The Palace of Versailles is one of the best day trips from Paris, and from Gare Montparnasse you have a simple train, plus the option of a door-to-door transfer. This guide covers the routes, the costs and what to know before you arrive at the palace.
Options at a glance
| Option | Typical time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Train to Versailles Chantiers | About 15–25 minutes, then a 20-minute walk | A few euros per person |
| Private transfer (Piyo Cab) | About 25–40 minutes, door to door | €80 fixed for 1–4 passengers |
Fares, timetables and ticket prices change. The figures below are what we found at the time of writing, so check the operator or our price calculator before you travel.
By train from Gare Montparnasse
Suburban trains (Transilien line N) run from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers, roughly every 15 minutes. Tickets cost a few euros.
Versailles Chantiers is not right beside the palace. It is about a 20-minute walk, and a local bus or taxi covers the distance if you prefer. The station nearest the palace is Versailles Château – Rive Gauche on the RER C, but you reach it from other Paris stations, not from Montparnasse, so the Chantiers route is usually simplest from here.
By private transfer
If you would rather not change at the station or walk to the palace, a private transfer takes you from Gare Montparnasse straight to the palace area. It suits families with children, visitors with luggage, small groups and anyone short on time.
- Fixed fare: €80 for up to four passengers, €90 for five, €100 for six, €110 for seven and €120 for eight.
- Included: baby seat and booster seat, free of charge.
- Payment: reserve at no cost and pay the driver at the end.
Book Private Taxi With Piyo Cab
Instant Fare Calculator
Fixed rates — no hidden fees, no meter
Free cancellation or modification up to 24 hours before your transfer
Other ways to reach Versailles from Paris
If Montparnasse is not convenient, the RER C runs from several central Paris stations, such as Invalides and Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel, to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche. It is the closest station to the palace. From Gare Montparnasse, however, the direct train to Versailles Chantiers is usually the simplest start.
What to see at Versailles
- The State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, the palace’s best-known rooms.
- The gardens and the Grand Canal, designed on a huge scale and best seen on foot or by bike.
- The Trianon estate, including Marie-Antoinette’s Hamlet, a quieter area in the grounds.
- Musical fountains and garden shows, held on selected days in season. Check the official calendar.
A simple day plan
- Arrive early, before the main crowds, with your timed ticket.
- See the State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors first, while you are fresh.
- Lunch at the palace or in the town of Versailles.
- Spend the afternoon in the gardens and the Trianon estate.
- Meet your pre-booked driver at the end of the day for the return.
What it costs per person in a group
The fare is per vehicle, so the cost per person drops as the group grows: about €20 each for four passengers, about €17 each for six and €15 each for eight.
Tips for visiting the Palace of Versailles
- The palace is closed on Mondays. Check opening days and hours on the official website before you go.
- Book timed tickets in advance to avoid the longest queues, especially in summer.
- Allow a full day. The palace, gardens and the Trianon estate are large, and the gardens are worth the walk.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The gravel paths are long, and there is a lot of walking.
- Arrange your return. Pre-book your driver for the end of the day, so you are not queuing for a taxi when the palace closes.
You can also read our guides to getting from Paris to Versailles and from Disneyland Paris to Versailles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles?
The train to Versailles Chantiers takes roughly 15 to 25 minutes, followed by about a 20-minute walk to the palace. A private transfer takes about 25 to 40 minutes door to door, depending on traffic.
Which Versailles station is closest to the palace?
Versailles Château – Rive Gauche (RER C) is the closest. From Montparnasse, the usual route is the train to Versailles Chantiers, which is about a 20-minute walk from the palace.
How much is a private transfer from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles?
The Piyo Cab fixed fare is €80 for up to four passengers, €90 for five, €100 for six, €110 for seven and €120 for eight.
Is the Palace of Versailles open on Mondays?
No. The palace is closed on Mondays. Always check the official website for current opening days and hours.
Should I pre-book tickets for Versailles?
Yes. Booking timed tickets in advance helps you avoid the longest queues, especially in summer.
