Are you looking for the best ways to travel from Paris to Versailles?
France is more than its historic capital. The gorgeous buildings alone are not just a Paris thing. Less than an hour from the City of Light, the lavish Palace of Versailles and its sprawling estate and gardens is a destination that’s not to be missed.
In the same way that they did when it was “home” to the French monarchy, the Château de Versailles and its surrounding estate still dazzle and enchant visitors today. Everything you see in the Palace today was made possible by previous monarchs, from Louis XIV (“The Sun King”) to Louis XVI (“the Tsar”) and Marie-Antoinette (“The Tsarina”), who fled in disgrace from an angry mob just before the French Revolution.
Fortunately, the chateau is only 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Paris, making it ideal for a day trip.
As far as transportation options are concerned, there are various ways to get to Versailles. Let’s look at all the Paris to Versailles transport options, from public transportation to guided tours.
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How to Get from Paris to Versailles
Paris to Versailles by Train
The Versailles Chateau-Rive Gauche Train Station is the station that is located the closest to the palace. From Paris, take the RER Line C to the Versailles Chateau Rive Gauche Train Station. This is the route that comes the most highly recommended. The frequency of the train service is approximately once every 15 minutes.
St-Michel, the Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, Pont de l’Alma, and Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel are the Paris C line stations that will take you to Versailles. Remember to buy round-trip tickets if you want to cut down on the amount of time you spend traveling back.
Train Transport Details
Route: Gare d’Austerlitz / St.Michel-Notre Dame / Musee d’Orsay / Invalides / Pont de l’Alma / Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel to Versailles-Rive Gauche
Schedule: 5:10 AM to 11:34 PM, train departs every 15 to 20 minutes
Travel Time: 40 minutes
Fare/Ticket Cost: €7
You can book your ticket online here.
Paris to Versailles by Bus
You’ll need to get to the Pont de Sèvres station on the city’s western outskirts by metro before taking a local bus to Chateau Versailles Rive Gauche station. Take the #171 bus to Versailles from the outside of the station, and get out at the #171 bus stop.
The ratp.fr website has a schedule for bus number 171.
If you don’t speak French, taking a bus from Paris to Versailles is a bit more difficult than taking the train, but it’s still doable. There’s also the slight risk of getting on the wrong bus, which can be stressful.
There are other ways to get around, but the bus is the most affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, it may be the best option. It’s also a great way to see the suburbs of Paris and the countryside of the Ile de France.
Please download the RATP app to your phone so that you can get directions and a good map to locate the station.
Bus Transport Details
Route: Pont de Sèvres station to Versailles
Schedule: departs every 15 to 20 minutes, available from 6 AM to 12 MN
Travel Time: around 45 minutes
Fare/Ticket Cost: €3
You can book your ticket online here.
Paris to Versailles by Car
Driving to Versailles is one of the most convenient options if you have a car available to you. Versailles can be reached in less than 45 minutes by car if you avoid rush hour.
Leaving the city center, take the Boulevard Periphérique to the A13, which will take you to Rouen, St. Quentin en Yvelines, and Versailles Keep an eye out for signs indicating that this road is closed at certain times of the day.
Then take Exit 5 toward Versailles-Centre, which is about 7.5 kilometers from the current location. Follow the directions to the Château de Versailles once you’ve arrived at Versailles. On-site parking is available for a fee.
Car Transport Details
Route: Paris Center to Château de Versailles
Travel Time: around 45 minutes
Fare/Ticket Cost: Car rental starts at €30 per day
Paris to Versailles by Guided Tour
The majority of tourists find the experience of touring Versailles with a guide to be rewarding. This alternative provides the ease of planned transfers in addition to informative commentary from an experienced guide.
The vast majority of guided excursions to Versailles Palace & Gardens include transportation to and from Versailles on an air-conditioned coach both ways. You have the opportunity to select the hotel pickup serviceCheck ouservic, like in this tour From Paris: Versailles Skip-the-Line Tour & Gardens Access or this From Paris: Palace of Versailles & Gardens w/ Transportation.
During your journey through the gardens, you can have the opportunity to participate in an event known as Musical Gardens or watch a show called Musical Fountains, depending on the day.
Route: Paris Center to Versailles
Schedule: usually departs Paris Center in the morning at 8 or 9.
Travel Time: 30 minutes
Fare/Ticket Cost: starts at €7
Buy your ticket online here.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.