How to reach Versailles from Paris
If you are planning a trip to Paris, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles. This royal residence was built in the 17th century and was the home of the Kings of France until the French Revolution.
Versailles is located just 20 kilometers from Paris and can be easily reached by train or bus. In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information to organize a visit to Versailles starting from Paris.
How to reach Versailles from Paris
There are several options to reach Versailles from Paris:
- RER train: The RER C line directly connects Paris with Versailles. The travel time is about 40 minutes and there are trains every 15-30 minutes.
- SNCF train: Some regional trains of SNCF depart from Montparnasse station and arrive at Versailles Chantiers station. The travel time varies between 12 and 25 minutes, depending on the type of train.
- Bus: Bus number 171 departs from Pont de Sèvres stop (metro line 9) and arrives at the main entrance of the Palace of Versailles. The travel time is about 30-40 minutes.
The choice of means depends on your personal preferences and budget. The RER train is the cheapest solution, while the bus may be more convenient if you are already in the southern area of Paris.
Transportation options
Reaching the magnificent Palace of Versailles from Paris is easy thanks to the numerous transportation options available. Here are the main ones:
RER train
The most convenient and fastest way to reach Versailles from Paris is to take the RER C line of the suburban train. The departure station is Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station in central Paris, while the arrival station is Versailles Château Rive Gauche, located a few steps from the palace. The journey takes about 40 minutes and trains depart every 15-20 minutes during the day.
Bus
An economical alternative to the train is public bus. Lines 171 and 195 depart from various stops in central Paris and arrive at Rive Droite station in Versailles, which is about 10-15 minutes walk from the palace. The bus journey can take up to an hour, depending on traffic.
Taxi or private car
If you prefer more comfortable and direct transportation, you can book a taxi or rent a private car to reach Versailles. However, keep in mind that heavy traffic can cause delays and parking near the palace can be difficult to find.
- The cost of a taxi from Paris to Versailles can vary from 40 to 60 euros, depending on traffic.
- The rental of a private car can cost about 80-100 euros for a whole day.
In any case, it is important to book your transportation in advance to avoid surprises and delays. Have a good trip!
By Train
The most common way to reach Versailles from Paris is by train. There are several options available, but the most convenient and fastest is the RER (Réseau Express Régional), a suburban rail network that connects Paris with nearby cities.
How to get to the RER station
The nearest RER station to Versailles is Versailles Château Rive Gauche, located just a few minutes' walk from the Palace of Versailles. To reach this station from Paris, you can take one of the following trains:
- RER line C: This line will take you directly to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station without having to change trains. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes and trains depart from Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Musée d'Orsay, Invalides or Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel stations.
- RER line N: This line will take you to Versailles Chantiers station, which is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Palace of Versailles. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes and trains depart from Montparnasse or La Défense stations.
Make sure to check train schedules in advance, as they may vary during weekends or holidays.
How to buy train tickets
You can purchase train tickets at RER stations or online on the website of SNCF, the French railway company. Ticket prices vary depending on the line and travel time, but generally cost around 7-10 euros for a single trip.
If you plan to visit the Palace of Versailles and other museums or tourist attractions during your stay in Paris, it may be convenient to purchase a Paris Passlib', which includes unlimited access to public transportation, museums, and tourist attractions in the city.
With the RER train, reaching Versailles from Paris is easy and convenient. Take the time to plan your trip in advance to avoid any inconvenience and enjoy your visit to the Palace of Versailles to the fullest.
By Bus
Another option to reach Versailles from Paris is by bus. There are several bus services that offer direct connections between the two cities.
Public Bus Service
The most convenient public bus service to reach Versailles from Paris is line 171 of RATP. This bus departs from Pont de Sèvres metro station (line 9) in Paris and arrives at the main entrance of the Palace of Versailles in about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
A single ticket costs €2.00 and can be purchased directly on the bus or at one of RATP's ticket offices.
Tourist Bus Service
If you prefer a more comfortable and touristic option, there are several bus companies that offer guided tours of Versailles departing from Paris. These tours generally include transportation by bus and admission to the Palace of Versailles, with the possibility to choose between guided or self-guided visits inside the palace and gardens.
Some of the most popular companies include Cityrama, ParisCityVision and Gray Line Paris. Prices vary depending on the operator and options chosen, but generally range around €50-60 per person.
- Advantages of bus:
- It is convenient, especially if you choose public bus service.
- It offers a complete tourist experience with guided tours.
- Disadvantages of bus:
- It can be crowded and uncomfortable during peak hours.
- The guided tours may be too structured for some visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace.
In general, taking the bus is a convenient and economical option to reach Versailles from Paris. If you decide to use public bus service, make sure you have enough time available as traffic can slow down the journey. Otherwise, if you want a more touristy and organized solution, opt for one of the available guided tours.
By car
If you prefer to drive, Versailles is easily reachable by car from Paris. The journey takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
You can rent a car directly at Paris airport or in the city. However, keep in mind that parking in Versailles can be difficult to find and expensive.
If you decide to drive, we recommend using a GPS navigator to avoid getting lost in the narrow streets of the historic center of Versailles. Also, remember that many of the streets are one-way and you may have to make several turns before finding the right parking spot.
- Distance: about 20 km
- Travel time: about 30 minutes (depending on traffic)
Conclusion
Reaching Versailles from Paris may seem like a difficult task, but in reality there are several options available to travelers. If you want to save money and have more flexibility, the best solution is to take the RER C train. This direct train offers a convenient connection between the two cities and allows you to reach Versailles Château Rive Gauche station in less than an hour.
However, if you want a more luxurious and unique experience, you can book a guided tour that also includes transportation from Paris to Versailles. This way you can enjoy the elegance of private transport and the expert guide who will provide detailed information about the history of the palace.
In any case, visiting Versailles is an unforgettable experience that is definitely worth doing during a vacation in Paris. The beauty of the palace and its gardens will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on visitors.
- Take the RER C train to save money and have more flexibility
- Book a guided tour for a more luxurious and complete experience
- Visit Versailles during your vacation in Paris for an unforgettable experience
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
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