The journey from Beauvais Airport to Versailles is more complicated than most visitors anticipate since Beauvais–Tillé Airport is located north of Paris and Versailles is situated to the southwest of the capital, so there is no direct train or public bus service linking the two places.
The distance by road is about 90 to 100 kilometres, and a direct trip usually takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes; public transport may take 2 hours 30 minutes or more, since it involves several changes in Paris.
The guide looks at the different transport options available to families, couples, groups, individual tourists and passengers travelling with luggage. Those who want to avoid getting around Paris after arriving by plane can arrange a private transfer in advance, which will take them directly from the airport terminal to their accommodation in Versailles.
How Far Is Beauvais Airport from Versailles?
Beauvais–Tillé Airport, officially known as Paris Beauvais Airport, is located near the town of Beauvais in the Oise department. Although it is promoted as a Paris airport, it is about 85 kilometres north of central Paris.
Versailles is southwest of Paris and is best known for the Palace of Versailles, its gardens, and its historic town centre. The airport and Versailles are in opposite parts of the Paris area.
The distance you have to drive depends on the route you choose and the passenger's exact destination. Most trips amount to about 90 to 100 kilometres.
A driver will usually take parts of the A16, A115, A86, A14, or A13, depending on traffic conditions. The route can go round the western side of Paris instead of going through the city centre.
With light traffic, the journey will take about 1 hour 20 minutes; a more realistic daytime estimate ranges from 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
Morning and evening traffic congestion on the A86 near La Défense, in Saint-Cloud, and around the access routes to Versailles can make the journey take longer than two hours. If roadworks or large events are taking place at the Château de Versailles, this may cause further delays near the destination.
People should therefore refrain from booking a palace entry time right after their flight, since border controls, baggage retrieval, and airport congestion can affect the actual arrival time.
What are the ways of getting from Beauvais Airport to Versailles?
There is not a single public transport service available for travelling from Beauvais Airport to Versailles. The main options are to take the airport shuttle and then go by train; use a local bus or taxi to Beauvais station and then continue by rail; arrange a private transfer; take an airport taxi; use a ride-hailing app; or hire a rental car.
Prices vary by number of passengers, day of travel, vehicle size, and booking method; public transport is generally charged per passenger, while private vehicles are usually charged for the whole vehicle.
Airport Shuttle and Train
The shuttle service operated by the official Beauvais Airport runs between the airport and Porte Maillot in west Paris. The airport at present sells one-way online tickets priced at about €17.90 per adult, but passengers are advised to check the most up-to-date timetable and fare on the official Beauvais Airport shuttle page.
The bus trip to Porte Maillot generally takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, but it may take up to 1 hour 45 minutes in heavy traffic. Once you arrive, you have to go to Versailles using the Paris transport system.
A possible option is to start your journey from Porte Maillot and go on to La Défense, after which you can take either the Transilien L or U line towards Versailles; the exact point at which you have to change trains will depend on the services available and on whether the passenger wishes to go to Versailles Rive Droite, Versailles Chantiers or another part of the town.
The journey should take between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours; you may need extra time if you wait for the shuttle, walk between platforms, or make connections.
Versailles Rive Droite is about a 15-minute walk from the Palace of Versailles and Versailles Chantiers is usually around 20 minutes' walk away, depending on the entrance needed.
You have to transfer suitcases from the airport bus to the station corridors and onto the trains. Lifts or escalators are not always located near the most convenient route.
Pros
- Usually one of the lowest-cost practical routes
- Frequent airport shuttle departures during operating hours
- Suitable for solo travellers with manageable luggage
- No need to drive in unfamiliar traffic
Cons
- No direct service to Versailles
- Requires multiple stages and potentially several changes
- Total time depends on road traffic and train connections
- Difficult with pushchairs, large suitcases or young children
- Walking is required between stations and the final destination
The combination of shuttle and train is best for people who value low cost over speed; if you want direct pickup at the terminal, a private driver eliminates the need to transfer between services in Paris.
You can check official train schedules and connections on the SNCF timetable page
Local Transport to Beauvais Station and Train
Since Beauvais Airport has no railway station, passengers taking this route must take a local bus or taxi from the terminal to Beauvais railway station.
Regional trains depart from Beauvais station and go to Paris Gare du Nord; the rail journey usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, though a few services take longer.
Once people arrive at Gare du Nord, they have to go through Paris and change for a train to Versailles. The route taken may require the use of the RER, the Métro and a Transilien service.
The whole journey might take as long as three hours or longer and could be even less predictable in the evening since a delayed flight might decrease the number of suitable onward train connections.
Pros
- An alternative when the airport shuttle schedule is unsuitable
- Can be useful for passengers already planning to stop near Gare du Nord
- Regional trains usually provide more space than urban Métro services
Cons
- Beauvais Airport has no rail station
- Requires transport to Beauvais station
- Several changes are necessary
- Separate tickets may be required
- Poor fit for passengers carrying heavy luggage
- Missed connections can significantly extend the journey
No TGV fast service runs from Beauvais Airport to Versailles, and any route advertised as involving a train actually starts with a road transfer to Beauvais station.
Private Transfer
A private transfer is arranged before arrival; the driver will meet passengers at Beauvais Airport and provide door-to-door transport to a hotel, an apartment, or a private address in Versailles.
The car is booked for your reservation and is not used for travel with strangers. The trip usually takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the exact drop-off point.
An appropriate transfer service will monitor the arriving flight and adjust the pickup if the aircraft arrives early or late. However, passengers must check the company's waiting-time policy before confirming it.
This choice is especially suitable for families who need child seats, groups that require a minivan, elderly travellers, and passengers with several suitcases. You generally need to request child seats when booking.
Pros
- Direct journey without changes
- Driver meets passengers at the airport
- Fare agreed before travel
- Vehicle selected for the passenger and luggage count
- Child seats may be requested in advance
- Available for early-morning and late-night arrivals when pre-booked
Cons
- Costs more than public transport for one passenger
- Advance booking is recommended
- Travel time remains subject to road conditions
- Oversized luggage must be declared beforehand
For instance, a family of four would normally have to purchase four shuttle tickets, change at unknown stations and look after their suitcases as well as the pushchair. With a private car, they can stay together with their luggage throughout the journey.
Book your private transfer from Beauvais Airport to Versailles if you want the driver, vehicle size and fare arranged before your flight.
Airport Taxi
Taxis are available at the official rank outside the terminal and offer direct transportation to Versailles without changing trains in Paris.
The usual way to work out the fare is by taxi meter, not by a fixed tariff for journeys from central Paris airports. Since Beauvais is not within the areas with fixed fares for certain trips from Charles de Gaulle or Orly, the fare is determined by the meter.
The cost of a long-distance taxi journey to Versailles could be about €180 to €250, depending on traffic conditions, the time of travel, and any applicable supplements. Travellers should ask how the fare will be calculated before they leave.
Pros
- Direct service from the taxi rank
- No need to understand the rail network
- Suitable for an unplanned journey
- Luggage can remain in the vehicle
Cons
- Final fare may vary
- A suitable large vehicle may not be waiting
- Availability can be limited after several flights arrive together
- Child seats are not guaranteed without advance arrangements
Taxis are practical when you need immediate transport, and the metered fare is acceptable. When you book a transfer in advance, you have greater certainty about the vehicle's capacity and the price.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Although ride-hailing apps show cars near Beauvais Airport, driver availability is less reliable than in central Paris, with a driver possibly being some way away or refusing a trip heading towards Versailles.
Prices depend on demand; late arrivals, flight disruptions, and periods with multiple incoming flights can drive the quoted fare up.
People should confirm the pickup point through the app since the driver might not be waiting for them in the terminal. It is also essential to make sure the chosen vehicle can carry all the suitcases.
Pros
- Fare estimate shown before requesting a vehicle
- Payment is normally handled through the app
- Direct travel when a driver accepts the request
- Useful as an on-demand alternative
Cons
- Limited driver availability is possible
- Surge pricing can make the trip expensive
- Pickup instructions may be unclear
- Standard cars may not hold a group’s luggage
- Child seats are rarely guaranteed
It is better to treat ride-hailing apps as an on-demand option rather than the most reliable choice when you have a late flight or are arriving with a group.
Car Rental
A number of car rental companies are available at Beauvais Airport, and it makes sense to rent a car if your first destination is Versailles on a longer driving holiday.
An experienced driver should find the direct drive easy enough, though the route involves busy motorways and complicated interchanges, and traffic near Paris can be demanding after a flight.
Parking also has to be taken into account, since hotels may charge fees for private parking and spaces near Trocadéro can get busy on weekends, holidays and major events.
Pros
- Flexibility for a multi-destination itinerary
- No public transport timetable
- Useful for travel beyond Versailles
- Luggage remains in the car
Cons
- Rental, fuel, toll, insurance and parking costs
- Security deposit may be required
- Driver must navigate Paris-region motorways
- Vehicle collection adds time after landing
- Poor value if the car will remain parked in Versailles
It is seldom economical to hire a car only to get to and from the airport, but the arrangement makes sense if you plan to use the car for several days outside central Paris.
Comparison of Beauvais Airport to Versailles Transfer Options
| Option | Estimated Total Time | Comfort | Luggage | Direct | Estimated Cost |
|---|
| For airport shuttle and train | 2.5 to 3 hours | Moderate to low | It must be carried when making connections | No | About €22 to €35 per person |
| Beauvais station and train | 3–3.5 hours | Moderate | Difficult across several changes | No | About €25–€45 per person |
| Private transfer | 1 hr 20 min–1 hr 50 min | High | Vehicle selected in advance | Yes | Fixed quote per vehicle |
| Airport taxi | 1 hr 20 min–2 hours | High | Limited by available vehicle | Yes | Roughly €180–€250 |
| Ride-hailing app | 1 hr 20 min–2 hours | High when available | Depends on vehicle category | Yes | Variable demand-based fare |
| Rental car | 1 hr 30 min–2 hours after collection | Moderate | Depends on rental category | Yes | Rental, fuel, tolls and parking |
Times and prices are estimates, not guarantees. Under normal circumstances,, the quickest option is a private car, a taxi, or a ride-hailing car. The cheapest option is usually the official shuttle together with public transport.
Best Option for Different Travellers
The decision should be based more on the number of people in the group, the amount of luggage, and when you are arriving than on price alone.
- For families with children: a private transfer is generally the most practical option, since having a child seat that has been previously arranged and adequate luggage space are important factors when travelling with a pushchair.
- For couples: The airport shuttle and the train will save money if both travelers have only light luggage. A private car is more appealing following a late flight or when the accommodation is not close to a station.
- Groups: It is better to compare the cost per vehicle rather than per passenger. When you buy shuttle and train tickets for six or eight people, a minivan can offer better overall value.
- If you are a budget traveller, take the official airport shuttle to Porte Maillot and then continue using public transport. Allow enough time to change trains and walk around the station.
- Business travellers: A private driver offers a direct route and enables colleagues to travel together, while also preventing the need to spend many hours moving around the stations after a flight.
- If you have a lot of luggage then you should select a direct vehicle since the connections at Paris station involve corridors, stairs and crowded platforms.
- For first-time visitors, a pre-booked transfer helps to avoid taking the wrong train or ending up at the wrong Versailles station.
- If you are travelling late at night, you should check the final shuttle and train links before taking a flight, since a delayed arrival might make your planned public transport route impossible.
- For travellers who are short on time: taking the direct road transport will give the shortest possible journey, though some time should still be allowed for traffic.
- For older travellers or passengers who have reduced mobility: door-to-door transport eliminates the need for long walks around the station. Let the transport provider know in advance about any mobility equipment and the assistance you may require.
Why a Private Transfer Is the Most Convenient Option
The main challenge on this route is the country's geography: Beauvais Airport and Versailles are on opposite sides of the Paris area, and public transport relies on connections through Paris rather than direct services from the airport to Versailles.
By arranging a private transfer, you avoid using the airport shuttle, city transport, and the last leg of the journey from a Versailles station. The driver will pick up passengers at the agreed meeting point and take them directly to their exact address.
The vehicle is assigned based on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage declared. This matters because four adults with large suitcases might need a minivan, even though they could theoretically fit in a regular car.
A fixed price also makes the total cost easier to work out. Find out if the quote covers airport pickup, motorway tolls, parking, waiting time and night supplements.
If you're arriving late, check that the service is available around the clock and get the driver's or dispatch contact information. Although it is useful to monitor your flight, passengers must still let the company know if their flight number changes.
A private transfer is more expensive than the public route when travelling alone; for a family or group, however, the per-person difference may be much smaller when all shuttle and train fares are taken into account.
To get your private transfer from Beauvais Airport to Versailles, you should book it in advance so that you can ensure that the right vehicle is reserved, child seats are provided if needed, and an agreed pickup arrangement is put in place.
Travel Time by Time of Day
Traffic can change rapidly on the road network west of Paris, so the figures below should be treated as possible ranges for planning purposes.
Morning
From about 07:00 to 10:00, commuter traffic may affect the roads leading into the Paris area, the A86, and those near La Défense.
Allow about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes; Tuesday and Thursday can be very busy on ordinary working weeks.
Midday
The most reliable driving conditions are usually experienced in the late morning and early afternoon, and a trip takes about one hour twenty to one hour forty-five minutes.
Near Versailles, traffic can still build up during the summer, on weekends, and during popular times for entering the palace.
Evening
Between 16:30 and 19:30 there is a rush in the evening, which can cause long delays around western Paris and on the motorway towards Versailles.
Allow 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes; Friday traffic could be heavier since both commuters and weekend travellers will be using the same roads.
Night
Once the evening traffic has cleared, the journey should take about one hour fifteen minutes to one hour thirty-five minutes.
Public transport ceases to be a practical option at night because service frequency decreases and the last bus route may be cancelled. Furthermore, road closures carried out for maintenance can influence the quickest route.
Cost Breakdown by Transfer Type
Public transport seems the least expensive option since tickets are sold separately; the official airport shuttle costs about €17.90 per adult one way when bought online, plus extra charges for the trip to Versailles.
A single passenger would pay about €22 to €35 if they used the shuttle and rail systems, two passengers would pay roughly €44 to €70, and a family or group has to pay for each individual unless a child discount is available.
The journey from Beauvais station consists of a local trip to the railway station, a regional train to Paris and then further transport to Versailles; the total cost is usually about €25 to €45 per person.
Long-distance taxis from the airport can cost about €180 to €250; the meter may keep going up during congestion, at night, on Sundays, or if luggage supplements apply under the tariff.
Private transfer prices vary by company and vehicle type. Rather than looking only at the overall fare, you should check if the quote includes:
- Airport meet-and-greet
- Flight monitoring
- Parking and motorway tolls
- A stated waiting period
- Child or booster seats
- Late-night pickup
- Oversized luggage
- Drop-off at the exact accommodation
Fare prices for ride-hailing services are based on demand; if no driver nearby agrees to take the long trip, or if you need a larger vehicle, the first estimate may not be accurate.
The costs involved in hiring a car include the daily fee, the level of insurance, fuel, and any tolls and parking. The amount can also be increased by additional driver charges and young-driver fees.
When dealing with groups, you have to work out the cost per person; for example, a vehicle costing €200 which is shared by six passengers amounts to about €33 per person, and this is roughly equal to the total cost of the shuttle and the trains while at the same time providing direct door-to-door transport.
Tips for a Reliable Transfer Experience
It is advisable to book transport directly during the early part of the summer, at Easter, on Christmas Day and during the European school holidays. Greater vehicles and child seats are less readily available than standard cars.
Provide the exact flight number, not just the scheduled landing time, so the service can identify which terminal was used and any delays.
Before you choose a vehicle, make sure you count all the suitcases, cabin bags, pushchairs and mobility equipment. Passenger capacity is not the same as luggage capacity.
Make sure the full Versailles address is saved offline, since there are many hotels and apartments, as well as several stations, in the surrounding area.
Do not book a timed ticket for the Palace of Versailles too close to your arrival time by air. If you arrive internationally, allow time for immigration, baggage collection, the drive, and a reasonable delay.
When using public transport, check live service updates on the day in question. The RER C and Transilien lines may be affected by engineering work, particularly in the evenings, on weekends and during holidays.
Purchase the airport shuttle ticket from the official operator and check the current stop in Paris. Shuttle routes have changed before, so an old travel article or a saved map might no longer be accurate.
On trains, keep your valuables within reach and safe; when moving through busy stations, do not put your passport, phone, or wallet in a pocket of your external luggage.
When booking your reservation, not at the time of pickup, please ask for child seats and give the provider each child's age or estimated weight so they can arrange the correct seat.
Before you leave, save the transfer company's telephone number or WhatsApp details, as airport Wi-Fi or roaming issues might make it difficult to arrange the meeting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should one get from Beauvais Airport to Versailles?
The most convenient option is a pre-booked private transfer, as it offers transport directly from the terminal to your address. Although public transport is cheaper for a single traveller, it requires an airport shuttle and further connections by train or Métro through Paris.
Is there a direct train available from Beauvais Airport to Versailles?
Beauvais Airport has no railway station and no direct train service to Versailles; passengers must first get to Beauvais railway station or take the airport shuttle to Paris, then use regional and suburban trains.
How long does the journey from Beauvais Airport to Versailles take?
A direct road journey usually takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes, although it can take over 2 hours due to heavy commuter traffic. Public transport generally takes between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes, including time for connections.
What is the lowest cost method of getting from Beauvais Airport to Versailles?
The usual low-cost route is the official Beauvais Airport shuttle to Porte Maillot followed by public transport to Versailles. Expect a total cost of approximately €22–€35 per adult, depending on the route and current fares.
How much is a taxi from Beauvais Airport to Versailles?
A long-distance airport taxi may cost approximately €180–€250. The exact amount depends on the metered tariff, traffic, travel time and applicable supplements. Ask how the fare is calculated before leaving the airport.
Can I book a private transfer at night?
Many private transfer services accept 24-hour bookings, but you should reserve the journey in advance. Confirm the night rate, including waiting time and procedure if the flight is delayed before completing the booking.
Is public transport suitable with children and luggage?
It is possible, but the route involves several stages, station walking and handling bags during transfers. Families carrying suitcases, a pushchair and child equipment will usually find a direct minivan considerably easier.
Which Versailles station is closest to the Palace?
Versailles Château Rive Gauche is the best-known station for the palace and is roughly a 10-minute walk away. Versailles Rive Droite and Versailles Chantiers are also usable but require longer walks. The most practical station depends on the route operating that day.
Can a private transfer provide child seats?
Usually, yes, when requested in advance. State the number of children and their ages or approximate weights while booking. Do not assume a last-minute taxi or ride-app vehicle will carry an appropriate child seat.
Should I visit the Palace of Versailles on the same day I land?
It is possible after an early arrival, but avoid booking a restrictive entry time. Flight delays, baggage collection, and Paris-region traffic can make arrival times unpredictable. Staying overnight in Versailles provides a more comfortable schedule.
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