Find out how to get to the Palace of Versailles from Paris or any other point of interest.
Before you buy your Versailles Palace ticket, let’s explore the different options for getting there so you can choose the one that’s perfect for your schedule, budget, and travel style:
The Palace of Versailles is located about 12 miles (20 kilometers) southwest of the center of Paris. However, the travel time can vary significantly depending on your mode of transport and your starting point within Paris.
The RER C is the most popular choice for visitors heading to Versailles from central Paris. This suburban train line takes you directly to the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, which is just a 10-minute walk from the palace entrance. Trains run frequently throughout the day, typically every 15-20 minutes, and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes from central Paris stations like Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Musée d’Orsay.
When you arrive at Versailles Château Rive Gauche, simply follow the signs or the flow of tourists—you can’t miss it. This option is budget-friendly and straightforward, making it ideal for independent travelers.
Pro Tip: The RER C can sometimes have scheduled maintenance, especially on weekends. Always check a transit app like Citymapper or the official RATP app before you leave!
The SNCF Line N operates from Paris Montparnasse station and arrives at Versailles Chantiers. While this station is slightly farther from the palace (about a 20-minute walk), Line N trains are often faster and less crowded than the RER C. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
This option works particularly well if you’re staying near Montparnasse or prefer a quicker, more comfortable train ride. From Versailles Chantiers, you can either walk to the palace or catch a local bus to get closer to the entrance.
Another SNCF option is Line L, which departs from Paris Saint-Lazare station and stops at Versailles Rive Droite. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes, and once you arrive, you’ll have approximately a 15-minute walk to the palace through the charming streets of Versailles. Line L is a great choice if you’re staying in northwestern Paris or near the Saint-Lazare area. The trains are comfortable and reliable, though they may be busier during peak commuting hours.
For the budget-conscious traveler who isn’t in a rush, bus Line 171 connects the Pont de Sèvres metro station (Line 9) directly to Versailles. The journey takes roughly 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, and drops you very close to the palace entrance.
While this option is slower than the trains, it offers a more scenic route through the suburbs and can be a pleasant alternative if you’re not in a rush. The bus is also covered by standard Paris transport tickets, making it economical for budget-conscious travelers.
The most straightforward public transport route involves a simple transfer.
The total journey will take about 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to Versailles, which takes about 50-70 minutes depending on traffic and costs significantly more but saves you the hassle of transfers with luggage.
The journey from Orly is similar and also requires a transfer.
This trip also takes around 1.5 hours. A taxi or private car will be significantly quicker and more direct.
Driving to Versailles gives you maximum flexibility. The palace is located about 20 kilometers southwest of Paris, and the drive typically takes 30-45 minutes from central Paris, though this can extend significantly during rush hour.
The palace has several paid parking areas nearby, including the Place d’Armes car park right in front of the palace. Keep in mind that parking can fill up quickly during peak tourist season, especially on weekends.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are convenient options if you prefer door-to-door service without the stress of driving and parking. While more expensive than public transport, they’re worth considering if you’re traveling with a group or have limited mobility.
Many visitors opt for organized tours that include round-trip transportation from Paris to Versailles. These tours often bundle transport with skip-the-line tickets and guided visits, which can save you considerable time during busy periods.
Tour packages typically include pickup from central Paris hotels or meeting points, air-conditioned coach transport, and sometimes additional perks like audio guides or access to the gardens. While pricier than independent travel, organized tours offer convenience and valuable context from knowledgeable guides.
If you’re traveling from other parts of France, you don’t necessarily need to go through Paris to reach Versailles. The Versailles Chantiers station is a significant railway hub that connects to several regional and long-distance routes.
High-speed TGV trains from cities like Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille often stop at Versailles Chantiers, allowing you to visit the palace without navigating through Paris. Regional TER trains also connect Versailles with nearby cities and towns throughout the Île-de-France region. From Versailles Chantiers, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the palace, or you can take a local bus or taxi to cover the remaining distance. This option is particularly convenient for travelers on multi-city tours of France who want to add Versailles to their itinerary without a Paris stopover.
Pro tip: Whichever option you choose, consider arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. The palace opens at 9:00 AM (gardens at 8:00 AM), and getting there right at opening time can make your visit much more enjoyable.
