Wondering which airport to fly into to visit the Palace of Versailles? Because of its proximity to Paris, you’ll most likely land at one of Paris’ three airports, I’ve listed below. From there, it’s a short trip (by taxi or train) to this iconic destination. Let’s dive into the details of flying to Versailles.
1. Paris Airports: Which One Should You Pick?
Before you book your flight, consider the airport that best fits your plans. Here’s a quick guide:
Orly (ORY)
- Closest to Versailles: Approximately 25 km away.
- Best for convenience: Easy access to Versailles via taxi, private transfer, or public transport (Orlybus + RER C).
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Distance: About 50 km from Versailles.
- Best for international travelers: CDG offers the most flight options and is well-connected to Versailles by train (RER B + RER C) or private transfer.
Beauvais (BVA)
- Distance: Roughly 90 km from Versailles.
- Best for budget travelers: Only serviced by low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Transfers involve a reasonably priced shuttle into central Paris. Then you need to plan your onward transport to Versailles.
💡 Pro Tip: Orly is the most convenient for reaching Versailles, but if you find a great deal at CDG or Beauvais, don’t hesitate—Versailles is accessible from all three.
2. Finding the Best Flights to Paris
Once you’ve decided on the airport, it’s time to book your flight. Here’s how to score the best deal:
- Use flight aggregators: Websites like Google Flights, Omio or Skyscanner let you compare prices across airlines.
- Search for flexible dates: Experiment with different departure and return dates to find the cheapest options.
- Fly midweek: Flights on Tuesdays are consistently cheaper due to lower demand.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up price alerts for your preferred airport and route to grab deals as soon as they appear.
3. Getting to Versailles from the Airport
After landing, getting to Versailles is straightforward:
From Orly (ORY)
- Public Transport: Take the Orlybus to Antony, then transfer to the RER C train.
- Private Transfer: Convenient if you’re traveling with luggage or a group.
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Public Transport: Use the RER B train to central Paris, then switch to the RER C line to Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
- Private Transfer: Pre-arranged car services like Welcome Pickups ensure a seamless experience.
From Beauvais (BVA)
- Shuttle to Paris: A dedicated bus service runs to Porte Maillot in Paris. From there, take public transport or a taxi to Versailles.
4. The Trouble with Early Morning Flights
If you’re catching an early flight either in or out of Paris, here’s what to watch out for:
- Metro schedules: Paris Metro doesn’t start until 5:30 AM
- Plan ahead:
- Book a hotel near the airport
- Arrange a private transfer for a stress-free morning.
💡 Pro Tip: Services like Welcome Pickups offer reliability and convenience, especially for early departures or late arrivals.
5. A Luxurious Alternative: Fly by Helicopter
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider a helicopter transfer from Paris. When flying to Versailles, you’ll land directly behind the Palace, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the gardens and château. Perfect for special occasions!
Flying to Versailles: Final Thoughts
Planning your flight to Versailles starts with picking the right Paris airport. Once that’s sorted, booking your flight and arranging transport becomes a breeze. Check here for more information on how to get into Versailles from Paris. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for a touch of luxury, there’s an option to suit every traveler.
Safe travels, and enjoy your Versailles adventure!
