RER C map
The Paris RER C is particularly useful for visitors because it serves some of the most famous attractions in and around Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame and the Palace of Versailles.
This guide includes the RER C map, route, stations, ticket prices, Versailles information and practical travel tips.
RER C at a Glance
🛡 Travel Safety Tip
The RER C serves several of Paris’ most popular tourist destinations, including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay and the Palace of Versailles.
Keep your backpack closed and your phone, wallet and other valuables in a secure place, particularly on busy trains and around major tourist stations.
RER C Overview
RER C is one of the largest and most complex lines in the Paris regional rail network. It follows the Seine through much of western and central Paris before dividing into several branches serving destinations across the Île-de-France region.
The line connects Paris with important destinations including Versailles, Pontoise, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Dourdan and Saint-Martin-d’Étampes.
For visitors, the most useful section of the RER C runs through central Paris and serves attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Versailles.
How to Get to Versailles from Paris by RER C
The RER C is one of the easiest ways to travel from central Paris to the Palace of Versailles. Take a RER C train whose destination is Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
- Journey time: approximately 35–45 minutes from central Paris
- Destination: Versailles Château Rive Gauche
- 2026 ticket price: €2.55
- Walk to the palace: approximately 10 minutes
- Important: check the train destination because the RER C has several branches
Since the introduction of the simplified Île-de-France fare system, a standard Metro-Train-RER Ticket costs €2.55 in 2026. The fare is not based on distance, so a standard journey from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche costs €2.55.
Read our complete guide to visiting the Palace of Versailles →
Tourist attractions on RER C
The RER C is one of the most useful lines for sightseeing because several major Paris monuments and museums are located close to its stations.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is served by Versailles Château Rive Gauche. From the station, it takes approximately 10 minutes to walk to the entrance of the palace.
Visit Palace of Versailles for Free
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is served by Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station. The station is located close to the Seine and within easy walking distance of the tower.
Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay station is located immediately beside the famous Musée d’Orsay, making the RER C one of the easiest public transport options for reaching the museum.
Les Invalides
Invalides station provides convenient access to Les Invalides, the Musée de l’Armée and Napoleon’s tomb.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is served by Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station, which also provides easy access to the Latin Quarter and the Seine.
RER C stations
Because the RER C follows the Seine through a large part of Paris, several of its stations are particularly convenient for sightseeing. These are some of the most useful RER C stations for visitors:
- Versailles Château Rive Gauche is the most convenient RER C station for visiting the Palace of Versailles. The palace is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
- Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel is the main RER C station for the Eiffel Tower.
- Pont de l’Alma is located close to the Seine and provides access to the area around the Quai Branly.
- Invalides serves Les Invalides, the Musée de l’Armée and Napoleon’s tomb.
- Musée d’Orsay is located immediately next to the Musée d’Orsay.
- Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame provides access to Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter and the Seine.
- Paris Austerlitz provides connections with Gare d’Austerlitz and Metro lines 5 and 10.
- Bibliothèque François Mitterrand provides a connection with Metro Line 14.
RER C and Orly Airport
The RER C does not directly serve Orly Airport. Although Pont de Rungis – Aéroport d’Orly station is located near the airport, it requires an additional connection and is generally not the easiest option for visitors travelling between central Paris and Orly.
For most travellers starting in central Paris, Metro Line 14 is now the simplest rail connection to Orly Airport because it serves the airport directly.
Compare the different ways to travel between Orly Airport and Paris →
Metro and RER lines connected to RER C
- Metro 13 and Metro 14 at Porte de Clichy.
- Metro 3 at Pereire – Levallois.
- Metro 1 and RER E at Neuilly – Porte Maillot.
- Metro 9 via La Muette from Boulainvilliers.
- Metro 10 at Javel.
- Metro 6 via Bir-Hakeim from Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel.
- Metro 8 and Metro 13 at Invalides.
- Metro 4 and RER B at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame.
- Metro 5 and Metro 10 at Paris Austerlitz.
- Metro 14 at Bibliothèque François Mitterrand.
RER C Ticket Price
The Paris regional transport fare system has been simplified. In 2026, a standard Metro-Train-RER Ticket costs €2.55 at full fare and can be used for eligible journeys on the Metro, train and RER network regardless of the distance travelled.
This means that visitors travelling from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche no longer need to buy a more expensive distance-based ticket. A standard Metro-Train-RER Ticket costs €2.55 in 2026.
The special airport fare is separate and applies to journeys involving Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport under the conditions of the Paris Region ↔ Airports Ticket.
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RER C timetable
You can check current RER C departure times, service information and planned works
on the official Transilien RER C page.
Because the RER C has many different branches, always check the destination displayed on the platform before boarding. This is especially important when travelling to Versailles.
RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche
For the Palace of Versailles, take a train whose destination is Versailles Château Rive Gauche.
RER C toward Dourdan / Saint-Martin-d’Étampes
Southbound trains divide into several branches after leaving Paris. Check the destination shown on the station screens before boarding.
RER C toward Pontoise / Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
Westbound and northwestern services also divide into different branches. Check your destination carefully before travelling.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the RER C
Does the RER C go to the Palace of Versailles?
Yes. Take the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, the most convenient RER station for visiting the Palace of Versailles.
How much is the RER C from Paris to Versailles in 2026?
A standard Metro-Train-RER Ticket costs €2.55 in 2026. The fare is no longer calculated according to distance for this type of journey.
How long does the RER C take from Paris to Versailles?
The journey usually takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes, depending on your departure station and the train service.
Which RER C station should I use for the Palace of Versailles?
Use Versailles Château Rive Gauche. It is the most convenient RER C station for the palace and is approximately a 10-minute walk from the entrance.
Which RER C direction should I take for Versailles?
Take a RER C train showing Versailles Château Rive Gauche as its destination. The RER C has several branches, so always check the destination before boarding.
Is Versailles Château Rive Gauche the same as Versailles Chantiers?
No. They are different railway stations. Versailles Château Rive Gauche is generally the most convenient station for tourists visiting the Palace of Versailles.
Does every RER C train go to Versailles?
No. The RER C has numerous branches and destinations. Only board a train showing the appropriate Versailles destination if you are travelling to the palace.
Does the RER C go to the Eiffel Tower?
Yes. Get off at Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel, which is located within easy walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.
Which RER station is closest to the Eiffel Tower?
Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel on RER C is the principal RER station serving the Eiffel Tower.
Does the RER C go to Musée d’Orsay?
Yes. Musée d’Orsay has its own RER C station located immediately beside the museum.
Does the RER C go to Notre-Dame?
Yes. Get off at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame, which is located close to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Latin Quarter.
Does the RER C go to Les Invalides?
Yes. Invalides station provides access to Les Invalides, the Musée de l’Armée and Napoleon’s tomb.
How much does a normal RER C journey cost in 2026?
A standard Metro-Train-RER Ticket costs €2.55 at full fare in 2026.
Does RER C cost more when travelling outside Paris?
For eligible Metro, train and RER journeys, the standard ticket now uses a flat fare rather than the old distance-based pricing system. This means that a trip such as Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche costs the standard €2.55 fare.
Can I use a Navigo Pass on the RER C?
Yes. Navigo travel passes can be used on RER C according to the validity and conditions of your particular pass.
Does RER C go directly to Orly Airport?
No. The RER C does not directly serve the airport terminals. For most travellers coming from central Paris, Metro Line 14 provides a simpler direct connection to Orly Airport.
Is RER C or Metro 14 better for Orly Airport?
For most travellers starting in central Paris, Metro Line 14 is easier because it runs directly to Orly Airport without requiring a bus connection from an RER C station.
Why is the RER C map so complicated?
The RER C has numerous branches serving different destinations across the Paris region. For this reason, it is important to check both the direction and final destination of your train before boarding.
How often does the RER C run?
Trains generally run every few minutes on the busiest central sections, while individual branches can have longer waiting times. Frequency varies according to destination and time of day.
What time does the RER C start running?
RER services generally begin at around 5:30 AM. Exact first-train times depend on the station and destination.
What time does the RER C stop running?
RER services generally run until around 1:20 AM, although the last train for an individual branch may depart earlier. Check the current timetable for late-night journeys.
Can I take luggage on the RER C?
Yes. Luggage is allowed on the RER C. Keep bags close to you and avoid blocking doors and aisles, particularly during busy periods.
Is the RER C useful for tourists?
Yes. The RER C is particularly useful for sightseeing because it serves the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, Notre-Dame and the Palace of Versailles.