Using Buses & the Metro
These essential phrases will help you confidently buy tickets, find the right route, and navigate buses and the metro.
Key Phrases
Un ticket de bus, s'il vous plaît.
neutralA bus ticket, please.
The simplest and most natural way to ask for a ticket at a counter.
Bonjour, je peux avoir un carnet de tickets ?
politeHello, can I have a book of tickets?
A 'carnet' is a pack of 10 tickets, which is often cheaper and very common in France.
Où est-ce que je dois valider mon passe ?
neutralWhere do I have to validate my pass?
You must always scan or stamp your ticket before riding to avoid fines.
C'est quelle ligne pour aller au musée ?
casualWhich line is it to go to the museum?
Starting a question with 'C'est' is the standard informal way people speak every day.
Excusez-moi, je dois prendre quel bus ?
politeExcuse me, which bus do I have to take?
Il y a combien d'arrêts jusqu'à la gare ?
neutralHow many stops are there until the train station?
Il y a une correspondance à cette station ?
casualIs there a transfer at this station?
Est-ce que je dois changer de ligne ?
neutralDo I have to change lines?
Use this to check if your route to your destination is direct.
C'est le bon arrêt pour le centre-ville ?
casualIs this the right stop for downtown?
Vous pouvez me dire quand je dois descendre ?
politeCan you tell me when I have to get off?
A great phrase to use with a driver or fellow passenger so you don't miss your stop.