Paris Pass vs. Museum Pass vs. Explorer Pass – Which one is more convenient for you in 2025?

Visiting Paris can be much more intuitive and affordable for you if you purchase any of the available tourist passes. In this article, we will compare the three main ones for you to ponder, that is, Paris Pass, Museum Pass and Explorer Pass, highlighting their price differences, which attractions each one of them includes, and which traveller profiles do they suit the best. We also include the latest price spikes, which are completely up to date, so that you can make the best possible choice.

Tag along with us and discover which tourist passes are the most convenient for you depending on whether you come to visit Paris in three days, five days, or even a full week!

What is each pass, and what does it include?

Next up, we will analyse what the Paris Pass, the Museum Pass, and the Explorer Pass include, so that you have no doubts whatsoever as to which one is a better fit for your trip.

Paris Pass and Paris Pass Plus

• It includes access to 46 attractions, tours, and unique experiences: a guided climb up to the Eiffel Tower (by means of its stairs), a route aboard the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus with stops at will, a cruise along the Seine, a French wine tasting at Les Caves du Louvre, and entrance to the viewpoint at the Montparnasse Tower, among many other cultural and leisure activities.
• In its versions for 2, 3, 4, and 6 days, it is commercialised as Paris Pass Plus: it features a Paris Museum Pass with 51 museums and additional monuments such as the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Palace of Versailles, the Centre Pompidou, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Sainte-Chapelle. It is an ideal option, should you wish to combine tourist attractions with cultural and historic heritage!
• 100% digital purchase: you will have immediate confirmation, and you will be able to manage everything by means of a mobile phone app which features itinerary suggestions, maps, and up to date opening times. It also allows for free cancellation up to 30 days before activation, which will give you flexibility as you plan your trip.
• Important to note: the Paris Pass no longer includes the Paris Visite transport pass, which allowed for unlimited use of public transport, nor does it include shuttle services to and from the airports. Such services are to be purchased separately!

Paris Museum Pass (2-6 days)

• Queue-free admission to over 50 museums and emblematic monuments: among the included locations, some of the most remarkable ones are the Louvre Museum, the Palace of Versailles, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Arc de Triomphe, the Pantheon, and many other venues devoted to the arts, to history, and to French heritage.
• It does not cover for the Eiffel Tower, cruises along the Seine, guided tours, nor leisure activities: it focuses exclusively on cultural offers, and it is ideal for travellers taking an interest in delving deeper into the history and arts of France’s capital city. 
• Unlimited use within the chosen validity period: you will be able to visit as many spots as you wish, within the amount of days in a row that you selected. 
• Available for a duration of 2, 4, and 6 days: this will help you adapt it to different travel styles and spans. The validity gets under way once you make use of it for the first time!

Explorer Pass

• It allows you to choose between 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions among more than 45 available options: guided access to the Eiffel Tower, a cruise along the Seine, wine tastings, the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus, admission to Montparnasse, the Stade de France, and the Grévin Wax Museum, among many other experiences. Guided tours on foot and interactive cultural experiences are also featured. It is ideal for those who prefer to choose specific activities with no need to follow a classic or intensive itinerary!
• It does not include the Paris Museum Pass: it does not grant access to museums such as the Louvre or Versailles, which clearly sets it apart from other passes, which focus on cultural tourism.
• Total flexibility: it can be used throughout 60 days from its first activation, which will allow you to space out your visits depending on your pace.
• 100% digital purchase: it features an interactive app, a great variety of suggested itineraries, and free cancellation up to 90 days after your purchase, if you have not activated it yet. 

Official, up to date fees (as of August 2025)

*Approximate cost per day; the Explorer Pass is paid “by attraction”.

¹Approximate price for 7 attractions (+ ~15 € per extra attraction)

All of these tourist passes (Paris Pass, Explorer Pass and Museum Pass) typically offer one-off discounts by means of their official websites, and also through affiliate platforms during campaigns such as Black Friday, “European summer”, Easter, or last-minute offers.

Even though the base prices do not vary that much, during the peak season (from April to October), it is common for the waiting times at attractions to increase (although some passes will allow you to skip the queues), for quotas for guided experiences to sell out, or even for some platforms to adjust their prices. On the contrary, during the off season (from November to February) the availability will be greater, the amount of tourists will decrease and there will occasionally be promotional prices or extra benefits.

Make sure to check the offers before you purchase your tourist pass, and subscribe to the newsletters at their official websites in order to obtain vouchers and discount alerts! 

Quick breakdown featuring key differences between the Paris Pass, the Museum Pass, and the Explorer Pass

Saving up scenarios (practical examples)

Express traveller in 2 days – Intensive museums 

Should you only have two days, and if you wish to focus on the finest museums, this plan is ideal for you:

• Louvre 22 € + Orsay 16 € + Sainte-Chapelle 13 € + Arc de Triomphe 16 € = 67 €
• Museum Pass for 2 days = 70 € ⇒ If you are going to visit more museums included in the pass, you will get your investment back, and you will avoid the queues. Should that be the case, the difference is negligible, but this pass offers comfort and unlimited access to more than 50 museums.

Family newcomers in 3 days – A mix of tourist icons

Should you travel as a family, and if you wish to get to know the most representative and varied landmarks in Paris:

• Eiffel Tower (26 €) + Louvre (23 €) + Hop-On Bus (49 €) + Cruise (18 €) + Versailles (20 €) = 136 €
• Paris Pass Plus for 3 days = 204 € ⇒ it is worthwhile if you add 3-4 extra attractions such as Montparnasse, a wine tasting, or additional museums. If that were not the case, buying the tickets individually could be more cost efficient.

Art lovers in 6 days – A thorough cultural immersion

For those who wish to visit plenty of monuments and museums!

• Admission to 10 museums, average cost 17 € = 170 €
• Museum Pass for 6 days = 110 € ⇒ 60 € in savings, in addition to queue-free access and flexibility to see more museums.

Flexible traveller – A selection of experiences and free time

For the travellers who enjoy getting around leisurely and wish to pick specific attractions: 

• Separate tickets to the Eiffel Tower 39 € + Montparnasse Tour 25 € + Cruise 19 € = 83 € 
• Explorer Pass for 3 attractions 79 € ⇒ you will enjoy some savings, and you will have 60 days to use your tickets as of your first visit. You can add further attractions!

Which card (Pass) should I choose according to my travelling style?

Summarised upsides and downsides

Paris Pass

Pros

• A great variety of experiences: it is not limited to museums, but it also grants you access to guided tours, wine tastings, admission to monuments, and a cruise along the Seine. The full Parisian experience!
• It includes the Museum Pass in its Plus version: besides the cultural attractions, you will also enjoy queue-free access to more than 50 museums and monuments, such as the Louvre or Versailles.
• App and 30-day cancellation policy: it features a super handy app in order to plan your visits and get around the city. Furthermore, you can cancel it up to 30 days before your trip with a full refund. Total peace of mind, just in case your plans change!

Cons

• High prices if you are only interested in museums: should your priorities be arts and history, you might not make use of the full potential of the additional activities, making the cost not very worthwhile for you. 
• It does not include public transport: it does not offer unlimited access to the local metro, buses, or trains, so you will have to purchase your tickets separately.

Museum Pass

Pros

• Excellent cost per day for 4-6 day passes: The more you use it, the more cost efficient it becomes. Should you plan to visit several museums and monuments in a short span of time, the daily cost is really low when compared to the individual tickets.
• It is ideal to skip the queues at world class museums: it will grant you priority access to highly demanded museums, such as the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, which will spare you hours of waiting, and it will allow you to make better use of your time in Paris.

Cons

• It does not include the Eiffel Tower nor tourist extras: neither the Eiffel Tower, the cruises along the Seine, nor the guided visits are covered for. This is a cultural option, conceived for arts and history lovers!
• There is no 1 day option: the shortest pass includes 2 days in a row, which could be limiting, should you only be in Paris for a layover or a brief visit. 

Explorer Pass

Pros

• Total flexibility for 60 days: once you activate it, you have up to two months to use it, which makes it ideal if you are going to stay in Paris for a long time, or if you prefer a more relaxed travel pace, and not having to run from attraction to attraction.
• You only pay for what you are interested in: you can choose between 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions from an extensive list, adapting it to your tastes and interests without paying any extra for experiences you are not interested in. 
• It includes unique and original activities: from French cuisine lessons, all the way to visits to the PSG stadium or bike strolls, this is an excellent choice for those seeking something more beyond the museums and the famous monuments. 

Cons

• It does not include the Louvre, barring an additional cost: you will have to buy your ticket separately, or else combine it with the Paris Museum Pass.
• It could be less affordable, depending on what you choose: in order to make the most of it, you should choose the most valuable experiences. If you pick very affordable activities, you may end up paying more than you would have if you had purchased your tickets on their own!
• It does not include public transport: it does not feature metro nor other means of transportation, which may add to your expenses, should you plan to move a lot around the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much will I save up with the Paris Pass?
Your savings will depend on the number of attractions that you visit. If you carry out at least three or four activities every day, you can save up between 20 % and 40 % by comparison with purchasing your tickets separately, especially in its Paris Pass Plus version.

Will the Museum Pass spare me the queues at the Louvre?
Indeed, it will! The Paris Museum Pass will grant you priority access to most museums, including the Louvre (you will have to book a free time slot at the official website prior to your visit).

Do they include transportation or shuttle services to the airport?
None of these cards include public transport nor shuttle services to the airport. In order to move around Paris, you will have to buy individual tickets, or else a card such as Navigo or Paris Visite.

Can I visit the Eiffel Tower with the Museum Pass?
Sadly no, as the Eiffel Tower is not included in the Paris Museum Pass. In order to access it, it is necessary to book your admission separately at their official website, or else to hire a tour including it. We will gladly take you there!

Can I combine both passes?
Of course you can! You may combine the Paris Museum Pass (for museums and monuments) with the Paris Pass (for additional experiences and attractions), should you wish to broaden your itinerary. Just make sure not to pay twice for the same attractions!

Is it worth it for a two-day trip?
It is, especially if you intend to visit several attractions in a short time. The Museum Pass for 2 days, in particular, can be very affordable if you plan out your visits properly. The remaining passes can also be worth your while if you include activities such as cruises, tastings, or guided tours.

Do minors have to pay?
Many museums in Paris feature free admission for visitors under the age of 18 (and up to 26 years old, if they reside in the EU), so, more often than not, it will not be necessary to buy a pass for them. However, some of the attractions included in the passes may not be free of charge, so make sure to check each specific case out!

Can I book the Explorer Pass activities beforehand?
Yes, you can: as a matter of fact, many of the included attractions require or advise prior booking. In your app, you will be able to check which attractions need to be booked, and do it right there.

What happens if I do not use up all of the attractions in the Explorer Pass?
There is no partial refund if you do not use up all of the chosen attractions, so it would be ideal to plan out very carefully which ones you are going to visit in order to avoid wasting your money.

Where can I book guided tours in English across Paris?
If the tourist card of your choice does not include them, you may book free tours or guided visits in English directly from our web. By the hands of our excellent local guides, we will be more than glad to take you to the main monuments and quarters in Paris!