Journey to Versailles: Your Guide to the Royal Train

Are you dreaming of exploring the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles? Let us guide you on a simple and affordable journey from Paris! This guide will unveil the secrets of getting to Versailles by train, ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Versailles: A Royal Destination

Versailles, a charming town and former royal residence, lies nestled in the verdant suburbs west of Paris. The distance between Paris and Versailles is a mere 9 miles, making it an ideal day trip from the City of Lights. For budget-conscious travelers, public transportation, especially the train, is the most economical way to reach this historical gem. A roundtrip train ticket from Paris to Versailles costs about €7.30, beating the cost of buses, private cars, or ride-hailing services.

3 Royal Routes to Versailles by Train

There are three primary train lines connecting Paris to Versailles:

1. RER C Train: The most popular route, the RER C train slices through the heart of Paris, following the scenic Seine River.

2. Train Line L: This line originates from Saint Lazare station in the north-central part of Paris, close to iconic department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

3. Train Line N: This line begins its journey in the fashionable Saint Germain des Pres district in southern Paris, departing from Montparnasse station.

RER C: Your Direct Path to Versailles

To ensure a smooth journey, let’s focus on the RER C train, the preferred route for most visitors.

Understanding Paris’s Public Transport System:

Paris has a comprehensive public transport network. The metro (subway) and RER (regional express network) operate on a unified ticketing system. You don’t need separate tickets for the metro and RER – one ticket covers both.

Purchasing Your Ticket:

1. Locate a nearby metro or train station.
2. Purchase your ticket to “Versailles Château Rive Gauche” station. This ticket will be valid for the metro and RER, allowing you to take any combination of lines that provides the fastest route.
3. Use a ticketing machine (which offers English options) or queue at the ticket counter.
4. Pay with cash or credit card.

Important Note:

• The ticketing machine will print two tickets per person, one for each leg of your journey. Remember to keep the second ticket for your return trip from Versailles to Paris.
• If you purchase your ticket from a human attendant, simply explain that you need a round-trip ticket to “Versailles Château Rive Gauche” station.

Navigating the RER C Train:

1. Look for the display screen with the RER C train information.
2. Find the line labeled “Versailles Chateau RG” (NOT “Versailles-Rive Droite” or “Versailles-Chantier”).
3. Identify your train by the name “VICK” displayed on the left.
4. The time remaining until the next train is shown on the right side of the screen.
5. A letter code indicates the platform where your train will depart. Follow the instructions and locate the correct platform.
6. Once on the platform, wait for your train.

Enjoying Your Ride:

1. Relax and enjoy the view!

Navigating RER C Line Variations:

The RER C line splits into three branches south of the Seine River:

• East of Paris: RER C stations include Champ de mars, Pont de l’Alma, Invalides, Musee d’Orsay, St-Michel, Paris Austerlitz, and Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand.
• West of Paris: RER C stations include Porte de clichy, Pereire Levallois, Neuilly Porte Maillot, Avenue Foch, Avenue Henri Martin, and Boulainvilliers.
• Versailles Chateau / Rive Gauche: RER C stations include Javel, Pont du Garigliano, and Issy.

Traveling to Versailles:

• Case A: If you board the RER C at Javel, Pont du Garigliano, or any station east of Paris (mentioned above), you are in luck! Simply take the RER C train heading towards “Versailles Chateau RG (VICK)” and disembark at “Versailles Rive gauche Chateau de Versailles.” No change of trains is needed.

• Case B: If you catch the RER C in the northwestern part of Paris (stations listed above), you will need to change trains before reaching Versailles.

  • Be mindful that the RER C line splits at the Champs de Mars/Tour Eiffel station. Change trains here to catch the “Versailles Rive Gauche” line.
  • From your RER C station, take the train direction “Pont de Rungis – Aeroport d’Orly.”
  • Change trains at “Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel.”
  • Board the RER C train heading to “Versailles Rive Gauche / Chateau de Versailles” station.

Example:

Imagine you are departing from the RER C “Javel” station. You would simply take the RER C train going towards “Versailles Chateau RG (VICK)” and exit at “Versailles Rive gauche Chateau de Versailles.”

Enjoy your journey!

Reference photo