When you start planning your Paris itinerary, one of the first things you’re going to encounter are ads for multi-attraction passes. The Paris Museum Pass and the Paris Pass in particular. What are these passes and could they be right for you?
Paris Museum Pass
The Paris Museum Pass allows unlimited free entry to over 50 museums and monuments in Paris for a set number of days (it can be purchased as a 2 day, 4 day, or 6 day pass). The list of included attractions is quite extensive and includes not only Paris, but the surrounding area as well (a list of included museums and monuments can be found here).
In addition, the Paris Museum Pass allows you to skip the ticket line since you have your pass in hand, which can considerably cut down on wait time (especially for the most popular museums). You will still have to go through security at most places, however some do offer dedicated (read ‘shorter’) security lines for pass holders.
There are multiple ways to purchase your Paris Museum Pass. You can order online and have it mailed to you at home (though there is quite a steep fee for delivery depending on where you live)…or opt to have it delivered to your hotel in Paris (less expensive)…or pick up at one of their offices in Paris (free). You can also purchase a pass at any number of kiosks and visitor centers (there are some conveniently located at the airport and train stations) or at any participating museum or monument.
Paris Pass
The Paris Pass is an all inclusive type of pass that includes a Paris Museum Pass as well as additional attractions and added transportation passes for a set number of days (it is available in 2 day, 3 day, 4 day, and 6 day options…though the 3 day option only includes a 2 day Museum Pass). It is important to note that the transportation pass is only good for zones 1-3…this will not get you back and forth from the airports, Disney, or Versailles. You can find a list of the additional attractions included (beyond what is included with a Paris Museum Pass) on their website here as well as info on the transportation pass (Paris Visite Travelcard) here.
Because you already have your tickets in hand, you do get the added benefit of skipping the ticket line and going directly through security with the Paris Pass as well.
Paris Passes do need to be purchased online at their website and can either be shipped to your house (moderately priced unless you need it quickly) or picked up at their central desk in Paris (inexpensive).
Are they a good deal???
That all depends on your travel style and what you plan to do while you’re in Paris. Before purchasing any pass, be sure to research what the entry fees are to the attractions on your itinerary and compare these to the cost of the pass.
Personally, for my travels, the Paris Museum Pass usually works out to be equal to or less than the cost if I was paying for each museum individually…plus I get the added benefit of skipping the ticket line (and special expedited security lines in some cases). It also gives me the freedom to explore museums I wouldn’t normally or ‘pop in’ to museums for multiple short visits without having to pay extra (I always have to stop in to see Monet’s waterlilies anytime I’m in the neighborhood). On the other hand, for my trips, the Paris Pass has always been more expensive than paying for things individually, even with transportation factored in, so I’ve never purchased it.
It is important to note that many museums and attractions in Paris are free or reduced price for children under 18. Take this into consideration so that you don’t over pay for a pass for you child.
The bottom line is: do your research ahead of time and choose what works out best for you.
