Easy Day Trips from Paris by Train: 10 Must-Do Escapes Under 2 Hours
For even more Paris escape ideas including longer adventures, check out our full list of the best day trips from Paris you shouldn’t miss.
Why Train Day Trips from Paris Are Perfect
Day trips from Paris by train under 2 hours let you experience France’s countryside, history, and culture without overnight stays or flights. SNCF’s TER and RER networks make it simple and budget-friendly, often under €20 round-trip.
- Depart from central stations (Gare du Nord, Lyon, Est, Saint-Lazare).
- Frequent trains mean flexible schedules.
- Return by early evening for Paris dinners.
Top 10 Day Trips from Paris by Train (<2 Hours)
1. Palace of Versailles (35-45 min)
Easiest day trip from Paris by train. RER C from central Paris drops you at Château de Versailles station.
- Highlights: Hall of Mirrors, King’s Apartments, expansive gardens.
- Train: RER C (€4-8 RT); first trains 6 AM.
- Tip: Buy skip-the-line tickets online; go Wednesday-Sunday.
2. Giverny & Monet’s Gardens (1h 10min)
Art lovers’ favorite day trip from Paris by train under 2 hours. Train to Vernon-Giverny, then shuttle to gardens.
- Highlights: Water lilies, Japanese bridge, Monet’s house.
- Train: Gare Saint-Lazare → Vernon (€25 RT); April-Oct.
- Tip: Go early (8AM train) to beat crowds.
3. Fontainebleau Château & Forest (40min)
Less crowded royal escape as a day trip from Paris by train. Transilien from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon.
- Highlights: Renaissance palace, climbing/biking forest.
- Train: €10 RT; walkable town center.
- Best for: History + nature combo.
4. Chantilly Château (25min)
Quickest day trip from Paris by train under 2 hours. RER D to Chantilly-Gouvieux.
- Highlights: Horse museum, gardens, Chantilly cream.
- Train: €8 RT; Great Stables highlight.
- Perfect for: Short escapes or with kids.
5. Reims Champagne Region (45min)
Bubbly day trip from Paris by train. TGV from Gare de l’Est.
- Highlights: Cathedral, Veuve Clicquot/Mumm tastings.
- Train: €40-60 RT; book ahead.
- Tour tip: Champagne houses offer 1-2hr visits.
6. Provins Medieval Town (1h 15min)
UNESCO gem as day trip from Paris by train under 2 hours. Transilien P from Gare de l’Est.
- Highlights: Ramparts, underground tunnels, medieval show.
- Train: €12 RT; Sunday markets best.
7. Chartres Cathedral (1h)
Gothic masterpiece day trip from Paris by train. TER from Gare Montparnasse.
- Highlights: Stained glass, labyrinth, crypt tour.
- Train: €15 RT; half-day perfect.
8. Auvers-sur-Oise (Van Gogh) (1h)
Art village day trip from Paris by train under 2 hours. From Gare du Nord.
- Highlights: Van Gogh trail, Absinthe Museum, Daubigny.
- Train: €10 RT; artistic walks.
9. Disneyland Paris (37min)
Family fun day trip from Paris by train. RER A from Châtelet-Les Halles.
- Highlights: Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios.
- Train: €15 RT; direct every 15min.
10. Vaux-le-Vicomte Château (45min)
Versailles alternative day trip from Paris by train. RER D to Melun + shuttle.
- Highlights: Gardens, candlelit evenings (summer).
- Train: €12 RT + shuttle.
Train Tickets & Booking Guide
Buy tickets via SNCF Connect app or station machines for day trips from Paris by train under 2 hours.
| Destination | Paris Station | Round-Trip Cost | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versailles | RER C | €8-16 | 35-45min | Every 15min |
| Giverny | Saint-Lazare | €25 | 1h10min | 4-6 daily |
| Fontainebleau | Gare de Lyon | €10 | 40min | Hourly |
| Chantilly | Gare du Nord | €8 | 25min | Every 30min |
| Reims | Gare de l’Est | €40-60 | 45min | Hourly |
Sample 1-Day Itineraries
Art & Gardens Day
8AM train Giverny → lunch Vernon → 3PM Fontainebleau return by 6PM.
Royal Trail
Versailles morning (9AM-2PM) → Chantilly afternoon (3PM-7PM).
Champagne Express
9AM Reims → cathedral + 2 champagne tastings → return 6PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest day trip from Paris by train?
Versailles is the easiest at 35-45 minutes via RER C from central Paris. Frequent trains and skip-the-line tickets make it perfect for first-timers.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance?
TER/RER tickets (Versailles, Fontainebleau, Chantilly) are usually available same-day. Book TGV to Reims in advance for best prices (€40-60 RT).
Can I visit Giverny from Paris in one day?
Yes! Take 8AM train from Saint-Lazare, spend 4-5 hours at Monet’s gardens, return by 5PM. Gardens open April-October only.
What’s the cheapest Paris day trip by train?
Chantilly (€8 RT, 25min) or Fontainebleau (€10 RT, 40min). Both offer châteaux, gardens, and are under €20 round-trip.
Are Paris day trips by train good for families?
Yes! Disneyland Paris (37min), Chantilly (horse museum), and Versailles gardens work great for kids. All have family tickets.
