The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence originally located in a small hunting lodge village outside Paris, France.
Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Many people planning a visit to the palace wonder how to get to Versailles from France or Paris, which means transport is better and more expensive.
If you’re also planning a trip to Versailles, this guide will provide you with all the information you need, including the best routes, time taken, and more.
Let’s begin with the exact location of the Palace of Versailles!
Where is Versailles?
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles is located southwest of Paris, France, in the Île-de-France region.
It’s about 19 kilometers (12 miles) away from the city center.
The main entrance to the Versailles Palace is through the Cour d’Honneur.
The closest landmark is the Château de Marly, located approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) away.
What is the best way to visit the Palace of Versailles?
One of the best ways to reach the Palace of Versailles is to book a tour from Paris. The tour includes transportation and entry tickets.
Various tour options are available online, catering to visitors with different needs.
By booking these tours, you can avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation or arranging private cars.
We highly recommend it for first-time visitors to the palace.
If you’re a seasoned traveler familiar with public transport, you can choose the alternative options mentioned below.
How do I get to Versailles using different transports?
There are various ways to get to the Palace of Versailles, such as by bus, train, car or taxi.
How do I get to Versailles by train?
The easiest and most convenient way to reach the Palace of Versailles is by taking the RER C train.
The RER C line runs frequently (every 5-10 minutes) from various stations within Paris. You can easily access it from most central locations.
The train ride from central Paris takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
The closest stop to the Palace of Versailles is Versailles Château Rive Gauche, which is just a 10-minute walk away.
You must purchase tickets (tickets Ile-de-France) before boarding, which are available at nearby metro stations.
While the RER C is the most efficient, there are two other train lines you can consider:
SNCF Line L: This line departs from Gare Saint-Lazare station in Paris and arrives at Versailles Rive Droite station, which is a 17-minute walk from the Palace.
SNCF Train N: This line departs from Montparnasse station in Paris and arrives at Versailles Chantiers station, an 18-minute walk from the Palace.
How do I get to Versailles by Bus?
If you’re on a tight budget, taking a bus is another easy and cost-effective way to get to the Palace of Versailles. You can also experience some Parisian suburbs!
Bus #171 takes visitors to Versailles. To take the bus, visitors need to:
1. Take the metro to Pont de Sèvres station, located on the western edge of Paris.
2. Find the bus stop outside the station for the southwest-bound #171 bus. Double-check the destination sign to ensure it says “Versailles.”
Kindly note that not all #171 buses head toward Versailles. If you’re unsure, politely ask the driver, “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame. Versailles?”
3. Board bus #171 and enjoy the ride, which takes about 30 minutes (potentially longer with traffic). The fare is typically the cost of a single metro/bus ticket.
You can purchase your tickets (tickets t+) from metro stations or authorized retailers before boarding the bus.
You can also download the RATP app for real-time bus schedules and station locations.
How do I get to Versailles by Taxi?
Taxis are readily available in Paris.
They offer comfortable and direct door-to-door service, eliminating the need to switch public transportation or walk long distances.
You can easily hail a taxi on the road or book them online for more flexibility in your schedule.
Although taxis are the most expensive option compared to trains and buses, they offer privacy and convenience.
The fare from Paris to Versailles can range from €35 to €45 (approximately $40 to $50), depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.
Do you want to know the best time of day to visit Versailles? It is best visited after 4 pm when there are fewer crowds.
Learn more about the best time to visit Versailles here.
How do I get to Versailles by Car?
Versailles is well connected to all the major routes/roads.
If you prefer to drive, the Palace of Versailles is easily accessible by car from Paris and the surrounding area.
You just need to follow the A13 towards Versailles, and you’ll be there in around 30 minutes. Here is the time taken to reach Versailles from different
cities:
| City | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Lille | 2 hours |
| Nantes | 3 hours 35 minutes |
| Lyon | 5 hours |
| Bordeaux | 6 hours 45 minutes |
Can you park a car at Versailles?
Yes, you can park a car at Versailles. The Palace offers several parking options:
Place d’Armes: This car park is right in front of the palace, offering the most convenient location and the highest price.
You can expect to pay €4.80 per hour for the first 4 hours and €2.40 per hour afterward.
Château de Versailles- Boulevard de la Reine: This underground car park is a 15-minute walk from the Palace of Versailles entrance.
It’s a more affordable option compared to Place d’Armes, with rates starting at €2 per hour.
Other Parking Options: Several additional parking lots are located near the Palace and the Gardens, including the Grand Trianon car park and the Queen’s Hamlet car park.
These might be slightly further away but may offer better availability or lower rates.
Reaching the Palace of Versailles from Nearby Attractions:
Eiffel Tower to Palace of Versailles
The distance between Eiffel Tower and Versailles is 16 km. The road distance is 16.8 km. Here are a few ways to travel between them:
Train (RER C): This is the fastest and most recommended way to reach Versailles from the Eiffel Tower.
Take the RER C train from the Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel Station located near the Eiffel Tower towards Versailles Château – Rive Gauche (westernmost direction).
Bus: You can research specific bus routes beforehand, as they may require connections or transfers. It might take longer than the train and might not be as convenient.
Car: The drive from the Eiffel Tower to Versailles takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You’ll need parking fees at the Palace.
Taxi: Taxis are the most convenient option, and they take 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. You can hail a taxi on the street near the Eiffel Tower or pre-book one for a guaranteed ride.
Sainte Chapelle to Palace of Versailles
The distance between Sainte-Chapelle and Versailles is 21 km. You can travel between them using:
Train (RER C): This is the fastest and most convenient option. Take the Metro from Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station (directly connected to Sainte-Chapelle) to Chatelet Les Halles station. There, transfer to RER line C towards Versailles Château – Rive Gauche.
Bus Line 95: Take bus line 95 from Pont Saint-Michel (near Sainte-Chapelle) to Pont de Sèvres. Then, transfer to bus line 171 towards Château. This option is cheaper than the train but takes longer, around 1.5 hours.
Taxi: Taxi is the most convenient and direct option. It takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic. You can hail a taxi on the street or pre-book one for a guaranteed ride.
Car: Driving takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It offers flexibility. Just make sure to book your parking in advance.
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FAQs
1. Which city is the Palace of Versailles nearest to?
The Palace of Versailles is closest to the city of Versailles, France.
However, it’s also conveniently located just southwest of Paris, making it easily accessible from the French capital.
2. Where is Versailles in relation to Paris?
Versailles is situated southwest of Paris, France, approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center.
3. What is the cheapest way to get to the Palace of Versailles?
The cheapest way to get to the Palace of Versailles is by taking the RER C train from Paris. A round-trip ticket will cost you around €7.
4. Which train station is best for Versailles Palace?
The most convenient train station for reaching the Palace of Versailles is Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
This station is located on the RER C train line, just a 10-minute walk from the Palace entrance.
5. What is the closest metro station to the Palace of Versailles?
There is no metro station directly at the Palace of Versailles. However, you can take the metro to Pont de Sèvres station and then transfer to bus #171 to reach the Palace.
6. Can you go to Versailles on your own?
Absolutely! You can easily visit the Palace of Versailles on your own without booking a tour. One easy option is to take the RER C train, bus #171 or taxi/car.
7. How do I go to Versailles by bus?
Take the metro to Pont de Sèvres station on the western edge of Paris. Go to the nearby bus stop and catch the #171 bus to Versailles, which takes about 30 minutes (potentially longer with traffic).
8. How can you easily get to Versailles?
The RER C train is the easiest and most convenient way to reach the Palace of Versailles.
It offers frequent departures, a direct route, and a station within walking distance of the palace entrance.
9. How can you reach the Palace of Versailles by metro?
You can’t reach the Palace of Versailles by metro because it’s outside Paris city limits, and there is no direct metro line.
However, you can easily get there by using the RER C train system.
10. Is there a metro station for the Palace of Versailles?
No, there is no metro station directly at the Palace of Versailles. However, you can combine the metro with the bus (#171) for an affordable journey.
11. Can you take the metro to Versailles?
No. The metro system doesn’t extend directly to the Palace of Versailles. However, you can take the metro to Pont de Sèvres station and then transfer to bus #171 to reach the Palace.
12. Can you visit the Palace of Versailles without a tour?
You can visit the Palace of Versailles without booking a tour. The Palace offers self-guided tours and audio guides for independent exploration.
13. Is it free to enter the Palace of Versailles?
No, there is an entrance fee to visit the Palace of Versailles. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and the specific areas you want to access. The latest ticket information is on the Palace’s official website.
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Featured Image: ECF.com