Palace of Versailles Entrance Fee 2026: Official Prices, Free Entry Rules & Best-Value Tickets
Looking for information on the Palace of Versailles entrance fee?
The Palace of Versailles entrance fee depends on your visit date, ticket type, Garden-event schedule, and whether you qualify for free or reduced admission.
In 2026, the main official Passport ticket costs €25 in low season and €35 in high season, with EEA reduced prices of €22 and €32.
Official tickets are usually the cheapest entry-only route. Third-party options through GetYourGuide and Viator can be worth paying more for if you want a guide, transport from Paris, cancellation flexibility where offered, or a more structured visit.
- High season runs from April 1 to October 31.
- Low season runs from November 1 to March 31.
- The Passport is the main full-estate official ticket.
- EEA nationals and residents receive a €3 discount on standard individual prices with proof.
- Garden access is free in low season, but charged in high season on Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens dates.
- Free admission generally covers the Palace and Estate of Trianon, but not always paid Garden events in high season.
If price is your main concern, start with the official Château de Versailles ticket office (billetterie.chateauversailles.fr/). If you want to compare the entry fee against guided tours, transport-included day trips, or full-estate options, use the tour links below.
⭐ Start here: the best Palace of Versailles tickets and tours to book first
- Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket — best for independent access to the full estate
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace and Gardens Access — best guided palace-and-gardens choice
- Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace & Garden Tour with Transport — easiest option from central Paris
- Versailles Bike Tour with Palace & Queen Farm Entrance — best full-day active estate experience
- Versailles: Palace, Gardens & Queen’s Estate Guided Tour — best deep-dive visit beyond the palace rooms
This guide breaks down official 2026 Palace of Versailles entrance fees, free-entry rules, reduced rates, Garden charges, and how ticket prices compare with guided tours from Paris.
Palace of Versailles entrance fee at a glance
The official entrance fee is easiest to understand once you separate the Palace, the full estate, the Gardens, and the Estate of Trianon.
The US$ amounts below are approximate, using about €1 = US$1.16. Official prices are charged in euros, and exchange rates can move.
| Fee or ticket type | 2026 official price | Includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport ticket — low season | About US$29 / €25 standard About US$26 / €22 EEA reduced | Palace timed entry, Estate of Trianon, temporary exhibitions, Gardens, Park | Most first-time winter visitors |
| Passport ticket — high season | About US$41 / €35 standard About US$37 / €32 EEA reduced | Full estate, including Garden-event access on Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens dates | Best official all-in-one ticket April–October |
| Late-admission Passport — low season | About US$21 / €18 standard About US$17 / €15 EEA reduced | Passport access from 3pm | Shorter late-day visits |
| Late-admission Passport — high season | About US$32 / €28 standard About US$29 / €25 EEA reduced | Passport access from 4pm | Late-day high-season visits |
| Estate of Trianon ticket | About US$17 / €15 standard About US$14 / €12 EEA reduced | Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet, Trianon Gardens | Visitors skipping the Palace |
| Musical Gardens / Musical Fountains ticket | Free low season About US$17 / €15 high season standard About US$14 / €12 EEA reduced | Gardens access on paid Garden-event dates | Garden-only visitors |
| Musical Gardens/Fountains + Estate of Trianon | About US$23 / €20 standard About US$20 / €17 EEA reduced | Garden-event access plus Trianon | Visitors skipping the Palace but seeing Trianon |
| Young person’s Passport Gardens/Musical Fountains category | €0 low season / €12 high season reduced category | Garden-event access handling for eligible young or free-entry visitors | Families and young travelers who qualify |
| Special reduced Passport | About US$15 / €13 | Special onsite categories such as ANCV, large families, and museum-friend societies | Eligible visitors with proof |
| Special reduced Estate of Trianon | About US$9 / €8 | Trianon access for special eligible categories | Eligible visitors with proof |
| Official guided tour add-on | About US$12 / €10, plus required entry ticket | Château-guided visit | Visitors who want official-site guided content |
| Official audioguide add-on | About US$6 / €5 full About US$5 / €4 reduced | Audio commentary | Budget-friendly context |
💵 Budget Tip: Official tickets may be the cheapest when available. Third-party tours cost more, but they can add a guide, timed entry, transport, cancellation flexibility, or a cleaner plan.
How Palace of Versailles entrance fees work in 2026
Your visit date can change the real cost of Versailles.
Low season has lower Passport prices and free Garden access. High season has higher Passport prices and paid Garden access on Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens dates.
High season vs low season
Palace of Versailles high season runs from April 1 to October 31.
During high season, the standard Passport costs €35, or about US$41. The EEA reduced Passport costs €32, or about US$37.
High season is also when Garden-event pricing becomes more important. If your visit falls on a Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens date, the Gardens may require paid access unless that access is included in your ticket.
Low season runs from November 1 to March 31.
During low season, the standard Passport costs €25, or about US$29. The EEA reduced Passport costs €22, or about US$26.
In low season, the Gardens are free for all visitors.
EEA reduced prices
EEA nationals and residents receive a €3 discount on normal individual prices.
The EEA includes the 27 European Union countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
This reduced rate is not the same as a general student discount for US or Canadian travelers. If you are traveling from the US or Canada and do not have EEA nationality or residency, expect to pay the standard adult price unless you qualify under another free or reduced category.
Proof may be checked at the Palace, Estate of Trianon, or Gardens.
Accepted proof may include:
- Identity card
- Passport
- Visa
- Residence permit
- Carte de séjour or equivalent proof of residence
If you cannot show proof, you may be asked to buy the standard ticket.
What does the Passport ticket include?
The Passport is the main full-estate official ticket. For many first-time visitors, it is the cleanest way to price Versailles.
The Passport includes:
- Palace timed entry
- Estate of Trianon
- Grand Trianon
- Petit Trianon
- Queen’s Hamlet
- Temporary exhibitions
- Gardens
- Park
- Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains access when applicable
- Gallery of Coaches
Only the Palace requires a booked time slot. Other included estate areas can usually be visited during their opening windows.
The Passport does not include the Night Fountains Show, which is treated separately.
🏰 Estate Tip: The Palace, Gardens, Trianon Palaces, and Queen’s Hamlet are not all the same thing. A “Palace” ticket may not include every part of the wider estate.
If this is your first visit and you want more than the Palace rooms, the Passport is the ticket to understand first. For a deeper ticket-by-ticket comparison, use the Palace of Versailles ticket guide.
Official Palace of Versailles fee categories in detail
The official fee categories can feel confusing because Versailles is not one simple building. The Palace, Gardens, Trianon, and special Garden events all have different access rules.
Here is how the main 2026 categories work.
Passport ticket
The Passport is the default official ticket for many first-time visitors.
Low-season Passport prices:
- €25 standard, about US$29
- €22 EEA reduced, about US$26
High-season Passport prices:
- €35 standard, about US$41
- €32 EEA reduced, about US$37
Choose this if you want Palace timed entry plus broad estate access. It is especially useful during high season because it can include paid Garden-event access on Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens dates.
If you are deciding between a Passport and a third-party full-access option, compare the official price with the Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket.
Late-admission Passport
The late-admission Passport is a lower-cost official option for visitors entering later in the day.
Low-season late-admission Passport:
- Valid from 3pm
- €18 standard, about US$21
- €15 EEA reduced, about US$17
High-season late-admission Passport:
- Valid from 4pm
- €28 standard, about US$32
- €25 EEA reduced, about US$29
This can work if you want a shorter late-day visit or cannot get a good morning Palace time slot.
It is not ideal for a full-estate visit. Versailles is large, and the Trianon area, Gardens, and Queen’s Hamlet need time.
⏱️ Quick Win: Versailles is not a quick “pop in” attraction. Even a streamlined visit usually needs a half day once you include travel, security, the palace route, and the gardens.
Estate of Trianon ticket
The Estate of Trianon ticket costs:
- €15 standard, about US$17
- €12 EEA reduced, about US$14
This ticket is valid year-round and includes:
- Grand Trianon
- Petit Trianon
- Queen’s Hamlet
- Gardens of Trianon
It does not include Palace timed entry.
This is a good value if you are a repeat visitor, care most about Marie Antoinette’s estate, or cannot find a Palace time slot that fits your day. It is also a calmer alternative to the main Palace route.
Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains ticket
In low season, the Gardens are free for all visitors.
In high season, Garden access can be charged on Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains dates.
High-season Garden-event ticket prices:
- €15 standard, about US$17
- €12 EEA reduced, about US$14
This ticket is for Garden access only. It is not Palace admission.
If you want Palace + Gardens, the Passport is usually cleaner than trying to build the day from separate parts.
🌳 Garden Tip: Garden access can vary by season and by fountain or musical garden dates. Always check what your ticket includes before comparing prices.
Musical Gardens/Fountains + Estate of Trianon combined ticket
The combined Garden-event + Estate of Trianon ticket costs:
- €20 standard, about US$23
- €17 EEA reduced, about US$20
This is useful if you want the Garden event and the Trianon estate, but not the Palace.
It can also work as a backup plan if Palace time slots are not available and you still want a strong Versailles day.
This ticket does not include Palace timed entry.
Young person / free-admission Garden-event category
This category matters mainly when someone qualifies for free Palace or Trianon admission but still needs Garden-event access in high season.
The official 2026 table lists the young person’s Passport Gardens/Musical Fountains category as:
- €0 in low season
- €12 in high season
This category can apply to:
- Under-18 non-EEA visitors
- Under-26 EEA nationals or residents
- Recipients of guaranteed minimum income welfare benefits
The practical takeaway: free Palace admission does not always mean free Garden-event access. Families and younger travelers should check the date before assuming the whole visit is free.
Special reduced Passport and Trianon tickets
Some special reduced prices are available onsite for specific categories.
Special reduced Passport:
- €13, about US$15
Special reduced Estate of Trianon ticket:
- €8, about US$9
These special categories can include:
- ANCV holiday voucher users
- Large families with an official card
- Members of societies of friends of French national museums
Bring proof and check official rules before relying on these rates. These are not general discount categories for all travelers.
Who gets free admission to the Palace of Versailles?
Free admission at Versailles can be generous, but the rules are specific.
Free admission generally applies to the Palace, Estate of Trianon, and temporary exhibitions. It does not automatically cover all paid Garden-event access in high season.
Main free-admission groups
Free admission generally applies to:
- All visitors under 18
- All EEA nationals or residents under 26
- Holders of an ICOM card
- Holders of a carte Culture
- Holders of a carte Relais Culturels
- Recipients of guaranteed minimum income welfare benefits
- Disabled visitors and one accompanying person
- Job seekers in France with proof dated no more than 6 months previously
- School pupils
- Teachers appointed to a French school with an Education Pass
- Ecole d’Art students
Eligible visitors should still book the correct free timed-entry ticket and bring proof of eligibility plus identity.
Use the official Château de Versailles visitor site for current free-admission conditions before you travel.
Free admission still needs a timed ticket
Free does not mean walk-in access.
Free-entry visitors should book a free timed-entry ticket online when possible. They should also bring proof of eligibility and ID.
At the Palace, eligible visitors generally use entrance A in the Dufour Pavilion with their proof. Even with a free ticket, expect control points and possible waiting.
For more detail on timing, use the Palace of Versailles reservations guide.
Garden-event warning for free-admission visitors
On Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days, free admission to the Palace or Trianon does not automatically mean free Gardens.
Garden-event access is usually free only for:
- Children ages 0–5
- Holders of the Château de Versailles Spectacles card
- 1 Year in Versailles card holders
- Members of Friends of the Palace of Versailles / Société des Amis de Versailles
Everyone else should check whether they need a Garden-event ticket or the high-season reduced Passport category.
👨👩👧 Family Tip: A private family tour can be worth the splurge if kids need pacing, breaks, and shorter explanations. The estate is big, and a rigid group tour can feel long.
Families should pay close attention here. A child may qualify for free Palace admission but still need the right Garden-event access depending on age, date, and ticket type.
Paris Museum Pass and Versailles fees
The Paris Museum Pass can cover admission to the Palace of Versailles and the Estate of Trianon.
It does not replace the timed-entry booking requirement.
Paris Museum Pass holders must still book a free Passport timed-entry ticket online. The pass may cover the Palace and Trianon, but it does not automatically cover Gardens admission on Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens dates.
In plain English: the pass can reduce your entry cost, but it does not remove the need to plan your time slot or check Garden-event rules.
Vehicle entrance fees for the Park
Most visitors do not need to pay vehicle entrance fees because they arrive by train, tour, taxi, rideshare, or on foot.
If you drive into the Park, vehicle fees can apply.
Current Park vehicle fees include:
| Vehicle type | Park entrance fee |
|---|---|
| Motorbike | €3 |
| Car | €12 |
| Bus with 12+ seats | €30 |
Pedestrians and cyclists can enter the Park free.
Vehicles displaying a European disabled parking permit may be granted free access with proof. This is separate from Palace admission and only matters if you are driving into the Park.
Palace of Versailles official prices vs guided tour prices
The official entrance fee is only one part of the total cost.
A guided tour or transport-included day trip costs more than entry alone, but it may solve problems the basic entrance fee does not cover.
Official entry is best if:
- Price is your main concern
- You know exactly what you want to see
- You do not need a guide
- You are comfortable with train logistics
- You qualify for free or reduced admission
- You can secure the time slot you want
The best place to start is the official Château de Versailles ticket office (billetterie.chateauversailles.fr/).
Guided tours are worth considering if:
- This is your first visit
- You want the Hall of Mirrors and State Apartments explained
- You want transport from Paris
- You are visiting in peak season
- You want a cleaner plan with less decision fatigue
- You want to compare cancellation terms where offered
Good options include:
- Paris: Versailles Palace and Gardens Full Access Ticket
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace and Gardens Access
- Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace & Garden Tour with Transport
- Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Paris
⭐ Pro Tip: The Hall of Mirrors is the headline room, but the estate is the real reason to slow down. Gardens, fountains, Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet can turn a basic visit into a full-day experience.
Palace of Versailles value comparison matrix
| Traveler type | Best value choice | Why | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor | Official Passport or full-access third-party ticket | Broadest estate coverage | Garden-event dates and timed entry |
| Budget traveler | Official ticket office | Usually lowest direct price | Less flexibility, no guide |
| Free-entry visitor | Free timed ticket + proof | Best cost if eligible | Garden-event charges may still apply |
| EEA resident/national | EEA reduced official ticket | €3 off standard prices | Proof required |
| Family with young kids | Free/reduced official tickets or private family tour | Cost savings or better pacing | Garden-event rules by age |
| Visitor from Paris | Tour with transport | Less transit planning | Higher cost |
| Deep-estate visitor | Full-estate guided tour or Passport | Better Trianon/Gardens coverage | Needs a full day |
| Active traveler | Bike tour | More estate coverage | Weather and physical effort |
What is the cheapest way to visit Versailles?
The cheapest way for most paid adult visitors is to book directly through the official ticket office and visit in low season.
The cheapest official full-estate adult route is the low-season Passport at €25, or about US$29.
For eligible visitors, the cheapest route may be a free timed-entry ticket with proof. That can apply to visitors under 18, EEA residents under 26, disabled visitors with one accompanying person, and other official free-admission categories.
The cheapest Garden-only route is low season, when the Gardens are free for all visitors.
But cheapest is not always best.
If you need transport from Paris, guide support, or a simpler plan, paying more for a third-party tour can make the day smoother. For ticket comparisons, use the Palace of Versailles ticket guide. For transport costs, use the Palace of Versailles location and transportation guide.
What should you budget beyond the entrance fee?
The entrance fee is only part of the day.
Budget for:
- Transport from Paris
- Guided tour premium
- Audioguide
- Paid Garden-event access if not covered
- Food and drinks
- Bike tour or estate transport if applicable
- Vehicle entry to the Park if driving
- Hotel costs if staying near Versailles
🚆 Transit Tip: Independent travelers usually reach Versailles from Paris by RER C or train. Tours with transport cost more, but they simplify the day for first-time visitors.
A low-cost visit is very possible. But if Versailles is one of your main Paris day trips, the smarter question is not only “What is the entrance fee?” It is “What does the whole day cost, and what does that price solve?”
Entrance fee examples by itinerary
These examples show how the official entrance fee changes depending on the kind of visit you want.
Budget half-day Palace visit
Book directly through the official Château de Versailles ticket office and travel independently from Paris.
This is best if you want the lowest total cost and are comfortable managing your own transport, timing, and route.
Use the Palace of Versailles ticket guide to compare ticket types before booking.
First-time Palace + Gardens visit
Choose a Passport-style ticket or a full-access third-party ticket.
This is the best fit if you want a strong first visit without turning the whole day into a tour.
Compare the Full Access Palace and Gardens Ticket if you prefer a third-party booking option.
Guided Palace visit from Versailles
Choose a guided Palace-and-Gardens tour if you are arriving on your own but still want context inside the Palace.
This works well if you want the Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments, and Palace route explained.
Compare Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace and Gardens Access.
Easy day trip from Paris
Choose a transport-included tour if you want the simplest day from central Paris.
You will pay more than the entrance fee alone, but you avoid managing train timing, route choices, and return logistics.
Compare Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace & Garden Tour with Transport.
Full-estate day
Choose the Passport, a full-estate guided tour, or a bike tour.
This is the best value style if you want Palace + Gardens + Trianon + Queen’s Hamlet.
Compare Versailles: Palace, Gardens & Queen’s Estate Guided Tour if you want the estate explained.
🧭 Planning Tip: Do not book a tight evening plan right after Versailles. The return trip to Paris, crowds, and garden time can easily stretch the day.
When does paying more make sense?
Paying more can make sense when the extra cost solves a real problem.
It may be worth booking a guided tour or third-party experience if you want:
- Guided explanation
- Transport from Paris
- Full-estate coverage
- Private or family pacing
- A bike tour experience
- Less decision fatigue
- A tighter plan in peak season
- Cancellation flexibility where offered
Paying more may not make sense if:
- Price is your main concern
- You qualify for free entry
- You only want a short Palace route
- You are comfortable with independent planning
- You already know exactly which official ticket you need
For tour comparisons, use the Palace of Versailles tours guide. If timing and availability matter most, use the Palace of Versailles reservations guide.
Official tickets vs third-party booking options
| Booking path | Best for | Watch for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Château de Versailles ticketing | Lowest direct entry fee and eligibility rules | Timed entry, proof requirements, Garden-event dates, refund terms | Official Château de Versailles ticket office |
| Official Château de Versailles visitor information | Current fee rules, free admission, closures, access details | Not a third-party booking path | Official Château de Versailles visitor site |
| Third-party full-access ticket | Independent travelers who want third-party checkout | May cost more than direct official fees | Full Access Palace and Gardens Ticket |
| Third-party guided Palace tour | Travelers who want context | Check Garden/Trianon inclusion | Palace and Gardens Guided Tour |
| Third-party tour with transport | Travelers from Paris who want easy logistics | Higher cost; check pickup and return | Versailles Tour with Transport |
Official tickets are usually the best value if you only need entry. Third-party options are better when the added cost buys something useful: a guide, transport, timing help, or a more complete estate day.
Do you need a reservation if you are paying the entrance fee?
Yes. The Palace uses timed entry.
Passport timed-entry tickets are tied to a Palace entry window. Palace admission is once only at the booked time.
The Estate of Trianon does not use the same timed-entry system.
Free-admission visitors also need a timed ticket, so do not assume that free entry means open arrival.
For the full timing rules, use the Palace of Versailles reservations guide.
Where to stay to control the total cost
Most first-time visitors save time by staying in Paris and visiting Versailles as a day trip.
Staying in Versailles can make sense if you want an early time slot, a slower estate day, a full-estate tour, or a quieter night after a long visit.
| Hotel | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hôtel Les Lumières – Relais & Châteaux | Luxury stay near the palace |
| Le Louis Hotel Versailles Château – MGallery Collection | Polished palace-area convenience |
| Hôtel Le Versailles | Classic close-to-palace base |
| ibis Versailles Château | Budget-practical stay |
| Hôtel Versailles Chantiers | Train-station convenience |
🛏️ Stay Tip: Staying near the palace works well for a slower visit, but most first-time Paris travelers are better off sleeping in Paris and visiting Versailles as a day trip.
Best tours in Paris, France by traveler type
🚇 Paris Tip: For a broad Paris itinerary, pair Versailles with lighter evening plans such as a Seine cruise, neighborhood dinner, or low-key walk rather than another major museum.
Related Palace of Versailles guides
Use these next if you are still comparing the total cost of your visit:
- Palace of Versailles main guide
- Palace of Versailles ticket guide
- Palace of Versailles tours guide
- Palace of Versailles reservations guide
- Palace of Versailles opening hours and best time guide
- Palace of Versailles location and transportation guide
What should you do next?
If you want the lowest direct entry fee, check the official Château de Versailles ticket office first. (billetterie.chateauversailles.fr/)
If you want a detailed ticket breakdown, use the Palace of Versailles ticket guide.
If you are deciding whether a tour is worth paying more for, use the Palace of Versailles tours guide.
If you qualify for free or reduced entry, read this page’s eligibility rules carefully and bring proof.
If transport will affect your total cost, use the Palace of Versailles location and transportation guide.
FAQ
How much is the Palace of Versailles entrance fee in 2026?
The main Passport ticket costs €25 in low season and €35 in high season for standard adult pricing. EEA reduced prices are €22 in low season and €32 in high season.
Other ticket types include the late-admission Passport, Estate of Trianon ticket, Garden-event tickets, and combined Garden + Trianon options.
What is the cheapest Palace of Versailles ticket?
For paid adult visitors, the lowest official full-estate Passport price is €25 in low season. Eligible visitors may qualify for free admission to the Palace and Estate of Trianon with proof.
Is the Palace of Versailles free?
It can be free for eligible visitors, including visitors under 18 and EEA nationals or residents under 26. Proof and a timed-entry ticket are still needed.
Garden-event access can still cost extra in high season.
Does the Palace of Versailles entrance fee include the Gardens?
The Passport includes Gardens access, including Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains access where applicable. Garden-only access is free in low season, but charged in high season on Garden-event dates.
How much is the Estate of Trianon ticket?
The official Estate of Trianon ticket costs €15 standard or €12 for EEA nationals or residents. It includes Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet, and Trianon Gardens, but not Palace entry.
Do Paris Museum Pass holders pay the Palace of Versailles entrance fee?
The Paris Museum Pass can cover Palace and Trianon admission, but holders still need to book a free Passport timed-entry ticket. It does not cover Gardens admission on Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens dates.
Are guided tours included in the Palace of Versailles entrance fee?
No. Guided tours cost extra unless your third-party tour product includes both admission and a guide.
Official Château guided tours also cost extra on top of the required entry ticket.
Is it cheaper to buy Palace of Versailles tickets from the official site?
Usually yes, if you only need entry and can get the time slot you want. Third-party tours cost more, but they can add a guide, transport from Paris, cancellation terms where offered, and a clearer visit plan.