Parking at Versailles Palace: Best Car Parks, Costs and Driving Tips

Parking at Versailles Palace is easiest at Place d’Armes, the paid car park directly in front of the château. Driving suits families with children, visitors arriving from outside Paris and anyone heading on somewhere else afterward, but there is more than one car park to choose from:

• Place d’Armes, directly in front of the Palace
• municipal car parks in central Versailles
• paid parking inside the Versailles estate
• street parking
• reserved accessible parking for visitors with disabilities

Your choice comes down to three things: how close you want to be to the Palace entrance, how much you want to spend, and how much walking you want to save later in the day. For a first visit by car, Place d’Armes is the simplest. For a long day, a city car park can cost less. If you mainly want the Grand Canal or Trianon, driving into the estate saves a long walk.

Below: where to park, how driving inside the estate works, accessible parking, the alternatives near the Palace, the A13 closure from November 2026 and whether driving from Paris makes sense at all.

Parking and admission are separate, so book your Palace slot before you set off. If you would like a guide once you arrive, the Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace and Gardens Access meets at the GetYourGuide office opposite Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, about ten minutes on foot from Place d’Armes. It costs from $80 and is rated 4.7/5 from more than 12,000 reviews. Parking rates and access rules change, so check the official Palace and City of Versailles pages shortly before your visit.

Parking at Versailles: Quick Recommendation

Best for First-Time Visitors

Place d’Armes, because it is:

• directly in front of the Palace
• the easiest car park to find
• a short walk from the entrance
• open 24 hours
• suitable for cars and coaches

Best for a Full Day if You Want to Compare Costs

The Avenue de Sceaux or Avenue de l’Europe municipal car parks. Both are in central Versailles and work as alternatives to the car park in front of the Palace.

Best for Trianon and the Grand Canal

Drive into the estate through the Queen’s Gate. The official access page lists a fee of €12 per vehicle. Inside, you can park near:

• the Grand Canal
• the Grand Trianon
• the Petit Trianon
• the Queen’s Hamlet

Best for Visitors With a Disability

The Palace offers free parking and vehicle access with valid proof, including reserved spaces close to the Palace and inside the estate.

Other experiences you might enjoy

With a car you can add the Petit Trianon, a bike ride by the Grand Canal or a day trip to Giverny:

Can You Drive to the Palace of Versailles?

Yes. The usual route from Paris is the A13 motorway to exit 5, Versailles Centre, then the signs for Château de Versailles, which are frequent once you reach the town. Enter Château de Versailles, Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles in your navigation app, not just “Versailles”, or you may be sent to another part of the city.

Important A13 Closure From November 2026

From 16 November 2026 to the end of August 2027, the A13 is closed in the Paris-to-Versailles direction between the Paris ring road (Boulevard Périphérique) and the Vaucresson interchange, for repair work in the Saint-Cloud tunnel. The road toward Paris stays open, but both directions are due to close for part of summer 2027, with dates still to be set. Signed diversions use the RN13 and A14, or the RD910 and RN118 toward the A86.

If your trip falls after 16 November 2026, ignore any older driving itinerary that assumes the normal A13 route, check live navigation before you leave and consider the train. The French road-traffic service Bison Futé posts the current status on its A13 Saint-Cloud tunnel page.

Is It Easy to Drive From Paris to Versailles?

The route is simple, but traffic is the problem. Versailles is only about 20 kilometers from central Paris, but the drive time varies a great deal with:

• where you start
• the day of the week
• rush hour
• roadworks
• accidents
• major events
• traffic around the Palace

A trip that looks short on the map can take much longer at busy times, which is why the train is more predictable if you are staying in central Paris.

Is Driving Better Than Taking the Train?

For most visitors already staying in Paris, the train is easier and cheaper. Driving makes more sense if:

• you are staying outside central Paris
• you already have a rental car
• you are traveling with young children
• someone in your group has reduced mobility
• you are a group sharing parking and fuel costs
• Versailles is one stop on a road trip
• you are driving on to another destination afterward

Renting a car only to reach Versailles from a central Paris hotel is usually not worth it. If you want door-to-door travel without driving, the From Paris: Versailles Palace & Gardens with Transportation picks you up in Paris, from $90 and rated 4.6/5 from more than 7,500 reviews. Our guide to getting from Paris to Versailles compares every option.

Where Can You Park at Versailles Palace?

The main options:

1. Place d’Armes
2. Avenue de Sceaux parking
3. Avenue de l’Europe parking
4. other municipal car parks in central Versailles
5. street parking
6. parking inside the Versailles estate

The right one depends on your route and your schedule.

1. Place d’Armes Parking

Place d’Armes is the most convenient car park for the main Palace. It lies directly in front of the château: you park, cross the forecourt and walk to the entrance. The Palace lists Place d’Armes as:

• paid parking
• open to cars
• open to minibuses
• open to coaches
• open 24 hours a day

How Far Is Place d’Armes From the Palace?

A few minutes on foot, which is its biggest advantage. You do not have to:

• walk across central Versailles
• find your way from a more distant car park
• carry bags or children for 10–20 minutes before the visit starts

For convenience, nothing nearby beats it.

Is Place d’Armes the Best Parking Option?

It is the best choice when convenience comes first, and especially useful for:

• early Palace entry slots
• families
• older visitors
• short visits
• bad weather
• visitors carrying permitted small bags

The trade-off is cost. Parking in front of one of France’s busiest monuments is not the cheapest option in Versailles.

How Much Does Place d’Armes Parking Cost?

The Palace’s practical-information page sends visitors to the car park’s own tariff for the current charge, and does not publish a flat full-day price. Place d’Armes charges by time, and its rates can change separately from the Palace’s general information, so check the current rate before your visit. Older price tables still circulate online and can be wrong.

In practice:

• for a short visit, or when convenience matters most, Place d’Armes is excellent
• for an all-day visit, compare the total with a municipal car park

Can You Reserve Place d’Armes Parking?

A timed Palace ticket does not reserve you a parking space; the two are separate. On busy summer weekends and holidays, arrive early enough to find another car park if Place d’Armes is full.

Is Place d’Armes Open on Mondays?

The car park is listed as open 24 hours, but the Palace is closed on Mondays. Parking in front of the château on a Monday only makes sense if you are visiting another part of Versailles. Our Versailles opening hours guide lists the Palace, Trianon and garden hours by season.

2. Avenue de Sceaux Parking

The municipal car park on Avenue de Sceaux is another option close to the Palace. The City of Versailles lists it as open 08:00–19:00 daily, and under the current city tariff:

• the first hour is free
• after that, time is charged in 15-minute steps

That makes it attractive for short visits to central Versailles. For a full Palace day, work out the likely total before choosing it for the free first hour.

Why Consider Avenue de Sceaux?

It makes sense if:

• Place d’Armes is busy
• you prefer a city car park
• you are combining the Palace with central Versailles
• you want to eat in town before or after your visit

It is close enough for most visitors to walk to the château comfortably.

3. Avenue de l’Europe Parking

The municipal car park on Avenue de l’Europe is another central option. The City of Versailles lists it as open 08:00–19:00 every day, with charges in 15-minute steps. It is farther from the Palace entrance than Place d’Armes but useful when:

• the area right by the Palace is busy
• you are also visiting Versailles town
• you prefer a municipal car park

Municipal Parking Rates in Versailles

The City of Versailles’ 2026 parking page publishes different tariffs for each car park and street zone. In the enclosed municipal car parks, the charge rises with the length of your stay, and the street zones have their own rates. No single hourly rate applies across Versailles. For a full day, compare:

• the total time you expect to stay
• the maximum stay
• the walking distance
• the closing time

and not just the first-hour price.

4. Street Parking Near Versailles Palace

Versailles has paid street parking, but for a first-time visitor planning a full Palace day it is not the easiest choice. The reasons:

Time Limits

Some zones are meant for short stays.

Different Tariff Zones

Each zone has its own prices and maximum stay.

Enforcement

You have to keep track of:

• the paid hours
• the maximum stay
• the zone
• the payment method

Availability

Spaces near the Palace are hard to find at busy times.

Street parking works if you can read the local signs, but a car park is simpler.

Versailles Street Parking Zones

The City of Versailles uses color-coded parking zones, including:

• green zones
• orange zones
• other regulated areas

Prices differ by zone. The city’s 2026 parking information lists paid street-parking hours of roughly 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–19:00, depending on the zone and the date. Always read the meter or sign where you actually park.

Is There Free Parking Near Versailles Palace?

Free parking near the Palace is scarce, so do not plan your day around finding a free street space by the château. Farther out in the city you may find other arrangements, but the time spent searching usually outweighs the saving. If parking cost is your main concern and you are starting in Paris, take the train.

5. Driving Into the Versailles Estate

Many visitors do not know they can drive into the wider Versailles Park, which is separate from parking at Place d’Armes. Vehicles enter through designated gates, mainly the Queen’s Gate (Grille de la Reine), and can then park near the main estate sights.

How Much Does It Cost to Drive Into Versailles Park?

The official access page lists €12 per vehicle for entering the Park through the Queen’s Gate. Lower rates for motorcycles and higher rates for coaches circulate online (€3 and €30), but we could not confirm them on an official page, so check the official page before traveling if you are on two wheels or in a coach. The €12 covers vehicle access to the Park only. It does not replace your Palace or Trianon ticket.

Where Can You Park Inside the Estate?

The Palace lists parking near:

• the Grand Canal
• the Petit Trianon
• the Grand Trianon
• the Queen’s Hamlet

Parking there saves a lot of walking if you want to explore the far side of the estate.

When Is Driving Inside the Estate Worth It?

It helps if:

• you are traveling with older relatives
• someone has trouble walking long distances
• you have young children
• you want to concentrate on Trianon
• you are on a repeat visit
• you want to move between distant parts of the estate quickly

For a fit first-time visitor, walking or taking the estate’s little train lets you see more of the Park.

Queen’s Gate Vehicle Hours

The official access pages list these last admission times for vehicles at the Queen’s Gate:

High Season: April–October

09:00–17:50

Low Season: November–March

09:00–16:50

Pedestrians and cyclists can get in later. Do not confuse the Park’s opening hours with the hours when cars may enter.

Saint Anthony’s Gate

Saint Anthony’s Gate (Grille Saint-Antoine) also lets vehicles in, but only on weekends and French public holidays, according to the official access page. Arrangements can change, so check the interactive map if this gate matters for your route. For most first-time drivers, the Queen’s Gate is the simpler choice.

Can You Drive Right Up to the Grand Trianon?

You can drive into the Park and use the designated parking near Trianon, but you cannot drive anywhere you like on the estate. Follow:

• the gate rules
• the internal road signs
• the parking restrictions
• the closing times

The point of vehicle access is to cut the long distances inside the estate.

Palace Parking vs Estate Parking

They solve different problems.

Place d’Armes

Best for:

• the Palace
• the Hall of Mirrors
• the main Gardens entrance
• a short walk to the château

Parking Inside the Estate

Best for:

• the Grand Canal
• the Grand Trianon
• the Petit Trianon
• the Queen’s Hamlet
• less walking

If your day includes both the Palace and Trianon, decide whether moving the car mid-visit is worth the interruption. Many visitors find it easier to park once and use the estate’s internal transport.

Parking for the Grand Canal

There is parking inside the estate near the Grand Canal, useful when the Park itself is your destination, for example on:

• a repeat visit
• a picnic day
• a cycling day
• a family outing in the Park without the Palace interiors

Driving into the Park means paying the vehicle-access fee.

Parking for Petit Trianon

You can park in the estate near the Petit Trianon. The Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet are a long way from the main Palace, so this saves a lot of walking compared with starting at Place d’Armes. If mobility or stamina is an issue, driving inside the estate makes the visit far easier.

Parking for Grand Trianon

The Grand Trianon area also has designated parking, handy for a Trianon-focused visit. The Trianon Estate opens at noon, later than the main Palace, so there is no reason to arrive early if it is your only stop. Our Trianon Estate guide covers what to see there.

Parking for Queen’s Hamlet

There is parking inside the estate near the Queen’s Hamlet. You will still walk around the Hamlet itself: driving cuts the long cross-estate trip, not all the walking.

Accessible Parking at Versailles

Versailles has helpful arrangements for visitors with disabilities. The Palace states that vehicle access and the listed parking options are free for visitors with valid disability documentation, and reserved spaces are available.

Accessible Parking at Place d’Armes

Reserved spaces are set aside for visitors with reduced mobility, and parking is free with valid proof. Follow the instructions at the car park so staff can check your eligibility.

Parking in the Main Courtyard

Visitors with the right disability documentation may be able to park or be dropped off close to the Palace in the Main Courtyard, near Entrance B, which cuts the walk considerably. Check the current procedure before you arrive.

Neptune Gate Accessible Parking

The Palace also lists parking at the Neptune Gate for visitors with disabilities, which can help depending on which part of the estate you are visiting.

What Documentation Do You Need?

The Palace accepts proof such as:

• a disability card
• a European disabled parking permit
• other accepted official documents

Bring the original document, not just a photo of it on your phone.

Is Parking Free for Disabled Visitors?

Yes. The Palace currently states that the listed estate access and parking are free on presentation of valid proof, including the reserved accessible spaces. Procedures can change, so confirm the requirements before your trip.

Electric Vehicle Charging in Versailles

Versailles has public charging points in the city, and the City of Versailles publishes charging information on its mobility pages. Charging fees are separate from parking charges. If you need to charge during your visit:

• find the charging point before you arrive
• check that your connector is compatible
• check whether parking charges apply on top
• do not assume every car park near the Palace has a free charger

On a long sightseeing day, a city car park with charging can be more useful than the closest space to the Palace.

Can You Leave Your Car Overnight?

Place d’Armes is listed as open 24 hours, but that does not make it the best place to leave a car overnight. If you are staying in Versailles, use:

• your hotel’s parking
• a municipal car park suited to overnight stays
• another car park meant for longer stays

Check the rates before leaving a car overnight.

Parking a Rental Car at Versailles

Take the usual city precautions with a rental car. Do not leave any of these on view:

• luggage
• passports
• electronics
• shopping bags
• cameras

Versailles is busy with visitors, and ordinary travel security applies. Also check the car’s:

• height
• fuel type
• Crit’Air sticker requirements if you drive through regulated Paris areas
• rental agreement

Driving From Charles de Gaulle Airport to Versailles

Driving from CDG makes sense if Versailles is the first stop on a longer road trip. If you are staying in Paris afterward, picking up a rental car just for Versailles usually causes more trouble than it saves. You face:

• airport traffic
• motorway traffic
• parking
• driving in Paris
• rental costs

Compare that with heading into Paris first and visiting Versailles by train another day.

Driving From Orly Airport to Versailles

Orly is closer to Versailles than Charles de Gaulle, so driving is more practical, especially if:

• you are not going into central Paris first
• you need a car anyway
• you are continuing west or south afterward

Use live navigation, because routes and traffic vary.

Driving From Disneyland Paris to Versailles

A car helps on this trip across the region, because by public transport you usually have to cross or change through the Paris network. The road is prone to traffic, though. If you are changing hotels or carrying luggage, a car or private transfer is more comfortable. Do not leave luggage visible in the parked car during your visit.

Can You Park a Campervan at Versailles?

Vehicle size matters. Place d’Armes takes several vehicle categories, including larger ones, but the rates and rules differ. If you are traveling in a:

• campervan
• large van
• motorhome
• vehicle taller than a standard car

check the current official parking rules before you arrive. Do not assume car rates apply.

Coach Parking at Versailles

Coaches can only park in designated areas. The Palace names:

• Place d’Armes
• the Trianon crossroads inside the Park

as coach parking. Tour operators should follow the current official rules and rates.

Best Parking for a 9:00 Palace Ticket

For the easiest morning, use Place d’Armes and aim to park by about 08:20–08:30. That leaves time to:

• pay for parking
• walk to the entrance
• go through security
• be ready for your timed entry

Pulling into the car park at 08:58 for a 09:00 slot will not work.

Best Parking for a Half-Day Visit

For a short visit focused on the Palace, use Place d’Armes. Convenience counts most when you are only staying a few hours, and a longer walk from a cheaper car park eats into that time.

Best Parking for a Full-Day Visit

For a full day, compare:

• the total cost at Place d’Armes
• the municipal car parks
• whether you want to see central Versailles after the Palace

If you plan to spend 09:00–18:00 on the estate, a municipal car park may cost less. After a long day of walking, a short walk back to the car still counts for a lot.

Best Parking for Trianon Only

Drive in through the Queen’s Gate and park inside the estate. It is far quicker than parking at Place d’Armes and walking across the whole domain. Budget for the €12 vehicle-entry charge.

Best Parking for the Versailles Gardens

If you are visiting the formal Gardens with the Palace, Place d’Armes is the simplest. If you are focusing on:

• the Grand Canal
• the Park
• Trianon

parking inside the estate may suit you better. Our Versailles gardens guide suggests a route.

Best Parking for the Night Fountains Show

Evening events change the traffic around Versailles. If you are going to the Night Fountains Show:

• check the event’s access instructions
• arrive early
• expect many cars leaving at once at the end
• consider parking in town for an easier departure

The closest space is not always the quickest one to leave after a big event.

How Early Should You Arrive When Driving?

Add at least 30 minutes to your expected driving time, and more during:

• summer weekends
• school holidays
• the morning rush hour
• major fountain events
• special evenings

Parking and walking take time too. Do not plan the drive to the minute just because your Palace ticket is timed.

Does Your Versailles Ticket Include Parking?

No. Palace admission and parking are separate. A:

• Palace ticket
• Passport
• Trianon ticket
• garden ticket

does not include ordinary parking. The one exception is the free parking for visitors with disabilities under the official access rules, which comes with eligibility, not with a ticket. Our Versailles ticket prices guide lists every 2026 ticket.

Can You Prepay Parking With a Versailles Ticket?

Do not assume so. Palace ticketing and car-park payment are separate systems. If a third-party tour or hotel package includes parking, that is a different product.

What Happens if Place d’Armes Is Full?

Have a backup. Good alternatives:

• Avenue de Sceaux
• Avenue de l’Europe
• other central municipal car parks

Do not spend a long time circling the area in front of the Palace. Versailles is a working town with several car parks.

Parking and Lunch in Versailles Town

A city car park makes it easy to combine the Palace with:

• restaurants
• cafés
• the Notre-Dame district
• the Saint-Louis district
• the market area

If you want dinner in town after your visit, leaving the car in a central car park is often more practical than treating the Palace car park as your only base.

Is Versailles Parking Safe?

Take the usual precautions and keep valuables out of sight. If you are carrying luggage because Versailles falls between two hotels:

• keep valuables with you
• store luggage securely
• use hotel luggage storage where you can

The Palace does not admit large bags over its size limit, so a car full of luggage creates a second problem.

Large Luggage and Driving Into the Estate

The Palace states that visitors with bags larger than about 55 × 35 × 20 cm are not admitted to the domain, and vehicles entering the estate go through security checks. If you are visiting on a day when you change hotels, arrange luggage storage before you arrive.

Is Parking at Versailles Worth It?

It depends where you are coming from.

Driving Makes Sense If:

• Versailles is part of a longer road trip
• you are coming from outside Paris
• several people share the car
• mobility makes door-to-door travel valuable
• you want to explore Trianon with less walking

Probably Not If:

• you are staying near a convenient Paris train station
• you would need to rent a car just for Versailles
• you dislike city driving
• parking cost matters to you
• you are visiting during heavy roadworks

From central Paris, the RER or Transilien train is the default choice.

Parking vs Train: Approximate Cost Comparison

For one traveler:

Train From Paris

A standard Metro–Train–RER ticket costs €2.55 each way in 2026, so about €5.10 return.

Car

You may pay for:

• fuel
• parking
• vehicle access to the Park
• the rental
• tolls, depending on your wider route

The train is clearly cheaper for one or two people. For a larger group already traveling by car, the gap matters less. Our Versailles day trip guide helps you plan the rest of the day.

Driving Tips for Versailles

Avoid Paris Rush Hour

Morning traffic can wreck a carefully planned schedule.

Check Live Navigation

Especially with the roadworks and the A13 closure from 16 November 2026.

Book the Palace Before Driving

Do not drive to Versailles and then find the Palace time slots sold out.

Save a Backup Car Park

Add at least one alternative car park to your navigation app.

Do Not Leave Valuables Visible

The standard precaution at any busy sight.

Check Your Return Route

Evening traffic can be very different from the morning.

Common Parking Mistakes at Versailles

1. Assuming Parking Is Included With Your Palace Ticket

It is not.

2. Driving to “Versailles” Instead of the Palace

Enter the full Palace address.

3. Arriving Exactly at Your Timed Entry

You still have to park and walk.

4. Assuming the Cheapest Hourly Rate Is Best for a Full Day

The long-stay total matters more.

5. Parking at the Palace for a Trianon-Only Visit

Driving into the estate saves a long walk.

6. Confusing the €12 Park Vehicle Fee With Palace Admission

They are separate charges.

7. Ignoring Vehicle Gate Closing Times

Cars cannot enter the estate whenever pedestrians can.

8. Using Old Place d’Armes Rates From Blog Posts

Parking rates change.

9. Forgetting Monday Closure

The Palace is closed on Mondays even though the car park is open.

10. Ignoring the A13 Works

From 16 November 2026, the A13 is closed in the Paris-to-Versailles direction at the Saint-Cloud tunnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking at the Palace of Versailles?

Yes. Paid parking is available at Place d’Armes, directly in front of the Palace.

What is the closest parking to Versailles Palace?

Place d’Armes is the closest public car park to the main château.

Is Place d’Armes parking free?

No. It is a paid car park, except for visitors with disabilities, who park free with valid proof.

Is Place d’Armes open all day?

The Palace lists Place d’Armes as open 24 hours a day.

Can you drive into the Versailles estate?

Yes. Cars can enter the Park through designated gates during the vehicle-access hours.

How much does it cost to drive into Versailles Park?

The official access page lists €12 per vehicle through the Queen’s Gate. Check the official page before traveling, as fees can change.

Is the €12 fee a parking ticket for the Palace?

No. It is a charge for driving into the Park. Palace admission is separate.

Where can you park inside Versailles Park?

Near the Grand Canal, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

What time can cars enter through the Queen’s Gate?

The last vehicle admission is 17:50 in high season (April–October) and 16:50 in low season (November–March), from 09:00.

Is parking free for disabled visitors?

Yes. Versailles offers free parking and vehicle access to visitors with valid disability documentation.

Is there accessible parking close to the Palace entrance?

Yes. Reserved accessible spaces are available, and eligible visitors may also be able to park or be dropped off in the Main Courtyard, close to the Palace.

Is there free street parking near Versailles Palace?

Do not count on finding free parking near the château. Most convenient central parking is regulated or paid.

Can I park at Versailles all day?

Yes, but choose a car park suited to a long stay and check its rate and closing time.

Is it better to drive or take the train from Paris to Versailles?

For most visitors staying in central Paris, the train is cheaper and more predictable. Driving suits groups, families, visitors with reduced mobility and people already traveling by car.

How long does it take to drive from Paris to Versailles?

The distance is short, but the time varies a lot with traffic. Use live navigation and allow a generous buffer.

Is the A13 open from Paris to Versailles in late 2026?

No. From 16 November 2026 to the end of August 2027, the A13 is closed in the Paris-to-Versailles direction between the Boulevard Périphérique and the Vaucresson interchange, and both directions are due to close for part of summer 2027.

Final Thoughts

The easiest parking at Versailles Palace is at Place d’Armes, if convenience matters most. It puts you directly in front of the château and suits early Palace entries, families and short visits.

For a long day, compare the municipal car parks on Avenue de Sceaux and Avenue de l’Europe, especially if you also want to explore Versailles town. If your visit is mainly about Trianon, the Queen’s Hamlet or the Grand Canal, pay the €12 vehicle-access charge and drive into the Park instead of walking across the whole estate from the Palace.

From central Paris, you rarely need to drive. The train is cheap, frequent and avoids the two least predictable parts of a car trip to Versailles: traffic and parking. Drive when the car helps the rest of your itinerary, and check the A13 status if you travel after mid-November 2026.