How to Visit Versailles Palace in 2023: Tickets, Hours, and More
Versailles became the center of European culture after it was finished in 1634 and remained so until 1789. It was the largest palace ever built and immediately turned into the envy of all European kings and queens. Versailles is currently one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and things that happened there even up until the 20th century influenced world history. Every visitor is astounded by the magnificence of the enormous architecture, glittering royal suites, and rich gardens.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re in Paris and want to know how simple it is to travel to Versailles. Versailles is merely a short day trip from Paris, but you must schedule your vacation in advance. You won’t want to miss a Versailles tour from Paris if you want to experience the gorgeous gardens and inspirational château.
The Palace of Versailles is a simple 35-minute train journey or 45-minute drive outside Paris. We’ll go into more detail about how to get there later. the more extensive suburban rail system, RER, is the simplest method to get there.
This guide will include everything you need to know about Versailles tickets, admission fees, recommended activities, transportation options, and much more.
Versailles Palace Information And Hours
- November 1st – March 31st
Palace of Versailles: Tuesday – Sunday | 9 a.m. – 5:30 pm
Gardens of Versailles: Daily | 8 am – 6 pm
The estate of Trianon: Tuesday – Sunday | 12 – 6:30 pm
- April 1st – October 31st:
Palace of Versailles: Tuesday – Sunday | 7 am – 8:30 pm
Gardens of Versailles: Daily from 8 am – 6 pm
The estate of Trianon: Tuesday – Sunday | 12 – 6:30 pm
Versailles Ticket costs:
In fact, there are numerous ticket alternatives available to view Versailles on foot, by bike, or even by rowboat. The most popular ticket types and their costs are listed below:
Ticket to Versailles Palace: €18 (includes audio guide)
The Versailles Garden is Free on days when there is no music performance or fountain.
Garden Ticket with Music and Fountains:
The estate of Trianon is included in the passport ticket, which costs between €20 and €27. Price changes according to season.)
Only guided visits are available at Petit Trianon.
The estate of Trianon is included in the passport ticket, which costs between €20 and €27. Price changes according to season.)
Only guided visits are available at Petit Trianon.
Most people visit the Palace of Versailles during the weekends and on Tuesdays. You’ll need to plan ahead and buy your Versailles tickets or tour in advance, especially during the summer.
It is important to arrive as early as possible to see the palace if you have not made any prior arrangements. It is advised to arrive at least a few minutes before opening time. Avoid visiting Versailles in the late morning and early afternoon when crowds are at their heaviest if you didn’t pre-purchase admission or a tour.
It is recommended to tour the gardens first if you choose to visit Versailles in the afternoon. Retrace your steps to the palace in the late afternoon or evening.
Purchase Tickets for Versailles in Advance
If you’ve made an online reservation for your ticket to Versailles and have a copy available, head straight to entrance A of the palace with your ticket. You can try to get inside and buy your ticket at one of the automatic ticket machines that many tourists are unaware of if you didn’t buy a ticket in advance.
Lunch in a restaurant or a picnic in the garden
It is strongly advisable bringing a picnic lunch. There aren’t many good eating alternatives at Versailles. Picnicking is permitted on the grounds, so grab a bakery sandwich or stop at a market before boarding your train for Versailles.
How to Travel from Paris to Versailles
The Château de Versailles is located in Versailles, France, not in Paris. You can travel to Versailles in one of three methods from Paris.
By Train:
To reach the Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station, take the RER C. The train may stop at one of three Versailles stations, depending on your point of origin.
It’s not a big deal if you get off at the wrong one, but you might need to do some extra work and call a cab. It takes only 10 minutes to walk to the palace from Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. Thankfully, there are many signals pointing in the right direction.
To get to and from Versailles, you’ll need to purchase a certain metro ticket. The price of a round-trip ticket is €7.10. If buying from a machine makes you nervous about getting the wrong ticket, buy them from a metro service agent.
Make sure, when purchasing a metro ticket, that you select the Versailles Rive Gauche station as your final destination (there are three destinations in Versailles; it is more practical to select the correct one). Plan properly because the train ride could take you anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on where you begin.
Check the train schedule on Google Maps because they usually leave every hour. Any subterranean Metro will be covered by your RER-C train ticket. To cover the return trip to Paris, make sure to purchase a return ticket. Any train that is going to Versailles or Versailles Rive Gauche/Chateau is OK. Every 15 minutes, trains leave.
By Bus:
The Versailles Express bus leaves from a location close to the Eiffel Tower. You may purchase a round-trip bus ticket to Versailles and admission to the palace on their website for €42 or just a round-trip bus ticket for €24. However, keep in mind that all of their tickets are for half-day transfers, so if you choose this option, your time at the palace will be constrained. You can absolutely travel from Paris by bus, but since the train offers a smoother and quicker ride.
So, in case you are considering taking the Versailles Palace tour, go through this list and have an amazing time there. Safe travels!