How to get from Paris to Versailles by train

This page is a step by step guidebook to get to Versailles by public transport. It helps you to understand how to get to Versailles from Paris by train easily.

There are 3 convenient trains from Paris for your outing to the palace of Versailles. Our guide below is customized to make sure that each one of you find the transport that fits her/his own requirement depending on your own vacation address and budget.

Because we love Versailles and because the castle is opened to each one of us, we sincerely hope that you will enjoy this guide to Versailles by train as much as we enjoyed designing it for each one of you.

Versailles Palace
Chateau versailles: main entry
Family time at Versailles Palace during a sunny day

Versailles is a chateau (& now a town) located in the west of Paris in a green & wealthy suburb. The distance between Paris & Versailles is about 9 miles. If you want to make some savings, the cheapest way to get to Versailles from Paris is to use public transports and especially by train.

Paris to Versailles by train cost about 7,3€ for a round trip. That is the cheapest solution comparing to the bus, private car, or Uber transport option for your Paris to Versailles round trip. You will find below are our advice to reach quickly and safely the castle of Versailles from your hotel located in Paris.

This guide is customized to make sure that each one of you can get to Versailles by his own safely with her/his family for the cheapest option. Take some time to read this article. You might save your precious time by following our advice.

3 ways to get from Paris to Versailles by train

There are 3 ways to get to Versailles by public transport. The number 1 used by most visitors is to take the RER C train that crosses Paris and follows “the Seine” along the bank of the river. Number 2 is to use the train line L starting at Saint Lazare in the center-north of Paris, close to the famous department store of Galeries Lafayettes & Printemps. And the last solution is to use the train line N starting in the south of Paris at Montparnasse in the chic and trendy district of Saint Germain des pres in the 6th.

With our photos and maps, let’s check where is Versailles from your hotel in Paris and let’s look at the 3 possibilities for your Versailles journey:

Paris to Versailles with RER C train - Solution 1

The most common and easy way to get to Versailles is to take the RER C train that will take you to Chateau rive Gauche train station at Versailles.

  • Where can I get the RER C train? This train crosses Paris from East to West and follows the famous Seine River that divides Paris into 2 parts. (Look at the Map of Paris and RER C train below). Each station is located 10 minutes from each other. The train comes every 15minutes. If you are not in a hurry, that’s correct. It will take you about 1 hour to 90 minutes to get to Versailles depending on your exact location.
  • Where is located the terminus: Chateau rive Gauche train station? This train station is located about 10 minutes walk from the Palace of Versailles. The path to reach the palace is easy and pleasant.

If you are interested in this option, then skip the information below and directly follow our instructions to get to Versailles with the RER C train.

Train RER C map to get Paris to Versailles
Paris to Versailles by train rer C
On this map of the RER C Train, In yellow, you can see the RER C train that stretches from East to West to get to Versailles from Paris. The train follows the bank of the river la Seine.

Paris to Versailles with the train line L from Paris Saint Lazare - Solution 2

Another possibility if you stay in the North of Paris is to catch the train line L from Paris Saint Lazare to Versailles Rive droite. If you don’t wait to get your train and if are really close to Saint Lazare train station, you will be at the palace in 45 minutes. (look at Map of te train line L below)

  • Where can I get to Paris Saint Lazare train station? This station is convenient if you are around Montmartre or close to the department stores of the Galeries Lafayettes or Printemps. This train station is right in front of these department stores.
  • Where is located Chateau Versailles Rive droite train station? This train station is on the other side of Chateau Versailles Rive gauche train station. It is also 10 minutes walk from the palace of Versailles but this time on the other side of the town. By this way, it is also convenient and easy to get to the palace.
Paris to Versailles by train line L from Saint Lazare train station
On the photo above you can see the train Line L that rides at the north of Paris from Saint Lazare station and finally gets to the West of Paris direction Versailles.

Paris to Versailles with the train TER N from Paris Montparnasse - Solution 3

The last option for your Paris Versailles trip is to take the train TER N from Paris Montparnasse. If you choose an hotel or apartment in the south of Paris, that’s the right option. This train will take you from Montparnasse train station in the south of Paris to Versailles Rive Gauche chantier in about 50 minutes. Follow our step by step guide to get to Versailles from Paris Montparnasse.

  • Where can I get to Paris Montparnasse train station? This station is convenient if you are based in the south of Paris around the trendy district of Saint Germain des pres in the 6th district.
  • Where is located: Chateau rive Gauche train station? This train station is located about 10 minutes walk from the Palace of Versailles.

If you are interested in this option, then skip the information below and directly follow our instructions to get to Versailles with the train line N from Paris Montparnasse to Versailles Rive Gauche Chantier.

Paris to Versailles by train TER N from Paris Montparnasse station
Paris to Versailles by train TER N from Paris Montparnasse station
From this view, you can see the train that leaves from Paris in the south of Paris at Montparnasse station to reach Versailles in about 1 hour
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Determine your own custom itinerary to reach Versailles palace from Paris

Do you want to know the best itinerary for your Paris Versailles day trip ? Nothing easier, let’s connect on google Map and find out the best way to get to Versailles from your hotel:

  • Write “Versailles palace” as destination.
  • Click on “direction” and choose the starting point that fits the exact address of your hotel or apartment located in Paris. Google will gives you several itineraries among our solution 1, 2 or 3.
  • Choose the one that you prefer.

Most of the time, you will use our Paris to versailles itinerary using the RER C train. That’s why we explain you in this paragraph below this itinerary. If you prefer to use the train line N from Saint Lazare or the train line L from Montparnasse, just click on our links above to follow our guide solution 2 or 3.

The RER C train is the most commun transport to get to Versailles. 70% of the visitors take this option to travel. It takes about 1h to 1h30 to get to the door of the palace with the RER train C.

Paris Versailles with RER C train - solution 1

As you can see, the solution that you will use will be a mix between walk, metro and train.

If you want to catch the RER C train, The first thing to do will be to find the closest train station to your hotel or apartment. You will probably need to use the metro. For that, we propose you a quick sum up of the different transport in Paris:

Understand public transport in Paris & the links between Paris to Versailles ?

There are 14 Metro lines and 5 RER train lines. Metros lines are identified on maps by numbers and colours. RER lines are identified by letters. See below the Metro & RER Lines.

Paris Metro line (numbers and letters)
listing metro Paris
Paris Metro line (numbers and letters). Number: inside Paris. Letter: the train that links Paris and the suburb.

Metro lines serve Paris and the RER is a train system which serves Paris and its suburbs.

The Palace of Versailles being in the suburbs, about 12 miles away from the center of Paris, to get Versailles from Paris you will need to get the train. You have the choice between the RER C train (anywhere along the bank of the Seine River), the line L train (from Saint Lazare station) and the N train (from Montparnasse train station).

So that the RER C is a train which will take you directly to the Palace of Versailles : on the transport map it is the yellow line which stretches from East to West of Paris and runs alongside the Seine River.

RER Train Line C
Map and stations along the RER C train in central Paris up to Versailles rive gauche station.

In order to get to the closest train station from your hotel, you will need to use the metro or to walk.

How far is Versailles from Paris ? Depending on where your hotel is located, it will take you between 60 to 90 minutes to travel from Paris to Versailles by train (including the walking distance). Most of the time you reach the train station of Versailles in 1 hour.

Follow this step by step guide to get safely to the Versailles chateau. Our advise: Paris is safe, however, we recommend you to be careful with pick pockets: keep an eye on your belongings.

Paris Versailles Step 1: get to the nearest station from your hotel

Get to the nearest metro station from your hotel.

After entering on Google Map the address of your hotel, Google Map shows you the closest station you will need to get to. If you are lucky, this station will be one of the station listed on the RER C train. Then no need to take the Metro: you will directly take the train that takes you to Versailles without boarding the metro! In this case, you can skip the step 3.

Step 2: Buy tickets for Paris to Versailles Palace

Reaching Versailles by train is the cheapest option. From Paris, the total cost of a round trip ticket Paris Versailles is 7,3€ per person all included. If you want to check the price of your Versailles ticket just use this useful tool to calcul the cost of your transport. (choose Versailles – Rive Gauche Château)
Do I buy a Metro and RER Ticket to Versailles? The metro and RER have common ticketing. It means that you don’t need to buy 1 metro ticket and 1 train ticket. It is all included.
Just go to your nearest metro station (or train station), and buy your tickets to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. The tickets will be good for the metro and the RER as well by whatever combination of metro or RER lines is the quickest route. You can use a machine or queue up for a human.

Ticket Vending Machines for Versailles

All machines work in English. You just need to choose the right destination: “Versailles Château Rive Gauche” station and pay by cash or credit card your trip to Versailles. but if you use a machine be sure you get the correct Versailles station (there are three station at Versailles).
Keep in mind: the machine will print you 2 tickets per person. One ticket by way. So keep the second ticket for your return from Versailles to Paris.

Ticket Windows for Versailles

At the ticket window, the saler will speak a basic english and will be able to sale the right ticket. You just need to explain that you want to buy a 2 ways “Versailles Château Rive Gauche” ticket. You can buy by cash or credit card. Better not to show your cash in order to avoid pickpockets. Be careful and stay safe, a few of them wander around the public transport.

Once you get your tickets, you can start your trip to the Castle…
Keep safely your Paris Versailles tickets because you will need it to exit from the Versailles train station.

Step 3: take the metro to reach the RER C train station Paris Versailles

If the closest station from your hotel is not a train station, you will need to take the metro to get to the train station . You will also might need to change of metro several times. Or not. Just follow the indication given by Google Map: figure out the metro lines and its destination. Remember :  Metro Lines are identified by numbers. At the station, direction of travel will be indicated by both the number and the destination. You have 2 end destinations for each line : one on each side of the line. The end destination indicates which direction you have to follow to get to the station you need.

Step 4: find the right platform to board your train Paris Versailles

What schedule for the Paris RER C train? You can find the schedules of the RER C train to Chateau Versailles directly on the website of the transilen.

Once you have arrived at an RER C train station, don’t be confused, choose the right platform and the right train which goes to Versailles Château Rive Gauche: follow the signs to the platform for RER C: Versailles Chateau RG (Versailles Château-Rive Gauche).

In the train station, there are blue display screens showing which RER C trains are heading where. (look below). The key to get your correct direction is to read correctly this screen and find your platform. Nothing easier.

Example of Display screen
Display screen in a train station in Paris
Display screen in a train station in Paris.
Other example of display screen
Other example of display screen
A second example of display screen in a train station in Paris.

You need to check carefully this display screen and find the line that interest you: Versailles Chateau RG. (NOT Versailles-Rive Droite or Versailles-Chantier). You can identity your train by its name: VICK written on the left of the destination. On the right of the destination you have the time left before the next train. At the right again, you have a letter. This letter gives you an indication to know what platform you need to board. Follow this indication and find your right platform. Here on our example, it is the platform G and the train is coming in 7 minutes.
Once you are on the right platform, you just need to wait a few minutes before boarding your train Paris Versailles. Once in the train, relax! You are close to your goal. Enjoy the landscape.

Important information for those who are not in the center of Paris: The RER C train which runs south of the Seine is divided into 3 parts (check above the map of the RER Line C to Versailles) :

  • one to the East of Paris (station : RER C Champ de mars, Pont de l’Alma, Invalides, Musee d’Orsay, St-Michel, Paris Austerlitz, Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand),
  • one to the West of Paris (station: RER Porte de clichy, Pereire Levallois, Neuilly Porte Maillot, Avenue Foch, RER C Avenue Henri Martin, Boulainvilliers)
  • and one to Versailles Chateau / Rive Gauche (RER C Javel, Pont du Garigliano, Issy…).

You need to take this last one to get to the Palace of Versailles: Javel, Pont du Garigliano, Issy… direction … Versailles ! In some case, you will need to take one direction and then change of train to take the train that takes you to Versailles.

You have different options depending on where you catch the RER C train from:

  • Case A : If you catch the RER C train at Javel or at Pont du Garigliano or in the East of Paris (station : RER C Champ de mars, RER C Pont de l’Alma, RER C Invalides, RER C Musee d’Orsay, RER C St-Michel, RER C Paris Austerlitz, RER C Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand), then you are lucky, it is the easiest case: just take the RER C Direction Versailles Chateau RG (VICK) and stop to Versailles Rive gauche Chateau de Versailles. No need to change of train. It is a good point.
  • Case B : if you catch the RER C train in the northwestern part of Paris (station: RER C St Ouen, RER C Porte de clichy, RER C Pereire Levallois, RER C Neuilly Porte Maillot, RER C Avenue Foch, RER C Avenue Henri Martin or RER C Boulainvilliers), in this case, you’ll need to change of train before to catch your train Paris Versailles Chateau RG (VICK).

Pay attention: The RER C line forks out, so make sure to change at the station Champs de Mars/Tour Eiffel to catch the Versailles Rive Gauche line. To Sum up, from your RER C station, catch the train direction Pont de Rungis – Aeroport d’Orly and change at the station Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel. Then catch the RER C train direction to Versailles Rive Gauche / Chateau de Versailles and your stop is the last one on the line.

Let's take an example

Let’s take an example: imagine that your address in Paris is 9 rue Saint Bernard. Google Map gives you this itinerary:

Itinerary Paris Versailles
Itinerary Paris Versailles
Example of Itinerary from Paris to Versailles using the RER C train

That means that you will need to walk for 4 minutes up to Faidherbe Chaligny tube station. Once at the station, you will look after the metro line number 8 and you take the line 8 direction:  Balard. Then get off the metro at Invalides station. Walk for 1 minute and take the RER C train called “VICK” direction Versailles Rive Gauche.

Step 5: Walk from Versailles train station to the Palace

Once you have arrived at Versailles Station, the Palace of Versailles is only a short walk away.

Versailles Rive gauche station
versaillestrainstation
View of the train station Versailles Rive gauche
Versailles rive gauche to chateau Versailles
Versailles rive gauche to chateau Versailles
Map from Versailles rive gauche to chateau Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is only a 13-minutes walk away from the train station. Pick an exit and follow the signs to the Chateau de Versailles. You can check this Google map itinerary from the station Versailles Rive Gauche to Chateau Versailles to see the short walk from the station to the Chateau.

As seen on the map, you need to turn right when you exit Versailles Rive Gauche station. After walking for about 5 minutes, you will need to turn left. (photo below). Then go straight. You are arrived to your destination.

Versailles by walk
Versailles by walk
Versailles palace by walk
versailles by walk
After walking for 5 minutes, then turn left to get to Versailles.

Paris Versailles Step 6: if you enjoyed this guide, then give us a like!

——–

Guide to visit the Gardens of Versailles

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guide Versailles

The Versailles gardens & park make more than 800 hectares.
Prepare your visit with our advises about the Versailles map of the gardens & Park.

We propose you to have a look at one of our garden tour. For example, our Versailles Gardens Tour. Then, you will have a better understanding of the Gardens of Versailes.

Are you ready to get to Versailles ?

Did this page help you to feel reassure and understand how to reach Versailles Palace ? Yes! So let’s write a few words in the comments. It is always a pleasure to share a positive feeling! No? So let us know your point of view. What improvements would be appreciate ?

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159 Comments. Leave new

  • Thank you so much for this informative website. Very helpful to get my way to Versailles castle.
    Thanks again!

    Reply
  • Can I travel from trappes to Versailles by train.
    Thanks
    Tony

    Reply
    • Bonjour Tony,
      Yes you can: Take the U line from trappes to Versailles. It should take you around 30 minutes.
      Best,
      Xaver

      Reply
  • Very informative. We haven’t been to Paris so need the most assistance

    Reply
    • Hello Vivienne,
      How can I help you ?
      Best,
      Xavier

      Reply
      • How far is the palace Versailles Palace from CDG airport? how can we get there with shortest duration

        Reply
        • Good morning Hannah,

          By car it is the easiest and safest way to get to Versailles. We can organise this trip for you.
          Get in touch by email if you are interested,
          Best
          Xavier

  • My wife and I will be arriving by cruise ship at Le Havre toward the end of May and would like to know the fastest way to get to Chateau de Versailles. I know that there is a train from Le Havre to Gare du Nord. Is it possible to get the Metro or RER train from there to the Chateau? Any advice would be very much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Yes you can take the RER line B at gare du nord in the center of Paris. Then change of train at St Michel and take the RER train line C at St Michel. It will take you to Versailles and its castle.
      Best,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Very clear and helpful. I wish every website gave directions as clearly as you do.

    Reply
  • Thank you so much! This information is very helpful, as I did not realize there were actually two lines – Metro and RER.

    Reply
  • We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Notre Dame. Where is the nearest train to Versailles?

    Reply
    • Hello Mickey,

      You are lucky: you rae a few step from the train station Saint Michel Notre Dame. Ask the concierge of your hotel how to reach the metro station by walk. Then take the RER C to reach Versailles. It is direct!

      Regards,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Hi, Xavier,
    Hotel I’ll stay in located near Gare de i’Est, so I’ll transfer to RER C at St-Michel station. Is it possible to buy direct ticket to Versailles at Gare de l’Est?
    Thank you very much

    Reply
  • How often do the RER C trains run to Versailles?

    Reply
  • Bonjour, our hotel is near the Rome metro station. My 80 year old mother walks with difficulty so wish to minimize walking and stair. Can you please advise the best route

    Reply
    • Hello Steph,

      To my mind, the best is to take a cab to reach Versailles palace. Maybe a guide could be also a good option to save you some precious time in the gardens and see the best. (the gardens are huge)

      Best,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Can you please confirm what you have written above which says that it will take 1.5 hours (roughly) to get from the Paris train station to the Versailles train station one way? Or is 1.5 hours return? Thanks so much for your help, Justine.

    Reply
    • Hello Justine,
      It is not easy to confirm you a precise schedule. It depends where you are in Paris. But just for 1 way, it can take until 90 minutes depending of your location and the number of metro you will need to change.
      Best,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Beverly Payne
    26 April 2016 6 h 16 min

    Can we buy tickets in advance for a tour of the palace so that we don’t have to wait in line once we are there? We will be in Paris Aug 1-6, 2016. Do you recommend a good tour operator?

    Thank you

    Reply
  • Can we buy a trip to Versailles from RER C St Michel. Last year we had to get another ticket further down the line.

    Reply
    • Normally Yes! I don’t see any reasons why we couldn’t get a ticket at this station to travel to Versailles castle.

      Reply
  • Melvin Rincon
    10 May 2016 8 h 43 min

    Great info..All trains to Versailles have the amazing decoration or one in particular? Which hour that one runs? Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • All trains don’t have the decorations. Only a few. And we can’t expect in advance which train will have decoration! Just need to be lucky.

      Best,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Audrey Colphon-Reynolds
    12 May 2016 19 h 20 min

    Is there a website to purchase combination tickets (train transport and Versailles entrance costs)?

    Reply
  • Bonjour Xavier,

    S’il vous plait, How late do the trains run from Versailles back to Paris on Saturday nights in July? We are thinking of staying for the fireworks at Versailles but will need to be back in Paris that night. Merci beaucoup.

    Reply
    • Hello Anna,

      Good question. To make sure to catch the latest metro in Paris, better to take the RER C train at least around 11.30pm / 12pm.
      Enjoy the fireworks.

      Best,
      Xavier

      Reply
      • The firework display will start at 10:50pm
        The last metro train station leaves at 11:30PM/12

        can we finish the fireworks with such little time in between? Merci! 🙂

        Reply
  • Very informative thank you. We are staying overnight in Versailles – is the return train ticket valid only on the same day?

    Reply
    • Hello Sarah,
      The return train ticket from Versailles to Paris is also valid the next day.

      Enjoy your stay in Versailles. It is a beautiful town.
      Xavier

      Reply
  • The 7.1€ round trip ticket to Versailles includes the journey from any metro station to the nearest RER C station?

    Thank you for this detailed info, very helpful!

    Reply
  • Thank you very much. Very clear and informative. Your instructions enabled us to decide on what hotel to choose and where to board the train to get to Versailles from the centre of Paris. Much appreciated.

    Reply
  • Your site has been very helpful! We are staying at the Le Littre Hotel close to Montparnasse area and want to travel to Versailles Chateau. Our nearest metro station appears to be the St. Placide station. My route appears then to be: St. Placide (on route 4 purple) to St Michel/Notre Dame station, connect with RER C Yellow with destination Versailles Chateau – Rive Gauche. Do I need to be careful of split referred to on this site?

    Reply
    • Hi Ron,

      Instead of traveling by RER C train, I suggest you to take a Transilien line N train from Montparnasse main railway station which will take you directly to Versailles – Chantiers train station in Versailles. Montparnasse is very close to your hotel. It will be much easier for you. You can check this page: Montparnasse to Versailles

      Have a good day to the castle of Versailles,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Very helpful site. And really appreciate how you have been responding to each person. We are staying in Armentieres en Brie and would like to go to Versailles. Any suggestions on how to get there via transit? Also do you do tours without the pickup at the Hotel?

    Reply
    • Hello Linda,

      We can organise tours without transportation. If you send us an email, we will give you a quote.

      Best,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Laureen Chang
    16 June 2016 20 h 45 min

    I heard there have been train strikes in Paris. I would like to sign up for a cooking class that goes to Versailles by train but don’t want to lose my money or have bad delays. I would be going on June 28th from Paris to Versailles. I think its the RER C that I would take.
    Is the train expected to be on strike then?

    Reply
    • Hello Laureen,

      Unfortunately, we can’t expect whether the train to Versailles will be on strike or not. Sorry. It is one of the reason why we prefer to organize our tours by vehicle. This way we have no bad surprise!

      Reply
  • Hi Xavier
    Thanks much for very helpful information. Just want to check if I can take metro/train from one destination but another one for return way? e.g I will take metro from Pont de Sevres to RER C to Versailles but the destination for return way be Champ de mars. The cost still be 7,1€ per person?

    Reply
  • If doing a day trip from Paris to Versailles, how many hours do you recommend spending in Versailles?
    Also, what time does Palace Versailles open and what time would the earliest train arrive?
    Also, what time is the last train from Versailles, back to Paris?

    Reply
    • Hi Anita,

      Versailles opens at 9am. It can be a good idea to leave around 8am…The last train from Paris to Versailles is around 11.30pm

      Best,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Thanks for the information! Great site for visitors.

    -New Yorker

    Reply
  • Lemali Pathirana
    8 August 2016 8 h 47 min

    I followed your advice and reached Versailles and thanks very much for the simple and clear cut explanations!!!!!!

    Reply
  • Vere helpful! Thank you for making it easy for us!

    Reply
  • Eduardo Bernard
    8 November 2016 4 h 25 min

    Excellent website. I will be in Paris end of November 2016 and looking forward to a day trip in Versailles. Are there any bike rentals in Versailles? Would you recommend it that time of year (I live in Toronto so 5 to 10 Celsius is spring for me).
    Merci!

    Reply
    • Hi Eduardo from Toronto,
      Yes there are some bike rental inside the park of Versailles. It is about 10€ for a half day for rent. It can be a good idea!

      Reply
  • we are going to Paris at the end of April and will take train and spend one night in Versailles. My concern is purchasing a train ticket after we arrive as Im sure the train fills quickly during spring. Should be purchase in advance or just take a chance? if so what is the best website to use for purchase?

    Reply
    • Hi Debi,

      You can buy your tickets the day you take the train to Versailles. You can buy it directly to the train station in Paris.

      Have a pleasant stay,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Hi Xavier,
    Thank you so much for your patience answering to everyone and such a valuable information for travelers. I will be in Paris on April with my 10 yrs old son and I just realized that the day we are planning to go to Versailles is April 9th, which is the same day of the International Marathon. I assume that the city will be crazy crowded and not easy to transit. I will stay at Paris Rivoli Hotel which I believe is on the same path of the runners. Do you think it could be an issue? Any suggestion you may give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! 🙂
    From Miami.

    Reply
    • Hello Susana from Miami,

      It is a good question. The day of the Marathon, plenty streets are closed. We may tour to versailles but it is really complicated and we may be blocked. If you can choose another day, it is better. Otherwise, start the tour at 8am from your hotel. At this time, normally, the streets shouldn’t be blocked.

      Have a good day,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Very informative article, thank you.
    Is it possible to get one way RER C ticket from Paris to Versailles ?
    If available, how much does it cost?
    From Versailles, I won’t be returning to Paris.
    Thank you

    Reply
  • I have one whole free day before I join my tour group and it happens to be July 14th Bastille Day. Do you think this would be a good or bad day to visit Versailles as far as crowds are concerned?

    Reply
  • annie dyrberg diallo
    9 March 2017 21 h 44 min

    How much is the price for 1 adult and 2 children 9 and 12 years to enter Versailles” Is it open on sunday the 2. of April 2017?

    Reply
    • Annie,

      Our tour “The Unmissables” half day for 3 people cost 555€ from door to door all included.

      Best regards,

      Reply
  • I am travelling with somebody in a wheelchair. Is there a elevator at VERSAILLES-RIVE GAUCHE station?

    Reply
    • I know that the wheelchair is welcome at the palace of Versailles. But I don’t know if there is an elevator at Versailles station.
      Have a good visit,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • So informative. Thank you so much!

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  • We will be staying at Hotel Felicen in Paris. It seems that the Javel stop is the closet to our hotel. Do we just get on from Javel and get off at Versailles Chateu/Rive Gauche or do we have to make any switches? Are the train tickets available for purchase ahead of time for the round trip? I know that the tickets for Palace are.
    Thanks!

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  • What about Sundays ??? It seems that RER C is not avaible on Sundays. Which is the best alternative to get to Versailles on Sundays ????
    MERSI !

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  • I know a lot of people are paying money to get to Versailles by tour or taxi, etc.. I’m sure that most people already know this, but for those of you that don’t, Google maps gives you the exact way to get to Versailles from wherever you are in Paris. All you have to do is go to Google maps on your phone, put in Palace Versailles, select directions and choose the icon for public transportation. When you do that it tells you exactly how to walk to the nearest station. What train to take, what direction to take it, how many stops, what train to refer to etc.
    This will take you all the way to the Versailles station. Then walk up to the palace of versailles and enjoy. Hope this helps.

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  • Can you take luggage on the train to Versailles from Paris?

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  • Hello. I’ll be travelling from the Hotel Serotel Lutece in the Latin quarter. I have looked up Google maps but just wanted to confirm that the most direct and easiest way of getting to Versailles is walking to Saint Michel Notre Dame station and catching the RER C line direct to Versailles. Could you please confirm. Thank you.

    Reply
  • Good Morning, I have to fly my boss and his wife to Versailles from the US. It looks like they will need to fly in to Paris, then catch train to Versailles??? If so, which airport in Paris would provide the closest train ride to Versailles??? Thanks so much for your help.

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  • Do you propose a tour to discover the Necropolis of the French King at the Saint Denis cathedral ?

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  • Bonjour.
    My family and I will be in Paris for the holidays. We would like to take the train to Versailles and have a private tour of the Château if that’s possible. We will be staying st Saint James Albany and I’m assuming there’s a train station nearby.
    Merci.

    Reply
    • Yes victoria,
      It is possible. Can you contact me via the contact form or by email ? If you let me know what tour you are interested in and how many people wish a private tour, I’ll give you the rate without transportation.

      Thank you,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Hi, I was wondering if it’s possible for my mother in law to ride the train from Paris to Versailles in her motorized wheel chair?
    Can you please guide us, so we know if it will be alright to take her with us.

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  • Thank You very much for making the effort to give out this information, it has answered all my questions.

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  • HI, I am visiting Versailles, in May with my friend, staying at Hotel de France, Versailles for 4 nights. We will be arriving in Paris on Eurostar to Gard du Nord, can we also get train from this station to Versailles? Thank you

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  • What are the options to get from one of the train stations to the Queen’s Gate for a Marie-Antoinette Trianons Tour?

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  • Phillip D Bright
    30 March 2018 0 h 37 min

    Xavier:
    Your responses to all the questions was very informative for sure. We would enjoy hiring a guide to visit the Versailles Palace for approx. 4 hours. Could you please provide me a quote for a 4 hour guide ? We have our transportation taken care of already

    Reply
    • Yes Phillip. To see the rates, you just need to fill out the booking form and choose “without transportation”. Then you will see the price! It includes a tour guide for 3 hours for the half day and 6 hours for a full day. And if you are interested, you can book online your tour to Versailles. It is very easy.
      Best regards,
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Hello! My family and I (There are 6 of us – 2 adults and 4 children ages 18, 16, 14, 11) will be staying in an AirBnB in Versailles and are planning to take a train in to visit Paris. How long is the train ride in to Paris center, and do you recommend any particular areas of Paris that would require additional subway rides that are not on the Versaille line? We have 5 days to visit Paris in late June. Also, I saw a previous post on your site about fireworks in Versailles. Is that only at certain times of the year, or is it a regular event? Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Hello Joanne,

      The ride takes about 1 hour. The firework- It is only a few Saturday during the summer.

      Have a nice stay in Paris.
      Best
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Thanks for an informative and concise article to make my trip stress free. Are there bicycle rentals once you arrive at Versailles? Much appreciated.

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  • If I arrive by ferry at Dieppe can I get a train straight to Versailles or must I travel to Paris first

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  • Thank you. Very helpful!!!!

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  • Hi, how often do the trains run to Versailles? My ticket says the entrance to the palace is at 09:00

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  • Thanks for the clear ad detailed instructions, very helpful!

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  • Hi Xavier,
    We are travelling in from London on Eurostar with 2 adults and 2 kids (14 and 10). Arriving in Paris around 5:15pm. What would be the cost and journey time for vehicle transport rather than the train? Thinking at that time of evening this might be better than dealing with a train.

    Reply
  • Maureen Weston
    6 April 2019 20 h 17 min

    Will the RER train from Paris to Versailles accept bike boxes?

    Reply
  • Marina Murray
    12 April 2019 0 h 56 min

    This is such a helpful page! Thank you so much for easing my mind over traveling from Paris to Versailles.

    Reply
  • We will be staying in Versailles for 5 days in July. Does it make sense to buy train tickets in advance online for Charles de Gaulle airport to Versailles Rive Gauche, and via which website?

    Reply
    • Hi Carole,
      No that s useless. You’ll be able to buy your train ticket to Versailles anytime, directly at the airport with a machine.
      Best
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Irene Grodner
    8 May 2019 23 h 55 min

    Xavier, my name is Irene Grodner with All World Travel in New Mexico, USA. I have two ladies wanting to travel from Paris to Versailles and staying two night. I show a schedule from Paris to Versailles on June 29, 2019 but no available schedule from Versailles back to Paris on July 1. Do trains get booked up and what should they do. They need to get to Orleans that day. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you,
    Irene Grodner

    Reply
    • Dear Irene,
      Trains are available everyday, except when the public admin is on strike!
      Have a nice day
      Xavier

      Reply
  • We are coming from Poitiers, stopping at Versailles then want to continue on via RER to Paris. I’m assuming it won’t be a problem getting a one way ticket from Versailles train depot.

    Reply
  • Thank you so much. This was so helpful. This not only helped me figure out how to get there but also whether buying a 1-5 zone train pass was worth it for the time in Paris (it’s not). So thanks for saving us money too. 🙂

    Reply
  • We are staying at the Best Western, 50, Rue des Mathurins…what station do we need to go to for the train to Versailles? Or, is a taxi quicker and easier?

    Reply
    • Suzan,

      You are in the corner next to my office! Veru easy, just walk to get to Siant Lazare train station and take the train up to Versailles. Then walk 10 mns to get to the castle of Versailles.

      Best
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Hi we are travelling to Versailles from Paris with two children are there any toilets on the trains?

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  • Hi, I was wondering if I would be able to get the Versailles by taking the Train at Gare Montparnasse. That is one of the options that googlemaps is giving me, but I don’t see that as a Train line in the helpful guide above. I know there are many ways, but just wanted to see if you knew if this was an option.

    The N train at Gare Montparnasse gets me to Gare de Versailles-Chantiers in 1 stop, does this seem right?

    Thank you
    Jason

    Reply
  • Hello, on your full day tour with transport to Versailles, on a Saturday, will we be able to see the fountains with music? Will we get to see things in the Chateau that would not be possible with just an audio guide? Thank you, Andrea

    Reply
    • Hello Andrea,
      yes the musical fountains of Versailles work on Saturday during spring and summer. You need to get in touch with me by email to get more details.
      Best

      Reply
  • Thanks so much! This is very informative, but can we buy tickets the day before? Or, we have to buy tickets on the same day we are going to Versailles?

    Reply
  • Thanks for the clear information about the train from Paris to Versailles. However, I can’t find a train timetable for line C anywhere online. I need to know what time the trains run to and from Paris to Versaille on a Sunday in March. Can you please help me?

    Reply
    • Good afternoon Helen
      That’s not so easy to answer. The timetable from Paris to Versailles changes often..
      Best
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Hi Xavier! I stumbled upon your site here. It’s very informative.. just wondering if I can buy the metro ticket going to Versailles 2 days in advance at any train station?

    Appreciate any response! Cheers!~

    Reply
  • Jacqueline Gonzales
    11 September 2021 9 h 57 min

    This is really informative! The questions I had in mind was answered just by reading until the end. Thank you so much for sharing this.

    Reply
  • This is the most comprehensive, complete and best instructions to follow when planning a visit to Versailles. I forwarded this to my group who are also travelling to Paris.

    Reply
  • This is a great, informative website. Obviously a labor of love. Thank you!

    Reply
  • We have 10am entrance. What is the best way to get there by train from Le Marais to get to versailles palace and gardens?

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  • Thank you very much for your wonderful website and interesting and educational tours. We are traveling to Versailles Chateau. It’s been about 12 years since I was thee last. When I “Google Map my ride” now, the transportation to the Chateau from St Michel Notre Dame station on the RER C line shows an interrupted service notation according to the RATP website. They suggest an alternate route with multiple busses and “Optile(?)” transfers with a significant walking distance as part of the trip. When I check with our hotel Concierge and with the Transilen website there is no shutdown of service mentioned. Does the modernization/repairs of the RER affect the C line or not? Will we be able to take the RER C in about 2 weeks straight to Versailles RIve Gauche as you mentioned above?

    Reply
    • Bonjour Ken,
      It is not easy to answer in advance. Conditions of public transport can change every day. I advise to check a few days before your trip to Versailles Palace.
      Best
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Thank you so much for this amazing article with detailed instructions for making a trip from Paris to Versailles palace economically!
    You are fantastic!

    Reply
  • Joanne Turpin
    25 July 2022 16 h 07 min

    What would be the nearest station if we are staying in Palais Royal. La Terrasse Vivienne Opéra area?

    Reply
  • Hello and thanks for the informative guide. I was investigating option 1 with RER C train, but google maps gives the direction the other way round i.e. from west to south east, going around Orly Airport and then to Versailles.

    Reply
    • Bonjour Andrea,

      I d need to know where do you start to check your itinerary to get to Versailles palace ?

      Best
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Thank you for this information. For the C train to Versailles, would I get on at St Michel or St Michel-Notre Dame? Thanks.

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  • Hello Xavier! You have a very informative site. I will be traveling from Paris to Versailles this October. The closest train station to my hotel is Gare de Lyon. I’m so confused with the various transportation options and I’m hoping you can help me decipher and make the best travel decision. My tour begins at 9am! so I have to leave at least by 7am, right? Help!

    Reply
    • Bonjour Patricia,
      I think that the best is to take the RER A train to get to la defense and change with the train to get to versailles.
      Have a pleasant visit to Versailles palace and its gardens.
      Best
      Xavier

      Reply
  • Very informative site

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  • This was so helpful!! Thank you for the details, the best I have seen. Looking forward to our trip!

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  • Loved this page as info was super helpful. Glad I stumbled across it. Very useful details and should make the trip stress free and more enjoyable.

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  • Thank you so much for all this information. Once in Versailles I believe that Dumas chateau is fairly close by. Is this correct and what would be the best way to get there please

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  • This site was very detailed, helpful and easy to understand. Thank you.

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  • My question is related to use of RATP’s “Navigo” pass card relative to taking metro from central Paris (Saint Michel-Notre Dame) to catch the RER C train to Versailles Chateau RG station. I purchased a Navigo pass card to travel on Metro and bus within central Paris which worked great. But I didn’t understand that Navigo can only be used within the two metro/RER travel zones around central Paris. I had no issues using Navigo in taking metro from Grand Boulevard area to Saint Michel-Norte Dame and connecting on the RER C train to the Eiffel Tower (which apparently falls within the two zones).

    But another time when I used the Navigo card to first metro to Notre Dame station and then connect on the RER C train to Versailles Chateau RG, when I exited the RER C at Chateau RG, the exit gate wouldn’t let me pass. Going back, I spoke with the RER ticket agent at Chateau RG station, and he explained that I had to buy a separate (paper) ticket back to Paris. He sold me two tickets thinking I would need to return from central Paris back to Versailles.

    Could you explain and suggest what I should’ve done? Maybe use Navigo to Metro to Notre Dame and then purchase RER ticket for the C train to Versailles?Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hello Steve,
      The problem is just as you mentioned, that the Navigo Pass Card typically called Navigo Easy only functions within the 2 zones of Paris. When you catch a train you will never face a problem when entering the stations and catching the trains as they still have stops within Paris. Typically, you face the problem when you are trying to exit; as you technically should not be in that zone according to the pass you have. Whenever, you go to other zones you need to purchase tickets that are in the Ile de France area (surrounding areas of Paris). You typically need to input or find the specific station you need to stop at. This is very important as even though you have purchased tickets you bought the wrong one so if there are SNCF controllers they can fine you around 40 euros just for having the wrong ticket and around 80 euros for not having a ticket at all. I hope this addresses your question.
      Best,
      Sarah Warford

      Reply
  • Do you need to buy entry tickets to Versailles once you get there? Or do those need to be purchased in advance?

    Reply
  • I have invested HOURS in trying to develop the steps, directions and times to ensure my family will be able to get from our hotel in Paris to the Palace of Versailles but your site does it all, and so effortlessly! I just wish I had found it at the beginning of my search.

    Reply

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