I want to look up the train schedule to travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers. However, I have been completely frustrated by the SCNF site. At various times, it 1) refuses to recognize the name of the station, 2) says there are no such trains or 3) says it can't give me a schedule because it requires more than hre changes - even though I have repeatedly read that there is a direct route. I suspect the problem is that it won't left me enter Gare Montparnasse as a station but insists on using Montparnasse. But I really am guessing, here.

Is there some easier way/source to find the schedule?

Hi,
If you haven't already, try looking up the times on this website:
http://www.transilien.com/web/site

It's the specific site for the SNCF's network of suburban trains covering Ile de France. I just did a quick search and it recognises both Montparnasse and Versailles Chantiers.

You don't need the SNCF to get to Versailles. You just take the RER. Try www.ratp.com.

RER C - Versailles Rive Gauche if the Chateau interests you

The Versaillier-Chantiers station is a 20-minute walk from the chateau. The Versailles-Rive Gauche RER station is right next door to the chateau. As Michel says, take the RER C. Be aware that the C line divides on the west side of Paris so be sure to get on a train that is going to Versailles-RG. Those trains have the nameplate VICK.

Adding to my previous post. If you're starting from Gare Montparnasse, then it is faster to go directly to Versailles-Chantiers from there than to circle around on the metro and RER C to get to Versailles-Rive Gauche. The SNCF trains run about every 15 minutes. Either walk or take a taxi from Chantiers to the chateau. It's your call on whether saving money or saving time is more important.

Aside from the fact that you don't want a regular big train, you certainly don't need any schedules, they run all the time all day long. There will be one usually within 15-30 minutes of whenever you get there, but definitely within an hour.

oh, my previous post was referring to the RER, not the big trains to Versailles.

"If you haven't already, try looking up the times on this website: http://www.transilien.com/web/site"

Thanks, but as far as I can tell, it only covers up to the end of April. I need schedules for May.

"You don't need the SNCF to get to Versailles. You just take the RER. Try www.ratp.com."

"RER C - Versailles Rive Gauche if the Chateau interests you"

I knew that some yahoo(s) would post this. I specifically said that I want to go from Gare Montparnasse. How hard is that to understand?

Aard,
We are just trying to help. No idea how conversant you were with trains, locations, etc... So jumping to conclusion that wanterd to get to Chateau by train...

I consider myself more a 'google' than 'yahoo'

Hey AA,

These people are trying to help you.

Why the nasty remarks?

Take RER C out to Versailles. It's quicker and easier, and there are trains every 20 minutes or so, and you can pick up the RER C at multiple stations in town (instead of having to go to Montparnasse).

Different screen name, but sure sounds like this fellow (same topic and tone):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...de_France.html

Aard,

The RATP site StCirq gave you will show the Montparnasse to Versailles-Chantiers schedule. The timetables will be the same in May as they are for April. While I admit to being one of the "yahoos" who suggested taking the RER C to Versailles-Rive Gauche, I also told you that SNCF trains from Montparnasse to Versailles-Chantiers run about every 15 minutes.

If you were to read more carefully, you just might rant less. Both an apology and a word of thanks would be in order here.

Well, that's it for you Aard. No more help for you. How hard is that to understand?

This same inquiry is going on over on the TA Paris forum. For some unknown reason, the OP is determined to leave from Montparnasse station and convinced that the train is faster, even though the station is a much farther walk to the Chateau entrance. (Along with some other curious train inquiries.)

It's not a big deal. I have walked from the Versailles Chantiers station to the château before. It's longer, but it's not really a problem. The trains run every 15 minutes; no schedule needed.

And actually the Versailles Chantier station does have one great advantage over the other routes for anybody wanting to do a double header: it has direct trains to Chartres.