bus journey. Additionally, these kiosks have not yet been installed across the entire bus network. Nonetheless, IDFM announces that they "will be gradually rolled out across all lines in Paris and the inner suburbs" by the end of 2026, before extending to the outer suburbs.

Île-de-France Mobilités stresses that this solution "does not replace other fare options in the Île-de-France ticketing system." Therefore, it is recommended to plan ahead to ensure you pay the most accurate fare for your bus trips, which cost €2.05 on Navigo Easy or Smartphone (or €1.64 on Navigo Liberté+).