How to Visit the Palace of Versailles & Gardens with Transportation in Paris

Are you planning a trip to Paris and wondering how to get to the magnificent Palace of Versailles and its well-known Gardens? You’ve come to the right place! Here, you’ll discover the various ways to get there, what tickets you should purchase, and get a lay of the land before deciding which entrance to use when you arrive. Plus, we’ve even got the scoop on the best sites to book once-in-a-lifetime tours of the palace and its gardens. Ready? Let’s go!

Getting to the Palace from Paris

Nestled in Île-de-France and located about 16 miles from central Paris, the Palace of Versailles is best accessed by train or car. Here’s how you can get there from the City of Light:

By Train

Visiting the Palace of Versailles by train is your best bet if you’re coming from Paris. Several regional express trains travel between Paris’ Gare Montparnasse and Versailles Château – Rive Gauche station. It usually takes around 25 minutes to get there, plus you don’t have to worry about traffic or where to park once you arrive. Tip: If you purchase a Mobilis Single Journey ticket (€3 or €3.75 depending on when you travel), it’ll be valid for use on all RER-A trains, zone 1 of the Paris Metro, and select buses for a full day (great for those wanting to explore Versailles and Paris). Plus, during the week two adults can share one ticket – perfect for couples!

By Car

For those seeking more autonomy during their trip and who’d prefer to avoid taking public transportation in Paris and around the palace grounds, driving is generally a great alternative. There are two public car parks at Versailles, where you can pay a maximum fee of €6 and park for as long as you’d like. Short-term parking is also available and costs €2 per hour. Besides these fees, there’s no other cost associated with getting around by car.

Tickets and Opening Times

Before deciding which entrance you’d like to use and what waiting line to join, it’s important to understand the various tickets available for entry into the palace. Most people opt for the combo ticket that grants admission to both the palace (including the permanent exhibitions, such as the King Louis XIV’s Rooms) and the Gardens. During peak season (April through October) tickets cost €20 per adult (if booked online in advance), while during off-peak months prices drop to just €18. If you only plan to visit one or another of the sites, single entry tickets cost €15 for the palace and €8 for the gardens. Keep in mind those are subject to change (up or down) depending on season.It’s important to check opening times before visiting Versailles, as they aren’t always consistent throughout the year. During peak season (April through October) the palace is open from Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 6:30pm, while during off-season hours change slightly. The gardens are open every day from 8am – 7pm all year round, but keep in mind that certain areas close at night (usually around 5:30pm). Tip: During off-season months some areas of the gardens will close an hour earlier.

Which Entrance Should You Choose?

One of the best things about visiting the Palace of Versailles is that you can pick your own entrance and choose according to if there’s a line or if it looks less crowded (or both!). There are three different entrances: one from Place d’Armes side, which is closest to the Grand Trianon & Petit Trianon; one from Avenue de Paris side, with access to Marie Antoinette’s Estate; and one at Rue de Satory side that grants access both to the palace and gardens. Notice that depending on which type of ticket you purchase (daily combo admission or certain areas only) certain parts won’t be accessible through either of the entrances – make sure you plan ahead!

Tour Companies

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience while visiting Paris, why not do a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles & Gardens? There are several great companies out there that offer private tours for larger groups as well as intimate experiences for smaller ones. From helicopter tours to self-guiding audio tours and beyond, you definitely won’t be disappointed no matter which option you choose. One of our favorite tour companies is GetYourGuide. They offer nearly 20 different Versailles experiences ranging from day trips from Paris to private insider tours and more. Prices vary depending on tour type but one thing’s for sure – if you want a money-can’t-buy experience then this is your go-to company! Take a look at their tours here, book yours today, and get ready for a magical journey! So there you have it – all you need to know when visiting Versailles Palace & Gardens with or without transportation in Paris. Now it’s your turn: pick your ticket type and tour option, decide which entrance is best, and prepare yourself (and your camera) for this magical place! Bon voyage!