Taking the train to Fontainebleau from Paris is an easy, affordable way to get out of the city and to see one of France’s largest and most beautiful chateaux. However, it can be confusing if you don’t know where you’re going or how to get there. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step of the journey, from your starting point in Paris to to the gates of the royal palace.
Read on to see exactly which type of ticket you should buy, where you can catch the train and the connecting bus, and what to expect along the way between Paris and the Chateau de Fontainebleau. Each step of the journey is illustrated with photos to help you visualize the trip, but as it can be a bit complicated you might want to bookmark this guide to read en route.
How to Take the Train from Paris to Fontainebleau
I took the train from Paris to Fontainebleau in July 2025. I’ll walk you through my journey from the train station in Paris to the gates of the castle! 🚉
Starting Point: Gare de Lyon
The train trip from Paris to Fontainebleau starts at Gare de Lyon. This station is located in the 12th Arrondissement, on the east side of Paris.
Gare de Lyon is the third-busiest train station in Paris, with more than one hundred million train journeys using this station each year. As such, it can be a bit chaotic! Arrive at least 20 minutes early so you have time to navigate the station and use the washroom before your trip begins.
Arriving by Metro
I arrived at Gare de Lyon on Metro Line 1. From here, I followed the signs for “Trains Grandes Lignes – Main line trains” upstairs to the main floor, then followed the posted signs to Hall 1.
Although the train you are taking is an RER train, don’t follow the signs for RER A or RER D. Just head straight upstairs to Hall 1.
Finding The Correct Track
You are looking for the train line called Transilien Line R, which is part of the city’s suburban RER rail network. Usually, these trains depart from Hall 1, on track L, M or N, but you’ll want to check the departure boards on the day of your trip. Typically, tracks are announced about 10 to 15 minutes before departure. You’ll be taking the train south, in the direction labeled “Montereau” or “Montargis” – both stop at Fontainebleau.
Buying Your Train Ticket to Fontainebleau
Most people visiting Paris won’t need to buy a train ticket to Fontainebleau, as it’s included in your daily or weekly Navigo pass. You can confirm on the official transit map that it is located within Zone 5.
I highly recommend using a daily or weekly pass for this journey if you’re not planning to walk the three kilometers from the station to the castle when you arrive in Fontainebleau (more on that below).
If you don’t have a Navigo pass, you can purchase a single metro/RER ticket for €2.50. The easiest way to do this is using the Wallet app on your phone, but you can also purchase a physical card for €2 at the train station, and then pay €2.50 to add a single journey to the card. You’ll also need a ticket for the return journey, so you can buy them both at the same time.
Ticket Validation
Remember to validate your Navigo Pass before your journey begins! There are machines at the entrance to each track where you can tap your pass (including paper and phone passes). This is important, as there will likely be ticket inspectors when you arrive in Fontainebleau and you need a valid ticket to exit through the gates at the Fontainebleau train station.
Riding the Train from Paris to Fontainebleau
The train from Paris to Fontainebleau is not a high-speed intercity train. Rather, it’s part of the city’s commuter rail network. Although many of the trains on this route have modern, two-level designs, don’t expect services like a cafeteria or even a washroom on board.
The journey from Paris to Fontainebleau takes about 40 minutes. Along the way you’ll see the outskirts of Paris, some small towns, and lots of forest. There are several places along the way where your cell phone signal may be spotty.
The stop that you’ll be watching for is called Fontainebleau – Avon. The main stop before it is Bois-le-Roi, so when you pass through this little station (shown above) you’ll know you’re about five minutes from arriving at Fontainebleau.
Note: Some trains also stop at Fontainebleau – Forêt before Fontainebleau – Avon. These trains usually run on weekends and holidays, and the stop here is to accommodate hikers and nature lovers who want to venture into the forest. If you’re going to the castle, don’t get off in the forest!
Arriving at the Fontainebleau Train Station
Once you arrive at the Fontainebleau-Avon station, you are still about three kilometers from the castle. To reach the castle you have three options:
- Take a bus in the direction of “Las Lilas”. This costs €2 each way, but is included in your Navigo pass if you have one.
- Walk 40 minutes (I recommend the route through the forest).
- Take a taxi. You’ll want to pre-book your taxi and if you pay more than €20 you’re getting ripped off.
On the day I visited I checked Uber upon arriving at the train station and there were no cars available, but you might have better luck.
💶 If you don’t have a Navigo pass, the return cost of individual tickets for the train and bus are €9. A full-day Navigo pass is only €12 and it gives you a bit more flexibility, so I would choose that option for convenience and flexibility. 💶
Finding the Bus to the Chateau
When you get off the train, exit the station to the bus loop and look for the large sign above your head that points you to the Chateau de Fontainebleau bus stop. Cross the bus loop street and look for the bus stop labeled “3401 Las Lilas” – it’s the first one straight in front of you. There is a sign inside the bus shelter indicating you’re in the right spot.
On the Bus to Fontainebleau Chateau
During the day, the 3401 bus comes about every twenty minutes. If you have a daily or weekly Navigo card, tap it on the reader as you enter the bus. If you are buying individual tickets, you’ll need to load a single bus ticket onto your Navigo Easy pass before you board the bus, and then validate that bus ticket.
It is likely to be crowded and busy on the bus, but fortunately the trip only takes about ten to fifteen minutes. There are screens on board the bus that show the upcoming stops – you are looking for the stop called “Chateau”.
Walking from the Bus Stop to the Castle
When you get off the bus at the Fontainebleau Chateau stop, cross the street (look both ways!) and head toward the large gate into the Diana Gardens. From here, follow the path that keeps right (parallel to the road) and look for the small signs on the grass that point you towards the entrance and ticket office. You’ve arrived at Fontainebleau!
Visiting Chateau de Fontainebleau 🏰
Now that you’ve arrived at Chateau de Fontainebleau, what can you expect to see and do? I’ve got a separate guide to actually visiting the Chateau de Fontainebleau, including information about hours, tickets, tours and what you’ll be able to see inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I’ve got lots of Paris travel guides, including recommendations for where to stay, a review of a custom perfume-making workshop in Paris and other excursions and tours that I’ve enjoyed.
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