Paris to Versailles – RER C vs. SNCF, Tickets, Time, and Best Route

Versailles is closer than you think. Here’s how to reach it stress‑free — and which route to pick if there’s weekend maintenance.

Fastest routes

• RER C → Versailles Château – Rive Gauche: closest to the Palace entrance (≈10–12 min walk). Check for planned works on weekends and holidays.
• SNCF Transilien L/N → Versailles Rive Droite / Versailles Chantiers: similar travel time; a pleasant 15–20 minute walk through town.

Tickets and passes

• Buy a point‑to‑point ticket or use contactless with caps (zones apply). Validate/tap in and out.
• Families: consider return tickets to simplify the end of the day.

Tours and buses

• Guided coach tours bundle transport and timed entry — convenient in peak season.
• Public buses exist but are slower; use only if stations are disrupted.

Driving and parking

• Paid lots around Place d’Armes and near the Trianon Estate. Arrive early; weekends fill fast.
• EV charging: limited; check apps ahead of time.

Accessibility

• Stations have elevators, but outages happen; allow buffer time.
• At the Palace, request step‑free routes at information desks; garden gravel can be challenging but main axes are manageable.

Bottom line

Pick RER C when it’s running normally. If not, switch to SNCF Transilien via Rive Droite or Chantiers. Either way, you’ll be standing at the golden gates before you know it.