Getting from Orly Airport to Versailles can be quite complicated when you have luggage, are travelling with children or aren't familiar with the Paris transport system. The distance by road is about 23 to 30 kilometres, and a direct trip generally takes 30 to 45 minutes outside of peak times. Although public transport is cheaper, it requires at least one change, whereas a pre-booked private transfer gives you direct access to the Palace of Versailles, a hotel, or a residential address. If you want to avoid changing trains after arriving by plane, booking an Orly Airport private transfer is worth considering.
How far is Orly Airport from Versailles?
Paris Orly Airport is south of central Paris, and Versailles is in the south-west of the capital, in the Yvelines department; although the two places are fairly close on a map, there is currently no direct railway service linking the airport with central Versailles.
The drive is usually 23 to 30 kilometres; the exact distance varies depending on the airport terminal, your destination in Versailles, and the route the driver chooses.
The usual roads go through Antony, Massy, Vélizy-Villacoublay or Jouy-en-Josas. Depending on traffic, drivers can take the A86, the N118, or local roads.
Typical door-to-door travel times are:
- Light traffic: 30–40 minutes
- Normal daytime traffic: 40–55 minutes
- Weekday rush hour: 55–80 minutes
- Serious congestion or roadworks: More than 80 minutes
Congestion usually occurs on weekday mornings from about 07:00 to 09:30 and in the late afternoons from 16:30 to 19:30; traffic near the A86, Vélizy, and the roads leading to Versailles can cause significant delays.
Where you end up also matters; the Palace of Versailles, Place d’Armes, Versailles-Chantiers station, and the hotels near Avenue de Paris are not all in the same part of the city.
Travellers visiting the palace should remember that a driver can normally leave passengers near Place d’Armes or another authorised drop-off point. Public transport users must walk from their arrival station.
What are the possibilities for travelling from Orly Airport to Versailles?
Options include public transport, a private transfer, an airport taxi, a ride-hailing app, or a rental car. No direct high-speed train runs from Orly Airport to Versailles; a regular coach provides service on this route.
The price depends on the number of passengers, the day of travel, traffic levels, the type of vehicle, and the booking terms; public transport charges per traveller, while private vehicles are usually charged for the whole vehicle.
Metro Line 14 and RER C
A very practical public transport route starts off with Metro Line 14 at Orly Airport. From there, you can go to the François Mitterrand Library and change to an RER C service bound for Versailles.
It is necessary to verify the train's destination before getting on board since the RER C has many branches, and the most convenient station to reach the Palace of Versailles is Versailles Château–Rive Gauche.
As the official visitor information page of the Palace of Versailles states, the station is about a ten-minute walk from the entrance to the palace.
The whole journey should take about 75 to 100 minutes, including the transfer and the final walk. The trip may be longer if there are waiting times or engineering works.
In 2026, a full-fare single ticket for the Paris Region Airports costs €14 and allows travel from Orly Airport to metro or RER stations in the Île-de-France region. Travellers are advised to check that they have the correct ticket before going through the airport gates.
Pros
- Predictable ticket price
- Only one main interchange on a suitable itinerary
- Versailles Château–Rive Gauche is close to the palace
- Not affected by road congestion
Cons
- Escalators, corridors and platforms can be difficult with suitcases
- RER C branches can confuse first-time visitors
- Service changes may affect the planned route
- No transport from the station to your hotel or apartment
- Crowded conditions are possible during commuter periods
The route is suitable for people travelling alone and for couples with only light luggage who know how to use public transport and are nothing to get into the palace.
Orlyval, RER B and RER C
Instead, passengers can take the Orlyval from the airport to Antony and then switch to the RER B heading towards Paris; they can change at Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame for the RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche.
The trip usually lasts about 85 to 110 minutes and includes two changes, and changing platforms after a flight can be tiring.
The route is useful if Line 14 or another section of the preferred itinerary is disrupted; however, it is seldom the most convenient choice for families, older passengers, or anyone carrying several suitcases.
Pros
- Useful alternative during disruption
- Ends at a station close to the palace
- Frequent services on major parts of the route
Cons
- Two changes are normally required
- Busy central Paris interchange
- More stairs, corridors and platform navigation
- Delays on one service can affect later connections
Before you travel, you should use the journey planner from Île-de-France Mobilités or RATP. Rail engineering work in the Paris area is usually planned for the evenings, weekends and school holidays.
You can check official train schedules and connections on the SNCF timetable page
Bus and Tram Connections
There is no direct public bus service from Orly Airport to Versailles that is convenient. Although you can arrange a cheaper route using Tram T7, local buses, the metro, and suburban trains, this generally requires multiple changes.
A trip by local surface transport takes between 100 and 140 minutes, though it can sometimes take longer. The more transfers there are, the greater the risk of missing a connection or of getting on the wrong direction.
The Orlybus should not be part of the current plan, since RATP stopped the service on 3 March 2025 after Metro Line 14 was extended to the airport.
Buses that run at night depart from Orly, but they do not offer a direct and simple route to Versailles. Those travelling late at night will have to go through Paris and wait for a different service.
Pros
- Can be economical with a suitable transport pass
- May help if rail services are disrupted
- Useful for passengers familiar with the local network
Cons
- No direct route
- Multiple transfers
- Limited luggage space
- Long and variable journey
- Poor choice after late arrivals
Bus travel is mainly appropriate for passengers who value the lowest possible cost more than travel time or convenience.
Private Transfer from Orly Airport to Versailles
A private transfer will be arranged before you arrive; the driver will monitor your flight, meet you at the agreed terminal meeting point, and provide direct door-to-door transport.
The trip usually takes between 30 and 55 minutes, and you don't need to go into central Paris, change trains, or walk from a Versailles station with luggage.
Private transfers are offered for single passengers, couples, families, and groups; a sedan can take up to three or four passengers, while a minivan is suitable for larger parties and more luggage.
When booking, request child seats, booster seats, and any extra luggage space. That way, the operator can allocate a suitable vehicle rather than making changes at the airport.
Pros
- Direct airport-to-address transport
- Fare agreed before travel
- Flight monitoring and adjusted pickup
- Help with luggage
- Child seats available by prior request
- Suitable vehicles for groups
- Available for early and late flights
Cons
- Costs more than public transport for one passenger
- Advance booking is recommended
- Journey time can increase during road congestion
For anyone looking for the most practical option in terms of a door-to-door journey, a private transfer from Orly Airport takes out the most difficult sections of this route.
Book your private transfer Now.
Airport Taxi
Official taxis are available at the designated ranks outside the Orly terminals. Just follow the signs in the airport and don't accept any offer of a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal.
The fixed taxi fares at Paris airports apply only to trips made between Orly and destinations located within the designated Paris areas. Since Versailles is not in Paris, the fare is usually determined by the meter instead of using the fixed Left Bank or Right Bank rate.
A typical fare is generally in the range of €55 to €85, though the total can be influenced by congestion, waiting time, any additional charges and the specific destination. If you plan to pay by card, ask the driver what payment methods are accepted before you leave.
Pros
- Available without an advance reservation
- Direct to your destination
- Official rank at the airport
- Suitable for ordinary luggage
Cons
- No standard fixed airport-to-Versailles fare
- Queues are possible after busy arrivals
- Final cost may rise in slow traffic
- A large vehicle or child seat may not be immediately available
An airport taxi is a good option when needed, especially for one or two passengers who have not arranged transportation beforehand.
Ride-Hailing Apps
People can be picked up at specified pickup locations at Orly Airport by vehicles using an app. The app shows an estimated fare before you confirm the booking and provides information about the vehicle and the driver.
The prices can vary from about €45 to €85, but in the case of bad weather, transport strikes or during busy arrival times dynamic pricing may increase the cost.
It can be harder to find the right pickup spot than to use the official taxi rank, and drivers might cancel if there is congestion at the airport.
Pros
- Fare estimate shown in the app
- Cashless payment
- Driver and vehicle details available
- Direct journey to Versailles
Cons
- Prices change according to demand
- Pickup points may require a walk
- Cancellations and waiting times are possible
- Child seats are not normally guaranteed
- Vehicle luggage capacity can vary
Ride-hailing apps suit passengers with mobile data, a working payment method, and some flexibility with waiting time.
Rental Car
Self-driving is possible for travellers going beyond Versailles because car-rental firms operate at Orly Airport, and the drive usually takes between 35 and 60 minutes, including the time needed to collect the vehicle.
Daily rental prices start at about €40 to €60 but can go above €100 depending on the season, the type of vehicle and the insurance. Fuel, the deposit, tolls where applicable, and parking must all be taken into account separately.
Parking is available near Place d’Armes and at various other facilities in the Versailles area; however, crowds may build up near the palace on weekends and during peak tourist times.
Pros
- Useful for a longer regional itinerary
- Flexible departure times
- Convenient for visiting destinations outside central Versailles
Cons
- Rental paperwork adds time
- Deposit and insurance conditions
- Unfamiliar roads and local driving rules
- Parking costs and availability
- Poor value for a single airport transfer
It is more reasonable to hire a car if you are making a number of day trips throughout Île-de-France or Normandy than if you are only travelling from Orly to a hotel in Versailles.
Once you've compared the options, travellers who prefer direct transport should book a private transfer to Versailles before their flight.
Comparison of Orly Airport to Versailles Transfer Options
| Option | Typical Total Time | Comfort | Luggage | Direct | Estimated Cost |
|---|
| Metro 14 and RER C | 75–100 minutes | Moderate | Limited during busy periods | No | About €14 per adult |
| Orlyval, RER B and RER C | 85–110 minutes | Moderate to low | Several transfers | No | Airport-route fare or valid pass |
| Bus, tram and local connections | 100–140+ minutes | Low | Limited | No | Depends on tickets or pass |
| Private transfer | 30–55 minutes | High | Selected when booking | Yes | About €65–€95 per vehicle |
| Official airport taxi | 35–65 minutes | Good | Depends on taxi size | Yes | About €55–€85 metered |
| Ride-hailing app | 35–70 minutes | Good | Depends on vehicle | Yes | About €45–€85 or more |
| Rental car | 45–90 minutes including collection | Good | Depends on car | Yes | Rental, fuel, insurance and parking |
The times and prices are only estimates, not guarantees; actual results may be affected by traffic, maintenance work, changes in demand and different booking conditions.
Best Option for Different Travellers
For families with children: a private transfer is usually the most practical choice since parents can ask for appropriate child seats and won't have to carry the pushchair through the stations and along the train corridors.
For couples: When travelling with light luggage, both the Metro Line 14 and the RER C provide good value. A private car is a more appealing option following a long flight or when the hotel is located a long distance from a station.
Groups: To compare the total cost of using a private vehicle with that of using public transport, consider that a ticket costing €14 for six adults amounts to €84, a figure which is roughly equivalent to the cost of a pre-booked minivan.
For budget travelers, public transport is generally the cheapest way to get around when traveling alone or in a pair. Be sure to allow extra time in your schedule and check whether any engineering work is planned before you leave the terminal.
For business travellers a private driver will give direct transport to the meeting, hotel or conference venue and also prevents the need to take work equipment through the busy interchanges.
For those travelling with a large amount of luggage: it is advisable to book a private transfer, take a taxi or use a ride-app vehicle that is the correct size. Since the lockers at the Versailles Palace have size limitations, you should arrange to store your luggage at the hotel if you are visiting before check-in.
For those visiting Paris for the first time, taking a pre-booked transfer will prevent any confusion about which branch of the RER C to take and about validating the ticket. Even so, you can manage public transport if you check the route in advance.
For people who travel late at night, taking private transport is generally the most sensible option since the frequency of rail services decreases in the late evening and if a flight is delayed passengers may find themselves with only a few connections available.
For travellers who are short on time: take the direct road transport and include a traffic allowance. Don't book your timed entrance to the palace right after your flight is due to arrive.
For older passengers or those with reduced mobility: carefully check that the public transport route you take is step-free. If you need door-to-door assistance and want to minimise walking, book a suitable private vehicle.
A good example in everyday life is a family of five travelling with four suitcases and a folded pushchair. If they use public transport, they have to buy separate tickets, change trains, and then walk from the station; a minivan with a reservation keeps the group together and costs only a little more than the total of their individual fares.
Why a Private Transfer Is the Most Convenient Option
The main benefit of a private transfer is not just the time spent in the vehicle; it eliminates the need to walk from the terminal to the station, buy a ticket, make any train changes, and complete the last leg of the journey at Versailles station.
A professional driver can pick up passengers from an agreed meeting point located in or near the arrivals area. The operator can adjust the pickup time since they are monitoring the flight.
Fixed pricing is especially useful on this route; unlike a metered taxi, the agreed fare should not increase because of slow traffic, as long as the booking details and destination stay the same.
You can also arrange the vehicle based on the number of passengers. For example, a family can ask for a child seat and room for a pushchair, while a group might book a minivan rather than splitting up between two cars.
Private services are usually available around the clock, provided they are booked in advance. This is particularly relevant for early departures, late arrivals, and flights that land after suburban rail services have reduced.
The driver will take you to your final destination, which could be the Palace of Versailles, Hôtel Le Versailles, the Waldorf Astoria Versailles–Trianon Versailles-Chantierahantiers or a private apartment.
Book a private transfer from Orly Airport to Versailles and provide your flight number, arrival time, number of passengers, amount of luggage, and number of child seats required.
Travel Time by Time of Day
Road conditions from Orly to Versailles vary over time. Remember that the arrival time given by an online map is a minimum and not a guaranteed arrival time.
Early Morning
The journey could take 30 to 40 minutes between about 05:00 and 06:30, as traffic starts to increase when commuters reach the A86 and employment areas near Massy and Vélizy.
Morning Rush Hour
Between 07:00 and 09:30, allow 50-80 minutes; a small collision or lane closure can quickly disrupt the A86 and surrounding roads.
Midday
Journeys usually take 35 to 50 minutes between 10:00 and 15:30. The area around Versailles can be busy at weekends, especially in summer, during school holidays, and at major events.
Evening Rush Hour
Traffic is usually busiest between 16:30 and 19:30, and you should allow 55-80 minutes, longer if the route is affected by rain, roadworks, or an incident.
Late Evening and Night
The drive could then take between 30 and 40 minutes, and since public transport is less frequent, it makes more sense to arrange a private transfer or take a taxi after a late flight.
With a timed palace ticket, allow time for immigration (where applicable), baggage collection, the airport meeting procedure, and traffic. The fact that you land at 08:30 doesn't mean that you'll leave the terminal at 08:35.
Cost Breakdown by Transfer Type
Public transport costs are per passenger; the full fare for a 2026 Paris Region Airports ticket is €14, so two adults will pay €28 and four adults will pay €56.
A private sedan usually costs about €65 to €95. Although minivans are more expensive, the cost can be shared among more passengers.
Official taxis going to Versailles charge by the meter, since Versailles is outside Paris, where a fixed fare applies. The cost of a trip can range from €55 to €85, the exact amount depending on traffic and any approved additional charges.
Ride-hailing services can start at a lower price than taxis or private transfers. But when dynamic pricing is used, the cost of the same journey can rise sharply after a large crowd arrives, during a strike, or at an evening event.
The cost of hiring a car goes beyond the advertised daily rate. Additional charges such as insurance, fuel, a deposit excess, and parking can turn what seems to be a cheap booking into the most expensive choice for a one-way journey.
If you're comparing prices then you should take the whole journey into account, since passengers using public transport might have to arrange a local taxi from Versailles-Chantiers to their accommodation, whereas a door-to-door transfer covers that last part.
Before paying, check the private transfer terms. Make sure that the fare covers airport parking, flight-delay waiting time, taxes, child seats and the number of luggage items indicated in the reservation.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer Experience
- Book private transport before the peak summer weekends, during Christmas travel and at the time of major Versailles events.
- Instead of just giving an estimated time of landing, tell the airline, the flight number and the arrival terminal.
- When choosing a vehicle, make sure to count the number of suitcases, cabin bags, pushchairs and wheelchairs.
- When making the booking, ask for child seats and give the ages of the children or state the seat categories needed.
- Leave at least 60 to 90 minutes between landing and any other scheduled commitment.
Check the latest RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités updates before you choose public transport.
- Make sure that the RER C train stops at Versailles Château–Rive Gauche before you get on.
- Make sure that the complete address of your hotel is available, since a number of properties have similar names.
- Keep the driver’s or the transfer company’s contact number before the flight.
- Stick to the official taxi ranks and turn down any offers that are made to you within the terminal.
- Before getting into a taxi, make sure that the card will be accepted if you do not have euros.
- Make sure your luggage is manageable when using the metro and RER during commuter hours.
- Before going to the palace, put the luggage in hotel storage.
- Bring a raincoat or an umbrella since the last leg of the journey from the station is open to the elements.
- Allow extra time on Sundays or while carrying out engineering work, as alternative routes may be slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should one travel from Orly Airport to Versailles?
For individual travellers who want to keep their costs low, taking the Metro Line 14 and then the RER C is usually the better option. A private transfer is the best choice for door-to-door travel, especially for families, groups, or passengers with luggage, since the trip normally lasts between 30 and 55 minutes.
Is there a direct train available from Orly Airport to Versailles?
There is at the moment no direct train service linking Orly Airport with Versailles. A reasonable way to get there is to take Metro Line 14 as far as Bibliothèque François Mitterrand and then switch to the RER C for Versailles Château–Rive Gauche. Allow about 75 to 100 minutes for the journey, including the train change and the walk.
What is the fare for a taxi from Orly Airport to Versailles?
A typical fare is about €55 to €85, depending on traffic conditions, the destination, and any applicable surcharges. Since Versailles is located outside Paris, the fixed taxi fares from Orly to Paris do not include this trip. The taxi officially assigned to the airport will generally use its meter.
How long does it take to drive from Orly Airport to Versailles?
Under normal circumstances, the journey takes between 30 and 45 minutes in light traffic and 40 to 55 minutes during typical daytime traffic. However, during weekday rush hour, congestion can extend the trip to 55 to 80 minutes or longer, especially around the A86 and Vélizy.
What is the lowest cost method of getting from Orly to Versailles?
Public transport alone is usually the cheapest option. You can take the Metro Line 14 and the RER C with the right airport ticket or with a qualifying pass. When travelling in groups, compare the total cost of individual tickets with the cost of using one private car.
Which Versailles station is closest to the Palace of Versailles?
Versailles Château–Rive Gauche is the closest commonly used station and is around a ten-minute walk from the palace. Versailles-Chantiers is approximately an 18-minute walk, while Versailles Rive Droite is roughly 17 minutes away.
Can I book a child seat for an Orly to Versailles transfer?
Yes, many private transfer companies provide baby seats or booster seats when requested in advance. Include the child’s age and the required seat type in the reservation. Don't assume an airport taxi or standard ride-app vehicle will have one available.
Can a private transfer collect me after a delayed flight?
A transfer company offering flight monitoring can adjust the pickup according to the revised arrival time. Check how much waiting time is included and whether very long delays create extra charges. Always submit the correct flight number when booking.
Is public transport practical with large suitcases?
It is possible, but not particularly convenient. Passengers must move through airport gates, corridors and at least one interchange before walking from the station. A taxi or private transfer is generally more suitable when carrying several large cases.
Will Metro Line 18 connect Orly Airport and Versailles directly?
The planned Metro Line 18 will eventually connect Orly Airport with Versailles-Chantiers, but the full airport-to-Versailles section is not yet available. Travellers should use existing transport routes and verify future opening dates through official sources.
You May Also Like These Transfer Options