Paris Olympic Games 2024: Transport Updates and Travel Guide

As the City of Light prepares to host the 2024 Olympic Games, significant changes to Paris's transportation system are set to take effect. These alterations, designed to manage the influx of visitors and ensure smooth operations during the event, will impact both residents and tourists.

Here's what you need to know to navigate Paris during this exciting time.

Several metro and RER stations will be closed during the Games, affecting multiple lines:

Line 1 will see closures at Champs-Elysées - Clémenceau, Concorde, and Tuileries stations from July 20 to September 21. This extended closure period will impact travel along one of Paris's main arteries well beyond the Olympic events.

From July 18 to 27, a number of stations across multiple lines will be closed:

• Line 4: Cité station
• Line 5: Quai de la Rapée station
• Line 6: Trocadéro and Passy stations
• Line 7: Châtelet, Pont Marie, Pont Neuf, and Sully-Morland stations
• Line 9: Alma-Marceau, Trocadéro, and Iéna stations
• Line 10: Javel station

The RER C line will also see closures at key tourist destinations, with Champ de Mars - Eiffel Tower, Pont de l'Alma, and Musée d'Orsay stations shuttered from July 18 to 27.

These closures will significantly impact travel to some of Paris's most popular landmarks and areas. Visitors are advised to plan alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys.

Several major roads and bridges will be affected by long-term closures:

• The iconic Alexandre III Bridge will be closed to vehicles from May 17 to September 20.
• The southern part of Avenue du Maréchal Gallieni will be inaccessible from May 17 to September 25.
• The north-south axis of Place de la Concorde will be closed during the same period.

Additionally, the city will implement a system of perimeter restrictions around Olympic venues:

• A "Red perimeter" will prohibit all motorized traffic within a certain radius of competition venues. This restriction will be activated 2.5 hours before events and lifted 1 hour after their conclusion.
• A "Blue perimeter" will feature regulated motorized traffic under the same time constraints.

These measures aim to ensure security and facilitate the movement of athletes and officials. However, they will undoubtedly impact local traffic patterns and may cause congestion in surrounding areas.

To manage crowds and enhance security, a "Pass Jeux" (Games Pass) will be required for access to many areas. This pass, featuring a QR code, will be essential for spectators and those wishing to enter certain Olympic zones.

It's worth noting that pedestrians and cyclists will still be allowed within the restricted perimeters, offering an eco-friendly alternative for getting around the city during the Games.

Visitors should be aware of significant increases in public transport fares during the Olympic period:

• The price of a single T+ ticket will nearly double, rising from €2.15 to €4 from July 20 to September 8.
• Bus ticket prices will see a similar increase, doubling from €2.50 to €5.

To offset these increases and provide a more economical option for frequent travelers, authorities will offer a Paris 2024 unlimited travel pass for €16 per day. This pass could prove invaluable for tourists planning to explore the city extensively or attend multiple Olympic events.

While these changes may seem daunting, they are designed to ensure that the Olympic Games run smoothly and safely. With proper planning and a flexible attitude, visitors can still enjoy all that Paris has to offer during this historic event.

The city's world-renowned beauty, culture, and charm will undoubtedly shine through, providing an unforgettable backdrop to the athletic spectacles of the 2024 Olympics.

Planning to see the 2024 Olympics in Paris? Check out our comprehensive travel guide to stay informed about transportation updates and make the most of your time in the City of Light during this historic event.