Paris Catacombs Tickets 2026: Official Prices, Ticket Types & Best Booking Options
Looking for information on Paris Catacombs tickets?
The official Paris Catacombs ticket is usually the cheapest way to visit if your preferred time slot is available and your plans are firm. For 2026, official individual prices are €31, about US$34–$36, for full-rate entry; €25, about US$27–$29, for reduced-rate entry; €15, about US$16–$18, for children ages 8–17; and free for children under 8.
Third-party options through GetYourGuide and Viator often cost more. They can still make sense if you want a guided tour, a special-access experience, easier English-language booking, or a backup when official times are limited.
The simplest plan: check the official ticket page for the baseline price and available times. Then compare third-party options if you want more flexibility, a guide, or a richer visit.
⭐ Start here: the best Paris Catacombs tickets and tours to book first
These are the easiest options to compare after you check the official ticket page. Choose the self-guided ticket for a simple visit, or a guided tour if you want the underground story to come alive.
- Paris: Catacombs Ticket and Audio Guide — easiest self-guided timed-entry option
- Paris Catacombs Guided Tour: Skip-the-Line & Restricted Areas — best overall guided choice
- Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Special Access — strong special-access alternative
- Paris: Catacombs Entry & Seine River Cruise with Audio Guide — good Catacombs-plus-cruise combo
- Paris Catacombs Semi-Private Max 6 People Guided Tour — best small-group splurge
This page focuses on tickets. For a deeper tour-by-tour breakdown, use our Paris Catacombs tours guide.
For exact fee context, use our Paris Catacombs entrance fee guide. For booking-window strategy, use our Paris Catacombs reservations guide.
Best Paris Catacombs Tickets and Tours at a Glance
| Experience type | Best for | Typical tradeoff | Booking option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-guided ticket with audio | Travelers who want the simplest visit | Less human context | Timed entry with audio-style support |
| Guided skip-the-line tour | First-time visitors who want stories | Costs more than basic entry | Guided visit with restricted-area focus |
| Special-access tour | Travelers who want more than the standard route | Often limited availability | Guided special-access experience |
| Catacombs plus Seine combo | Short Paris trips and easy planning | Higher bundled price | Underground visit plus river cruise |
| Semi-private small group | Couples, older travelers, deeper context | Premium price | Smaller-group guided experience |
🎟️ Ticket Tip: Official Catacombs tickets can be the cheapest choice when your date is available. Third-party tickets and tours are often easier when you need English-language guidance, bundled experiences, or flexible cancellation.
Official Paris Catacombs Tickets: Types and Prices for 2026
The official Paris Catacombs ticket system is run through Catacombes de Paris / Paris Musées. Official tickets are timed, and online booking is strongly recommended for paid admission.
For most travelers, the official full-rate ticket is the price anchor. Use it to compare every third-party ticket, tour, and combo.
| Official ticket type | 2026 official price | Approx. US$ | What it includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-rate ticket | €31 | About US$34–$36 | Timed entry and audio guide |
| Reduced-rate ticket | €25 | About US$27–$29 | Timed entry and audio guide with valid proof |
| Child ticket ages 8–17 | €15 | About US$16–$18 | Timed entry and audio guide |
| Children under 8 | Free | Free | Free admission |
| Free-admission categories | Free | Free | Free entry collected at the front desk with valid proof |
Prices can change, and exchange rates move daily. Check the official Catacombes de Paris ticket page before buying if your budget is tight or you are relying on a reduced or free category.
⏱️ Quick Win: If your main goal is to get inside without overcomplicating the visit, start with Paris: Catacombs Ticket and Audio Guide and compare it with the official ticket page.
What Each Paris Catacombs Ticket Type Includes
Full-rate official ticket
The full-rate ticket is the standard official ticket for adult visitors. It includes timed entry to the Paris Catacombs and the audio guide.
This is usually the best choice if your date is available, your plans are firm, and you do not need a live guide. It is also the price to use when comparing third-party tickets and tours.
Reduced-rate official ticket
The reduced-rate ticket includes the same standard visit and audio guide as the full-rate ticket. The difference is eligibility.
You must bring valid proof. Do not assume a discount will be honored without ID or supporting documents.
Child ticket ages 8–17
Children ages 8–17 have a lower official price. The paid child ticket includes the audio guide.
This works best for families with older kids and teens. The Catacombs are dramatic and memorable, but the route has stairs, narrow corridors, dim lighting, bones, and no easy midway exit.
Children under 8
Children under 8 receive free admission. Parents should still think carefully before bringing very young children underground.
The Catacombs are not stroller-friendly, and the visitor route is one-way. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Free-admission categories
Some visitors qualify for free admission with valid proof. Free tickets cannot be purchased in advance on the official website.
Eligible visitors collect free tickets at the front desk on the day of the visit. The official Catacombs site indicates that eligible free-admission visitors can still be admitted even when the website shows no paid tickets available, and they can enter at the same time slot as companions who already have tickets.
Who Qualifies for Reduced-Rate Paris Catacombs Tickets?
The reduced rate is available with valid ID or proof. It is not a general tourist discount, and it is not the same as free admission.
Official reduced-rate categories include:
- Visitors ages 5 to 26
- Students
- Holders of the Paris Pass Famille
- Members of la Sauvegarde de l’Art Français
- Members of la Société de l’Histoire de l’Art Français
- Members of la Société française d’archéologie
- Members of la Société nationale des Antiquaires de France
US and Canadian travelers should bring clear proof if they plan to use the reduced rate. If you are a student, bring a student ID and any supporting document that shows your status clearly.
💵 Budget Tip: Compare official timed tickets first if price is your top concern. Choose a third-party tour when guided context, availability, cancellation terms, or bundled experiences matter more than the lowest possible ticket price.
Who Gets Free Admission to the Paris Catacombs?
Free admission is available to specific categories with valid proof. These tickets are handled at the front desk on the day of the visit, not through advance online booking.
Official free-admission categories include:
- Disabled visitors and their personal care attendant
- Job seekers
- Beneficiaries of RSA
- Beneficiaries of allocation parents isolés
- Beneficiaries of allocation personnalisée d’autonomie
- Beneficiaries of aide sociale de l’État pour les réfugiés
- Inhabitants of Rome, Paris’s twin city
- City of Paris employees and councillors, active or retired
- Professional visual artists with written evidence
- International Association of Art Critics members
- Museum guides
- French and foreign curators
- Members of la commission du Vieux Paris
- ICOM members
- ICOMOS members
- Journalists
- Art press reporters and federations
Bring proof. Staff can ask for it, and free admission does not remove the need to follow the site’s access, bag, and safety rules.
Paris Catacombs Entrance Fee: What Should You Actually Budget?
For most travelers, the Paris Catacombs entrance fee starts at €31, about US$34–$36, for the official full-rate ticket. Reduced-rate visitors pay €25, about US$27–$29.
Children ages 8–17 pay €15, about US$16–$18. Children under 8 enter free.
That is just the official entrance fee. A third-party guided tour may cost much more because it can include a live guide, group coordination, reserved entry handling, special-access sections, or a bundled experience.
| What you want | Best booking path | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest official price | Official ticket page | Best when your time slot is available and your plans are firm |
| Simple self-guided booking | Paris: Catacombs Ticket and Audio Guide | Easier booking flow and mobile-ticket convenience |
| More context underground | Paris Catacombs Guided Tour: Skip-the-Line & Restricted Areas | Better for history, stories, and first-time visitors |
| Restricted-area angle | Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Special Access | Adds a more premium guided experience |
| Small-group splurge | Paris Catacombs Semi-Private Max 6 People Guided Tour | Good for travelers who dislike larger groups |
For a fuller price breakdown, see our Paris Catacombs entrance fee guide.
Paris Catacombs Validity and Entry Rules
Paris Catacombs tickets are not open-ended day passes. They are timed-entry tickets, which means your ticket is tied to the time slot you choose.
Official tickets are strict. They cannot be exchanged, refunded, or postponed to another date.
That is one reason the official ticket can be a better deal for travelers with firm plans. It is a weaker fit if your Paris schedule is still shifting.
The official ticketing system also has two important limits:
- Online booking is available only 7 days in advance.
- Each order is limited to 5 tickets.
The official ticketing page also says paid tickets are not sold on site due to crowding. If you are visiting at a popular time, do not plan to simply show up and buy admission at the door.
🧭 Planning Tip: The Catacombs are not a casual drop-in attraction. Timed entry, limited capacity, stairs, cool temperatures, and no large-bag storage make advance planning worth it.
Paris Catacombs Reservations: When Should You Book?
Paris Catacombs reservations are unusual because the official booking window is short. You can only book official paid tickets online 7 days in advance.
That creates two different strategies.
If your Paris schedule is flexible, check the official ticket page as soon as your date appears. This gives you the best shot at the official price.
If your schedule is fixed, compare third-party options before your official window opens. That way you already know your backup choices if the official time you want is not available.
Consider third-party options when:
- You need a specific date or time
- You want a live guide
- You want a special-access or restricted-area-style tour
- You prefer a marketplace with clearer English-language support
- You want free cancellation where offered by the individual product
- You want to combine the Catacombs with a Seine cruise or another Paris experience
For a deeper booking-window plan, read our Paris Catacombs reservations guide.
Official Site vs Authorized Sellers vs Third-Party Tour Marketplaces
The safest way to compare Paris Catacombs tickets is to separate three things: the official ticket office, sellers listed by the official Catacombs site, and broader third-party tour marketplaces.
Official Catacombes de Paris ticket page
The official ticket page is best for the baseline entrance fee. It is the first place to check if you want the lowest official price and are comfortable with strict date and time rules.
Use the official Catacombes de Paris ticket page.
Sellers listed by the official Catacombs site
The official Catacombs site publishes a list of sellers to help visitors avoid invalid tickets. That list includes Get Your Guide.
For this page, the most useful option to compare is GetYourGuide. It offers ticket-style options, guided tours, special-access-style tours, and Catacombs combo products.
Third-party guided-tour marketplaces
Viator is useful for comparing guided and semi-private Catacombs experiences. Treat it as a third-party marketplace, not as the official Catacombs ticket office.
The main reason to use a marketplace is not always price. It is often the tour format, group size, guided context, availability, and cancellation terms offered by the specific product.
Official Tickets vs Third-Party Tours
| Booking path | Best for | Watch-outs | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Paris Catacombs ticket | Lowest official entry price when available | Limited booking window, strict time slot, non-refundable terms may apply | Official Catacombes de Paris ticket page (billetterie-parismusees.paris.fr/) |
| Official Catacombs information | Checking current rules, access limits, closures, prices, and opening hours | Not a third-party tour comparison page | Official Catacombes de Paris website (catacombes.paris.fr/en) |
| Third-party self-guided ticket | Easy mobile-ticket booking and English audio option | Usually costs more than the official base ticket | Paris: Catacombs Ticket and Audio Guide |
| Guided Catacombs tour | Travelers who want context, stories, and help navigating | Higher price than basic admission | Paris Catacombs Guided Tour: Skip-the-Line & Restricted Areas |
| Special-access or restricted-area tour | Visitors who want more than the standard route | Availability can be limited and terms vary | Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Special Access |
| Combo experience | Short trips where bundling saves planning time | May cost more than booking each piece separately | Paris: Catacombs Entry & Seine River Cruise with Audio Guide |
Are Paris Catacombs Guided Tours Worth It?
A guided tour is worth considering if you want more than a walk through the ossuary. The standard route is powerful, but the site’s history is dense: former limestone quarries, overcrowded cemeteries, transferred remains, underground engineering, and the careful arrangement of bones.
A guide can help the place make sense.
The strongest guided options are:
- Paris Catacombs Guided Tour: Skip-the-Line & Restricted Areas for a balanced first-time guided visit
- Paris Catacombs Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and Special Access for a special-access angle
- Paris: Catacombs Tour with Restricted Areas for another restricted-area-focused option
- Paris Catacombs Semi-Private Max 6 People Guided Tour for a smaller-group splurge
⭐ Pro Tip: A guided Catacombs tour is most useful if you want the story behind the ossuary, the quarry tunnels, and the restricted-area sections that standard visitors often miss.
Catacombs Combo Tours: When Do They Make Sense?
A combo tour is best when you want to simplify a short Paris itinerary. The most natural pairing is underground Paris plus the Seine.
The Paris: Catacombs Entry & Seine River Cruise with Audio Guide works well if you want one unusual Paris experience and one classic Paris experience without building the day from scratch.
It is not usually the cheapest way to visit. It is a convenience play.
🛥️ Combo Tip: For travelers short on time, Paris: Catacombs Entry & Seine River Cruise with Audio Guide combines one underground experience with one classic above-ground Paris experience.
If you like the darker side of Paris, pair the Catacombs with a cemetery or ghost-history walk instead.
🌙 Dark Paris Add-On: If the Catacombs are the start of a darker Paris itinerary, pair them with Paris: Haunted Père Lachaise Cemetery Guided Tour or Paris: Dark History and Ghostly Guided Walking Tour.
Important Entry Rules Before You Buy
The Paris Catacombs are not difficult to visit, but they are physically specific. Buy the right ticket only after you understand the route.
The standard circuit is one-way and about 1.5 km long. Official guidance says to plan about 45 minutes to 1 hour inside.
You must go down 131 steps and climb 112 steps back up. The underground temperature is about 14°C, or 57°F, and the floor can be uneven, slippery, narrow, and dim.
👟 Comfort Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light layer. The underground route can feel cool and damp even when Paris is warm above ground.
Large bags and suitcases are not allowed. Bags must fit the official size limit and be carried in front of your body or by your side.
There is no cloakroom or luggage storage. Strollers are not allowed, so use a baby carrier if you are visiting with a small child.
The official rules also prohibit eating, drinking, smoking, animals, tripods, bulky photo gear, and touching the bones, works, or surroundings.
Accessibility Rules and Who Should Avoid the Visit
The Paris Catacombs are not wheelchair accessible. They are also not recommended for travelers with motor disabilities, claustrophobia, cardiac insufficiency, or respiratory insufficiency.
Sight-disabled visitors must be accompanied. Guide dogs for blind visitors are allowed with an accompanying person, but white canes are prohibited because of the site conditions.
🚫 Access Tip: The Paris Catacombs are not suitable for many travelers with mobility limitations, claustrophobia, respiratory issues, or trouble with stairs.
This is one of the main reasons to read the fine print before booking a third-party tour. A guided tour does not remove the stairs, narrow passages, low light, underground temperature, or one-way route.
Paris Catacombs Tickets with Kids
The official ticket categories are family-friendly on paper: children ages 8–17 get a reduced child price, and children under 8 enter free.
The actual visit is more complicated.
The Catacombs can be fascinating for older kids and teens, especially if they like history, archaeology, dark stories, or unusual places. Younger children may struggle with the stairs, bones, low light, narrow corridors, and one-way route.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
👨👩👧 Family Tip: The Catacombs can be a hit with older kids and teens, but the stairs, bones, narrow corridors, and one-way route make it a poor fit for many younger children.
Where Are the Paris Catacombs?
The Paris Catacombs entrance is at 1 avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, beside Place Denfert-Rochereau in the 14th arrondissement.
The closest Metro and RER station is Denfert-Rochereau. This is one of the easiest Paris attractions to reach by transit, which is another reason a timed ticket works well if you plan ahead.
The exit is not the same as the entrance. The route ends at 21 bis avenue René-Coty, a short walk from where you started.
🚇 Transit Tip: Denfert-Rochereau is the key transit hub for the Catacombs entrance. Staying near Montparnasse, Luxembourg, or the 14th arrondissement makes the visit easier.
For station exits, taxi drop-off, nearby streets, and hotel logistics, use our Paris Catacombs location and getting there guide.
Where to Stay Near the Paris Catacombs
For a Catacombs-focused visit, the most convenient areas are Denfert-Rochereau, Montparnasse, Luxembourg Garden, and the 14th arrondissement. These areas keep the morning of your visit simple and give you good Metro access afterward.
| Hotel | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hotel du Midi Paris Montparnasse | Closest practical Denfert-Rochereau base |
| Villa Montparnasse | Catacombs-first stays near Denfert-Rochereau |
| Hotel Sophie Germain | Easy 14th-arrondissement neighborhood base |
| voco Paris Montparnasse by IHG | Reliable Montparnasse chain comfort |
| Pullman Paris Montparnasse | Large modern hotel near transit |
| Hotel Le Six | Boutique luxury near Luxembourg/Montparnasse |
Best Tours in Paris, France by Traveler Type
If the Catacombs are one stop in a bigger Paris itinerary, these tours pair well with an underground visit.
Why Book Through GetYourGuide or Viator?
The official ticket page may be the best choice when it has the time you want. It is usually the lowest-price path for standard admission.
A third-party option may be better when you want something the official ticket alone does not solve.
Book through GetYourGuide when you want an English-friendly booking flow, a self-guided ticket/audio option, a guided restricted-area tour, or a Catacombs + Seine combo. The official Catacombs site also lists Get Your Guide among its sellers.
Book through Viator when you want to compare guided tours, semi-private options, and premium small-group experiences. Read each product’s inclusion and cancellation terms carefully.
Before buying any third-party option, confirm:
- Does it include Catacombs entry?
- Is it self-guided or guided?
- Is the guide live or audio only?
- What language is offered?
- Where is the meeting point?
- Does “special access” or “restricted areas” appear in the inclusions?
- Is cancellation free, partial, or non-refundable?
- Are bags, strollers, mobility limitations, and age rules clearly explained?
What Should You Do Next?
For guided tour picks, compare the Paris Catacombs tours guide.
For the official entrance fee, reduced rates, and free-admission categories, read the Paris Catacombs entrance fee guide.
For the 7-day booking window and sold-out backup strategy, use the Paris Catacombs reservations guide.
For opening days, last admission, and time-slot strategy, see the Paris Catacombs opening hours and best time guide.
For Metro, entrance, exit, and nearby hotels, use the Paris Catacombs location and getting there guide.
FAQ
Are Paris Catacombs tickets sold on the official site?
Yes. Paris Catacombs tickets are sold through the Catacombes de Paris / Paris Musées ticketing system, and paid tickets should be booked online in advance.
How much are Paris Catacombs tickets in 2026?
Official 2026 prices are €31 full rate, €25 reduced rate, €15 for children ages 8–17, and free admission for children under 8. In US dollars, that is roughly US$34–$36, US$27–$29, and US$16–$18, depending on exchange rates.
Is the Paris Catacombs audio guide included?
The official paid individual tickets list the audio guide as included. The official site also lists a separate €5 audio guide rate, so free-admission visitors and travelers using special categories should confirm the audio-guide handling before visiting.
Who qualifies for reduced Paris Catacombs tickets?
Reduced-rate eligibility includes visitors ages 5 to 26, students, Paris Pass Famille holders, and members of several listed French art-history, archaeology, and heritage societies. Valid proof is required.
Who gets free admission to the Paris Catacombs?
Free admission applies to specific categories, including disabled visitors and their personal care attendant, job seekers, certain income-support beneficiaries, Rome residents, City of Paris employees and councillors, professional artists, some art-world professionals, ICOM and ICOMOS members, journalists, and related press categories. Valid proof is required.
Can you buy Paris Catacombs tickets at the entrance?
For standard paid tickets, do not count on buying at the entrance. The official ticketing page says tickets cannot be sold on site due to crowding, while eligible free-admission visitors collect their tickets at the front desk with proof.
How far ahead can you reserve Paris Catacombs tickets?
Official paid tickets are available online only 7 days in advance. If your schedule is fixed, check as soon as your date enters the booking window.
Are GetYourGuide and Viator good options for Paris Catacombs tickets?
GetYourGuide is useful for self-guided ticket-style options, guided tours, and Catacombs combo experiences, and it is listed by the official Catacombs site among its sellers. Viator is useful for guided, semi-private, and premium tour comparisons, but should be treated as a third-party marketplace rather than the official ticket office.