Paris 2024 Olympics travel checklist for spectators: your complete guide

Attending the Paris 2024 Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it requires careful planning. This Paris 2024 Olympics travel checklist for spectators will help you organise every detail, from purchasing tickets to securing accommodation, transport, and essential documents. Paris in July and August is lively but crowded, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, so preparing in advance is crucial.

What you need to know before you travel

The Paris 2024 Olympics will take place from 26 July to 11 August, with some preliminary events starting on 24 July. The city expects millions of visitors, so deadlines for visas, tickets, and accommodation are tight. If you're travelling from within Europe, check whether you need a valid passport or ID, as requirements vary by country. Public transport in Paris will be free for ticket holders during the Games, but it's wise to plan your routes ahead of time.

This checklist ensures you won’t miss a step. Each task is a concrete action you can mark as complete in Foco, whether in Panorama mode (to see all your travel tasks at once) or Focus mode (to concentrate solely on Paris 2024 preparations). Use tags like #Tickets, #Accommodation, or #Transport to organise tasks, and take advantage of voice capture to add quick reminders on the go.

• Purchase event tickets on the official Paris 2024 website before they sell out (check phased release dates)
• Verify if you need a visa or valid passport to enter France (check requirements based on your country of residence)
• Book accommodation early (hotel, Airbnb, or alternative lodging) and confirm free cancellation if possible
• Download the official Paris 2024 app to manage tickets, schedules, and venue maps
• Register your tickets in the official app to access events (requires QR code linked to your account)
• Book train or flight tickets well in advance (compare prices on platforms like Omio or Trainline)
• Apply for a Navigo public transport card if planning to use metro or buses for multiple days (free for ticket holders during the Games)
• Plan routes from your accommodation to Olympic venues using Google Maps or Citymapper (some areas will have traffic restrictions)
• Pack a travel kit with sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable clothing for the heat (July-August in Paris is hot)
• Bring type E plug adapters (French standard) if travelling from outside Europe
• Purchase travel insurance covering cancellations, lost luggage, and medical assistance (check coverage in France)
• Make digital copies of your passport, ID, tickets, and reservations (store them in Google Drive or attach them as notes in Foco)
• Exchange euros in cash for small expenses (avoid airport exchanges due to high fees)
• Download useful apps like RATP (public transport), Google Translate, and Too Good To Go (for affordable food)
• Review Paris 2024 security rules (prohibited items at venues, such as large backpacks or glass bottles)
• Prepare a backup plan for rainy days (summer in Paris can have sudden storms; pack a foldable raincoat)
• Top up your SIM card or purchase a European data plan to avoid roaming (providers like Holafly or Airalo offer cost-effective options)
• Check opening hours of pharmacies and supermarkets near your accommodation (some close on Sundays)
• Bring a small backpack for event days (comply with Paris 2024 size and weight restrictions)
• Confirm online check-in for your flight or train 24-48 hours before departure to avoid queues