The comparison at a glance
| Tour | Length | Price "from" | What's included | Who it's for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versailles: skip-the-line tour of the palace, gardens access | – | from €70 | 4.7 out of 5, 12,072 reviews | Best seller (October 2026 check) | See |
| From Paris: Versailles Palace and gardens with transportation | – | from €79 | 4.6 out of 5, 7,557 reviews | Another popular option | See |
| Guided or audio tour with transport | See the listing | About $88 | Transport, entry, guided or audio tour; Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet | First visit, best value | |
| Skip-the-line half day by train | About 4 h 30 | About $100 | Train, skip-the-line, guided tour | Short on time | See |
| Small group, palace and gardens | See the listing | About $106 | Small group, skip-the-line, Hall of Mirrors, apartments, gardens; meets at Javel metro | Those who want a guide up close | See |
| Small guided group, full day | See the listing | About $137 | 10 people maximum, return train, free return | Comfort, gardens without rushing | See |
Guided or audio tour with transport
This tour is the cheapest of the selection (about $88). It includes transport, entry, the Grand Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet, with a guide or an audio guide as you choose. A live guide is more enjoyable, the audio more free. This tour can no longer be booked through our partner since 20 October 2026: the "palace and gardens with transportation" offer in the comparison is the closest.
Skip-the-line half day by train
The skip-the-line half day by train (about $100) lasts about 4 h 30. It suits you if Versailles is just one stop in a short stay: you see the palace with a guide and are back in Paris in the afternoon.
Small group, palace and gardens
The small group (about $106) is limited to 8 people according to the listing. The guide meets you at Javel metro station and travels with you on the RER C. It covers the Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments and the gardens.
Small guided group, full day
This small group (about $137, 10 people maximum) includes the return train and a free return: you can stay in the gardens after the tour.
What isn't included and the pitfalls
- Mondays: the palace is closed that day, so choose another date.
- Paying gardens: on Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens days, garden access is paid; check what the tour covers.
- Audio guide pitfalls: the app can be confusing or out of sync according to reviews.
- Lunch: never included in the no-meal formulas; plan your own picnic or a restaurant.
- Time: trains and security queues can stretch the visit.
For the palace rules (time slots, closing days), see our page on the Palace of Versailles.
Which tour to choose?
- Normal budget, first visit: the palace and gardens with transportation from Paris (from €79).
- Short on time: the skip-the-line half day by train.
- You want a guide up close, no crowds: the small group of 8 (about $106).
- Comfort and gardens at your own pace: the full-day small group (about $137).
- Alone or with a pass: entry alone and the RER C are much cheaper, see our Versailles guide.
