How to Travel from Paris to Versailles: A 2025 Guide

If you're spending some time in Paris and want to see the world-famous Palace of Versailles, you can!

While Versailles isn't in Paris (it's actually in the neighboring town of Versailles), it's extremely easy to get to via public transportation or even taxi or rideshare.

In this guide, we're going to give you a few different (simple!) ways that you can get to the Palace of Versailles, as well as some tips for your visit.

Allez-y!

How long does it take to get from Paris to Versailles?

It depends on where you are staying in Paris, the mode of transportation that you choose, and the time of day. In most cases, it will take you anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

Taxis and rideshares like Uber are usually the fastest option, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or so (again, it depends on where in the city you are).

Public transportation does take a bit longer, but it's less expensive. This can take around an hour to 90 minutes or more.

How to get from Paris to Versailles

By public transportation

There are a few ways you can get to Versailles via public transportation. These three routes below are common and will drop you off in Versailles where you can walk to the palace from the train station(s).

🥇The most popular route

The first is probably the easiest and most popular option for tourists and it's through a local train called the RER C.

The RER C is a train that runs between Paris and Versailles. In Paris, the RER C can be found in specific metro stations. In the heart of Paris, you can get on the RER C through the metro stop at Invalides.

However, you can hop on the RER C at other metro stops too, it just depends on which is closest to you. We recommend using Google Maps and adding the Palace of Versailles as your destination. It will show you how to find the RER C from where you are at.

The RER C will drop you off in Versailles and the palace is about a 10-minute walk from the station on a dedicated, easy-to-follow path.

Do I need tickets for the RER C?

Yes, you will need tickets for the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. In Paris, metros and trains run in two directions. You need the one towards Versailles Château Rive Gauche. The signs may display it as Versailles Château RG.

You can buy tickets directly in the metro/train station at a kiosk. All kiosks have language settings and English is an option. Follow the directions on the screen for RER C tickets.

Alternatively, you can go up to the service desk in the metro. They typically speak some English, especially in tourist areas. Tell them what you're trying to do (buy tickets for the train to Versailles Château).

How often does the RER C run?

About every 15 minutes, all day.

Make sure that you keep your ticket, even after you've scanned it. You may need it in order to get out of the train station.

The route from Saint Lazare

Depending on your plans and where you're at, it could make sense for you to head to the Palace from Saint Lazare, a train station in Paris.

At Saint Lazare, you can take the RER Line L train to Versailles Rive Droite. Keep in mind that the train will drop you off in Versailles about a mile from the palace, so it will be a 20 to 25 minute walk or so upon exiting the train.

Do I need tickets for the RER Line L train?

Yes. You can get your tickets at the Saint Lazare train station the same way you would for RER C tickets. There are self-automated kiosks in English. Just make sure you buy roundtrip tickets for the RER Line L train to Versailles Rive Droite.

How often does the RER Line L train run?

Every 5-20 minutes or so, all day.

Make sure that you keep your ticket, even after you've scanned it. You may need it in order to get out of the train station.

The route from Montparnasse

If you're staying in the south of Paris near Montparnasse, it might be more convenient for you to head to Versailles via the TER N. The TER N is another local train that runs from Paris to Versailles.

You can get on the train at the Gare Montparnasse (the Montparnasse train station). The train will drop you off at the Versailles-Chantiers train station and it's about a mile walk to the palace (around 25 minutes).

Do I need tickets for the TER N?

Yes, and you can buy them at the metro/train station at Gare Montparnasse. Tickets can be purchased on self-use kiosks or via the customer service help desk if you need additional assistance.

Make sure you choose round-trip tickets for the TER N to Versailles-Chantiers.

When you board the train, the TER N goes in two different directions. You want to choose the direction towards Dreux.

How often does the TER N train run?

Every half hour or so, all day.

Make sure that you keep your ticket, even after you've scanned it. You may need it in order to get out of the train station.

By private transportation

If you cannot or do not want to take public transportation for whatever reason, there are also private options that you can book like taxis or rideshares.

Uber and Bolt both operate regularly in Paris. By downloading the Uber or Bolt apps, you can book a ride to the Palace of Versailles and back.

This option is generally faster than taking public transportation, but it is a fair bit more expensive.

The train will cost you a few dollars round trip, while a taxi or rideshare will be significantly more.

If you decide to take a taxi in Paris, make sure that you book an official Paris taxi. Beware of taxi scams which are common in Paris and will charge you multiple times what the journey is worth. Official Paris taxis can be trusted.

Tips for traveling from Paris to Versailles

• Because the palace is outside of Paris, it will take you anywhere from 45 minutes or so to 90+ minutes to get there. Plan accordingly.
• While public transportation is safe in Paris, make sure to keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Pickpocketing is a common occurrence and tourists are often targets. Make sure to keep all personal items in a zipped bag where you can see it (not your pockets!). Pickpockets have even been known to steal phones out of your hands. Be alert in the metros and on trains.
• Always book official taxis in Paris. Taxi scams exist and they'll charge you exorbitant fees.
• There are three train stations in Versailles.
• Regular metro tickets (they're called T+) are not sufficient for going to Versailles. You need to get a different type of ticket. Make sure you buy tickets to one of the Versailles stations above. If not, you could be fined.
• You can buy metro and train tickets on your phone via the official Bonjour RATP App. This app is in English and can help you avoid long kiosk lines and prepare ahead of time. Just make sure your phone has enough charge to show your tickets there!

FAQs for getting to Versailles