Booking Tips

Book timed entry tickets 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during summer. Lines for same-day tickets can be 2+ hours.

Hours: Wed-Mon 9am-6pm (Wed/Fri until 9pm). Closed Tuesdays.

Tip: First Sunday of each month is free but extremely crowded. Wednesday/Friday evenings are quieter.

Advance tickets skip the often-long entrance line. Book a few days ahead to be safe.

Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am-6pm (Thu until 9:45pm). Closed Mondays.

Tip: Thursday evening visits (until 9:45pm) are less crowded and have beautiful light.

Book at least 1 week ahead. Choose a timed entry for the Palace to avoid waiting. Gardens and Trianon are less crowded.

Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-6:30pm (5:30pm Nov-Mar). Closed Mondays.

Tip: Arrive when it opens (9am) or after 3pm. Tuesdays are especially busy (Louvre is closed so everyone goes here).

Summit tickets sell out weeks in advance. Book as early as possible (tickets released ~60 days ahead).

Hours: Daily 9:30am-11:45pm (mid-June to early Sept until 12:45am).

Tip: If summit is sold out, 2nd floor tickets give great views and are easier to get. Sunset timing is peak demand.

Small chapel with limited capacity. Advance tickets let you skip the security line. Book 3-5 days ahead.

Hours: Daily 9am-5pm (until 7pm Apr-Sept).

Tip: Visit on a sunny day—the stained glass is the main attraction and needs good light.

Self-guided tours available daily, but booking a performance (ballet or opera) is the best way to experience it. Performance tickets sell out quickly for popular shows.

Tours: Daily 10am-5pm (hours vary by season). ~€14 for self-guided tour.

Performances: Check schedule online. Tickets range €10-200+ depending on seat and show.

Tip: Even cheap seats are worth it for the atmosphere. Dress up a bit—Parisians do.

Book tickets online in advance—prices are higher at the gate and you'll wait in longer lines. Dated tickets are required.

Distance: About 40 km (25 miles) east of central Paris. Plan for a full day trip.

By Train (RER A): The easiest option. Take the RER A train from central Paris (Châtelet-Les Halles, Nation, or Gare de Lyon) directly to "Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy" station. Journey takes about 35-45 minutes. Trains run every 10-20 minutes. Cost: ~€8-10 one way.

By Private Car/Transfer: Services like Blacklane, Welcome Pickups, or Paris Private Transfers offer door-to-door service. Expect €70-120 one way depending on vehicle type. Great for families with small children or if you want a more relaxed start to your day.

Tip: The train is genuinely easy and affordable. But if you have a stroller, lots of gear, or very early/late park hours, a private transfer removes the stress.

Paris has strong airport transit. If you're staying in central Paris, public transportation is usually faster and much cheaper than a private car.

From CDG: RER B to central Paris is typically 35-45 minutes. Good option for most travelers with light-to-medium luggage.

From ORY: Metro Line 14 and Orly connections make airport-to-center transfers straightforward and reliable.

Taxis/Car Service: Taxi lines are usually available at both airports. Great if you arrive late, have heavy bags, or are traveling with kids.

Should you prebook? Optional in daytime; recommended for very early/late arrivals and high-season weekends.

My recommendation: Use train/metro to central Paris, then a short taxi only if needed for the final leg.

☁️ Best overall: public transit for city stays, prebooked car for late-night arrivals

☁️ Need the full landing game plan? See Paris Guide

Unlimited metro, bus, and RER travel within Paris zones. Choose between multi-day tourist passes or rechargeable Navigo cards.

Paris Visite Pass: 1-5 day tourist pass covering zones 1-3 (central Paris) or 1-5 (includes airports/Versailles). ~€13-65 depending on duration and zones.

Navigo Easy: Rechargeable card for single tickets (€2.15 each) or 10-ticket carnets (€17.35). Best for short stays.

Day Trips: For Versailles, buy tickets at the station or use Paris Visite zones 1-5. Trains run frequently from Paris.

Tip: If staying 3+ days and using transit often, Paris Visite pays for itself after 4-5 metro trips per day.

My recommendation: Skip the car rental. Paris metro is fast, frequent, and goes everywhere. Driving in Paris is stressful (traffic, parking €30+/day). Public transit + walking is the best way to experience the city.