Visiting Versailles with a chauffeur: journey time, waiting and which option
Short answer
The Palace of Versailles is about 40 minutes from central Paris. Two options: a one-way trip at a fixed price, €85 in an E-Class or €125 in a V-Class per vehicle, or a chauffeur on demand who waits for you: €380 for 4 hours in an E-Class, waiting included. The palace is closed on Mondays.
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| Option | What is included | E-Class | V-Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| One way, Paris ↔ Versailles | Fixed-price trip; 15 minutes of free waiting at pick-up | €85 | €125 |
| Chauffeur on demand, 4 hours | Outward trip, waiting on site and return; 40 km included per hour | €380 | €530 |
| Chauffeur on demand, 8 hours | Palace, gardens and Trianon, or a second visit | €720 | €1,010 |
| Extra hour | At the hourly rate of the class, per hour or part hour | €95/h | €135/h |
How long does it take to get from Paris to Versailles?
From central Paris, allow about 40 minutes to the Palace of Versailles, longer during the morning and evening rush hours. Your chauffeur drops you as close to the entrance as the authorised stopping areas allow, and picks you up at the same place or at the exit you agree. The palace opens at 9am and closes at 6.30pm from 1 April to 1 November (last admission 5.45pm), and at 5.30pm from 2 November to 31 March; it is closed on Mondays, while the park and gardens are open every day. To be there at opening time, a pick-up around 8.15am in Paris is a good guide: give us your ticket time and we will agree the schedule with you.
One-way trip or chauffeur on demand: which option?
A one-way trip suits you if you are staying in Versailles or returning later by other means: a fixed price per vehicle between central Paris and Versailles, €85 in an E-Class, €170 in an S-Class and €125 in a V-Class (up to 7 passengers). For a same-day return, two separately booked trips work, but the chauffeur does not wait for you in between. A chauffeur on demand keeps the same driver and car for the whole visit: 3 hours minimum, €95/h in an E-Class, or as a block, €380 for 4 hours and €720 for 8 hours. Bags, coats and shopping stay in the car.
Does the chauffeur wait during the visit?
With a chauffeur on demand, yes: waiting is included in the hours booked, and 40 km are included per hour, more than enough for the round trip and a drive to Trianon or the town. If the visit runs longer than planned, extra hours are charged at the same hourly rate, per hour or part hour, with no surcharge. On a one-way trip, the free waiting at the pick-up point is that of a street address: 15 minutes; after that it is charged at the hourly rate of the class. For a visit of two to three hours with a return to Paris, the 4-hour option is usually the simplest, and its price is known before you book.
Which vehicle for a family or a group?
Up to 3 people, a Mercedes E-Class or S-Class saloon is enough. From four to 7 people, a Mercedes V-Class takes everyone in one vehicle, for €125 one way or €530 for 4 hours on demand, per vehicle rather than per person. Child seats are free on request, and a pushchair fits in the boot. Prices are fixed, tolls and fuel included, with no surcharge at weekends or on public holidays; only hours beyond the block booked can be added. For a group of more than seven, several vehicles can be booked together, with the same departure time and the same pick-up point for the return.
Main page: Chauffeur on demand
Frequently asked questions
Is the Palace of Versailles open on Mondays?
No: the palace and the Trianon estate are closed on Mondays; the park and gardens stay open every day. Check your dates on the palace's official website before booking.
How much is a one-way trip from Paris to Versailles?
A fixed price per vehicle from central Paris: €85 in an E-Class, €170 in an S-Class and €125 in a V-Class, tolls and fuel included.
Can we combine Versailles with another visit on the same day?
Yes, with an 8-hour chauffeur on demand: €720 in an E-Class or €1,010 in a V-Class, 40 km included per hour and waiting included.
What are the cancellation terms?
Under our terms and conditions (article 5): cancel more than 48 hours before pick-up and 80% is refunded; 24 to 48 hours, 50%; 6 to 24 hours, 25%; less than 6 hours or no-show, no refund. Changing the date, time or address is free as long as we hear from you before the chauffeur sets off.
Sources for the facts quoted
- Palace of Versailles: closed on Mondays; 9am – 6.30pm from 1 April to 1 November, 9am – 5.30pm from 2 November to 31 March; park and gardens open every day — https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/practical-information (checked on )
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