How to Get to Versailles from Paris: Easy, Fast and Affordable Options
If you're planning a day trip to Versailles from Paris, we have good news: it's much easier and cheaper than you might think. Thanks to Paris’s excellent public transport network, getting to the Palace of Versailles is quick, direct, and very affordable. In fact, doing it on your own has so many advantages that it’s not worth paying for an organized tour with transportation included.
In this guide, we explain how to get to Versailles, what transport options are available, how much it costs, and why you don’t need to book a tourist package to enjoy this historic gem just minutes from the French capital.
Where is the Palace of Versailles and how far is it from Paris?
The Palace of Versailles is located about 20 kilometers southwest of Paris. Although it might seem like a long distance, the public transport connection is excellent. The journey takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on your chosen mode of transport.
It’s one of the most visited destinations from Paris and, luckily, you don’t need a car, guide, or tourist bus to enjoy it. With just a train ticket and your Palace entry, you can plan your Versailles day trip from Paris completely on your own.
How to get to Versailles from Paris: all options
1. RER C: the most direct and popular way
The most convenient and recommended option to get to Versailles from Paris is to take the RER C line heading to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, the closest station to the Palace (just a 5-minute walk from the main entrance).
- Price: around €5 round trip
- Duration: between 35 and 40 minutes
- Where to take it: from central stations such as Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay or Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel
- Tickets: easily purchased at any metro or RER station ticket machine. You can also use the Île-de-France Mobilités app to check schedules and prices.
Be sure to buy a ticket valid for zone 4, as Versailles is outside central Paris. A standard metro ticket is not valid.
2. Transilien train: another valid alternative
If you're staying near the Saint-Lazare or Montparnasse stations, you can take a Transilien train. There are two useful lines:
- Line L (Saint-Lazare → Versailles Rive Droite)
- Line N (Montparnasse → Versailles Chantiers)
Both arrival stations are a bit farther from the Palace (about 15–20 minutes on foot), but they are still convenient and economical options.
- Price: similar to the RER (around €5 round trip)
- Duration: between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the line
- Tickets: available at machines or via the SNCF Connect app
Is an organized tour with transport worth it?
Online you’ll find dozens of offers combining Palace of Versailles tickets with transport from Paris. These tours usually cost between €55 and €65 extra per person for the bus transfer.
Although they may seem convenient, in reality, they don’t offer any significant advantage if you just want to visit the Palace and gardens on your own. The bus ride often takes longer, you’re tied to a fixed schedule, and you lose flexibility.
Moreover, the price is disproportionate compared to the mere €5 it costs to get to Versailles from Paris by train. Unless you need a guide the entire time, it’s much more practical and cost-effective to plan the trip independently.
Comparison of options to get from Paris to Versailles
This tip may seem obvious, but it’s key for visiting the Palace of Versailles. You’ll be walking for hours on marble floors, dirt paths, and cobblestone walkways. A good pair of comfortable shoes will make all the difference between an enjoyable visit and an exhausting one. Avoid open sandals or new shoes you haven’t broken in.
| Mode of transport | Round-trip price | Estimated duration | Arrival station | Distance to the Palace |
| RER C | ~€5 | 35–40 min | Versailles Château Rive Gauche | 5 minutes on foot |
| Transilien L (Saint-Lazare) | ~€5 | 40–45 min | Versailles Rive Droite | 20 minutes on foot |
| Transilien N (Montparnasse) | ~€5 | 35–35 min | Versailles Chantiers | 15 minutes on foot |
Tips for organizing your Versailles day trip from Paris
- Buy your Palace tickets in advance, especially during high season. You can do this on the official monument website or through authorized resellers.
- Arrive early, especially if you want to visit the gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, or watch the musical fountain show.
- Avoid Mondays, as the Palace is closed that day.
- Check the return train schedule, especially if you plan to stay until late.
Conclusion: going to Versailles on your own is the best option
In short, how to get to Versailles from Paris is a question with a simple answer: by train, on your own, hassle-free. Thanks to the efficiency of Paris’s public transport, you can enjoy a full experience without overpaying.
For just €5 round trip, you get a comfortable, fast, and direct journey. No need to book in advance or stick to a group schedule. You can visit the Palace at your own pace, enter when you like, and return to Paris whenever you want.
Our advice? Buy your ticket online, hop on the RER C, and enjoy one of the best day trips from Paris on your own. It’s cheaper, more flexible, and much more authentic. Versailles is closer than you think!