Hello, I want to buy a CDG airport ticket on my phone. I'm aware that the ticket is valid for 2 hours, however it is not specified in the application whether it's valid 2 hours after the purchase, or 2 hours after the first validation. For example I want to buy it at the place I'm staying, where I have internet, then go to the station and use it, instead of buying it directly at the station.
Thanks!
1 answer
Yes, the language in the IdF Mobilies Paris transport app is quite ambiguous about the validity period. The CDG Airport Ticket's validity period begins upon first validation at a turnstile/faregate, not upon purchase. So you'll be able to purchase this ticket from home/lodging WiFi, then later/in the future use your phone's NFC chip (which doesn't require Internet) to validate the ticket at a turnstile/gate at a Metro/RER station.
The CDG Airport ticket would work the same way if you purchased it on a Navigo Easy card: the fare is dormant / doesn't start it's validity period until you use the card on a turnstile/faregate.
There's a French terms & conditions page specific to the CDG and Orly Airport tickets located here: https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/cgvu-tickets-aeroport
I've copied the relevant wording here:
2.4 La durée de validité :
Le ticket Métro Train Aéroport permet un voyage de 2h à partir de la validation d’entrée et sans effectuer de sortie.
The part that's key for us is "2h à partir de la validation d'entrée", i.e. "2 hours from the time of entry validation".
I hope this answers your question/sets your mind at ease about the ticket's usage.