Getting from Paris to Giverny is straightforward — there are three main options: guided tour (most convenient), train + shuttle (most affordable), or driving (most flexible). Below we cover each option in detail.

Method Time Cost Pros Cons
Guided Tour 1h15 each way €49–€120 All-inclusive, no hassle, guide included Fixed schedule, less flexibility
Train + Shuttle 1h30–1h50 ~€30–35 Budget-friendly, independent More logistics, shuttle timing
Drive (car rental) 1h15 €60+ rental Total flexibility, stop along the way Parking, city traffic, cost
Taxi / Uber 1h15 €120–€180 return Door-to-door comfort Expensive, must book in advance

Option 1: Guided Tour from Paris (Recommended)

For most visitors, a guided day tour from Paris is the best option. You don't need to worry about train schedules, shuttle buses, or queuing for tickets — your guide handles everything. Tours typically pick up near major Paris landmarks and include skip-the-line access to Monet's garden.

  • ✅ Air-conditioned transport included
  • ✅ Skip-the-line garden entry (save up to 2 hours in peak season)
  • ✅ Expert guide with commentary on Monet's life and Impressionism
  • ✅ No train/shuttle coordination needed
  • ✅ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
🎫

Browse Giverny Tours from Paris

From €49/person · Skip-the-line access · Free cancellation

See Tours

Option 2: Paris to Giverny by Train

Travelling by train is the most popular independent option. The journey requires two legs: train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then shuttle bus (or taxi) from Vernon to Giverny.

Step-by-Step Train Guide

  1. 1

    Get to Paris Saint-Lazare

    Take the metro or RER to Paris Saint-Lazare (lines 3, 9, 12, 13, 14 or RER E). Allow 30–40 minutes from central Paris. The station is also a 15-minute walk from the Opéra.

  2. 2

    Buy Your Train Ticket

    Purchase a return ticket to Vernon-Giverny at the station or online at sncf-connect.com. A return ticket typically costs €25–€35. Look for discounted "Prem's" fares if booking in advance.

  3. 3

    Board the Transilien J Train

    Look for trains on Transilien Line J to Vernon, departing from platforms 20–27. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Recommended departures: 8:04, 9:04, or 10:04 from Saint-Lazare.

  4. 4

    Take the Giverny Shuttle from Vernon

    At Vernon station, the Giverny navette (shuttle bus) waits to match incoming trains (April–October). The shuttle costs approximately €5 return and takes 10 minutes to reach Giverny. Buy your return ticket on the bus.

  5. 5

    Enter the Garden

    The shuttle drops you at the entrance of the Fondation Claude Monet. If you pre-booked online, walk straight to the ticket scanners. Otherwise, join the box-office queue (can be 30–90 minutes in peak season).

  6. 6

    Return to Paris

    The last shuttle back to Vernon typically departs around 18:00. Check the timetable posted at the bus stop. From Vernon, trains return to Paris Saint-Lazare regularly until late evening.

⚠️ Key Tip: No Shuttle in Winter
The Giverny shuttle only runs April–October, synchronised with Monet's garden opening season. Outside these months, you'll need a taxi from Vernon (about €15 one way) or a pre-arranged private transfer. Note that the garden is also closed November–March.

Option 3: Drive from Paris to Giverny

Driving gives you complete flexibility — useful if you want to stop in Vernon, explore the Normandy countryside, or combine Giverny with other destinations.

  • Route: A13 motorway from Paris (Porte de Saint-Cloud) to Vernon exit (exit 16), then D181 to Giverny. Total: ~75 km, 1h15 without traffic.
  • Parking: Free public car park at the entrance to Giverny village. Can fill quickly in peak season — arrive before 10:00.
  • Car rental: Available from Paris (CDG, Gare de Lyon, central Paris). Book in advance for better rates. Budget €60–€90/day for a compact car including insurance.
🚗 Driving Tip
If you rent a car, consider adding a stop in Vernon on the way back — a lovely medieval town with the Notre-Dame collegiate church and the old bridge over the Seine. Or make a loop through the Seine Valley (Les Andelys, Château Gaillard).

Paris to Giverny — FAQ

  • Trains to Giverny (Vernon) depart from Paris Saint-Lazare station (Gare Saint-Lazare), not Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon. The Transilien Line J platform is on the upper level of the station. Saint-Lazare is accessible by Métro lines 3, 9, 12, 13, and 14, and RER E.

  • The Transilien J train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Add 10 minutes for the shuttle bus from Vernon to Giverny. Total travel time from central Paris to the garden gate is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.

  • A return train ticket from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny typically costs €25–€35 depending on when you book. The Giverny shuttle bus costs about €5 return. Add the €13 garden entry ticket and budget approximately €45–€55 total for the DIY option. A guided tour from Paris (from €49) may offer better value when you factor in convenience.

  • There is no train station in Giverny itself. The closest station is Vernon-Giverny, which is 6 km from the garden. From Vernon, you take the Giverny shuttle bus (10 minutes) or a taxi. The shuttle runs April–October, synchronised with train arrivals.

  • Transilien J trains from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon run approximately every 1–2 hours on weekdays and weekends. In summer, frequency increases. Check the SNCF website (sncf-connect.com) or the Transilien app for real-time timetables.

  • Yes, you can buy tickets at ticket machines or windows in Paris Saint-Lazare. However, booking online in advance on sncf-connect.com or the SNCF app is recommended — you can often find discounted "Prem's" fares, and you avoid queues at the station.