How to Get from Paris to Giverny – Complete Transport Guide

Giverny, home to Claude Monet's legendary house and gardens, sits about 75 kilometers northwest of Paris in the Seine valley. Despite attracting over 500,000 visitors annually, getting there isn't always straightforward — there's no direct train to Giverny itself. Here's every option available, compared honestly so you can choose the best one for your trip.

Distance and geography

Giverny lies 75 km (47 miles) northwest of central Paris, just across the border into Normandy. The village sits in the Seine valley, near the confluence of the Seine and Epte rivers. By road, the journey follows the A13 motorway toward Rouen before exiting at Vernon — a pleasant drive through the Île-de-France countryside and into Normandy.

The nearest town is Vernon (population ~25,000), which has the closest train station. From Vernon to Giverny village, it's 7 km by road — a 10-minute drive or a scenic but hilly 25-minute bike ride along the Seine.

Option 1: Private transfer (recommended)

A private transfer is the most comfortable and time-efficient way to reach Giverny from Paris. A professional driver picks you up at your hotel, apartment, or airport and drives you directly to the entrance of Monet's gardens — no changes, no waiting, no luggage dragging.

• Journey time: 1h–1h30 from central Paris
• Cost: From €120 (entire vehicle, up to 4 passengers)
• Pros: Door-to-door, fixed price, flexible schedule, English-speaking driver
• Cons: Higher cost than public transport for solo travelers

For families, couples, or groups of 3–4, the per-person cost is comparable to the train — and the comfort is incomparable. Most visitors book a round trip with 2–4 hours of waiting time in Giverny.

Option 2: Train + shuttle or taxi

The classic route involves taking a train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny station (approximately 45 minutes), then connecting with a local shuttle bus or taxi for the remaining 7 km to Giverny village. For a detailed breakdown of this option, see our train vs private transfer comparison.

• Train time: ~45 minutes Paris → Vernon
• Shuttle: ~20 minutes Vernon → Giverny (runs April–October, timed with train arrivals)
• Total journey: 1h30–2h including connections
• Cost: ~€15–€17 per person (train) + €10 (shuttle round trip)
• Pros: Affordable for solo travelers
• Cons: Fixed schedules, crowded shuttles in peak season, 15-minute walk from shuttle stop to gardens, no flexibility

Important: the shuttle bus only operates during Monet's gardens opening season (April 1 to November 1). Outside this period, you'll need a local taxi from Vernon station.

Option 3: Rental car

Driving from Paris to Giverny takes about 1h15 via the A13 motorway. It offers flexibility but comes with significant drawbacks.

• Journey time: 1h15–1h45
• Cost: ~€15 fuel + €8 tolls + €8 parking = ~€31 minimum
• Pros: Full flexibility, can visit surrounding areas
• Cons: Paris traffic, parking stress at Giverny (often full by 10am in summer), motorway tolls, navigation challenges

Option 4: Guided day tour from Paris

Several tour operators offer organized day trips from Paris to Giverny, often combined with Versailles or other destinations.

• Duration: 5–10 hours depending on itinerary
• Cost: €80–€180 per person
• Pros: Everything organized, guide commentary, often includes skip-the-line tickets
• Cons: Fixed schedule, shared with 20–50 other tourists, limited time at gardens (typically 2 hours), early departure required

Side-by-side comparison

For a step-by-step plan including itinerary, costs, and seasonal tips, see our complete day trip planning guide.

Seasonal considerations

When you visit makes a real difference in how you should travel to Giverny:

• April–October (peak season): The Vernon–Giverny shuttle runs during this period, making the train a viable option. However, shuttles are often packed, especially in May–July. Trains from Saint-Lazare can sell out on weekends.
• November–March (off-season): Monet's gardens are closed, but the village and surrounding area remain accessible. The shuttle does not run, so you'll need a taxi from Vernon (€15–€20) or a private transfer. Driving conditions can be challenging on wet rural roads.
• Rainy days: If rain is forecast, a private transfer becomes even more valuable — no waiting at exposed shuttle stops or walking 15 minutes to the gardens in the rain.

For the best months to visit Monet's garden, late April through mid-June offers the most spectacular blooms.

Our recommendation

For most visitors — especially couples, families, and small groups — a private transfer from Paris to Giverny offers the best balance of comfort, time, and value. You skip every connection, arrive relaxed, and your driver waits while you explore at your own pace.

Solo budget travelers may prefer the train, but should be aware of the shuttle limitations and seasonal schedule. If you're arriving at CDG airport or Orly airport, a direct transfer to Giverny avoids the need to transit through central Paris entirely.

Tips for first-time visitors

• Book Giverny tickets in advance — especially from May through July, timed tickets sell out quickly. See our tickets guide.
• Arrive before 10am — the gardens are most beautiful and least crowded in early morning light.
• Bring cash — some village shops and smaller restaurants don't accept cards.
• Wear comfortable shoes — gravel paths throughout the gardens.
• Allow time for the village — the church where Monet is buried, art galleries, and excellent restaurants are all worth exploring.

Related guides

• Day Trip to Giverny from Paris – Complete Planning Guide
• Train vs Private Transfer to Giverny – Honest Comparison
• Best Way to Visit Monet's Garden from Paris
• Giverny Tickets 2026 – Prices & Booking
• Best Restaurants in Giverny
• Top Things to Do in Giverny