My expert tips as a local – to make traveling to Versailles from Paris by train as easy as tarte au citron, especially with updates made to the transportation system in January 2025!

Though the first thing most people think of when they hear “Versailles” is the world famous Château, as a resident of Versailles, I know there is more to this gorgeous city than the palace and enough to make it a near required visit for any trip you have planned to France! One of the most commonly asked questions I’m asked from my baking students or friends visiting is “How can I get to Versailles from Paris?” and so this week I thought, why not create a guide?

Luckily, thanks to ample and easy public transportation, Paris makes it easy to travel here! By using my easy to follow step by step guide below, you’ll be exploring the charming Versailles streets in no time!

Before I dive into the full step-by-step instructions, I’ll answer a couple common questions I receive.

What is the easiest way to get from Paris to Versailles?

The easiest way is to take the RER train! You can find RER stations at metro stops all over Paris, I’ll explain more about how to find and use them below in my step-by-step guide.

How much is a train ticket from Paris to Versailles?

The price of a one-way train ticket from Paris to Versailles is now 2.50€, like all train and metro tickets in Ile-de-France per the update in January 2025. Previously, it was based on zone and other factors, but they’ve simplified it to make it way easier!

Can you do a day trip to Versailles from Paris?

Yes, you can definitely do a day trip to Versailles from Paris! Versailles is located just about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Paris, making it perfect for a day excursion from the big city!

The journey typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the starting point in Paris.

How to Get From Paris to Versailles By Train

Step 1: Start your day with a croissant and coffee in Paris

Before embarking on your adventure, fuel up with a classic French breakfast in Paris. Head to a local bakery (boulangerie as we call it over here) and indulge in a freshly baked croissant paired with a steaming cup of café creme. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to kick-start your day! One of my favorite bakeries in Paris for this is Du Pain et Des Idées.

Step 2: Navigate the Parisian public transportation system

Once you’ve satisfied your taste buds, it’s time to hop on the train to Versailles.

Paris boasts an extensive public transportation network, making it easy to get around the city and beyond. To reach Versailles, you’ll want to take the RER C (Réseau Express Régional) train, or the N train, or L Train. The lines connect various parts of Paris to Versailles. View a full Paris metro map here.

Three train stations in Versailles lead into Paris. The one closest to the Versailles palace is Chateau Versailles Rive Gauche, and is the RER C line. The RER C runs along the Seine on the left bank, making its proximity to the Notre Dame, Musee D’Orsay, and Eiffel Tower one of the easiest to grab.

There is also Versailles Chantiers which uses Line L to go from Paris to Versailles and vice versa. If you’re close to Montparnasse, this train station is just a 12 minute ride if you catch the “short” train. On the walk from Versailles Chantiers train station, you’ll also find my favorite antique store in Versailles, Au Facteur du Cheval, and the Versailles Flour Mill (Moulin de Versailles) – one of my favorite places to buy French flour!

The other choice, Versailles Rive Droite, connects Versailles with the Right Bank of Paris, specifically La Defense and Saint Lazare with the N Train. From Versailles Rive Droite, pass through the big farmer’s market at the Notre Dame square on the way to the Versailles Palace.

The easiest way to figure this out is by using Google Maps to find the best route for you and to calculate travel times. You can also download and do this with the Bonjour RATP or CityMapper mobile App. I find these both super helpful! Especially as they will have the most up-to-date traffic and closure information.

Step 3: Purchase your train ticket

Before boarding the train, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. These are now just 2.50€ and the same as a metro-train ticket used in Paris. 

There are two primary ways to buy a ticket to Versailles: in person or via phone.

How to Buy Train Tickets to Versailles In Person

Once you get to the station where you will take the RER, look for the ticket machines. Select “Metro-Train ticket” and you’re good to go!

I recommend purchasing your return ticket at the same time. To do this, simply purchase two of the same ticket.

How to Buy Train Tickets to Versailles on Your Phone

As of 2025, the Paris metro system has been updated to where tickets for all zones in Ile de France (Paris and surrounding suburbs – including Versailles) are the same price! And you can buy tickets on your phone now and skip the lines!

To buy on your phone, download the Bonjour RATP app. It’s in English and you’ll be able to plan your trip there too.

Go to Tickets, create a Navigo card (like an Oyster card in London), and click buy a Ticket > All Tickets > then Metro/Train ticket. Use Apple Pay or a credit card to purchase. This will add your tickets to the Navigo card on your phone. 

I recommend adding the digital Navigo card to your phone Wallet for easy access when traveling. It will instruct you in the app how to do this.

To use the ticket to enter the metro station, pull up your digital Navigo card either from your phone Wallet or through the app. Tap/hold your phone on the purple part on top of the turnstile- it will beep and the doors will open. You’ll do the same thing to leave the metro upon arriving in Versailles. This is also how a ticket controller would check that you have a ticket too.

Photo courtesy of ratp.fr

This is now the easiest way to buy train tickets to Versailles from Paris! Especially because you can also use the app for taking the metro within Paris and the suburbs as well! You’ll need a new ticket for each trip you take. You can buy them as you need in the app.

Note: While the digital tickets have made traveling on the Paris metro easier, if you have paper tickets, they can still be used. You can also transfer them to a physical Navigo Easy travel pass for easy access.

Step 4: Board the train to Versailles

Once you have your ticket, head to the train station closest to your location in Paris. I recommend checking the screens multiple times. You’re looking for your stop (Versailles) to show up in the list for that train. When the train comes into the station, another way to double-check that it’s the right one is looking for the name of the train on the front as it comes in and compare it with what is showing on the monitor (ex. VICK for RER trains). If you’re taking the train in Saint Lazare or Montparnasse, you would double check the monitors and make sure that you’re at the right quai.

Very Important: If you have a paper ticket, hold onto it! You will need it to exit once you arrive or in case of ticket control on the train. This is another reason why buying train tickets in the Bonjour RATP app can make your life easier – no need to keep track of a paper ticket!

Step 5: Enjoy the scenic journey to Versailles from Paris

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey from Paris to Versailles aboard the train. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour depending on where you’re coming from, during which you’ll pass through charming Parisian suburbs before arriving in Versailles.

I’m constantly inspired by the beauty and charm of this historic town and hope this article on how to go from Paris to Versailles has inspired you to embark on your own journey to discover the magic that awaits.

P.S. While you’re here, let’s bake together?!

Oh and double Psst. If taking the train from Paris to Versailles is feeling overwhelming (I get it!), grab an Uber! Depending on the time and where you’re at, the normal fare is around 50€.

Your Ultimate Versailles Guide

Need even more ideas of what to do in Versailles? Get your copy of my brand-new Versailles Guide! This 37-page e-book guide includes everything you need to know if you’re visiting this magical city, whether you’re coming for a day trip or staying for a week.