A Scenic Bus Ride: Paris To Versailles

The distance between Paris and Versailles is about 9 to 12 miles. The best way to get from Paris to Versailles is by train, which takes about 14 to 30 minutes and costs around $3 to $7. There are three different trains to Versailles: RER C and SNCF Lines L and N. RER C is the most popular option as it stops at the Château Versailles Rive Gauche, the closest station to the front entrance gates at the Palace of Versailles. The train frequency is about every 5 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which costs around $2 to $6 and takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The RER C train from Paris to Versailles

The RER C train runs from the north-west to the south of Paris, connecting the city of Pontoise in the north to Versailles and other towns in the south. It covers a distance of 187 kilometres with over 500 trains running daily. Around 500,000 passengers use the RER C line every day.

The RER C train is known for serving some of the most beautiful monuments in and around Paris. Apart from the Palace of Versailles, other notable attractions accessible via the RER C line include the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides (where the tomb of Napoléon is located along with the national Museum of Army), the Musée d'Orsay, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

The RER C line has two branches in the direction of Versailles. One branch terminates at the Versailles Château Rive-Gauche station, which is the closest to the Palace of Versailles. The other branch terminates at Saint-Quentin en Yvelines but makes a stop at Versailles Chantiers, which is not the station you want if you are visiting the Palace. Therefore, when taking the RER C train, ensure that you board the train going towards Versailles Château Rive-Gauche.

The RER C train typically runs every 5 to 10 minutes, providing frequent departures for travellers. The standard metro ticket price of €2.15 applies if you are travelling within the borders of Paris. However, if you are travelling outside Paris, such as to Versailles, the ticket price is higher, costing around €4.15 one way.

The SNCF N train from Paris to Versailles

The N train is one of three train options for travelling from Paris to Versailles, the others being the RER C train and the SNCF Line L train. The RER C train is the most popular option as it stops at the Château Versailles Rive Gauche station, which is the closest to the Palace of Versailles. It runs along the Left Bank of the Seine River and has nine stations within the city, allowing passengers to choose the station closest to them. The RER C train typically runs every 5-10 minutes, while the SNCF Line L train runs every 20 minutes.

The cost of a round trip from Paris to Versailles is about €7.30, and it is recommended to buy tickets in advance.

The SNCF L train from Paris to Versailles

The train ticket to Versailles can be purchased at the ticket machines at the Gare Saint-Lazare station. The ticket machines have an English language option, and you can pay with your credit card. The ticket price is around 3-7 euros.

The SNCF L train is one of three trains that go from Paris to Versailles, the other two being the RER C and the SNCF N trains. The RER C train is the most popular option as it stops at the Château Versailles Rive Gauche station, which is the closest station to the front entrance gates of the Palace of Versailles. The SNCF N train is another option, which departs from the Montparnasse station in Paris and arrives at the Versailles Chantiers station, about a 10-15 minute walk from the Palace.

The #171 bus from Paris to Versailles

You can find the #171 bus schedule on the RATP website, and download an interactive map of the bus line. The Moovit app also provides real-time updates on the #171 bus, including any delays or changes to the route.

Please note that not all #171 buses going towards Versailles go all the way to the Château stop. Some terminate earlier, so it's important to check with the driver that the bus is going to Versailles before boarding.

The advantages and disadvantages of each option

Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking the Train from Paris to Versailles

RER C Train

Advantages: The RER C train is the most common and easy way to get to Versailles. The RER C train station is about a 10-minute walk from the Palace of Versailles. The train comes every 15 minutes and costs about €3.65 each way. The RER C train runs along the Left Bank of the Seine River and has nine stations within the city, so you can choose to depart from whichever station is closest to you.

Disadvantages: The RER C line has two branches in the direction of Versailles. One of them terminates at the Versailles Château Rive-Gauche station (the one you want), and the other terminates at Saint-Quentin en Yvelines but makes a stop at Versailles Chantiers (not the one you want). Be sure to board the train that's going to Versailles Chateau Rive-Gauche.

SNCF N Train

Advantages: The SNCF N Train has only one Paris departure point: the Montparnasse Station located close to where the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements intersect. The trip to Versailles takes about 30 minutes.

Disadvantages: The SNCF N train arrives at the Versailles Chantiers station, slightly over half a mile (1 km) from the Palace entrance and about a 10-15 minute walk from the Palace. Trains on this line depart slightly less frequently - about every 15 minutes, on average.

SNCF L Train

Advantages: The SNCF L train also has only one Paris station: Gare Saint-Lazare in the 8th arrondissement.

Disadvantages: The trip to Versailles takes about 35-40 minutes, train frequency is about every 20 minutes, and it arrives at the Versailles Rive Droite station, about three-quarters of a mile (1.3 km) or an almost-20 minute walk from the Palace entrance. Similar to the N train, the SNCF L train may not be your best choice unless you're staying close to Gare Saint-Lazare.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking the Bus from Paris to Versailles

Advantages: The bus is the cheapest option and if your travel budget means that every Euro counts (for example, if you're a student), then it's a fine choice. It's also a wonderful way to see more of the Paris suburbs and Ile de France countryside.

Disadvantages: Taking the bus is slightly more difficult than taking the train, especially if you don't speak much French (but still relatively easy), and the possibility of boarding the wrong bus, however slight, also makes it somewhat more stressful. For most people, taking the RER C will be more convenient.

Frequently asked questions