How to Reach the Palace of Versailles — Getting There (2025)

Find the easiest ways to get to the Château de Versailles from Paris and the airports. Compare RER commuter trains, SNCF lines, metro+bus, car, tours with transport, and accessibility options.

Tours with Transportation

Quick Overview

Versailles lies just southwest of Paris. Most visitors arrive by RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche (closest station), or by SNCF suburban trains to Versailles-Chantiers / Versailles-Rive Droite. You can also take Metro + Bus 171, book a coach tour with transfers, or drive.

Closest Station

Versailles Château–Rive Gauche (RER C): ~10–12 min walk to the Palace gates (Place d’Armes).

Other Stations

Versailles-Chantiers (SNCF/RER): ~15–20 min walk • Versailles-Rive Droite (SNCF): ~15–18 min walk.

Option 1 — RER C (Most Popular)

Best if you’re near the Seine or central Paris RER C stops (Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, Champ de Mars).

  • Find RER C (yellow line) toward Versailles Château–Rive Gauche (VRG). Check platform screens for trains marked “VICK/VERA/etc.”
  • Travel time: ~35–45 minutes from central Paris stations.
  • Tickets & zones: Buy a point-to-point ticket or day pass covering zones 1–4. Navigo Easy/Decouverte/Day may apply.
  • Arrive at VRG, exit the station and walk straight down Avenue de Paris (~10–12 min) to the Palace forecourt.

Tip

RER C has branches—always verify the train’s terminus and that “Versailles Château–Rive Gauche” is on the stopping list.

Option 2 — SNCF Suburban Trains

From Gare Montparnasse → Versailles-Chantiers (Line N)

Frequent trains, ~12–20 min ride; walk ~15–20 min to the Palace or connect by local bus/taxi.

From La Défense → Versailles-Chantiers (Line U)

Direct cross-town line; handy if you’re staying near La Défense or the western suburbs.

From Saint-Lazare → Versailles-Rive Droite (Line L)

Good for Right Bank locations; scenic final walk via Avenue de Saint-Cloud (~15–18 min).

Tickets

Buy an SNCF point-to-point ticket or a pass covering the correct zones. Keep your ticket for exit gates.

Option 3 — Metro + Bus 171

Useful when staying along Metro Line 9.

  • Take Metro Line 9 to Pont de Sèvres (western terminus).
  • Outside the station, board Bus 171 to “Château de Versailles” (≈30–40 min depending on traffic).
  • Get off at the Château stop directly by the Palace forecourt.

Tip

Bus 171 can be busy at peak times—allow extra time or prefer rail on weekends/events.

From the Airports

From CDG (Charles de Gaulle)

RER B → change at Saint-Michel Notre-Dame to RER C → Versailles Château–Rive Gauche. Allow 75–95 min plus transfer time.

From ORY (Orly)

Orlyval → Antony → RER B to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame → RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche. ~70–90 min.

With Luggage?

Consider a tour with transport or taxi/ride-share for door-to-door convenience, especially with kids or bulky bags.

Driving & Ride-Share

By Car

From Paris via A13/A86. Follow signs to Versailles and Château de Versailles. Traffic can be heavy at peak hours.

Parking

Paid lots near Place d’Armes and along Avenue de Sceaux. Check height limits for garages; EV chargers limited.

Ride-Share/Taxi

Set destination to Place d’Armes – Château de Versailles. Drop-off/pick-up areas are clearly marked.

Cycling

Popular weekend option via the Seine river paths and Avenue de Paris. Bike racks around the forecourt and Gardens gates.

Practical Tips

Tickets & Passes

Ensure your ticket covers the correct zones 1–4 (RER C to Versailles RG). Day passes can be cost-effective for round-trips.

Peak Times

First entries and after 15:00 on weekdays are calmer. Tuesdays and weekends are busiest.

Accessibility

Stations and the Palace offer step-free routes; some historic areas have stairs. The walk from stations is flat but lengthy—consider local buses or taxis if needed.

Weather & Walking

You’ll walk a lot—wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and dress for wind/sun in the Gardens.

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Station

Versailles Château–Rive Gauche (RER C) • Walk ~10–12 min.

Other Stations

Versailles-Chantiers • Walk ~15–20 min • Versailles-Rive Droite • Walk ~15–18 min.

Typical Times

RER C: ~35–45 min from central Paris • Bus 171 from Pont de Sèvres: ~30–40 min (traffic).

Zones

Versailles is in zone 4 (Ile-de-France). Buy tickets/passes accordingly.

With Kids/Luggage

Prefer tours with transport or taxi for door-to-door convenience.

Map & Apps

Use real-time apps to confirm platforms, disruptions, and branch trains on RER C.

Make the Journey Easy

Skip planning stress—choose a guided experience with transfers included, or secure timed tickets before you go.

Bus from Paris + Entry