Make the most of Versailles: Your skip-the-line guide

Quick overview: How to skip the lines at Versailles Palace

Visiting the Palace of Versailles can mean long waits: during busy periods ticket-purchase queues often stretch 1.5–2 hours; after that there is still a mandatory security check for everyone. Pre-booked or skip-the-line options can cut the ticket queue significantly, though security waits remain.

  • Direct timed-entry tickets (From €21–24) : Reserve a fixed 30-min entry slot for the Palace (and optionally gardens + Trianon with a Passport ticket). This lets you skip the ticket-office line.
  • Full Passport ticket with timed entry (From ~€50–65) : Includes Palace, gardens, Park, Trianon estate, exhibitions. Covers most of the estate and avoids multiple separate bookings.
  • Skip-the-line guided tours (From ~€69-70) : Use dedicated group entrance (often Entrance B), generally reducing entry waits and adding a guided experience.
  • Trianon Estate-only tickets (From €12) : Good for repeat or quick visits when you want to visit only the gardens and estate, or want a lighter stroll, skipping interiors (and often shorter queues).

See all your options to skip the queues at Versailles Palace ↓






























































What does "skip‑the‑line" really mean for Versailles Palace?

Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass the long ticket counter queues, but not the mandatory security check. Most options offer timed entry through the main gates, while some guided tours and hosted experiences enter via the group entrance.

With these, you can typically enter in 15–30 minutes instead of waiting 1.5–2 hours during peak season. Some early access tours even let you enter before the palace opens to the general public.

How long are the queues at the Versailles Palace entrance?

The Palace of Versailles is one of France’s most visited monuments, welcoming over 15,000 visitors daily. Between April and October, ticket lines can stretch over 1.5 hours, especially between 10am and 1pm. Even in the quieter months, queues often exceed 45–60 minutes on weekends and holidays.

  • Peak season: April - October
  • Peak hours: 10am - 1pm

Note: On Tuesdays (when the Louvre is closed), visitor volume spikes sharply.

Types of queues you’ll encounter at Versailles Palace

There are several queues you’ll encounter during your visit to Versailles, and knowing which ones can be skipped makes a big difference.

Ticketing Queue

Location: Left wing of the Palace courtyard (via the Gate of Honor)

Who is it for? Visitors with standard entry or guided tour tickets who haven’t redeemed or collected them yet

Average wait time: 60–90 minutes during peak hours

This is the line to access the physical ticket counters. Standard entry ticket holders line up on the left wing, while guided tour ticket holders go to the right.

✅ Skip-the-line tickets bypass this line entirely when booked online.

Entrance A – General admission

Location: Left side of the courtyard

Who is it for? Visitors with online tickets or free admission

Average wait time: 30 minutes to 2 hours

This is the main entry for most pre-booked visitors. Even with an online ticket, you’ll need to pass through this line unless you're part of a guided group.

✅ Timed-entry tickets help reduce the wait here significantly.

Entrance B – Group entry

Location: Right side of the courtyard

Who is it for? Visitors with guided group tickets

Average wait time: 5–15 minutes

This is the fastest entry point, reserved for guided tours and hosted entry groups. It has much shorter lines and dedicated processing.

✅ Most guided skip-the-line and hosted tickets use this entrance.

Entrance H – Accessible entry

Location: Left of the courtyard, near the main gates

Who is it for? Differently abled visitors and their companions

Average wait time: Minimal

This special access gate ensures easier entry for those with reduced mobility. Staff assistance is available at security.

✅ STL ticket holders needing accessibility support are routed here.

Hate queues? Get full access in one go.

The Versailles Passport skips the ticket line and unlocks the Palace, Gardens, Park, and Trianon with a single timed entry. No add-ons, no guesswork.

Versailles gardens with symmetrical pathways and central pond, France.

All your options to skip the queues at Versailles Palace

Long lines at the Palace of Versailles are almost inevitable, especially in summer and on weekends, but they don’t have to define your experience. Here are six smart ways to skip the line and enjoy a smoother, more efficient visit:

Purchase skip-the-line tickets online

Booking your tickets in advance lets you bypass the long lines at the ticket offices in the Cour d’Honneur and head straight to Entrance A or B (depending on your ticket type). These tickets allow timed entry and can save you 60–90 minutes during busy hours.

These are among the most popular ticket types and often sell out 2–3 days in advance during peak season.

Join a guided tour

Guided tours include fast-track entry through Entrance B, reserved for groups. In addition to skipping the ticket queue, you also get expert commentary that brings the palace’s art, architecture, and royal stories to life.

These tours are helpful if you want a deeper experience without navigating crowds on your own.

Use hosted entry services

Hosted entry is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone looking for a seamless arrival. A local host meets you outside the palace and walks you through security and group entry at Entrance B, ensuring a smooth transition inside.

No confusion, no guesswork, just fast, assisted entry.

Visit during non-peak hours

The palace opens at 9am, but queues start forming as early as 8:15am. The busiest times are between 10am and 1pm. Arriving right at opening or after 3pm generally ensures shorter lines, especially at Entrance A.

Mornings are better for Hall of Mirrors photos; late afternoons are quieter overall.

Avoid Tuesdays, weekends, and holidays

Versailles is closed on Mondays, which makes Tuesdays especially crowded. Weekends, French public holidays, and school vacation periods also see high footfall. Avoid these days if you want to minimize your wait.

Try visiting midweek (Wednesday or Thursday) for a more relaxed entry experience.

Skip free admission days

While Versailles occasionally offers free entry (typically the first Sunday of the month in low season), these days attract massive crowds and long lines. Skip-the-line tickets and even guided tours can sell out early, or lose much of their time-saving benefit.

If you’re not on a strict budget, these dates are best avoided.

Frequently asked questions about Versailles Palace skip-the-line tickets

Skip-the-line tickets save you 1–2 hours in long queues, guarantee your entry slot, and let you explore the palace stress-free.

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