how to travel paris from london

Savvy Travel Advice

11 Ways to Get from London to Paris (& Vice Versa)

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 44 Comments

London and Paris are two of the most iconic cities in Europe, rich in history, culture, and attractions. Many visitors to Europe want to visit both capital cities and need to figure out how to travel from London to Paris.

Did you realize that these two capital cities are only 214 miles (344 km) apart? And thanks to the creation of the Channel Tunnel (the Chunnel) it’s incredibly easy to get back and forth between them.

It is easy to combine visits to London and Paris into the same trip, due to their proximity. If you would like to plan a visit to both cities, you might be wondering what is the best way to get from London, England to Paris France?

To help answer that question, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to get from London to Paris (or from Paris to London). We’re going to list all the options you have for getting from London to Paris, as well as give you an idea how long each option takes, the cost associated with each method, the main companies and ways to book each route, and cost-saving tips.

We also provide advice on how to choose a method based on your budget, time, and travel style, and we also share our own preferred way to travel from London to Paris.

Table of Contents:

How to Get From London to Paris

Here are 11 different ways to get from London to Paris or Paris to London. We cover all the most popular ways such as taking the Eurostar train, flying, driving, taking a coach, guided day tours, and taking the ferry. We also cover less conventional ways such as walking, biking, and even swimming, as well as lesser-known options such as ride-sharing and private transfers.

It is important to remember that no matter how you plan to travel from London to Paris that you are crossing an international border and transitioning from the UK to the Schengen Area. You will have to go through border security and customs, so you need to make sure you have all the necessary travel documents before your trip to enter and leave each country.

Here are 11 ways to get from London to Paris in no particular order:

1. Eurostar Train

This is perhaps the easiest way to get from London to Paris and is usually our recommended way to travel between the two cities. The Eurostar is fast and efficient, and direct from the heart of London to the heart of Paris. All you have to do is get on the train on time and then you can relax the rest of the journey.

Although I think it is now taken for granted, taking a train directly between London and Paris is the newest way to get between these two European capitals. Before the Channel Tunnel, or Chunnel as it is often called, was opened in 1994, the only way to cross the English Channel was by boat or plane.

The Channel Tunnel is an amazing feat of engineering and it has the longest underwater section of any tunnel in the world!

Which train companies operate between London and Paris?

Only one passenger train company is able to use the Chunnel, and that is the Eurostar train. The high-speed train goes directly from London St. Pancras Station to Paris Gare du Nord. They run a number of trains each day between the two cities.

The Eurostar also offer direct trains from London to other places, including Disneyland Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Note that the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train operated by Belmond travels between London and Paris and used to allow you to book a trip from London to Paris and vice versa. It was an approximately 11-hour luxury train journey that included a ride on the British Pullman from London to Folkestone, a luxury coach ride across the Eurotunnel, and then the Venice Simplon Orient Express train from Calais to Paris. However, when I checked in 2020, they were no longer offering this route, and we are not sure it will return in future years.

How much does the train cost from London to Paris?

A one-way Eurostar ticket can cost anywhere from starting at about €44 for a standard ticket to up to €375 for a business premier ticket.

There are no set costs for the Eurostar train tickets, and like airline tickets the price fluctuates based on how long until the travel date and how many tickets have been sold. There are currently three classes of tickets you can buy.

The three types of tickets are Standard Class, Standard Premier, and Business Premier. Your ticket type determines your access to food services, how spacious your seat is, lounge access, how many pieces of luggage you can bring aboard, and whether you will be charged change or cancellation fees if you need to change your ticket.

Currently, all classes offer comfortable seats, access to food and drinks (food is included with the Premier tickets), and up to 2 pieces of luggage per person (Business Premier allows for up to 3). For the most up to date information about the classes and what is included with your ticket, you can check that out here .

To save money, we recommend booking well in advance to get the best rates. Although you can sometimes get a good deal at less busy times of the year at the last minute, you could pay up to 10X the standard fare at busy times of the year if you book at the last minute.

Also if you have flexibility on your dates, the best availability and fares are often on midweek trains.

Can I use a Rail Pass to travel from London to Paris?

Yes, your Eurail Global Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Global Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe)   can be used on the Eurostar. To travel with Eurostar using your pass you need to book your seat in advance and pay a seat reservation fee. You’ll be traveling in either Standard or Standard Premier, depending on the class of your rail pass.

Eurail and Interrail users only pay a fixed reservation fee, instead of the full price. At last check, the reservation fee was €30 for Standard class (available for 1st and 2nd class pass holders) and €38 for Standard Premier (available for 1st class pass holders only).

A reservation is mandatory and can be made up to 12 weeks in advance. Once you have your pass, you can do this on the Eurail website , in person at the Eurostar terminal, or by calling +44 (0) 1233 617 575.

Remember that your Eurail pass isn’t valid on other transport in the UK, so you should probably do this leg at the beginning or end of your pass’ validity.

How long does the train take from London to Paris?

The train from London to Paris takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes station to station, although in perfect conditions it could be as short as 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Passport checks are done at St. Pancras station before leaving for Paris, so you will want to get to the Eurostar terminal at least 45 minutes before your train.

Note that events such as worker strikes, protests, and adverse weather can affect the running of the train. You can check for Eurostar service updates and delays online here .

Where to buy train tickets?

You can buy Eurostar tickets directly from the company’s website , as well as from a variety of other online train ticket websites such as Trainline . Normally prices are the same across websites when we’ve checked.

You can also purchase tickets in-person at the ticket office in the Eurostar terminal at St. Pancras or Gare du Nord. However, if you are attempting to buy same-day tickets, this could be very expensive.

You can usually book Eurostar tickets from London to Paris up to 180 days in advance of your travel date.

Flying is another popular way to get between London and Paris because it is very quick flight and flights between the two cities are often inexpensive.

Remember though that between getting to and from the London and Paris airports, going through security and boarding procedures, it may be more time-efficient to simply take the train. But it is another good option to consider.

Which airlines fly between London and Paris?

Several airlines offer nonstop flights between London and Paris. At last check these include EasyJet, CityJet, Vueling, British Airways, and Air France.

Many more airlines offer flights that include layovers, including KLM, Swiss Air, Lufthansa, and Austrian Air. Although if time is a factor, these flights are going to take much longer than taking the train.

How much does it cost to fly from London to Paris?

The cost can fluctuate quite a lot depending on the time of year, availability, and proximity to travel.

You can often get a flight between London and Paris for under €100, sometimes much lower if you find a good sale with one of the budget airlines. We’ve seen them as low as €29 on sale. Just be sure to factor in any baggage fees when comparing prices.

If you have a large budget and want to avoid standing in long security lines, you can also charter a private plane from London to Paris. Private hire costs start around 5,000 euros for a light jet. You can check prices here .

How long does it take to fly from London to Paris?

Depending on the airline and airplane, it takes between 1 hour and 5 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes to fly directly from London to Paris or vice versa.

Make sure to confirm which airport your flights depart and arrive at. London has 6 major airports and all are in different directions from London, with different transportation options. You can see our London airport transport guide for more information on the best ways of getting to and from each one.

In Paris, flights to and from London land in one of its three major airports, Charles de Gaulle, Orly, or Paris Beauvais.

Also be sure to factor in the time to get to and from the airports. It can take up to an hour to get to London Heathrow from downtown London for example, and 45 minutes to get from Charles de Gaulle to the center of Paris.

Where to book flight tickets?

You can buy tickets from your preferred booking engine or directly from the airline. To compare flight ticket prices across airlines, we like to use Priceline , and Kiwi   to search for the cheapest, most convenient options.

3. Car / Driving 

Driving from London to Paris is another popular way to get between the two cities. It gives you a certain amount of flexibility, plus the comfort of staying in your own car the entire journey. You don’t need to worry about luggage restrictions or paying fees per person, and the timetable is more flexible than traveling by train or plane.

You have two options when traveling by car on how to cross the English Channel, you can take the Eurotunnel or you can take a ferry. The Eurotunnel is the fastest option and the one we’ll talk about most in this section. See the Ferry section later in the article if you prefer to cross by ferry.

You can transport pretty much any vehicle, including a car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, or campervan by the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Those on motorbikes get reduced fares compared to car drivers and those with larger vehicles pay a bit more.

It is also the easiest way to travel with pets between the UK and France. However, you must have all the proper documentation, microchipping, and vaccinations for each pet to be allowed entry. You can see the pet requirements here .

It’s important to note that France and the UK have different driving regulations that must be followed. In addition to knowing the differences in traffic laws (e.g., people in the UK drive on the left and people in the France drive on the right), there are also different things you need to do to prepare to bring a foreign car across the border.

For example, all those driving UK cars in the EU are required to have a valid driver’s license, passport, vehicle registration certificate (V5 document), proof of motor vehicle insurance, UK sticker on their car (GB sticker no longer valid), have reflective safety vests in the car, and put stickers over their headlights so as not to “dazzle” oncoming traffic. You can view the full requirements here.

Additionally, France requires all vehicles visiting Paris (and a few other cities) to have a Air Quality Emissions Certificate , which can be purchased online.

For those wanting to bring a car into the UK from France, the main requirements are passport, registration, and proof of motor insurance valid in the UK. You can also check out these tips for driving in the UK .

Although driving is an easy option, it still requires preparation as you must have a number of documents and car supplies to take a car from the UK to mainland Europe, and these requirements do change fairly regularly. We recommend checking the most recent border crossing and driving requirements at least a month before your trip so you can obtain any necessary documentation or supplies.

If you have traveled between the UK and France prior to Brexit, note that some requirements have changed and you should be sure to check all changes to ensure you have done everything you need before your trip. You can check this page for post-Brexit travel changes.

Can I drive across the Channel Tunnel?

No, nobody actually drives through the tunnel. Instead, you drive up into a special container shuttle and then sit in your car while a special vehicle called the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries you and your car through the tunnel.

These transport shuttles can carry all types of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, passenger vans, motorhomes, tours buses, and semi-trailer trucks (lorries).

Note: Vehicles that use flammable gas (e.g., LPG, BiFuel, Autogas, Hydrogen, CNG or CGH2 ) cannot be transported by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle because of safety reasons. This includes vehicles where the gas is only being used as a secondary or back up fuel source. Similarly, any flammable gas containers (e.g. for use in a campervan) and their size is regulated and these must be declared for inspection.

Taking a Car on Channel Tunnel versus Ferry?

Both the Eurotunnel and the ferry will take you from Folkestone/Dover to Calais (or vice versa). Taking the Channel Tunnel is much quicker and more direct than taking the ferry. It takes only 35 minutes to cross the channel via the Eurotunnel, as opposed to 90 minutes by ferry.

However, the ferry tickets can often be less expensive so good to price compare if you are on a tighter budget. Also, there are multiple ferry routes between the UK and France so you have more options in terms of where you depart and arrive.

How long does it take to drive from London to Paris?

It takes about 6 hours to drive and take the Channel Tunnel from London to Paris, excluding potential traffic and delays. The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle leaves regularly, with up to 4 shuttles per hour at busier times of the day/year.

However, note that 6 hours is about the shortest drive time under optimal driving conditions and so it can take much longer if there is bad traffic, construction, or Eurotunnel delays. We recommend allowing a couple of extra hours in your schedule so that you handle potential delays.

Before your journey, we recommend checking Traffic England for relevant UK road conditions and delays and this website for France’s highways. You can monitor the route using a service like Google Maps or a GPS unit to keep abreast of potential delays. You can monitor Eurotunnel service and potential delays here .

Fastest driving route from London to Paris?

There is really only one driving route from London to Paris, which is through the Channel Tunnel. If you take the most direct route it is about a 258 mile (415 km) drive from London to Paris plus about 34 miles (54 km) for the Eurotunnel crossing.

The fastest route is to drive from London to Folkestone along the A1. You then check-in and go through border security, board the Channel Tunnel transport, and then the journey across the Channel should take about 35 minutes. Once you arrive in Coquelles (near Calais), you’ll leave the shuttle, go through border security, and then head to Paris via the A26 and A1.

Cost of driving from London to Paris?

Prices for the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle vary based on the size of your vehicle, whether you have any trailers or attachments, and the kind of ticket you buy. One way fares start around £79, but round trip fares can be as low as £29 each way. You can check prices here .

Don’t forget to also factor in the cost of fuel which can vary widely depending on your vehicle and current fuel prices. If you are driving an electric car or hybrid car, there are electric charging stations that you can use at both Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminals in the UK and in France.

If you are renting a car, you will also need to take into account your rental car fees and any additional charges (e.g., cross border surcharge). If you are considering renting a car, keep reading.

Should I hire a car to drive from the UK to France?

Generally, we don’t recommend renting a car and driving it from the UK to France (or vice versa). If you own your own car or campervan and live in the UK or Europe, then it may make good sense to take your car across the Channel via Channel Tunnel or by ferry. You’ll save money and be able to drive in your own vehicle.

However, we find this is often more problematic for those with a rental car. First, several rental car agencies don’t allow rented or leased cars to be taken across the border, aboard ferries, and/or on one-way trips. Some do of course, but it limits your options.

Second, it requires you to learn the driving rules and regulations and have the proper documentation for both countries. Finally, it will mean that in at least one country you will be driving a car designed for driving on the wrong side of the road with the steering column and wheel on the opposite side.

Our advice would be to rent a car only where you need it and to rent the car in the country you plan to drive it. So if you need a car both in the UK and France, you can rent a car in the UK and then return it before you go to France. Then in France, you can rent a different car there for your time in France.

There is no reason you need a car to get from London to Paris. In fact, since you can’t actually drive across the Channel, you can’t use a car for the full journey anyway. And certainly, you don’t need a car in either London or Paris as both cities are not desirable places to get around by car. Public transportation is efficient and easy to use in both cities.

What do I need to take a rental car across the Channel?

For those renting, borrowing, or leasing a UK registered car, you still need to ensure your car meets all the standards and that you have all the necessary documentation and equipment. As noted earlier, these include a valid driver’s license, passport, insurance card, GB sticker, safety vests, and stickers on headlights. Those planning to drive to Paris, also need to have an Air Quality Emissions Certificate. You can view the full requirements here.

You will also need to ensure that you have permission to take the car aboard across the Chunnel (some rental car agencies do not allow this) and have a VE103 certificate .

Where to rent a car in London ?

There are lots of car rental agencies based in London. Most of them center around one of the airports but there are some downtown locations too. You can find all the major international car rental brands in London.

Note that some rental car agencies do not allow cars to be taken out of the country, which means you would not be able to take them across the border by ferry or by Eurotunnel to France. Car rental agencies that do normally allow border crossing from the UK to France include Avis , Budget , Europcar, and Hertz . But you will want to double-check when making your booking and check your rental contract.

If you plan to take the car to France (and elsewhere in Europe), an extra fee may apply. You’ll want to be sure to let the agent know when you pick it up to ensure you have the proper insurance, stickers, and documentation (e.g., VE103 certificate ).

In terms of renting a car in the UK, you also normally need to have held a valid driving license for at least a year (some require up to 3 years) and the driver’s license must be in English or use the Latin alphabet. If not, you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country before your trip.

The minimum age to rent a car in the UK is 21, but some companies will charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. Note that there also may be further restrictions on those under 25 such as no access to premium level cars and no taking the car across any borders. You usually need a valid credit card to complete the rental transaction, but some places will accept a debit card.

Automatic transmissions are usually available but many car rentals have manual transmissions (“stick shifts”). Make sure you are comfortable using a car with the steering wheel on the right, which will mean shifting with your left hand.

Where to rent a car in Paris ?

There are lots of car rental agencies based in Paris. Most of them center around the airports but there are some downtown locations too. You can find all the international car rental brands like Avis , Budget , Europcar and Hertz here.

If you are planning to drive to the UK from France, as discussed above, you want to make sure you choose a rental car agency that allows for cross-border crossings.

The rental car agency requirements in France are similar to those noted above for the UK. The minimum age to rent a car in France is also 21, with some companies charging extra fees for drivers under 25. Again, automatic transmissions are available but many car rentals have manual transmissions (e.g. “stick shifts”).

4. Bus / Coach

Taking a bus from London to Paris is usually the least expensive transport option. While not as fast as a train or flying, it is an easy way to get between the two cities.

Which coach companies operate between London and Paris?

The most popular companies that service this route are Flixbus and BlaBlaBus .  

Flixbus is the largest bus network in Europe. their buses have large comfortable seats, bathrooms, wi-fi and power outlets. They pride themselves on being timely and energy-efficient. They run about a dozen buses a day from London to Paris, at intervals, although only about half of them are direct (the rest involve a transfer in Lille). They also own the Eurolines buses that run this route. The trip usually takes 7 to 9 hours.

BlaBlaBus (formerly Ouibus) is a French bus company that covers ten countries in Europe, and 300 destinations. They have an app that allows you to use e-tickets instead of printed ones. They offer about half a dozen buses a day, some go to the city center and others straight to the airport. The trip takes 7 to 10 hours.

Most buses from London to Paris leave from the Victoria Coach Station in London (164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP) and then end at the Bercy Seine Bus Station (210 Quai de Bercy, 75012 Paris). But you can also get buses from London to the Paris airports, Disneyland Paris, and a couple of other places as well.

You can check schedules and purchase tickets directly from the bus companies above, or you can compare across all buses doing this route by using an aggregator site like trainline or Omio .

Can coaches cross the Channel Tunnel?

Yes, buses and coaches use the same EuroTunnel shuttle service as cars do. So the buses do not actually drive across the Euro Tunnel, instead, they drive into a transport vehicle and are shuttled across.

How much does the bus cost from London to Paris?

Bus tickets prices from London to Paris can fluctuate a little but typically cost between £12 to £40 per person. Taking a coach is usually the cheapest way to get from London to Paris.

How long does the bus take from London to Paris?

The bus can take between 7 to 10 hours based on traffic and the number of stops. This makes it a bit longer than driving yourself.

How to book a bus ticket?

You can book your bus ticket directly on the bus company’s website, such as Flixbus , or you can try an aggregator like Omio or trainline to find the best rate.

Taking a ferry across the channel is a unique, slower, and scenic way of getting from London to Paris. If you want the best view of the White Cliffs of Dover and the Cap Blanc-Nez (similar white cliffs of Calais), the ferry is our recommended option.

The ferries take foot passengers, cyclists, and vehicles. They are the most popular way for cyclists to cross between the UK and France.

The ferry is also a popular option for pet owners as most ferries allow pets to be brought aboard for those traveling with a vehicle. Pets must stay within the pet owners’ vehicle during the crossing, but there are pet exercise areas at each of the ports. If you want to travel with a pet, be sure to check the pet guidelines for your crossing in advance as they must have the proper documents and vaccinations.

There are three main ferry routes from England to France or vice versa. For the goal of getting from London to Paris, the quickest and most popular option is to get the ferry from Dover to Calais. We’ll focus on this route, but we’ll also talk about your other ferry options, including an overnight ferry option.

What are the ferry routes between the UK and France?

There are about a dozen possible routes you can take between the UK and France. Here are the main ferry routes between the UK and France:

• Dover to Calais
• Dover to Dunkirk
• Newhaven to Dieppe
• Portsmouth to Le Havre
• Portsmouth to Caen
• Portsmouth to Cherbourg
• Portsmouth to St. Malo
• Poole to Cherbourg
• Plymouth to Roscoff

For those planning a trip from London to Paris, we recommend the Dover to Calais as the fastest and most efficient route for most people. The Newhaven to Dieppe route is popular for cyclists and long-distance walkers. The Portsmouth routes by Brittany Ferries are a good option if you are looking for an overnight sleeper ferry.

How to get to the ferry from London?

You have the option to drive, take the train, or get a bus to reach the ferry ports. So this is going to depend on which ferry port you need to reach.

For all the ferries, it is recommended that you plan to arrive 60 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to leave in order to give you plenty of time to check-in and go through security and customs checks.

We’ll cover three of the ferry routes in detail below:

Getting to Dover Ferry Port from London

You can take a coach, high-speed train, regular train, or drive to get from London to the Dover ferry port.

If you are driving, the drive is about 80 miles (128 km) and takes about 2 hours. Traffic, especially leaving London, can really affect the drive time.

The fastest option to get from London to Dover is to take the high-speed train. The least expensive way is to take a coach from London.

The high-speed train to Dover leaves from St. Pancras Station in London and takes just over 1 hour. Other trains leave from both Charing Cross and Victoria Station in London and take about 2 hours to reach Dover.

The buses along this route generally take between 2.5 hours and 3 hours. Most coaches leave from London Victoria Coach Station and arrive either at the Dover Ferry Port (recommended), Dover City Centre, or Dover Priory train station. Bus fares generally range between £5 to £12 for a one-way ticket.

To check schedules and compare prices for both trains and buses, you can use the site  trainline or Omio .

From the Dover train station or bus station, it is a short taxi ride (about 5 minute drive), shuttle bus ride, or a long walk (~ 30 minutes) from either station to the passenger ferry terminal. There are regular shuttle buses from outside the train station (fee of £2 per person at last check) that stop at the port. You can check taxi fares and prebook taxis online with minicabit .

Getting to Newhaven Ferry Port from London

The Newhaven ferry port is about 76 miles (122 km) from London and it is about a 2 hour and 15 minute drive. Traffic can really affect the drive time.

If taking the train, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by train. I think all routes require at least one train change to make this journey. From the Newhaven town station, it is about a 3 minute walk to the ferry terminal.

Taking a bus is possible but the direct bus only appears to run on certain days of the week. The bus takes about 3 hours.

To check schedules and compare prices for trains from London to Newhaven, you can use the site trainline or Omio .

Getting to Portsmouth Ferry Port from London

The Portsmouth ferry port is about 75 miles (120 km) from London and it is about a 2 hour or so drive. Traffic can really affect the drive time so be sure to check traffic conditions.

Trains from London to Portsmouth Harbor station take about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is a short taxi ride (~ 8 minutes) or long walk (~ 35 minutes) from the train station to the ferry terminal.

The bus from London to Portsmouth generally takes between 2  to 2.5 hours. Most buses leave from Victoria Coach Station and arrive at Portsmouth The Hard Bus & Coach Station. It is a short taxi ride (~ 8 minutes) or long walk (~ 35 minutes) from the bus station to the ferry terminal. There is a taxi rank outside of the train station or you can check taxi fares and prebook taxis online with minicabit .

How to get from the ferry port to Paris?

It will depend of course on which port you sail to from the UK, but in most cases you have the option to rent a car, take a coach, or take a train to Paris.

The most common ferry port is the Calais Ferry terminal. If you arrive in Calais by ferry, you have the option to rent a car, take a bus to Paris, or take the train. The fastest option, and the one we typically recommend, is to take the TGV high-speed train.

To get to the Calais train station (Gare de Calais Ville), you can either take an hourly bus for €2, take a taxi, or walk to the train station (~ 35 minutes). You can then take a train from Calais to Paris, the direct trains take from about 2 hours to 3 hours depending on route and speed of the train.

The Calais bus station is located next to the train station and direct buses generally take 4 to 4.5 hours to reach Paris. Most buses terminate at the Bercy Seine Bus Station.

To check your options for getting to Paris from any port in France, you can check for train and bus schedules, routes, and book tickets on trainline or Omio .

How long does is the journey by train and ferry from London to Paris?

The entire journey will generally take from about 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on your train times, route, and connections.

The most time efficient way to use the ferry to get from London to Paris is to take a direct high-speed train from London to Dover, take a taxi or the shuttle bus from Dover train station to Dover ferry terminal (check in 60 minutes before departure), make the 90 minute ferry ride, take a taxi from the Calais ferry port to train station, and then take a direct high-speed train from Calais to Paris.

What is the cost of taking the ferry from London to Paris?

Ferry prices are often £30 to £90 per person between London and Calais, and depend on the time of year, time of day, whether you are bringing a vehicle or not, size of your vehicle, and whether you are bringing pets. Prices for other ferry routes between the UK and France often fall within this price range as well.

But you then of course also have to factor in the cost of getting to and from the ferry ports, whether you are driving, taking trains, or going by coach.

If you are going to take the ferry between Dover and Calais and plan to use trains, I’d estimate about £100 to £150 per person for the total journey from London to Paris. Less if you are traveling by coach.

Where to book tickets for ferry?

We recommend booking your ferry tickets directly with the ferry operators. We recommend checking DFDS Seaways . If you prefer to travel from Plymouth, Portsmouth, or Poole, you can also check out Brittany Ferries .

DFDS Seaways – Operate passenger ferry routes from Dover-Dunkirk, Dover-Calais, and Newhaven-Dieppe multiple times a day. Crossing takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the route. For their Dover departures, they currently do not allow foot passengers, only those passengers traveling with a vehicle or bicycle. They do allow foot passengers on the Newhaven-Dieppe route.

Brittany Ferries – Brittany Ferries operate ferry routes from Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Poole with most of their UK to France ferries leaving from Portsmouth. Ferries take from 3 hours to 8 hours to get from UK to France, and they also operate overnight ferry journeys. They allow passengers with vehicles as well as those traveling on foot.

If you are driving, we recommend booking in advance. If you are traveling as a foot passenger, you can book ahead of time on their website or you can usually easily buy tickets at the terminal the day of, as they never book up for foot passengers.

What if I want to take an overnight ferry from the UK to France?

Yes, it is possible to take a slow ferry trip across the English Channel between the UK and France. Brittany Ferries offers a number of overnight ferry options between the UK and France.

They offer routes leaving from Portsmouth, Poole, and Plymouth in the UK and going to a number of ports in northern France, including Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, and St. Malo.

For those wanting to travel by overnight ferry between London and Paris, we recommend booking either the Plymouth to Caen ferry or Plymouth to Le Havre ferry for options best suited for getting between London and Paris. But if you plan to explore the regions of Brittany or Normandy along the way, you have several route options.

Not all Brittany Ferry trips are overnight sailings so do make sure you book the correct one if you do want an overnight voyage. They typically have one daytime crossing and one overnight cruise for each route daily. The ships range from simple to fairly luxurious.

Many of the Brittany Ferry ships offer multiple dining options, cafes, live entertainment, gift shop, children’s play area, and a movie theater.  When we do an overnight trip, we like to get on, check into our cabin, have a nice dinner at the restaurant, go see the live entertainment, and then head off to bed. The food from the main restaurant is usually very good.

Having traveled by overnight ferry a few times now, I would definitely recommend only booking the overnight ferries if you book a cabin. There are nice reclined airplane style seats you can reserve as well, so this is an option if you are the kind of person who can sleep comfortably in reclined seats (I personally cannot). As otherwise you are paying more for a much longer ferry and will probably arrive pretty tired if you aren’t able to get enough sleep.

We take these ferries when we want a slower and more luxurious ferry option. This is often the first day of a trip or the final day of a trip for us so it often makes a nice transition. But if we want a quick option, we’ll book one of the regular 1.5 hour ferries to cross the Channel.

Can I travel in my own boat from London to Paris?

Yes, technically you can travel along the River Thames from London to where it enters the Channel, cross the English Channel, and then navigate the Seine River to reach Paris. But this journey, especially the English Channel crossing, has certain legal requirements and crossing by barges and small boats are weather dependent and can be dangerous.

If this is something you are considering, you should definitely start researching the route and your options well in advance.

6. Take a Guided Tour

If you are wanting to head off on a quick and organized day or weekend away, you might visit Paris from London on a guided day trip. The two cities are close enough together that it’s possible to leave before breakfast and be back by dinner!

How long is a guided tour from London to Paris?

Most of the guided tours from London to Paris are one long day. So you’d leave London early in the morning and leave Paris by train in the evening. Most day trips leave around 6:00 am and return to the city around dinner time, so expect a long full day of travel and sightseeing.

However, if you have more time, some tours stay overnight in Paris for a day or two.

How much does a tour cost from London to Paris?

Tour costs start at about £200 per person and depend on how much is included. Most include Eurostar train tickets, a sightseeing tour, and an attraction ticket or two. Multi-day trips will, of course, cost more.

What are some Tours that go from London to Paris?

There are a number of tour options, especially day tours from London to Paris, that you can take. Here are some of the better-rated options we’ve found:

• Paris Full-Day Trip from London – This full day luxury tour includes a guide who meets you in London at the Eurostar terminal. You take the Eurostar train to Paris, take a sightseeing bus around Paris, take lunch at the Eiffel Tower, cruise down the Seine and then have free time to visit explore (or take an optional Louvre tour), or do what you wish before your return to London by train.
• Paris Rail Day Trip with Options   – This 15-hour full-day round trip Eurostar journey to Paris allows you to choose the type of Eurostar train ticket (standard or first-class) and how you want to see Paris. You can do independent sightseeing on your own which includes a sightseeing bus pass or you can join a guided day trip around Paris with a guide that includes a Seine River cruise.
• Day Tour by with Lunch Cruise  – This tour includes round-trip Eurostar tickets, a fully guided tour of Paris by luxury coach and a 2 hour Seine river cruise with 3-course lunch
• Guided Paris Day Trip with Free Time – This tour includes Eurostar tickets, a sightseeing bus tour of the city, and a Seine River cruise. You then have the afternoon to use as you wish and explore independently.

Note that some of the tours are fully guided with a person meeting you either at the London train station or when you arrive in Paris and then stay with you for the rest of the day. Others are partially guided and some are independent and they just book your tickets and let you explore independently. So just be sure to read carefully what is included and what is not.

Join a Full day Walking Tour of Paris?

Another idea is to book your own train tickets and make your own way to Paris on the Eurostar and then join up with an all-day walking tour of Paris. You can leave London super early to join the tour, but I’d recommend spending the night beforehand so you are well-rested and won’t have to worry about rushing to get to the tour starting point.

For example, this full-day walking tour includes a guided walking tour of several areas of Paris, including Montmartre, Île de la Cité, and the Latin Quarter, a guided visit to the Louvre Museum, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, and Seine River cruise tickets.

7. Carpooling / Ridesharing

If you are looking for an inexpensive option to get from London to Paris but would like to avoid the bus, you could consider a rideshare or carpooling option. It is an option that also gives you a built-in travel buddy for the journey.

Ridesharing services for a London to Paris trip?

For a trip from London to Paris, you can check out carpooling or ridesharing service like BlaBlaCar , Carpling , or Liftshare to find a carpool across the Channel. On these websites private citizens can offer a seat in their car for a fee to travelers headed in the same direction.

Do keep in mind the safety implications of accepting a ride in a private vehicle with a stranger. Make sure someone always knows where you are going and who you are going with. We recommend sharing the location of your ride and journey, such as with Google maps or similar tracking app, so that a family member or friend can see your location in real-time.

It is technically possible to take a mainstream ride share service like Uber from London to Paris. But you are very unlikely to get a driver willing to make this journey and the cost of the trip would be high. If you are looking for a private transfer like that, see our section below on Private Transfers.

Ridesharing travel time from London to Paris?

The timing will depend on the exact route and method of crossing the English Channel, but most drivers estimate it will take between 6 and 8 hours.

Cost of ridesharing services from London to Paris?

Carpool rides from London to Paris seem to be generally be priced between £35 to £50.

This would make it cheaper than renting your own car and about the same price as driving your own car when you calculate fuel costs and ferry or Eurotunnel prices.

8. Private Car Transfer or Cab

If you don’t want to deal with any logistics or changes and don’t mind a more expensive option, you might consider booking a private car transfer. Although most cab companies and rideshare drivers won’t do such a long cross-border journey, there are some private transfer companies that offer this service.

The driver will pick you up from your hotel, train station, or airport in London and then take you to the chosen destination in Paris. You can also do the reverse and get a private transfer between Paris and London.

How to Book a Private Car Transfer or Cab from London to Paris?

As noted, most companies do not offer this service as it is such a long drive and includes a cross-border crossing over the English Channel. So your options are pretty limited but there are a few companies that can arrange this service.

Here are a few options:

• This private transfer service takes you from London to Paris. A driver will pick you up from your lodging, handle your luggage, and offer you a comfortable ride all the way to Paris. They will have water and snacks available and short breaks will be made for toilets and refreshments. Service can include up to 15 passengers.
• If you are traveling from Paris to London, the same company offers private transfers starting in Paris . So you would be picked up in Paris and driven to London.
• This private transfer service picks you up anywhere in Paris and drops you off anywhere in London. The driver picks you up in a Mercedes car that includes air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Service can include up to 8 passengers.

How long does it take to get from London to Paris by private transfer?

A private transfer between London and Paris will generally take between 6 and 8 hours, depending on traffic. Most use the Eurotunnel to cross between the UK and France.

Cost of a Private Car Transfer or Cab from London to Paris?

Prices for this service start at around £530 and go up depending on the number of riders and the style of car you desire. A group of up to 4 can travel together for about £1,068 and a group of 8 for £1,268.

Although this is an expensive option for a single traveler or couple, it can be a reasonably priced option for a family or large group.

If you are an avid cyclist, it’s possible to ride your bike from London all the way to Paris. You can cycle all the way to the edge of England and then jump on a ferry or take the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle to cross the English Channel to France. Most cyclists take the ferry.

While we’d recommend such a long-distance cycle trip only for those with more experience as a cyclist, most of this route is fairly flat and suitable for beginner level long-distance cyclists. We’ve read of a number of parents with older children who have successfully done the Avenue Verte route

If you plan to do this route, I’d just be sure to do your research in advance.

Bike route from London to Paris?

There are two main routes, and a variety of variations that cyclists may choose in getting from London to Paris. The two main routes are (in very simplified detail):

Dover/Calais Classic Route : Follow the old Roman Road of Watling Street out of London down to  Dover. Cross the channel by ferry to Calais, then follow Napoleon’s Route National 1 from Calais to Paris. This route is 304 miles (490km) and is not waymarked.

Newhaven/Dieppe Avenue Verte Route: Follow the A11 down to the port of Newhaven. Cross the channel by ferry to Dieppe. Then follow the D915 into Paris. This route is about 247 miles (398 km) long and is waymarked.

We recommend getting a guide to help you understand the route and prepare for the journey. There are a couple of good cycling guides for the route. These include this detailed guidebook by Cicerone on how to follow either the Classic Route or Avenue Verte Route. There is also this cycling guide by SusTrans that helps direct cyclists how to get from the London Eye to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris using the Avenue Verte route.

If you are looking for good maps, Ordnance Survey makes the best maps for the UK and IGN makes similar maps for France. For choosing a map, Ordnance Survey recommends the weatherproof active maps of the Landranger series for long-distance cyclists and IGN recommends the Top100 or Top75 series maps for cyclists. Ordnance Survey makes paper maps, digital maps, and also has preloaded GPS units for cycling and hiking.

It is recommended that you pair a guidebook or maps with a cycling GPS to navigate and stay on the route.

A great online resource for planning your trip is london2paris.co.uk , a website dedicated solely to biking from London to Paris. Most people do the trip independently, but you can also join organized rides of cyclists doing this route or organize a group yourself.

Can cyclists bike across the Channel Tunnel?

No, you cannot actually cycle across the Channel Tunnel. Instead, you can have your bicycle taken across in a specially adapted trailer across the Eurotunnel shuttle.

To use the Eurotunnel cycling service, cyclists must book their crossing at least 48 hours ahead of time by calling the EuroTunnel sales department to ensure a space for their bikes: 44 (0)1303 282201 . You can find out more here .

You can also bring bikes across on the Eurostar train; however, this would defeat the purpose if you want to cycle most the route between London and Paris. You can find out more about bringing bikes on the train here .

Can cyclists bring bikes onboard the ferry?

Yes, you can bring your bicycle onboard almost any of the ferry services between the UK and France. Most cyclists prefer to take the ferry rather than the Eurotunnel as it is generally less expensive, requires less pre-planning, and the ferry crossing locations are better aligned with the popular cycling routes.

The most popular ferry routes for cyclists are the Newhaven to Dieppe route which is operated by DFDS and the Dover to Calais route operated by DFDS .

How long does it take to cycle from London to Paris?

It takes most people 2 to 5 days to cycle from London to Paris, but the route can be done in less than 24 hours. It depends a lot on if you are trying to get there as quickly as possible or if you plan to do some sightseeing and exploring along the way.

It seems that 3 days is the most popular amount of time allocated to the route, which allows most people to complete it while moving along at a steady pace. If you want to do some sightseeing along the way, I’d recommend 5 days or more.

Where to rent a bike in London?

If you won’t have your own bike, there are a lot of places where you can hire bikes in London. For rentals, almost all stores require that you return the bikes in London. So if you are planning a round-trip cycling tour to Paris and back, this would work fine.

However, if you are planning to cycle from London and Paris and not return to London, then it is unlikely you’ll find a bike hire shop where you can rent in one country and return in another.

If you need a one-way bike rental, we recommend purchasing a bike for the trip and then selling it at the other end. So you could buy a bike in London and then sell it in Paris. There are a number of places in both cities where you can buy and sell used bicycles and cycling gear.

If you are really committed to slow travel, you can walk from London to Paris. As there is a large body of water in your way, you won’t be able to walk directly, of course, but you can do the crossing on foot via ferry or Eurotunnel.

Walking routes from London to Paris?

The shortest route would be to walk from London to the ferry terminal in Newhaven, walk onto the ferry, and then walk from Dieppe to Paris.

If you trying to figure out your walking route, or at least a place to start, the Avenue Verte Route might be a good one to consider. It is popular with cyclists and you can read more about the route above within our cycling section. There are a couple of guidebooks on the route (although they are geared to cyclists) that might be helpful.

Whatever route you choose, make sure you do research on the route you want to do and have a good map. It is recommended that you pair a good map with a compass and GPS unit designed for hiking .

If you are looking for good maps, Ordnance Survey makes the best maps for the UK and IGN makes similar maps for France. For choosing a map, Ordnance Survey recommends the weatherproof active maps of the Explorer series for long-distance hikers and IGN recommends the Top25 and Blue Series maps for hiking. Ordnance Survey makes paper maps, digital maps, and also has pre-loaded GPS units for hiking.

Can you walk through the Channel Tunnel?

No, you can’t walk across the Channel Tunnel. The only way to get across the English Channel is on a train, in a vehicle through the Channel Tunnel, or on a ferry.

How long does it take to walk from London to Paris?

It takes at least 3 days to walk from London to Paris and most people take 1 week. According to Google maps, it would take approximately 57 hours to walk the 234 miles from London to Paris. That, of course. considers only the most direct route and doesn’t factor in sleep and rest time.

The most direct route itself is approximately 234 miles; however, 75 miles of that is the ferry, specifically the Newhaven to Dieppe one. So the walking distance of that route would be about 159 miles.

How long it will take to make the journey will depend on your chosen route, level of fitness, planned stops, and how fast you want to move. I’d figure out your route and route length first and then estimate your time based on how many miles you think are doable per day on average.

So for example, if you calculate your chosen route will entail about 170 miles of walking and you think you can walk 30 miles a day you could reach Paris in about 5 or 6 days. If you do 20 miles per day you’d get there in about 8 to 9 days, and if you think 10 miles per day is more realistic it will take about 17 days.

11. Swim the English Channel

Ok, you probably aren’t seriously considering this one, but it’s fun to think about!

You can swim from England to France across the English Channel, but not vice versa anymore as the French have outlawed the act of swimming from France to England. Although if you start in England, you can then return on the same swim back to the UK if you want to do a return swim.

Keep in mind there are certain legal regulations, a fee, and necessities for being able to do this very long swim. You will need to train, particularly in cold water conditions, before undertaking this swim.

Once you are committed to doing it, the first step is to complete the Channel Swimming Association registration packet. Then you will need to book a Channel Swimming Association escort pilot to follow alongside in a boat who will provide assistance if needed and will also bring along your documentation.

You will need to book a swim window (usually a span of several days in a warmer month) and wait for good weather to ensure a safer swim.

If you are interested, you’ll want to head over to the Channel Swimming Association website that offers information regarding registration and regulations. It also offers lots of tips, support, and advice to prospective swimmers.

Swimming route across the English Channel?

Swimmers usually start near Shakespeare’s Cliff between Folkestone and Dover, and end at or near Cap Gris Nez, between Boulogne and Calais in France.

At its shortest point, the channel is only about 21 miles (32 kilometers) long; however, most swims are longer because currents often pull the swimmers out of their desired tract.

How long does it take to swim the English Channel?

It depends on the ability and swim style of the swimmer. Swims can take anywhere from 7 hours (lightning fast) to 27 hours.

People have been successfully swimming across the English Channel since 1875 and you can see a list of some of the more notable swimmers and record holders here .

What is the cost of swimming across the English Channel?

The cost of a Channel swim is generally between £3500 and £5000, but can vary widely. At a minimum, you need to pay for a registration packet and pilot boat.

But you also need to consider travel to and Dover, how long you might need to stay in Dover (food and accommodation), supplies, and time in France (unless you swim back). If you are getting any training lessons, you’ll want to add those costs as well.

What is the Best Way to Get From London to Paris?

The best way to travel between London and Paris is going to depend on what you think of as best. If we had to pick one method, we’d recommend taking the Eurostar train. But this will not be the best method for everyone.

Cheapest Way to Get from London to Paris?

The cheapest practical way to get from London to Paris is to take a bus, which will generally cost you between £12 to £40 per ticket. If you book ahead of time and for a less desirable time slot, you can get from one great city to the other for the cost of a movie ticket.

Carpooling is also a low-cost option as well.

Quickest Way to Get from London to Paris? 

The quickest way to get from London to Paris is to take the Eurostar train. On the Eurostar you can get from the center of London to the center of Paris in under two hours.

Most Cost/Time Efficient Way to Get from London to Paris?

Still probably the Eurostar train. It’s possible to get very inexpensive fares and it’s by far the quickest route.

Most Luxurious Way to Get from London to Paris?

A private jet ride is probably the most luxurious and expensive option.

Other more luxurious options, at much lower price points, include a private transfer service, first-class Eurostar train ride, first-class or business class flights, booking a luxury guided tour, or taking an overnight ferry.

Best Way to Sightsee Between London to Paris? 

Driving or cycling allows you to plan an itinerary of interesting stops along the route and allows you to stop and soak up the scenery at your own pace.

Best Way to do a Day Trip to Paris from London?

If you only have a day or two to spare to visit Paris from London, we recommend taking the Eurostar train between the two cities as it is the most efficient. A direct flight can also be a good option although we prefer the train. If this is your plan, we recommend choosing a hotel in London near St. Pancras, see our list of recommended hotels in London for some options.

If you are looking for an option that requires minimal planning, you might consider booking a guided day trip, such as this one , from London to Paris. You just need to make sure you have all the required travel documents with you and then the rest of the planning (including your Eurostar train tickets) will be handled by the travel company.

Most Leisurely Way to Get from London to Paris? 

Walking from London to Paris will take you about a week but you will have plenty of time to reflect along the way. Cycling or a slow drive are also more leisurely options.

Our Preferred Way to Get from London to Paris?

Normally, we take the Eurostar train as its the most efficient method. If we need our car in France, we normally drive and take the ferry to cross the Channel. The Eurotunnel is faster with a car, but we typically choose to take the ferry.

If we have extra time, we enjoy taking an overnight ferry with Brittany Ferries .

What do I Need to Know Before Traveling Between London and Paris?

It’s important to remember that you are crossing an international border when you travel between London and Paris. Many people will need to prepare in advance in terms of reservations, travel documents, vehicle paperwork, and travel plans.

Here are some things to know before you go:

• Everyone needs to have a valid passport to travel between the UK and France. You may also be asked for proof of onward travel. Depending on your citizenship, you may also need a visa and other travel documents. If you are unsure what you need for travel, I’d check with the UK government website and the travel authority for your own country.
• The primary language in the United Kingdom is English and the primary language spoken in France is French.
• The currency used in the UK and France is different. The currency in the UK is the British pound sterling (GBP) and the currency in France is the Euro.
• The electricity voltage is the same in both the United Kingdom and France (230 V); however, the plug types are different. The standard plug type in the UK is Type G and in France is Type C or E. So you will need to pack a travel adapter to plug in electrical items no matter what country you are from if you plan to travel in both countries. You can see our guide to travel adapters if you need to get one.
• Please check the COVID-19 related restrictions for entry into the UK and France (and re-entry when you return). These requirements keep changing, but may include completing paperwork, proof of vaccination, booking COVID-19 tests, and quarantine. Be sure to have testing and needed documentation ready before your trip. You can check current COVID-19 requirements here .
• If you are bringing pets or other animals across the border, you will need to have the proper documents for the animals. This normally includes a pet passport, microchipping, required vaccinations, and vaccination records for each pet to be allowed entry. There may be special requirements depending on the specific type of transportation you use (e.g., ferry versus Eurostar). You can see the pet entry requirements posted by Eurotunnel here . Please be sure to check the latest pet requirements before you travel and have all the supporting documentation on hand.
• If you are planning on driving between the UK and France, be sure to have the proper documentation, permits, and car supplies needed. See our Driving section above for more information as the requirements for drivers are different for the UK and France.
• Note that many rental car agencies do not allow for cars rented in the UK to be driven in France and vice versa and many do not allow for ferry crossings, so be sure to do your research before making a booking. Drivers from some countries will need to get an International Driving Permit before their trip to rent a car and drive in the UK and France. See our Driving section for more information.
• If you plan to drive in either country, the driving regulations are different for the UK and France so be sure to check driving laws and regulations for each country. Notably, the biggest difference is that those in UK drive on the left side of the road and those in France on the ride side of the road. This is one of the reasons we don’t generally recommend visitors rent a car in one country and drive to the next as the cars in the UK are designed for drivers driving on the left and cars in France are designed for those driving on the right side.
• Note that once you cross the border you are also changing international time zones with a one hour time difference. So be sure to reset your watch and plan your travel accordingly. The UK is in the Greenwich Mean Time time zone and France is in the Central European time zone. So, if it is 10:00am in the UK, it will be 11:00am in France.
• If you are planning to do sightseeing in London, we recommend checking out our suggested 2 day London itinerary , 3 day London itinerary , or 6 day London itinerary . For transport, you can check out our London public transit guide and our Oyster Card guide . For money savings passes, you might consider the London Pass .
• If you planning to spend time sightseeing in Paris, we recommend checking out our suggested 1 day Paris itinerary , 2 day Paris itinerary , 3 day Paris itinerary , and our Eiffel Tower guide .  For money saving passes, you might consider the Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass .
• If your travels are also taking you to Edinburgh (or elsewhere in Scotland), see our guide to traveling from London to Edinburgh .
• The United Kingdom left the European Union officially on January 31, 2020 and is no longer a part of the EU. If you have traveled between the UK and EU prior to Brexit, you will want to familiarize yourself with the new laws and regulations (especially if planning to drive or travel with pets).
• If you have any questions about travel between London and Paris, feel free to ask in the Comments section below. We can also answer questions about general travel to either the UK of France. We regularly travel to both and have lived in both the UK and France.

We hope this helps you figure out how to get from London to Paris, or vice versa!

Planning to travel to London and Paris in the future? Pin this article to Pinterest to save and read it later:

If you have any questions about traveling between these two cities or travel within either one, just let us know by leaving a Comment below.

Which of these methods is your favorite way to travel between London and Paris? If you have any of your own tips or advice about travel between London and Paris, feel free to share below!

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Rhona Lebner Post author

December 25, 2023 at 1:22 am

Excellent publication, this was so helpful!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:12 pm

Glad you found our article helpful, and do let us know if you have any questions about traveling between London and Paris!

Best, Jessica

Lynn Hicks Post author

October 17, 2023 at 3:23 pm

Could you please send me hotel suggestions for Paris. We will arrive via Eurostar and would like to stay near main attractions. Two nights and one full day in Paris. Taxis or Uber to hotel from train station is fine. Travel group: I am 62 yrs old, husband 71, and disabled son, 39. Thanks for your help

October 18, 2023 at 4:32 pm

Happy to try to help and provide some advice about your trip to Paris. So first what you’ll want to do is to have a list of the places you want to visit so that will help give you a good idea of where you want to stay. For example, let’s say you want to see the outside of Notre Dame, go on a Seine River cruise, go up the Eiffel Tower, and visit the Louvre. Those are all right along the Seine River in Paris, so maybe you’d want to choose a hotel in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 7th arrondissements (Paris is divided into 20 areas known as arrondissements) within walking distance of the river.

Then next you’ll want to determine your budget and type of accommodation. In your case obviously accessibility may be very important. For example, if your son is in a wheelchair you’ll want to make sure the hotel and the room you book are fully wheelchair accessible. I’d probably look at newer hotels (or hotels that have been recently renovated) as they tend to be more likely to have wider doorways, ramps, roll-in showers etc. (Also be sure to check accessibility for all the attractions you want to visit!)

So the Eurostar arrives into Paris at the Gare du Nord (train station) which is in the 10th arrondissement. I would probably recommend getting a taxi to your hotel from there as that area is not the most central if you want to be near main attractions such as the Louvre or Eiffel Tower.

It is hard to give specific hotel recommendations without knowing your itinerary or your stay dates, budgets, and any specific needs (1 room or 2 rooms?, wheelchair accessible needed?). But here are just a few options to get you started that are within the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 7th (based on attractions listed above), offer some wheelchair accessible rooms, and offer triple or family rooms: Hotel de Varenne in the 7th, Hotel Relais Bosquet in the 7th, L’Empire Paris in the 1st, and Hotel Etats Unis Opera in the 2nd.

Hope that helps, and if you want to give me more details, I am happy to try to help to find more specific hotels that better fit your needs.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris!

Audrey Ruland Post author

July 22, 2023 at 11:04 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

Thank you for the invaluable information and great detail on your blog! I do not like tunnels, is there a way to get from Heathrow to Paris efficiently, without going through the Chunnel? Maybe a ferry/train combo but get the train on the other side of the Chunnel? Are there any large tunnels beyond the Chunnel?

Thank you, Audrey

July 26, 2023 at 2:08 pm

There is only one international tunnel connecting the UK and France, the Chunnel which is an undersea tunnel. There are no other bridges, tunnels, or roads connecting the two countries.

So in terms of efficiency, the quickest and easiest for you would be to take the train into London (to London St. Pancras station) from the airport and then get the EuroStar to Paris. However, all EuroStar trains, buses, cars, and other types of ground transport goes through the Chunnel obviously (the cars/bus on Le Shuttle). So the only way to avoid it would be to fly to Paris or to take a train to one of the ferry ports and take a ferry boat and then get a train from the ferry port in France to Paris. Or you could rent a car and drive it onto the ferry and then onwards to Paris, although I wouldn’t really recommend that as you probably would not need the car in Paris.

But a ferry is not very convenient from Heathrow in comparison as you have to takes trains on each side, but it can be done but will take you longer. There are a few ferry connections from the UK to Paris, and you can check the ferry section above and investigate your options depending on your date and which ferry connection you prefer. This would definitely bypass any underseas tunnels. You can also compare the price of a ferry and trains to the cost of airfare to Paris as it may be cheaper (and certainly faster) to fly.

If you decide what route/method of transport you want to do, happy to try to help with more specific questions.

Kasey Gupton Post author

June 18, 2023 at 7:11 am

Hello- you mentioned places to stay in London if one was going to travel between London and Paris but I didn’t see a list of recommended Paris hotels for an overnight between the two cities. Also, what do you recommend for transportation from Heathrow to London center? KG

June 18, 2023 at 7:19 am

Happy to try to help and give recommendations!

So for where to stay in Paris, are you driving between them and wanting a place to stay at a location along that drive? Or a place near the Paris airport or in Paris city center? Also good if you could share an idea of what type of hotels you like and your per night budget. If you could clarify your travel plans and where you are looking for lodging, we are happy to give recommendations as we have stayed in several places in and around Paris.

For getting to London from Heathrow, we generally recommend either taking the Underground train (Tube) or the Elizabeth Line between Heathrow Airport and London city center. However, it does depend on where exactly you are staying. You can see our guide to getting from the London airports to London here for a list of all the options. Happy to give more specific advice if you let me know where you are staying.

June 18, 2023 at 8:30 am

Thank you so much for the quick response. Not sure about Paris. We will take the quick train through the Chunnel from London to Paris and we have one full day/night before returning to London. Definitely want to take the River Seine tour- see Tour Eiffel and cafes, Jardin de Tuileries and Montmartre

June 18, 2023 at 9:28 am

You’re very welcome.

If planning to take EuroStar and you know your dates, I’d book your tickets now. Ticket prices have gotten much higher recently and they just go up the later you wait to book. The sooner you book, the more likely you are also to get the train time you want as many services sell out in advance. Since 1 day is not a lot of time in Paris, I would personally recommend trying to come in on a later service from London and spending 1 full day and 2 nights in Paris to give you the most time.

If you are taking the Eurostar to Paris from London, you’ll arrive into (and leave again to go back to London) the Gare du Nord which is within the 10th arrondissement (area of Paris). So my recommendation since you need to arrive and leave from here, would be to just find a hotel within walking distance of the train station, so maybe within a 10-15 minute walk. That will make it much easier for you if taking the train and you won’t need to get a taxi or take public transit to get to your lodging or to the train so it can save you time and money. You might consider this well-reviewed hotel which is located right across from the Gare du Nord. But there are a lot of options near Gare du Nord from chain hotels like Ibis/Holiday Inn/Mercure to apartments to nicer hotels.

But of course for your sightseeing, you still need to take public transit (or a taxi). So I think it just depends if you prefer to be near the train station for convenience or if you prefer to be within walking distance of specific attractions of interest to you like the Eiffel Tower (which is the 7th arrondissement). I personally really love the Marais area. But I think for a 1 day visit, staying near the train station may make the most sense for you this time.

So if you only have one full day, I would just be sure to book your tickets for the Eiffel Tower (especially if you want to use the elevator), museums, Seine river cruise , and any other popular attractions in advance. Especially if you are going this summer, things are very busy and lots of places are selling out tickets in advance and you don’t want to waste time in ticket lines. So I’d plan our your day carefully and leave plenty of time to actually see each place and get between attractions without being too rushed. Start early and have a great full day and night out and about!

What I might suggest if you want to see as much as possible in the day you have is to book a guided day tour like this one that includes all your attraction entry tickets (this particular one includes Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, a Seine river cruise). That way, you don’t have to worry too much about planning and will get to see everything included in the tour and then have the evening free to explore a little more and have dinner on your own. But to do a tour you would probably need to come in from London the night before the tour and I’d recommend trying to staying a second night to have a full day in Paris before returning to London the next morning. So if you can I’d try to have 2 nights and 1 full day minimum here.

Anyway, hope that helps and let us know if you have more questions as you plan your trip to London and Paris!

Arlene Schneid Post author

May 2, 2023 at 7:24 am

Can I take my small chihuahua pup with me on the train to and from London and Paris?

Laurence Post author

May 4, 2023 at 9:44 am

So you cannot take any pets on the Eurostar train, they do not accept pets of any kind with the exception of guide dogs.

However, you can take pets on the Eurotunnel and on some ferry services. You would need to check pet passport, quarantine and vaccination requirements.

Hope that helps!

Jessica & Laurence

Paula Post author

February 27, 2023 at 10:04 am

Have prices gone up so much? I can’t see any train ticket to Paris from london for 30…and I am looking from now to December…

March 1, 2023 at 6:29 am

Sadly, yes, prices have increased a lot recently and I just went and updated the lowest price above in the article. The cheapest ticket they appear to offer is about 44 euros (£39) and the business premier tickets now seem to all be around 375 euros which is a huge increase. Tickets have always had dynamic pricing but ranged from about 30 euros to 300, but that now seems to have changed with prices ranging from about 44 to 375.

When are you wanting to travel? The cheapest tickets I see for most months are 57 euros for a one-day ticket. You will definitely still save money by booking well in advance but you will have to pay more that you would have probably done a year or two ago. If there are no reasonable prices available for your dates, I would compare it to the prices of ferries, flights, and buses. On some days, it is sadly cheaper to fly to London than take the train.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Karen Wilkinson Post author

November 28, 2022 at 9:19 pm

I am trying to find transport from London to Paris, for two people, The Flixbus is $427.00 round trip, The Eurostar is $879.00 . WE are two seniors wanting to go the week between Christmas and New Years. Are there codes or discounts that I am unaware of? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you

November 29, 2022 at 9:21 am

Unfortunately this is just a really expensive time of year and the only way to get “regular” priced tickets is to book well in advance normally for the Eurostar. I don’t know of any special discounts or codes that would likely help in this situation.

So a bus is likely still going to be your cheapest option. I would play around with your dates and times, the further before Christmas and the later after Boxing Day you can travel, the better your chances of getting better prices. On the Megabus website , if you are able to leave on December 15th, I see 2 one-way tickets from London to Paris for 2 travellers as only £55 (London, Victoria Coach Station to Paris, Gare de Bercy) But they don’t offer any tickets for your return so you’d need to find another option for your return. But that could definitely save you money one way.

There is also Union Ivkoni, a Bulgarian bus company, than runs a late night bus from London to Paris on certain days and is pretty cheap. But we have never used the service and it doesn’t have good reviews. BlaBlaCar Bus is another budget option that does run this route.

Another option would be to consider flying. It would be cheaper to take a budget airline and fly from London to Paris than take the Eurostar train service around that time of year. It looks like you can get a round trip flight for around £260 to £300 per person (so around £500 to £600 for both round-trip), depending on your dates. Vueling and EasyJet seems to have some of the lowest prices.

If getting to a ferry port is an option you can also price those tickets. But this means if you are not driving that you would need to get a train or bus to the British ferry port, and then one from the French port to Paris. Then do the same on the way back. This is a lot more hassle, but this would at least avoid the really expensive Eurostar tickets.

Finally, you could also try to find someone else locally who is heading to France same time and driving, and willing to help cover their fuel and travel costs.

Anyway, hope that helps and it would be great if you want to let us know what you decide to do. It might help others trying to travel between London and Paris this holiday season.

November 29, 2022 at 9:41 am

Thank you so much for all your details, I am dashed that is going to cost the same to go to Paris as it did to fly from Houston. Thinking of just do some type of Great Britain tour that week. So disappointing! Thank you again for your prompt response and insightful help. Warm Wishes, Karen

November 29, 2022 at 10:51 am

You’re welcome and hope it helps. You do have options but other than that one bus ticket, I don’t see good deals out there right now. If you do decide to head to Paris, I would recommend booking soon as services will likely become fully booked on certain dates as the holidays approach.

Yes, you would probably be able to get much better value traveling around the UK by train or bus. If you decide to do that, I would just recommend booking any trains in advance. Lots of Christmas markets, pantomimes, shows, and the like will be going on across the UK and Ireland and then the New Years/Hogmanay celebrations and Boxing Day events afterward. Accommodation is going to be higher around the holidays, particularly in the big cities like London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. But you can often find good value options in secondary cities.

Just note that the rail strikes could affect you so be sure to check those dates. As of now, “there will be four periods of strike action by the RMT union taking place between December and January, which will impact Christmas travel. The days affected are December 13, 14, 16 and 17, and January 3, 4, 6 and 7.”

Anyway, hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip.

Arhaan Post author

October 30, 2022 at 12:48 pm

Use A16 only A1 ,A26 is nasty with so many potholes and A16 is a direct straight line I drove there and tried both routes and the A1 and A26 was so much worse than A16. So in conclusion just avoid A1 and A26 and use A16 only until you are at Paris because then you have to use the A1 only once and that section is fine but the other sections of the road are not fine and have tons of potholes

October 31, 2022 at 10:15 am

Thank for taking the time to comment and let us know about the condition of the A1 road. It is sad to hear it is in such a state with so many potholes.

So yes, so once you get to Calais, the A26 and A1 is generally the most direct route but only by a short distance/short amount of time. So taking the A16 is generally takes only slight longer (generally only 10 to 30 minutues). And from your report, the A16 is currently the road to take for the best road experience. Let’s hope that they repair the issues with the A1 and A26 soon.

Thanks again for your comment and I am sure your report will be helpful to those planning a drive between London and Paris in the coming months!

Roy Hinchliff Post author

November 23, 2022 at 6:46 am

Jessica, I think you should be aware that Arhaan was writing about the motorways in the north of France, not England. England may indeed have some bad roads and the ones which run north from Dover, the M2 and the M20 probably get the most heavy traffic of all, but the A1, A16 and A26 are elsewhere in England and do not lead to Channel Ports (except the A26 which connects Tonbridge with Newhaven)

Apart from that, may I compliment you on a very informative and useful guide which I am recommending to an Australian cousin who is asking me exactly the question answered by your website.

November 24, 2022 at 4:49 am

Thanks, glad our post helped answer any of your cousin’s questions about getting between London and Paris.

Thanks for the clarification about the prior poster’s question about the routes and road conditions. Most of my response does relate to the routes in northern France but I will remove the sentence about the ratings of the A1 in England as I think that may confuse future readers (I think I was confusing it with the M20 when writing that)!

Mridula Post author

July 1, 2022 at 11:15 pm

Hi, Thank you for explaining it very clearly. I have got questions related to taking our own vechile. Could you please let me know if it’s cost effective if taking your own vechile when you are travelling with active toddlers? And is it safe for them to sit under the tunnel for few hours?

July 2, 2022 at 3:41 am

Hi Mridula,

I think you are asking about whether you should take the Eurostar passenger train or take you car onboard the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle?

The Eurostar is pretty self-explanatory in that it is a high-speed train between London and Paris. It takes about 3.5 hours and you can take it directly from London to Paris. The least expensive seats (Standard Class) normally start around 30 euros if booked well in advance. But they can get very pricey, especially if booked more last minute or during particularly busy periods. Children fares are lower than adult fares and those under age 4 can travel for free as long as they are with a parent/guardian, have a valid passport, and are sitting in an adult’s lap for the journey.

So if you take your own car aboard the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, you drive you car into the train car and basically stay in your car for the duration of the ride. The journey itself takes about 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, and so you typically spend maybe 45 minutes inside in your car. So you should note that the Le Shuttle does not start in London nor does it end in Paris. If you are trying to get to Paris, you will then need to drive 3 to 4 hours to reach Paris after getting off the shuttle.

Which is going to be more cost effective will depend on your specific trip and the cost of the Eurostar tickets for your dates. If you are just going from London to Paris and plan to spend time in Paris, it often doesn’t make much sense to have a car as you don’t need a car to get around the city as there is good public transport options as well as taxis and rideshare services. You also need to ensure that your car has all the necessary equipment/certificates to be able to drive in Paris. Given that you’ll need to pay for fuel, parking, certificates, and the shuttle, it is unlikely you’ll save much money. But if you are planning to drive around other places in France and don’t want to take the train, then having a car can be a more cost effective and easier option.

But if you are just getting between London and Paris, the Eurostar is often the most simple and easiest option. I would recommend this option if you don’t need a car on your trip.

For the question about the kids in the tunnel, for both options, you are only actually in the tunnel for a total of about 30 minutes or less. Most of the Eurostar train journey is not in the Chunnel but just making its way on land between London and Paris.

Anyway, hope that helps and just let me know if you have further questions as you plan your trip!

July 2, 2022 at 3:55 am

Hi,Yes, we do have plans to go around the Paris and Normandy. How big is Normandy and how many days it will take us to cover?

July 2, 2022 at 8:11 am

If you decide to go by car to get from London to Paris, the car will be useful to explore Normandy. But for Paris, unless you have free parking there, we’d recommend considering leaving it at a car park or Park & Ride just outside Paris and take a shuttle or train into the city. You can see some options here .

Normandy is a fairly big region and you could spend a lot of time exploring Normandy. So it just depends on what you are interested in doing and seeing there and how much time you have there. There are lots of historical sites, the World War II sites (particularly D-day landing beaches), seaside towns, religious pilgrimage sites (Mont St. Michel), museums, etc. Two of the largest cities in Normandy are Le Harve and Rouen, both are worth exploring if you are interested in history and city sightseeing. The Norman region is also known for its gastronomy and particularly cider and apple brandy. I would recommend at least 3 days but you could easily spend a week or so here.

If you are limited in time, here is a suggested 2 day Normandy itinerary if you just have 2-3 days in the region. This itinerary focuses on Mont Saint Michel and the D-Day landing beaches and WW2 history which are two of the more popular things to do in the region for visitors. But again, it really depends on you and your family’s interests. With small children, you’ll want to consider what might be of most interest to them (e.g., seaside family-friendly beaches, outdoor attractions, and theme parks might be of more interest) and how much time you want to sightsee each day.

Normandy is pretty easy to get around by car. You can also take trains to the cities and many of the larger towns. You can also join a tour from Paris, as there are a lot of day tours from Paris to Normandy. You can see some tour options here .

July 2, 2022 at 9:50 am

Wow that’s amazing thank you for giving me a direction on what I should do and for the look out. Thank for your patience.

July 3, 2022 at 3:53 am

Hi Mridula, You’re very welcome and wishing you and your family a great trip to Paris and Normandy. If you have any further questions as you make plans for your trip, just let me know. Best, Jessica

July 5, 2022 at 4:52 am

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for helping me to make my decision. I have decided to go via my own vechile and booked through Euro tunnel as well. Just wanted to check with you can suggest some good family stay at Normandy or near by. I have looked into couple of them but not clear in their websites. Could you please help me?

July 5, 2022 at 10:14 am

You’re very welcome, glad you have got it booked.

Where in Normandy would you like to stay? Normandy is a region not a city, so it really depends on what you plan to do there. But if you give me where you want to stay in the region (e.g., near Caen, walking distance to a beach, or near Mont St. Michel), what type of place you like to stay (e.g., hotel, resort, apartment) and your budget, I am happy to send along a couple of suggestions.

Sundar Post author

August 31, 2021 at 6:15 am

Hello Jessica, It is a nice article to read, in fact you have explained very clearly all the options to get to Paris from London. Just curious if National Express bus service still available from London to Paris. I travelled from London to Paris long back using National Express bus. And P&O ferry actually accommodated all vehicles including our bus along with us. Is this still operating in the same route? Thanks

September 1, 2021 at 11:42 am

You can certainly still take a bus or coach from London to Paris (see the options listed in post). However, I don’t think there is a regular National Express bus service any longer. I just searched and could not find one currently available. I should also mention that National Express is not currently operating all its routes due to COVID-19 and staff shortages that it used to run.

Buses can still go across on some of the ferries; however, generally the fastest buses will cross the English Channel using the EuroTunnel shuttle.

September 2, 2021 at 11:03 pm

Thanks for the reply

Giorgia Post author

July 3, 2020 at 6:52 am

Hi! In this difficult time for everyone due to the coronavirus lockdown, I was pleased to read a nice article about travelling, very useful information…thank you Jessica and Lawrence!! I hope to go to Paris very soon.. Thank you!

July 3, 2020 at 9:10 am

Hi Giorgia,

Yes, it is definitely a difficult period for everyone, especially those in the travel industry.

France, including Paris, is currently open to travelers from certain countries so I would check the latest government guidelines and announcements. If you are traveling from London, I believe that UK travelers will be allowed to visit France (including via Eurotunnel) starting July 10, subject to checks.

You’re very welcome and wishing you a safe trip to Paris.

Marius D Post author

May 19, 2020 at 9:52 am

very useful information…thank you Jessica and Lawrence!!

May 19, 2020 at 10:10 am

You’re very welcome Marius 😉 Wishing you safe travels if planning a trip between London and Paris!

May 19, 2020 at 10:12 am

Jessica, I love to travel, but I have to find a new job…I am not a rich man and I cannot afford expensive destinations…although I did do my share of travelling….:)

Prashanth Post author

March 22, 2020 at 1:11 am

We always enjoy your articles its inspired a lot by reading your articles day by day. So please accept my thanks for your latest ones.

March 22, 2020 at 8:11 am

Hi Prashanth, Glad you enjoy reading our articles. If you are planning to travel between London and Paris, just let us know if you have any questions! Best, Jessica

February 29, 2020 at 9:18 am

Now with the coronavirus I guess its safer just to stay at home and not travel so much.

February 29, 2020 at 10:32 am

I definitely think certain places are to be avoided. I think it is a fine line between try to avoid putting yourself at risk and not overreacting too much to the news headlines. But I definitely think people should think carefully about their travel, use precautions, and do what they feel is best.

But the coronavirus is definitely hurting tourism, not only in the places with documented infections, but everywhere. We’ve heard from companies that are down 50% to 80% in their bookings so it is going to be a hard time for any business related to travel.

Lori Davies Post author

February 28, 2020 at 1:37 pm

HI Jessica – Your post is very timely as we are planning a trip to Europe from NYC right now and trying to get our travel booked in advance for a June trip. We are on a fairly tight budget and definitely don’t plan to hire a car. We are going from London to Paris to Rome on our trip and staying for 3-4 days in each city. There are 2 of us, would taking the bus be our cheapest option? What are the quality of the buses?

Thanks, Lori

February 28, 2020 at 4:32 pm

Yes, if you are on a tighter budget, the bus is almost always the cheapest option in terms of your options on how to get from London to Paris. You can often get the bus tickets for £10 to £20 if you book in advance. But I would definitely also check Eurostar train tickets from London to Paris as well as sometimes the bus and train tickets are pretty similar and you can save a lot of time by taking the train.

It is hard to say anything about the specific bus you may get and it will depend on the company, but they are going to be good quality coaches designed for longer trips. I know the Flixbus coaches all have Wifi, power sockets, snacks available for purchase, baggage storage, and toilets on board.

Hope that helps and wishing you safe travels! Jessica

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The train journey from London to Paris takes 2h 19m on average and covers a distance of 212 miles.

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Discover your rail options from London to Paris

London is a popular starting point for many travelers on their European vacation. A short and comfortable train ride connects the British capital with France's city of love, Paris. Let's show you how you can travel from London to Paris by train.

London to Paris train time

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Which Pass?

Eurail global pass.

Travel from London to Paris and discover up to 33 European countries . The Eurail Global Pass is our most popular rail pass, and the perfect way to see more of Europe. Gives you access to this train route and countless more!

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The rail route: London to Paris

Distance from London to Paris

214 miles (348 kilometers)

Train stations

London St. Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord

Your train options

There's only one train running directly from London to Paris: the  Eurostar high-speed train . So that makes choosing the right train a bit easier!

This train is seriously speedy. On average the journey takes 2 hours 28 minutes,  at its fastest, 2 hours 16 minutes . You need to turn up at the railway station 30 minutes in advance, for boarding procedures.

There are around  13 trains each day  running from London to Paris and back. The earliest sets off early morning and the latest in the mid-evening. For exact travel times, check out our  timetable .

Like airplane tickets, the train from London to Paris costs you more if you purchase your ticket close to the date of travel. Prices can rise from €50 to above €300 a ticket. Luckily, if you are the holder of a Eurail Pass you don't have to worry about changing fares.  Eurail Pass holders only pay a fixed reservation fee instead of the full ticket fare .

Eurail Pass holders can reserve:

a seat in Standard 2 nd  class (€30)

a seat in Standard Premium 1 st  class, fee: €38

This reservation allows you to experience the facilities of one of Europe’s most advanced trains, and travel between the hearts of two iconic cities. We recommend reserving your seat 2 to 3 months in advance.

On-board facilities

Traveling through the Channel Tunnel to the European mainland aboard the Eurostar is a comfortable experience. Here's what you can expect.

Extra space and comfort

Meal and drink tailored to the time of day, served at your seat

Complimentary magazines

Comfortable, air-conditioned train cars

Drinks and snacks available from the on board cafe

A generous 2 bag luggage allowance, plus hand luggage

Family facilities

Space for extra luggage

Sockets for charging your devices

How to travel

If you are planning to travel only between London and Paris you may wish to buy a regular, single train ticket, known as a point-to-point ticket. 

If you'd like to travel by train along additional routes and extend your trip beyond Paris , then a Eurail Pass will make your journeys a whole lot easier.

Simple. If you have one of the following Eurail Passes, along with a seat reservation, you can get on board the Eurostar:

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How to get from London to Paris: Complete Guide to 5 Options

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2023

Considering a trip to Paris from London? Our guide covers each option plus includes details and a comparison of 6 of the best day trips available from London to the French capital.

If you’re spending time in London and can’t imagine leaving without a hop across the channel to Paris, this guide is for you! We’ll cover how to get from London to Paris by Eurostar, an organised day tour and also independently by car. 

You should find answers to the key questions you may have here too, and we’ve also included some top travel tips for those who have the good fortune to find themselves in Paris for the day – or even an overnight stay.

If you’re wondering about issues like how long to get from London to Paris, you might be pleasantly surprised. Especially if you live in a vast land like Australia or the USA. In those terms, Paris is just down the road from London (although it’s actually across the water).

For those considering ‘how do I get from London to Paris’ for a quick trip to France, this guide will tell you everything you need to know. Then you can pick the best way to travel from London to Paris to suit your budget, timescale and preferences. Let’s go!

How to get from London to Paris by Eurostar – Quick Guide to tours

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* Note all tours depart London St Pancras International station – Remember you will need your passport!

How to get from London to Paris by Eurostar, plane, car or tour

There are five main options for those wondering ‘how do you get from London to Paris?’

You can fly, drive, take a trip on the Eurostar train or a coach, or book an organised trip. Let’s take a look at each of those options.

• Total journey time: 4h 45 min+ via ‘Chunnel; 6h + via ferry

For those considering how do you get to Paris from London by car, let’s just say from the outset that this isn’t the easiest or quickest option. 

You’ll need to take a trip on a ferry or drive through the channel tunnel – aka the ‘chunnel’ from London to Paris (cars are driven onto the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle train so you don’t actually drive through the tunnel yourself) .

Brits drive on the left and the French drive on the right, so there’s that to consider too. Car rental may also be required. 

Most people prefer to take the Eurostar or a day trip unless you really have to take a vehicle to France with you. It’s not a viable option for a day trip due to the journey times.

• Total journey time: 2h 25min + from St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord

Yes, you read that right. You really can be in Paris in under two-and-a-half hours, and there’s no dealing with airports, driving or lengthy transfer times to concern yourself with. 

The London to Paris train cost is also very affordable. Other than taking an organised tour covering everything, the Eurostar is our favourite way to travel. Why fly or drive from London to Paris when the train is cheaper and faster? It’s just far more efficient and of course the more environmentally friendly option too.

Find out all you need to know about the Eurostar in this article (we are updating this post and it will be available soon) – we do have a dedicated section in our Guide to Uk Train Travel ebook about travelling on the Eurostar which you can purchase here .

• Total journey time: 4h 15min + depending on airports

Though a flight may seem like the easiest way to get from London to Paris, it’s not the fastest. Bear in mind travel to and from the airports at both ends plus check-in and waiting times.

Then there’s the cost. If you can pick up a really cheap ticket and aren’t based too far from the airport it may be worth flying, but otherwise, the Eurostar is a better option for anyone deciding how to get from Paris to London or vice versa. 

There are several airports in London and Paris too, which can get confusing and may lead to extra costs and travel time. 

• Total journey time: 8h 30min + depending on traffic

You can take an independent coach trip to Paris, but again it isn’t a simple or quick option. Just looking at that journey time is enough to put us off!

A London to Paris bus is available through National Express and Flixbus but while it is the cheapest option it is takes far too long to be a viable option if you are planning a day trip.

An organised Eurostar tour is a better way to approach this, as everything is sorted out for you and you don’t have to worry about where in Paris you’ll arrive and how you’ll get around the city. 

• Total journey time: Varies by tour

Taking an organised tour to Paris is one of the best options from London. Once you’ve booked, you simply have to turn up on the day. Everything else is taken care of. 

When booking one of our recommended tours via Get Your Guide , you can even cancel up to 24 hours before travel to receive a full refund, which is perfect if your plans do change. 

Here are the best options for travelling from London to Paris as part of a guided tour. 

6 of the best London to Paris tours

• Duration: 14 hours
• Destinations: Notre Dame, Champs-Elysees, Eiffel Tower, River Seine
• Departure point : St. Pancras Station, London
• What’s included: Eurostar, coach & boat travel, Eiffel Tower entry, lunch
• Not included: Louvre entry, hotel pick-up
• Means of transport: Eurostar, coach & river cruise

This one day London to Paris train and coach tour includes return Eurostar travel, a boat cruise on the Seine and visits to city highlights such as the Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower. 

Entry to the latter is included, and the Louvre is also offered as an optional extra. You will also have some free time to explore as you wish. A two-course lunch at the Eiffel Tower restaurant is also covered. 

• Duration: 14.5 hours
• Destinations : Your choice + river cruise included
• Departure point: St. Pancras Station, London
• What’s included: Eurostar ticket, boat cruise, travel map, shopping voucher
• Not included : Entry fees, hotel pick-up, lunch, tour guide
• Means of transport: Eurostar & river cruise

Taking an organised day trip from London to Paris then Paris to London by train doesn’t have to mean discovering the city as part of a tour group. This unescorted trip is ideal for more independent types. Your Eurostar ticket and a river cruise is included.

You’ll also receive a map to guide you around the city and a shopping voucher to use at Galeries Lafayette, one of the world’s most prestigious department stores. Though guidance about how to spend your time is given, ultimately how you spend the day is down to you.  

• Duration: 16 hours
• Destinations: Champs-Elysees, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe & more
• What’s included: Eurostar ticket, open top bus tour, travel map
• Not included: Entry fees, hotel pick-up, lunch
• Means of transport: Eurostar & open top bus

It’s a shame to be stuck indoors on a sunny summer’s day in Paris, so if you’re visiting during the warmer months this open-top bus tour could be ideal. It includes return Eurostar travel and a city map too.

This offers the best of both worlds, as you’ll take a guided tour to see the main sights followed by free time to spend as you like. Whether it’s shopping, relaxing in a Left bank cafe, admiring the masterpieces at the Louvre or taking a trip up the Eiffel Tower, how you experience Paris is your choice. 

• Duration : 14.5 hours
• Destinations: Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, River Seine & more
• What’s included: Eurostar ticket, guided tour, river cruise
• Means of transport: Eurostar & boat cruise

After taking the high-speed Eurostar from London to Paris, you’ll be treated to a guided tour of the French capital’s main sights. This is followed by a relaxing river cruise along the Seine, so you can see the iconic landmarks lining the city waterfront properly.

During the afternoon there is plenty of time for you to do whatever you wish too, before travelling from Paris to London by Eurostar once more. 

• Duration : 15.5 hours
• Destinations: Your choice + hop-on, hop-off bus included
• What’s included: Eurostar & hop-on, hop-off bus tickets, welcome pack
• Not included: Entry fees, hotel pick-up, lunch, city guide
• Means of transport: Eurostar & hop-on, hop-off bus 

A hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a classic way to see many of the world’s most popular cities and Paris is no exception. After travelling from London to Paris by Eurostar, you can use the hop-on hop-off tour ticket as you like to explore at your leisure.

You’ll also be given a Paris welcome pack, including guidance on what to see and do plus a map to help you navigate. 

• Duration: 15 – 15.5 hours
• Destinations: Your choice + Metro travel included
• What’s included: Eurostar & Metro tickets, welcome pack with map
• Means of transport: Eurostar & public transport

The final way to get from London to France via an organised day trip is also a more self-guided option. This time it includes a Paris Visite card, which entitles you to unlimited journeys on the Metro and other public transport in the city. 

A map and guide are also given to you, which will help you decide what to see and do and how best to get to each attraction. 

🏨 Where to stay in Paris

Should you decide that a day in Paris isn’t enough, the hotel we highly recommend (and where we stay on our trips to Paris) is the Hotel de la Place du Louvre. 

Though the name is a bit of a mouthful, the location and value for money of this three star Paris hotel are unbeatable. It offers a range of rooms, from ‘cosy’ doubles to large duplexes with wow-inducing views over the Louvre. 

All accommodation has cable TV, free WiFi and air conditioning, and the best part is that it’s just a few minutes walk from everything you’re likely to want to see and do. Breakfast is even served in an awesome vaulted cave that was once connected to the Louvre.

This squeaky-clean property is also very highly rated by other past guests – so it’s not just us!

How to get from London to Paris – FAQs

There most certainly is a high-speed rail service between London and Paris The Eurostar can whisk you from central London to the French capital in under 2.5 hours and is by far the most affordable and convenient way to travel. 

While you may grab a lower cost flight at times, you need to factor in travel costs to and from the airports – and that’s 4 journeys in total. Some airports are further from the cities than others too. All in, the Eurostar ticket price will often work out cheaper. 

There is no bridge over the English Channel, the sea that lies between Britain and France. An underwater tunnel does connect the two countries, however, called the Channel Tunnel or ‘Chunnel’. 

5 top tips for Paris first-timers

Having some Euros at your disposal right away can be useful, whether it’s for tipping the driver, guide or hotel staff, or for buying a drink or snack from one of the stalls found in the tourist areas. It may also be useful for emergencies. 

On our last trip to Paris we decided to go cashless. Unfortunately one tummy bug later and no cash to pay for access to public restrooms was not a great combination!

Like any busy city, Paris is prone to pickpockets and other thieves. Keep money, documents and valuables close to you, where you can feel or keep an eye on them at all times. Be particularly vigilant when you’re part of a crowd too. We recommend theft-proof bags from Travelon or Pacsafe.

After one attempt on the Paris Metro by a gang of pickpockets I was VERY relieved to be using my Pacsafe backpack and crossbody bag.

If you are in an accident or need to report one urgently, the emergency number is 112. For the police, call 17. 

Many Parisian museums are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so do check before you go if travelling on those days. 

…can be much appreciated! Even if your pronunciation or usage isn’t perfect. 

So the question is – how will you visit Paris from London? As you can see, it’s actually really quick, easy and affordable to add another country to your UK itinerary. With so much to do – not to mention the beauty – Paris is an absolute must for any bucket list! 

Why not check out some related articles on our sister site, such as what not to do in Paris or a guide for Paris first-timers ? 

Looking for more day trip ideas from London ?

• 17 best day trips from London
• 12 easy day trips from London by train

How to Travel From London to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), a move known as "Brexit," formally occurred on January 31, 2020. Following that departure is a transition period lasting until December 31, 2020, during which the UK and EU will negotiate the terms of their future relationship. This article has been updated as of the January 31 withdrawal, and you can find up-to-date information about details of the transition on the UK's government website .

With only around 300 miles (483 kilometers) and the English Channel separating the capitals of England and France, it has never been easier, or quicker, to travel from London to Paris. This is great news for anyone hoping to spend time in both cities during a longer trip to Europe—or even a shorter one.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From London to Paris?

BlaBlaBus is the bus company that offers the cheapest tickets to get from London to Paris with fares starting at just $18. Other bus companies that typically offer low fares include Eurolines and FlixBus . The bus ride is pretty long and takes at least eight hours, 45 minutes, but the good news is that buses from London to Paris are usually direct and don't make too many stops along the way. They also run frequently and there are multiple departures daily across all the bus lines.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From London to Paris?

Some may argue that it is actually faster to take the high-speed train to Paris once you factor in the time it takes you to get to the airport and through security, but technically, flying is still the quickest mode of transportation. A direct flight takes just one hour, 15 minutes and because London and Paris are two of Europe's largest and most important cities, many airlines operate multiple direct flights throughout the day.

International carriers including British Airways and Air France offer daily flights to Paris, as do regional and budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet . Easily connecting London and the French capital, these flights land at either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or  Orly Airport (ORY) . Flights to Beauvais Airport located in the far outskirts of Paris tend to come with less expensive fares, but you'll need to plan on at least one extra hour to get into central Paris and in this case, taking the train would definitely be faster.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

Despite the body of water that separates the British Isles from Continental Europe, it is possible to drive from London to Paris and it will take you at least five hours, 30 minutes. Thanks to the world's longest undersea tunnel, the Channel Tunnel (also known as " the Chunnel "), you can actually drive underneath the English Channel to cross into France. If you drive, it will take you about 35 minutes to get through the 31 mile- (50 kilometer-) long Chunnel, but you won't actually be driving . Your car will be loaded onto a carriage train and you can ride out the journey with your car parked. The train even has restroom facilities, so this is a great opportunity to squeeze in a bathroom break. Be aware that crossing the Chunnel in a car will cost about $55 each way. Alternatively, you could also take your car across on the ferry that travels between Dover, England and Calais, France , and will cost at least $60 each way.

Unless you need to get your car from the UK to Continental Europe, driving is the least efficient way to travel between London and Europe in terms of travel time and cost. However, the Chunnel is certainly a modern marvel of engineering and an experience worth having in itself.

How Long Is the Train Ride?

You can get to Paris from London in about two hours, 30 minutes via the high-speed Eurostar train, which also traverses the English channel via the Chunnel. With tickets starting at $62, the London to Paris route on the Eurostar leaves from the St. Pancras International Station and arrives at Paris Gare du Nord Station . Some trains will make stops in the towns of Ashford, Calais, and Lille among others, but most are direct.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Paris?

As the saying goes, "Paris is always a good idea," but there are better times than others to visit Paris. To avoid the city at the height of its summer heat or during its cold and sometimes snowy winters, you should plan to visit Paris during the Spring or Fall . This is also the time of year when the crowds of tourists are at their thinnest. Although, Christmastime is also a good time to see the City of Lights even more lit up in festive lights than at other times of year.

If you're hoping to catch Paris in an exciting moment, you may consider traveling there for Fashion Week , which happens twice a year in February and September, or the Tour de France in July, the cross-country bike race that always finishes in Paris. July is also a great time to be in France to experience the festive patriotism of Bastille Day on July 14, which is basically the French equivalent of the American Fourth of July.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Paris?

Americans do not need a visa to enter the UK, France, or any country part of the EU, but you will still need a valid passport to take travel between the two countries. If you're a citizen of one of the EU member states, you may still use a valid I.D. card from your home country in lieu of a passport, but it's strongly recommended that you bring a passport. With Brexit negotiations currently underway, there have been scattered reports of tougher border security checks from UK officers.

What Time Is It in Paris?

At any time of year, Paris is always one hour ahead of London. As soon as you cross over from the UK into France, you will be leaving the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is at UTC +0 and entering the Central European Time (CET), which is at UTC +1. During daylight savings time, the UK changes its clocks at the same time as France, so you don't have to be concerned about that.

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

From both Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports, you can take the commuter train (RER) into Paris, which will arrive in about 30 to 45 minutes. There is also an express bus from each airport that may be slightly cheaper than the train.

What Is There to Do in Paris?

In addition to the major tourist attractions of this metropolis, it's easy for anyone to find a niche that appeals to them in Paris, whether that means spending time scouting out independent bookstores or looking for street murals painted by world-class artists.

You can also dedicate your trip to thoroughly exploring a particular neighborhood, such as the Pigalle District or Montparnasse . Or, if you're feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of well-reviewed restaurants in Paris, consider signing up for a food tour that will give you the best sample of what the city has to offer. Depending on what you like, you could choose a tour that focuses on one particular part of French cuisine, such as chocolate and pastries or a wine and cheese experience.

One-way tickets on the high-speed Eurostar train start at 51 euros ($62).

If you take the high-speed Eurostar train, you can get from Paris to London in two hours and 30 minutes.

The flight from London to Paris is one hour and 15 minutes.

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How to Plan a Day Trip to Paris From London by Train

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A day trip to Paris from London is the perfect addition to a trip to England!  Thanks to the fast and efficient Eurostar train, it’s never been easier to visit Paris for a day. The train takes just two hours and 20 minutes.

Honestly, one day isn’t enough for Paris — ideally, you should spend as much time there as you can. I would gladly stay in Paris for weeks on end.

But not everyone has lots of extra time on their trip. So is it worth it if you only have one day to spare?

Absolutely — taking the train from London to Paris is always worth it. Even if all you have is one day, you can still make it the best day ever.

But if you’re only visiting Paris for one day, it’s best to plan your trip carefully so that you get as much out of it as you can. I’ve laid out all the steps you need to take and a suggested itinerary for someone visiting the French capital for the first time.

Let’s take a look at the itinerary! I want you to have the best day trip ever.

This post was most recently updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

Paris Day Trip from London FAQ

The best way to get from London to Paris is by train . It goes from St. Pancras Station in London to Gare du Nord in Paris and takes about two hours and 20 minutes.

No matter what the weather is, you should dress neatly and wear shoes with good arch support. I usually wear jeans, black flats, a faux leather jacket, and a scarf.

Yes, you need your passport to go from London to Paris or vice versa. You will go through immigration. This goes for EU residents too, as due to Brexit the UK is no longer in the EU.

The perfect one-day itinerary in Paris includes exploring Notre-Dame and the Marais, having my favorite crepes and galettes in the world for lunch, visiting a gorgeous art museum, and seeing the Eiffel Tower up close.

Take the train from London to Paris

The train is far and away the best way to visit Paris for a day.  Eurostar trains depart from London’s St Pancras International Station, arrive at Paris’s Gare du Nord, and take about two hours and 20 minutes each way. You can buy Eurostar tickets here.

This is the Channel Tunnel train to Paris that goes underwater, beneath the English Channel. You go from the center of London to the center of Paris, plus the train journey is exceedingly pleasant.

The bus from London to Paris, by comparison, takes more than seven hours. Not worth it. Driving takes just under six hours if you don’t hit traffic.

You could fly from London to Paris, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a day trip. The flight only takes about one hour and 10 minutes, but you have to factor in getting to the airport 90 minutes before your flight, plus nearly all of the London airports and all Paris airports are located significantly outside the city and take a long time to get there.

(If you insist on flying to Paris for the day, I recommend either flying from London City Airport, which is centrally located though often very expensive, or flying from Heathrow and taking Heathrow Express from Paddington Station, which takes just 15 minutes.)

You need your passport when going from London to Paris, whether it’s by train, plane, or any other method. Even if you’re an EU citizen. Britain is neither in the Schengen Area nor the European Union anymore.

What time should you book the train for? If it were me, I would book a very early train to Paris and a very late train back to London. Perhaps even the last train. I would want to have an early start and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in Paris.

Book Eurostar train tickets from London to Paris here.

Alternatively, book a day tour from London to Paris via train here .

Be realistic about how much you can see on a Paris day trip from London.

One day is not enough for Paris, nor is it enough for everything you will personally want to see on a day trip to Paris from London. You can’t see the Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay and go to the Eiffel Tower and go to Hemingway’s bars and walk around Montmartre and see the show at the Moulin Rouge.

In fact, I wouldn’t advise visiting more than one museum on a day trip to Paris.

I encourage you to choose one or two activities that are absolute musts and to plan your day around them. Supplement your day with activities that are close to your main priorities.

For example, if seeing Notre-Dame is a priority, you can easily fit in nearby destinations like Saint-Chappelle, Île Saint-Louis, Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and either the Marais or St. Germain des Prés.

If you want to spend part of your day in Montmartre, visit the Sacré Coeur, take a long walk down Rue Lepic, see Amélie’s Café des Deux Moulins, and walk down to the Opéra before checking out the rooftop terrace at Galeries-Lafayette.

And if you absolutely must visit the Louvre on your Paris day trip, take time to wander the Tuileries Gardens, visit the Palais Royal, and grab a hot chocolate at Angelina before window-shopping at the jewelry shops of Place Vendôme.

Include downtime in your itinerary.

It’s easy to spend a Paris day trip going from attraction to attraction, but I think the magic of Paris is found in the in-between moments. Sitting in a cafe with a coffee or a glass of red wine. Wandering cheese and pastry shops. Crossing the Seine over and over again with no destination in mind.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort to get of the beaten path — just go to a new neighborhood and wander in whatever destination pleases you.  I wrote a whole post about it.

This free time is where the Paris magic happens.

What to Do on a Day Trip to Paris

I always tell people to travel to the destination that makes their pulse race. And that goes for Paris, too. Prioritize the things that make you excited — the things that are most important to you personally, not the things that you think you should do. If you’re not into art, you don’t have to go to any museums! You can have a day trip to Paris from London without seeing the Mona Lisa .

If your favorite movie in high school was Moulin Rouge! or Amélie , spend time walking around Montmartre.

If you love Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, go to the Musée d’Orsay for the best collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world.

If you’re a die-hard Doors fan, go see Jim Morrison’s grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Beyond that, I think how you should explore Paris depends on your travel experience level. If you’re an experienced traveler, you can handle exploring by metro on your own.

If you’d like something a bit easier, or if you or your companion have limited mobility, a hop-on-hop-off Paris bus tour is a great option for getting around. These bus tours take you from attraction to attraction and let Paris unfold in front of you.

Bonus: if you book the full day tour from London to Paris by train , they include a hop-on hop-off bus tour for free.

Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Paris

Book an early train from London to Paris and a late train back to London.

You have two options:

1) You can book London to Paris train tickets here.

2) You can book a day tour that includes train tickets and a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Paris here.

From that point on, this is my idea of a nice Paris itinerary that takes in a lot of the central sights. It’s a particularly good option for a first-time Paris visitor.

Morning: Notre-Dame and Vicinity

Arrive at Gare du Nord and transfer to the metro line 4 toward Mairie de Montrouge. Get off at Saint Michel Notre-Dame.

Stop for a quick coffee if you’d like and go see Notre-Dame. (Unfortunately, Notre-Dame has been closed since the awful fire. But you can still admire it from the outside.)

Next, walk east to Île Saint-Louis and wander the streets. If you’re feeling really indulgent, get an ice cream at Berthillon ! This ice cream is fantastic and world-famous.

Head north toward the Hotel de Ville and explore the streets of the Marais, heading further upward. Stop by Pierre Hermé for macarons — they’re the best in the city. Just be sure to eat them the same day. Good macarons aren’t built to last.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Breizh Cafe in the Marais

Breizh Cafe is home to outstanding Brittany-style buckwheat galettes and sumptuous crepes. There are several locations in Paris now; you want the Le Marais location at 109 Rue Vieille-du-Temple.

I usually get a galette with egg, cheese, and artichoke followed by a salted caramel crepe for dessert, along with their delicious homemade cider.

Make a reservation in advance if possible ( they finally do online reservations, but only two weeks in advance ); if not, try showing up when they open at 11:00 AM.

Alternative lunch: Walk up to Rue des Roisiers and wait in line at L’As du Falafel, one of the best cheap lunches in Paris. Order your falafel and walk a few streets away to Place des Vosges, where you can enjoy your falafel “sur l’herbe” or sitting on a bench.

Alternative gluten-free lunch: As I update this post in 2023, I realize that neither galettes nor falafel are ideal for gluten-free travelers. If that’s the case for you, find any adorable Parisian-looking cafe in the Marais and dive into their menu. You can always find meat, fish, or an omelette with vegetables.

My friend Jodi creates extremely well-researched gluten-free travel cards that communicate what you can and can’t eat in the local language. Here’s the French card. Well worth the investment!

Afternoon: Museum of Your Choice

Visit one of Paris’s world-class museums in the afternoon. Since you’re visiting Paris on a day trip and have limited time, I urge you to buy skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and be sure to double-check which museums are open that day.

The Centre Pompidou (Beaubourg) is a short walk from Breizh Cafe; if you’re a fan of modern art and architecture, this is a great choice. (If not, I’d go somewhere traditional instead.) There’s a fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower from the top, too. Buy skip-the-line tickets to Centre Pompidou here.

Another option? Head to the Louvre and see the Mona Lisa  (La Joconde) for yourself! The Louvre can be overwhelming; I recommend limiting yourself to two or three sections of the museum (I happen to love the golden Gallerie d’Appolon).  Buy skip-the-line tickets to the Louvre here.

My favorite Paris museum is the Musée d’Orsay, which is home to incredible Impressionist paintings in a fantastic old train station. Buy skip-the-line tickets to the Musée d’Orsay here. Don’t forget to get a photo from the second level.

Not a museum fan? Check out a cool neighborhood instead! My top recommendations are Montmartre (18th arrondissement) or St. Germain (6th arrondissement). Pick out a destination in each — perhaps Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, or Les Deux Magots in St. Germain — but spend the bulk of your time wandering.

Late afternoon: See the Eiffel Tower up close

How you see it depends on how much time you have. You can take a hop-on-hop-off cruise down the River Seine if that interests you. I recommend taking the Metro Line 9 to Trocadéro for the most stunning surprise view of the tower when you turn the corner. From there you can take all the photos you want.

I do not recommend actually climbing the Eiffel Tower. Why? Because you won’t be able to see it in your photos! But if you insist, once again I recommend buying skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets due to your limited time. Make sure it includes the summit.

Instead, you can enjoy the most wonderful view from the Trocadéro Gardens and on the other side, Champs de Mars, a big long park.

I recommend getting a good view from the nearby Arc de Triomphe. It’s a 20-minute metro ride on the 6 from Bir-Hakeim/Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel to Charles de Gaulle Étoile, five-minute cab ride, or 30-minute walk.

Climb the Arc (once again…yep, skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe tickets are best here) and enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower as well as down the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde.

A free alternative is to go to the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette department store in the 9th. It’s not quite as close as the Arc, but it’s free to visit with a fabulous view — and a great way to experience your Paris sunset. Just don’t get sucked into the shopping!

75 minutes before your train: arrive at Gare du Nord

You have to go through immigration again at Gare du Nord, so it’s wise to arrive 75 minutes before your departure.

If you’re coming back from the Eiffel Tower, your best route is to take the 9 from Trocadéro to Mairie de Montreuil and switch to the 4, taking it to Gare du Nord. It should take around 35 minutes.

Enjoy that high-speed Eurostar train ride back to London, awash in your Paris memories. Now would be an excellent time to dive into those macarons you procured earlier!

Do’s and Don’t’s For a Day Trip to Paris from London

I’m not going to begrudge you for doing what you think is best for yourself, but here are some tips:

Do keep track of the time change. Paris is one hour ahead of London.

Do research opening times in advance. Especially so for museums. The Louvre and Centre Pompidou are closed Tuesdays, while the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin are closed Mondays, to start.

Do say, “Bonjour, madame!” or “Bonjour, monsieur!” whenever you enter a shop or restaurant. This is considered basic manners in France and if you don’t, you may be treated rudely in return.

Don’t leave central Paris. This tacks on a lot of time to what is already too short of a trip. Versailles, for example, is just outside the city center but can easily eat up more than half a day. That also goes for Chartres, Giverny, Reims, the Loire Valley, the beaches of Normandy, Disneyland Paris, and other day trips from Paris.

Do guard against pickpockets. If you use a purse, I recommend using a black crossbody purse that zips shut , preferably made of leather or faux leather. Keep your hand on it. You can also keep valuables in the hidden pocket in a  Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf  — I guarantee nobody will pickpocket you there!

Don’t leave love locks anywhere. They’re damaging to structures and your lock will be removed anyway. Just enjoy the city of love without vandalizing it in the process.

Don’t go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This may seem like shocking advice, but when you’re on top of the Eiffel Tower you can’t see the Eiffel Tower.

It’s like going to the top of the Empire State Building in New York — the most iconic building will be missing from your photos.

Definitely go to the base of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero Gardens for the best views, but if you want a good view from a building, I recommend the top of the Arc de Triomphe (close proximity), the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette department store in the 9th (a bit further away), or the top of the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre (furthest away but sweeping views over the whole city).

Do not, under any circumstances, forget an umbrella! Paris’s weather is similar to London’s, but only London gets the overcast weather fame. The weather changes quickly in Paris and rain can come out of nowhere, even on an otherwise sunny day. This travel umbrella is small enough to pack away but strong enough to hold its shape on a windy day.

What to Wear on a Day Trip to Paris

Parisians have a well-earned reputation for being among the best dressed in Europe. So what should you wear on a day trip to Paris?

It depends on the season, but my go-to outfit is a nice top or sweater, slim or skinny dark jeans, a faux leather moto jacket ( this one is similar to mine) or sleek winter coat, and a beautiful scarf or pashmina ( Speakeasy Travel Supply makes gorgeous scarves with a secret hidden pocket — perfect for Paris!).

For shoes, I recommend a pair of black flats with good arch support (I swear by black Abeo flats from the Walking Company ). If it’s cold, you might prefer  a pair of black boots .

My go-to stylish sneakers are these white leather Cole Haan sneaks . Top your look off with tasteful makeup, nice jewelry, and a pair of dark sunglasses .

You might enjoy dressing up a bit, especially if it’s warmer out. Wearing a nice dress makes for better photos and could earn you more cordial treatment from locals or even get you mistaken for being local.

What not to wear: Shorts, athletic sneakers, baseball caps, old-looking t-shirts, and anything with a university name on it will immediately brand you as a foreigner anywhere in Europe, but especially so in Paris. I recommend leaving these items at home.

Ready to go? Book train tickets from London to Paris here!

More on Paris:

• Solo Female Travel in Paris — Is it Safe?
• Where to Stay in Paris: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
• 33 Most Famous Streets in Paris
• How to Spend a Layover in Paris
• 100 Travel Tips for Paris
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£18 Find cheap flights from London to Paris

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from london to paris departing on 3/6. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to paris.

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Cheap flight deals from London to Paris (LON-PAR)

Flights from london to paris - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from london to paris to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more..

Planning a trip from London to Paris? KAYAK’s data-powered insights will help you find cheap flights. The cheapest month for flights is January, and the most expensive months are December and April. To get a below-average price on the flight, you should book around 4 weeks before departure. Flights between London and Paris usually take around 1h10m.

What is the cheapest London to Paris flight route?

Our data shows that the cheapest route for a one-way flight from london to paris cost £18 and was between london southend airport and paris charles de gaulle airport. on average, the best prices are found if you fly this route. the average price for a return flight for this route is £51., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from london to paris, if you are looking for a flight deal from london to paris, look for departures on mondays and avoid leaving on a friday, as it's usually the priciest day. when flying back from paris, wednesday is the cheapest day to fly and sunday is the most expensive., what is the cheapest month to fly from london to paris, the cheapest month for flights from london to paris is november, where tickets cost £75 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are may and july, where the average cost of tickets is £125 and £117 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from london to paris, to get a below average price on the flight from london to paris, you should book around 4 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 62 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from london to paris, in the last 3 days, vueling offered the best one-way deal for that route, at £18. kayak users also found london to paris return flights on vueling from £40 and on easyjet from £44., which airlines fly direct between london and paris, there are 4 airlines that fly direct from london to paris. they are: air france, british airways, vueling and easyjet. the cheapest price of all airlines flying this route was found with vueling at £48 for a one-way flight. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at vueling., how many flights are there between london and paris per day, each day, there are between 19 and 29 nonstop flights that take off from london and land in paris, with an average flight time of 1h 19m. the most common departure time is 06:00 and most flights take off in the morning, while the most flights land at paris charles de gaulle airport. each week, there are 182 flights. the most frequent day of departure is friday, when 16% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a saturday., which cabin class options are there for flights between london and paris, there are 3 cabin class options for the route. these are business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from london to paris take, direct flights take on average 1h 15m to travel the 213 miles between london and paris., what’s the earliest departure time from london to paris, early birds can take the earliest flight from london at 06:05 and will be landing in paris at 08:25., what’s the latest departure time from london to paris, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from london to paris jets off at 20:55 and lands at 23:15., good to know - cheap tickets from london to paris, when to book flights from london to paris, faqs for booking flights from london to paris, are there any vip services at the airports in paris.

Whether you’re flying into Paris-Orly or Charles de Gaulle Airport, My Conciergerie offers tailor-made services in your preferred language once you arrive in Paris. A Concierge will take your carry-on bags and escort you through Immigration and Passport Control. Your luggage will be retrieved and carried to your transport to the hotel. Limousine transfers can also be organised on request.

How can I reduce my carbon footprint when I travel?

When you book through KAYAK, you can find cheap flights from London to Paris and sort flights by CO2 emissions to find the most sustainable options. Along this route, the average amount of CO2 emitted per person is 619 kg. If you book a flight on British Airways, you can reduce the CO2 emitted by 91%, while Vueling and EasyJet flights emit 88% less CO2. Other factors that affect the amount of emissions includes the type of aircraft, airline rating, cabin class, passenger load and whether the flight is direct.

How much is a taxi to Paris city centre from Charles de Gaulle Airport?

If you’re planning to hire a taxi after your flight from London to Paris, they’ll be waiting outside the departures section of the terminal at the taxi stand. Make sure to only take official taxis, as third-party options can vary widely in price. The journey to the city centre will take around an hour with a fare of around 50 euros (£44).

Is free WiFi available in Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Unlimited free WiFi is available in all areas of Charles de Gaulle Airport, but they offer a faster option for those who want to streamline their browsing or need faster speeds to complete some last-minute work before their flights. WiFi twice the speed of the free offer can be purchased for around 5.90 euros (£5.24) per hour.

Do budget airlines operate within Charles de Gaulle Airport?

Although Beauvais-Tillé Airport is most commonly regarded as the Parisian hub for budget flying, several budget airlines fly in and out of Charles de Gaulle Airport. The budget airlines operating in and out of Charles de Gaulle Airport include easyJet and the Spanish budget airline Vueling, which operates a large number of flights into and out of London.

Can I take a regional train from the Charles de Gaulle Airport?

The Charles de Gaulle railway station is located between Terminals 2 and 3, and it features regional TGV trains that travel throughout France. Hop on the North, South and West lines to travel to a long list of cities and destinations throughout France. Fares vary by distance, but are generally on the affordable side.

What is the cheapest flight from London to Paris?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from London to Paris was £22 for a one-way ticket and £50 for a return.

Which airports will I be using when flying from London to Paris?

There are 6 airports in London (London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Southend, and London Stansted) and 3 airports in Paris (Paris Beauvais-Tille, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Paris Orly). The cheapest flights are generally found on the London Gatwick Airport to Paris Orly Airport flight route.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from London to Paris?

The Airbus A320-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the London to Paris flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from London to Paris?

oneworld, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between London and Paris, with SkyTeam being the most commonly used for this route.

On which days can I fly direct from London to Paris?

There are direct flights from London to Paris on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from London to Paris, Air France or Brussels Airlines?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from London to Paris are Air France and Brussels Airlines. With an average price for the route of £178 and an overall rating of 7.5, Air France is the most popular choice. Brussels Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of £186 and an overall rating of 7.2.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from London to Paris?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from London to Paris.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from London to Paris?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Paris from London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from London to Paris?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Paris with an airline and back to London with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from London to Paris?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Paris from London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from London to Paris

• Looking for a cheap flight from London to Paris? 25% of our users found flights on this route for £51 or less one-way and £80 or less round-trip.
• Passengers who require additional assistance at the airport or during the flight should contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight departs. If you want to do some pre-flight shopping, Heathrow Airport (LHR) has an Assisted Shopping Service. Facilities also include accessible toilets, Changing Places and Staxi Chairs. Passengers with hidden disabilities can request a Sunflower Lanyard from the Assistance Desks within the terminal.
• Fast Track security passes are available at London Heathrow, Luton (LTN), Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted Airport (STN). These passes can be purchased online in advance or on the day of travel and offer access to a dedicated security lane so you won’t have to wait in line.
• Passengers travelling with babies or children through Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CGD) or Paris Orly (ORY) airports can take advantage of the changing tables in the family restrooms, which are equipped with toddler beds and child-friendly toilet stalls. At Paris-Orly, you will also find dedicated alcoves where you can feed your baby in privacy which are equipped with high chairs, microwaves and comfortable seats.
• While booking your flight from London to Paris, you have options. Flights depart from all major London airports and arrive at all three of the major airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport and Beauvais-Tillé Airport, which services mostly budget airlines. In terms of distance, Orly Airport is the closest airport to Paris’ city centre, but most non-stop international flights to and from London operate out of Charles de Gaulle Airport.
• To reach the Paris city centre from Charles de Gaulle Airport, one of the most popular public transport options is the train. The Paris RER B line stops at Terminals 2 and 3, and can take passengers into the city centre in around 50 minutes. Fares for the RER B line are around 9.25 euros (£8.20) for a single ticket.
• The Roissybus is another popular way to get to the city centre from the airport. This bus leaves around every 15 minutes, costs the same as the RER B line train and has a slightly longer travel time of around an hour. The Roissybus departs from all three of the terminals.
• Feeling hungry before your return flight? Charles de Gaulle Airport has 24 different airport restaurant options scattered throughout the terminals. From pastries and coffee to sushi and fast food, there is no shortage of opportunities to refuel before your flight back to London or to your next destination.
• If you’re planning on doing some shopping at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you have a long list of different retailers to choose from. Aside from the standard airport newsstands and duty-free shops, Charles de Gaulle Airport houses several luxury boutiques so you can take the latest in Parisian fashion back to London without leaving the terminal.

Prefer to fly direct from London to Paris?

Find which airlines fly direct from London to Paris, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

London to Paris

Aeromexico, Air Austral, Air France, +14 more

Aeromexico, Air Austral, +15 more

Direct returns

Paris to London

Top 4 airlines serving from london to paris.

Old cabine without flat bed in business for a 12 hour flight is not acceptable

Generally good. The crew is excellent. The food could be better.

Did not find the wheelchair that supposed to assist and went to a long queue for transit security chk which was very slow and boarding desk wanted to close counter although that they knew that I am minutes away because of their mistake of not providing the wheelchair.

Boarding was smooth and on time. The seat was comfortable and the entertainment worked. Staff were gracious.

Business class in the second leg - CDG-EVN was a disaster.

I have used Air France and KLM many times it will help if they change their menu's feel like it's been the same for years!!!, Especially the breakfast. Overall the flight was good and enjoyable.

No birding was given for next trip on same carrier, food was very moderate.

We transited through Chad and what was supposed to be a 1hr 20 minutes transit time lasted over 4hrs. We didn't get regular updates until we complained. After a 10hr flight from Paris no form of refreshment given and finally arrived Abuja over 6hrs later and none of my bags came

The line at boarding was not well organized and managed

Sky priority means you get to use the KLM business Lounge.

The whole flight was coughing and farting all the way. It was impossible to breathe. If people are traveling sick they should either not be allowed to fly or made wear masks

Non stop flight from Barcelona to Rome, arriving on time.

Boarding was very poor as the flight was initially delayed. We were told the flight would be at 21:40. We were with our 10 month baby who was sleeping. I received an email from Kayak which said the flight was now due to take off at 21:04. When we checked the screens at Gatwick we were told the gate was closed. The lack of communication was extremely poor and we had to run with our baby and there were many other passengers, including elderly people, also running to the gate. When we got to the gate, the staff had no reasons for the poor communication.

We got to the airport 2 hours before the flight. We waited in a line to check our bags onto the flight for an hour, even despite having checked in online, as there weren't enough self check terminals allocated to Vueling (yet loads of empty BA ones right next to them). There also weren't enough staff, making them stressed and rude. We had to try and rush through security to get to our gate, which they announced as gate 35 at first and then changed it after ten minutes with no announcement to anyone in the airport that it had changed. So we then had to rush to the correct gate to arrive just as boarding started. It was a thoroughly stressful process and one travelling couple almost missed boarding because of it. The flight boarding and the flight itself werre fine, the staff were polite, but I was dehydrated due to the airport and had to buy a bottle of water as they didn't offer free drinks.

They stop online checkin above a certain capacity. We had to go to the airport to check-in at the desk. Or was offered to pay 7eur extra. Rip off.

I didn't get the wheelchair assistance I'd requested and my flight was on the tarmac, which was extremely painful for me. If this airline isn't for me, that's fine. The crew was fantastic and friendly ab

Last time bucking this company if I would know I wouldn’t do it, they made me lose my flight

Nous sommes parties de Copenhague avec plus de 2h de retard. L'avion n'a pas pu atterrir à Paris et après avoir encore perdu du temps en vol, a atterri à Bruxelles. Une navette devait nous prendre en charge pour nous ramener à Paris mais personne ne nous a renseignés, on a tourné en rond dans l'aéroport durant plus de 2h, sans trouver de solution pour rentrer (pas de train, pas de voiture de location...). Nous avons fini par monter dans un car affrété par une autre compagnie et qui nous a déposés à CDG. Ensuite il fallu prendre un Uber (il était plus de 2h du matin) pour rentrer, qui a couté presque 90 €. Donc non, je ne suis pas satisfaite des services de la compagnie Vueling.

I liked the regular updates and appreciated the automatic online checkin which didn’t work for our Vueling flight so I had to do this myself.

Because the scale includes two terminals, we almost lost our flights. That data was not referrenced to us. The check-in process was a pain too.

The trip itself was good. I have given only good as rating, because my first flight has been cancelled by a different airline and that caused disruption in my trip. I spent over ten hours in Luton airport and that caused me high tiredness, sickness, because of the very early initial trip. easyJet staff has been professional and friendly.

Very pleasant crew, working hard on a full plane. Delay by a broken seat. However crew made back 60% of the delay.

Delayed and then further delayed with no announcement made so that all the passengers (who were standing in the jetty) could hear. We stood there for well over 20 minutes. We were further delayed through weather but no one explained that to us until the pilot made an announcement when finally on board

easyJet need to ensure that whether pre-booking seats or not children aren’t split from their parents the crew spent the majority of boarding asking passengers to move to accommodate two families. Surely the system identifies minors on a booking !!!!! It was all very frustrating to watch and caused delays which I’m sure cost easyJet more in the long run rather that automatically allocating families with minors seats together automatically.

As you would expect from a budget airline Left and arrived on time, no frills, not even a glass of water offered But you get what you pay for

EverEverything was actually great. Except one of the male flight attendants had the worst BO and needed to shower and wear deodorant. It was horrible.

I had an emergency escape seat. The attendant gave the extrA briefing to my side of the aisle but didnt direct it at all to the other where my wife was sitting

Boarding great. Didn’t eat or drink so can not comment.

3 hours delayed Don’t understand why when you have paid for ‘speedy boarding’ they call you forward to then make you stand fir another 20 minutes in a confined space before boarding the plane.

The pilot did everything possible to make up the 35 minute delay. His communications were honest, prompt and positive throughout.

We were told to check our bags at the last minute, and the communication was poor.

Lost our luggage in Heathrow. Showed up 3 days into a 7 day vacation. Very inconvenient and disappointing!!

My luggage never arrived to Zurich. They can't confirm when it will arrive

Late again. 3 out of 4 late. One cancelled flight and one lost bag.

Charged an extra 65 pounds for overweight suitcase, Not told how much overweight but had no choice but to pay the price. Compare to Delta Airlines where I flew internationally a few days before with this suitcase and no extra charge by Delta. Comfort was horrible. I am just under 6 feet tall, and good that the flight was only 1 1/2 hours, because my knees were in the seat back in front of me the whole flight. I felt that my knees were part way up to my chest. No reason to have the seats that close. I will say to the positive was the flight crew, very friendly and efficient.

The flight was delayed as they were waiting on catering. Catering. Was eventually delivered but they still had no food. No meals for us in business class - just a bag of nuts.

Our luggage is missing. We are at the Hotel Gran Via in Barcelona

Air hostess delayed providing food and then pulled away the tray before i finished eating

my original flight was cancelled the previous day, and i was rescheduled onto this flight, which left much earlier in the morning, impacting my previous evening and requiring me to get up much earlier in the morning to get to the airport online. This practice happens way way way too much, and it seems on every airline, though AA is probably the worst.

The flight was on time and the crew very professional. Everything went as expected and I will use BA again for this trip.

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Exactly How to Get to Paris from London (+ cheap options)

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The City of Love and also one of the closest European cities to London.

For those of you wondering how to get to Paris from London, it’s likely that you’re considering a day trip from London to Paris or perhaps a weekend trip for extra time.

Maybe you’re a first time visitor to Europe, a study abroad student in Europe , or on business travel.

I’ll talk more about the logistics behind a day trip to Paris later in the post, but for now, we’ll talk about the options of getting from London to Paris, including the cheapest way to get from London to Paris, the best way to get from London to Paris, and the fastest way to get from London to Paris.

Expert tip for all types of public transportation within Europe : the best way to figure out your best options is to click here to use Omio (free), where it’ll show you the prices, options (including buses, trains, taxis, ferries, and even flights) and help you compare the cheapest and fastest routes.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Distance from Paris to London

Paris is about 292 miles away from London, just a bit closer than the distance between London and Disneyland Paris, which is outside of Paris.

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

How to Take Public Transportation from London to Paris

The public transportation connections between London and Paris are some of the most famous in the world – who hasn’t heard of the Chunnel ?

Taking the train is just one way to get from London to Paris, however.

If trains aren’t running or you have any reason why you can’t or shouldn’t take a train, you’ve got other options that I’ll list down below.

Taking public transportation from London to Paris is how I recommend the vast majority of people travel.

You can drive, which I’ll talk about below, but why spend hours and hours in traffic when you could be zooming under the English Channel or at least letting somebody else do the driving?

Taking the Train from London to Paris

Taking the direct train from London to Paris is the easiest and most popular way of traveling between the two countries.

You only have one option for this train: the Eurostar , and it departs from London St. Pancras Station.

On the London side, you have airport like security where you have to put your belongings your X-rays and be scanned.

However, there are no liquid restrictions like there are on planes which make it a popular option for people wanting to bring lunches and things to eat and drink on the train.

The full journey takes about 2 hours, and it lets out at Paris’s Gare du Nord station on the other side.

Some trains also stop at places like Ashford and Ebbsfleet in the UK before carrying on to France, but you do not need to change trains.

To find the best deals on the Eurostar, you’ll want to book as soon as tickets are released.

The closer to travel, the more the tickets go up so don’t play the waiting game.

If you snag the cheap seats, you could be traveling for about £30 per person each way.

Of course, in peak season or right near travel, these prices can soar to closer to £100 for one way.

You can book your Eurostar tickets online and print them at home to then show on the train.

Getting a Bus from London to Paris

The cheapest way to get from London to Paris is to take a bus from London.

However, this route takes quite awhile – sometimes up to even 10 or 11 hours depending on traffic.

The London to Paris bus options that run the route include FlixBus and Blablabus (I recommend finding the best options using Omio ).

Tickets hover at around £20 or less one way for the cheap deals, which is of course a steal if you’re traveling on an extreme budget and just want to get to Paris for less.

Keep in mind, though, that you’re losing precious time on your trip, and a London to Paris bus is never going to be as reliable as a London to Paris train when it comes to being punctual.

Flying from London to Paris

A third option when considering how to get from London to Paris is to fly.

You can get flights to Europe as cheaply as £50 round trip or £20 to 30 each way if you book at the right time using a site like Skyscanner to tell you all of the best deals.

You can also fly into two different Paris airports – Charles de Gaulle and Orly.

CDG is the main Paris airport and much closer to the city than Orly, so if you’re only going for a short trip, try to book into CDG.

Keep in mind when flying that you will need to get to the airport 2 hours ahead of time each way, plus the actual travel to the airport which are outside the city center (including in London).

This can mean that sometimes the benefits of taking the train are higher than flying even if flying is cheaper.

Driving from London to Paris

It’s perfectly possible to drive from London to Paris and lots of Brits do it each year, whether for a vacation or to see family or on their way to Disneyland Paris or skiing in the Alps .

If you don’t have a car in the UK, you’ll want to rent one using Discover Cars for the best comparison prices.

If you’re a visitor to the UK, however, don’t drive from London to Paris.

It takes too long (about 6 – 8 hours), requires a hefty fee for the Eurotunnel and gas plus the rental car, and also you’d have to make sure you were equipped to drive in both countries (France has special regulations on what you have to keep in the car to drive).

Can You Go to Paris on a Day Trip from London?

Technically, it is possible to go on a day trip from London to Paris and many people do it.

What you need to consider is how you get there and how long you’re happy to spend there.

It goes without being said that you are not going to see much of a large city like Paris on a day trip from London.

You either need to go in with a specific goal, ie, see the Eiffel Tower, or you need to be comfortable going on a whistlestop tour around and not spending long in any one place.

If this is your only trip to Europe and you just want to make sure this bucketlist item is crossed off, then by all means, do it.

If you can spare another day or even longer, however, Paris deserves more time (and this is coming from someone who hates Paris).

If you are doing the day trip, obviously the bus is out of the question.

I find the train much more convenient for a day trip because it gets you right into the heart of Paris, but people also do it with flights if they get really early ones to Paris and really late ones out.

Taking a Guided Tour from London to Paris

Another way to see Paris from London is to take a guided tour.

I have used and recommend this company as the best provider of this service as you’ll get a guide who whisks you around the city and takes care of your transportation for you.

Again, keep in mind that on a tour like this, you’re not lingering.

You’re seeing as much as possible, being taken around as quickly as possible (with time for photos), and you may feel a bit of sightseeing whiplash by the end!

However, this method is preferable for people who aren’t confident in their traveling skills or would prefer an easier way to see Paris from London, as obviously there is the language barrier there and if you’ve never been to Paris, it can feel intimidating to navigate.

Want more UK travel help? Check out these guides!

• Exactly How to Get to Dover from London
• Exactly How to Get to Brighton from London
• Exactly How to Get to Disneyland Paris from London
• Exactly How to Get to Canterbury from London
• Exactly How to Get to Windsor from London
• Exactly How to Get to Hampton Court Palace from London
• Exactly How to Get to Stonehenge from London
• Exactly How to Get to Cambridge from London
• Exactly How to Get to Oxford from London
• Exactly How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour from London
• Exactly How to Get to Bath from London
• Exactly How to Get to Stratford-upon-Avon from London
• Exactly How to Get to Edinburgh from London

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

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Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, the ferry alternatives to eurostar, why go by train & ferry .

High-speed Eurostar trains link London & Paris in just 2h20 from £52 one-way or £78 return.  But you can still travel from London to Paris by train-ferry-train, and there are several reasons why you might want to:

You want to re-create the classic train & ferry experience, via the White Cliffs of Dover.

You want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, for example due to claustrophobia - although you'll find the Channel Tunnel is a complete anti-climax, it's just 20 short minutes out of a 2¼ hour Eurostar journey and feels like any other railway tunnel, just a bit longer.

You need to travel at short notice, when Eurostar is expensive or fully-booked or there's some sort of problem with the Tunnel.

First a reality check

London to Paris takes around 11 hours by train-ferry-train, Eurostar takes just 2h15.

Train & ferry usually costs more than Eurostar, we're talking £97 one-way in total, when Eurostar starts at £52 if you book a few months in advance.  Only at short notice, when Eurostar fares rise like air fares to as much as £200 will train & ferry be cheaper.

The railway stations at Dover Western Docks and Calais Maritime closed when Eurostar started in 1994, so you can no longer simply walk off the train and onto the ferry as you used to.  The journey now involves a taxi or long walk between the station and the ferry terminal in Dover and a bus or taxi in Calais, so a train-ferry-train journey that took only 7 or 8 hours in the 1930s (or for that matter, the 1980s) takes 11 hours today.  Watch the video guide .

You need to buy separate tickets for the British train, ferry & French train, because London to Paris through tickets ceased to exist in 2007.

If you are travelling to Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe or Scandinavia, and want an alternative to Eurostar avoiding the Channel Tunnel, I strongly recommend the vastly superior integrated train-ferry-train service from London Liverpool Street via Harwich and Hoek van Holland, with trains arriving directly at the ferry terminals and integrated ticketing, see the London to Amsterdam Rail & Sail page for details .

But on the plus side

You get to travel across Kent on a more scenic and historic route at a slower pace, assuming you choose one of the two classic routes from Victoria or Charing Cross to Dover;

You get to sail across the English Channel with the White Cliffs of Dover disappearing astern, with restaurants and bars available on board;

You don't have to go through the Channel Tunnel if that's a big issue for you;

The trains & ferries offer a 'walk up, buy a ticket and hop on' service, with no reservation or advance booking necessary, so the cost can be less than Eurostar if you need to travel at short notice.  It doesn't all need to be booked in advance like Eurostar!

Which route to choose?

Dover-Calais :   The traditional & fastest option, with the shortest sea crossing, via the traditional White Cliffs of Dover.  Unfortunately (and incredibly), only 3 sailings a day currently accept foot passengers.  Click for details .

Newhaven-Dieppe :   Also a traditional rail-sea-rail route, in fact a more direct one between London & Paris.  However, with a longer sea crossing, Newhaven-Dieppe always played second-fiddle to Dover-Calais.  These days, it can be cheaper than via Dover, all sailings take foot passengers and the station-ferry transfers are a lot easier, too.  Click for details .

Portsmouth to Caen :  The comfortable overnight 'sleeper' option.  Leave London Waterloo at 18:30, sleep in a comfortable en suite cabin on an overnight ferry 22:45-06:45, then take a train to Paris St Lazare next morning arriving around 11:05.  Click for details .

Portsmouth to St Malo :  A more leisurely and luxurious overnight 'sleeper' option.

Back to top

London to Paris via Dover-Calais

The route via Dover-Calais is the traditional one with the shortest sea crossing.

Below is an example timetable, using the classic train route from London Charing Cross to Dover, P&O ferries from Dover to Calais (the only company that carries foot passengers at all), and the classic route from Calais to Paris via Boulogne & Amiens.

Unfortunately, only designated P&O ferry sailings now take foot passengers and you need to allow plenty of time for lengthy station-port transfers plus P&O's ridiculous 90-minute ferry check-in for foot passengers.  So the journey now takes around 11 hours, when it only took 7 or 8 hours in the 1930s.

I compiled the timetable below around the handful of sailings shown as carrying foot passengers at the time I wrote this, but P&O occasionally switch these sailings around, so first check foot passenger sailing times at www.poferries.com for your specific date, then work out connecting train times in Britain and in France, as explained below .

c = change at Amiens

How to read these timetables .   No UK trains run on these routes on 25 or 26 December.   Watch the video guide .

How to check times for your date of travel

Step 1, start by checking French train times from Calais to Paris as this is the least frequent part of the journey, using www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, then work backwards, looking for a ferry at www.poferries.com which carries foot passengers and which arrives at Calais ferry terminal at least 90 minutes before the train leaves Calais Ville, preferably 2 hours.

Step 3, now look for a London to Dover train at www.thetrainline.com which arrives at Dover Priory at least 2 hours before the ferry sails. 

Unlike the integrated pre-Eurostar train+ferry services, this is not an organised service where ferries are held if trains run late, but completely separate trains and ferry.  If you have important connections in Paris, bear this in mind and take an earlier train from London.

Step 1, London to Dover by train

Which route to choose?   There are three routes from London to Dover to choose from, two classic and one high-speed: 

(1)  The classic South Eastern Railway route from London Charing Cross via Tonbridge & Folkestone, every hour, journey around 1h50.

(2)  The classic London, Chatham & Dover Railway route from London Victoria via Chatham & Canterbury, every half hour, journey around 1h55.

(3)  The modern high-speed route leaving from London St Pancras, direct trains every hour, journey time 1h08.

You can check UK train times & fares for all these routes at www.nationalrail.co.uk or at any train operator website such as tfw.wales .  In the timetable above I show the classic Charing Cross to Dover route via Tonbridge.

The high-speed trains from London St Pancras to Dover Priory are significantly faster, but are more expensive & less scenic.  They use the modern high-speed line opened in 2007.  The scenery is much nicer along the two classic 19th century lines.

Historical note:   If you're trying to recreate the classic 'boat train' experience, you should take one of the two classic 19th century railway routes, the South Eastern Railway from Charing Cross to Dover via Tonbridge, Ashford & Folkestone or the London, Chatham & Dover Railway via Chatham, Faversham & Canterbury.  Pre-1994, the non-stop 'boat trains' would have left from Victoria, but between Bromley & Orpington they usually switched to the line via Tonbridge & Ashford used by trains out of Charing Cross, known as Boat Train Route 1.

If you use the classic route from Charing Cross to Dover as shown in the timetable above , you'll cross the bridge over the River Beult between Staplehurst & Headcorn where Charles Dickens' boat train from Folkestone to London came to grief in 1865 .  There are in fact 3 such bridges between Headcorn & Staplehurst, the River Beult A, B & C bridges.  The accident happened on the 'A' bridge closest to Staplehurst.

How much does the train cost?

London-Dover by classic route costs £48.30 Anytime one-way, £96.60 Anytime 1 month return.

Or if travelling at weekends or after 09:30 weekdays: £33.40 Super-Off-Peak one-way or £46.60 Off-Peak one month return.

What train should you take?

To reach Paris the same day, you'll need to leave London fairly early and build your timings around the relatively infrequent French trains between Calais & Paris, see the example timetable above to visualise how train, ferry and train fit together and work out train, ferry & train timings for your specific date as explained here .  If you're only travelling as far as Calais or Boulogne or somewhere like Etaples, no problem as long as you leave by lunchtime or so, as London-Dover trains run every half hour, ferries sail to Calais every hour or two, and French local trains link Calais and Boulogne at least every hour.

How to buy tickets

No reservation is necessary or possible for London-Dover trains, tickets cannot sell out and the fare is the same whenever you buy your ticket.  Just turn up and buy a train ticket to Dover on the day at the station.

Step 2, transfer from station to port in Dover

Allow at least 2 hours in Dover between your train arrival and planned ferry departure, preferably more, as it's a 5-10 minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal and there's now a whopping 90-minute check-in for the ferry.  They may reduce this to 60 minutes post-pandemic, so check with P&O.

When you arrive at Dover Priory station, take a taxi or walk to Dover Eastern Docks where the P&O ships leave.  There are usually plenty of taxis waiting outside the station, a taxi to Dover Eastern Docks costs £7-£8.  Walking takes 25-35 minutes.  There's no bus between station and port, P&O stopped their shuttle bus back in 2014.

Step 3, Dover to Calais by ferry

P&O Ferries sail from Dover Eastern Docks to Calais roughly every hour, crossing time 1h40, though they often leave with a 10-20 minute delay.  P&O are the only operator on this route who accept foot passengers, others don't - and currently, only a limited sailings take foot passengers.  All ferries are now conventional ships, there are no longer any hovercraft or SeaCats.

How much does the ferry cost?

A Dover-Calais foot passenger ticket costs £30 each way if you buy a Saver fare online at www.poferries.com .

You should buy your ferry ticket online at www.poferries.com .  You can no longer buy in person at the port (can you believe that?!).

Step 4, transfer from port to station in Calais

Take the transfer bus from the ferry to the port terminal building.

The ferry will arrive at one of the many berths at Calais Maritime ferry terminal.  Passengers are shuttled from the ferry to the terminal building by P&O courtesy bus.

Make sure you allow at least 90 minutes in Calais between the ferry arrival and the departure of the train to Paris, preferably more.

Take the free bus from the terminal building to Calais town centre & Calais Ville station.

The best way from the ferry terminal building to Calais town centre or Calais Ville station is using the free Balad’in bus.  This runs every 22 minutes in the morning, every 11 minutes in the afternoon, on Mondays-Saturdays only.  On Sundays, use a taxi or walk.

Or take a taxi

You can take a taxi, although you may need to ask staff inside the terminal to call one for you as there may be none waiting.  Journey time 15 minutes, but you may have to wait for a taxi to be sent.

It's possible to walk into town, there is pavement all the way, but it's a long and unattractive walk now that a new terminal building has opened even further out of town.  It takes 49 minutes to walk the 3.8 km from the new ferry terminal to Calais Ville station, a little less to the town centre.  See map showing walking route .

Historical note:   Until 1994 there was a station called Calais Maritime at the ferry terminal.  The station building is still there, I believe, closer to the actual ferry berths than the modern terminal building shown below.  Until 1994 you could just walk off the ferry, through customs, and onto a train to Paris.  The tracks are long gone, and it requires two buses to get you to a train at Calais's town centre station, Calais Ville.

Step 5, Calais to Paris by train

Every 2-4 hours, a modern air-conditioned TER regional train runs from Calais Ville to Boulogne Ville, Etaples, Amiens & Paris Gare du Nord .  2nd class only.  You can check times at either www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com .

There are relatively few trains between Calais & Paris, so it is usually the timings of these few trains which (working backwards) determines which ferry you need to take from Dover and therefore which train you need to take from London, see the example timetable above and see how to work out times for your specific date .

The Calais-Boulogne-Amiens-Paris line is the classic 'boat train' route and it's also the cheapest route, although you'll find other Calais-Paris options via Lille or Hazebrouck using TGV high-speed trains which require reservation and can be relatively expensive if not booked in advance.

How much does the French train cost? 

Calais to Paris costs €43.60 one-way.  This is the fixed-price tarif normal , you can just turn up and buy a ticket at this price on the day.

How to check train times & buy tickets:

You can check French train times & fares and buy tickets online at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (a bit more fiddly).  To specify a journey via the classic route through Boulogne and Amiens, use www.thetrainline.com , enter Calais Ville as your starting station, look for the via link and enter Amiens as a via station.  The TER trains on the route via Boulogne & Amiens don't need to be reserved, indeed seat reservation is neither necessary nor possible, so you can always just turn up, buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train.  They cannot 'sell out'.

Watch the video

London to paris via newhaven -dieppe, london to paris for £97 one-way, even for immediate departure.

The slower Newhaven-Dieppe route has always played second fiddle to the faster Dover-Calais route shown above , but these days it's worth considering because it's significantly cheaper, and the train-ferry transfer in Newhaven is much easier than in Dover.  This is also the ideal route if you live in Brighton, as there are direct trains from Brighton to Newhaven Town every half hour, taking 30 minutes.

This is an example timetable , DFDS tweak sailing times throughout the year.  So use this as a guide.  To find times for your date of travel, first check ferry times at www.dfds.com , then find suitable UK connecting trains arriving at Newhaven at least 1h30 before the ferry sails using www.nationalrail.co.uk .  Then find a suitable French connecting train leaving at least 1 hour after arrival using www.sncf-connect.com or www.thetrainline.com .

* = On Saturday mornings, depart Dieppe 07:00, change Rouen, arrive Paris 09:23.

e = change trains at Lewes.   b = change at Brighton.  c = change at East Croydon & Brighton.   An underlined time means change trains. 

In Newhaven , get off at Newhaven Town station and walk 300m to the ferry terminal, see walking route .  You check in any large bags and get them back at Dieppe.

In Dieppe , there are taxis or (1 May- 30 September) there's a shuttle bus costing €2.50, or it's a 30-minute 2.4 km walk, see walking route .

Important :  As with the Calais timetable, I wont keep this page 100% updated with every minor ferry sailing time change.  So use it as a guide,  check ferry times at www.dfds.com then find suitable connecting trains at www.nationalrail.co.uk for the UK side and at www.sncf-connect.com for the French side.

How much does it cost?

• Buy your London-Newhaven train ticket at the station on the day, no reservation necessary or possible, it cannot sell out.  You can check prices at www.nationalrail.co.uk or at any train operator website such as tfw.wales .
• Buy your ferry ticket online at www.dfds.com or at the port.  There are almost always places available.
• Buy your Dieppe-Paris train ticket at the station, no reservation necessary, it cannot sell out, or save a few euros by pre-booking online at  www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (a bit more fiddly, but no fee).

London to Paris via Portsmouth - Caen

A luxurious london-paris 'sleeper' option.

This is the overnight 'sleeper' option, where you leave central London early evening, have a decent night's sleep in a comfortable cabin with en suite shower & toilet on the overnight ferry, and arrive in Paris by train next morning.  A time-effective and comfortable alternative to Eurostar if you need one.

The Man in Seat 61 says "Brittany Ferries ships are comfortable, luxurious even, with cosy cabins, bars & restaurants.  Sailing out of Portsmouth past the naval dockyard and the historic HMS Victory and HMS warrior is always a treat."  

London & Portsmouth ► Caen & Paris

Step 1, travel from London to Portsmouth by train, leaving around 18:30.

You'll usually find a train leaving London Waterloo at 18:30 arriving Portsmouth & Southsea around 20:06.

London-Portsmouth trains run every half hour, check ferry times first, then use www.nationalrail.co.uk or any train operator website such as tfw.wales to find a train which arrives in Portsmouth & Southsea at least 2 hours before the ferry sails.

Transfer from Portsmouth & Southsea station to Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port by bus or taxi, remembering the 60-minute ferry check-in.  A taxi takes 10 minutes and costs around £11.  City buses run regularly, check times, bus numbers & bus stops at www.firstbus.co.uk .

Step 2, sail from Portsmouth to Caen with Brittany Ferries , usually sailing around 22:45 every day & arriving at Caen at 06:45.

This route is normally operated by the 35,592-ton Mont St Michel and the 27,542-ton Normandie, with restaurants, bars & cosy cabins, all with toilet & shower.  These large & steady ships mean a smooth crossing.

Sailing times vary, so check them at www.brittany-ferries.co.uk before booking any trains.  On some dates the ship sails at 21:30, so you'll need to leave London earlier, around 17:00.

The ferry arrives at Ouistreham, 17 km from Caen.  Transfer to Caen station by bus or taxi:

A taxi takes 20 minutes & costs around €30 during the day (07:00-19:00) or €40 at night.  There are usually taxis waiting outside the terminal for ship arrivals, but if there are no taxis, the tourist information desk can call a taxi for you.

Buses are run by TWISTO, www.twisto.fr .  The bus route is 12EX (or bus 12 on a few departures), buses leave from a stop called Ouistreham Port located 500m from the ferry terminal and go directly to Caen Gare SNCF, journey time 31-38 minutes by bus 12EX, 57 minutes by bus 12, fare around €1.60.

Step 3, travel from Caen to Paris by train, arriving around 11:04.

Allow at least 2h between ferry arrival and train departure.  You'll usually find a train leaving Caen around 09:06 arriving Paris St Lazare around 11:04, but times vary so check them at www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com .

Paris & Caen ► Portsmouth & London

Step 1, travel from Paris to Caen by train, leaving Paris around 17:59.

When the ferry sails at 23:00, you'll usually find a train leaving Paris St Lazare around 17:59 arriving Caen around 20:02, but times vary so check them at www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com .

Always check ferry times first, then look up a train which gives you around 2½ hours between train arrival & ferry sailing time, this includes the 60-minute ferry check-in.

Transfer from Caen station to the ferry terminal at Ouistreham by bus or taxi. 

A taxi takes 20 minutes & costs around €30 during the day (07:00-19:00) or €40 at night (after 19:00) for the 17 km.  There will be plenty of taxis waiting outside the station.

Buses are run by TWISTO, check times at www.twisto.fr .  The bus route is 12EX, the fare is around €1.80, you pay in cash on the bus or can use the TWISTO app.  Buses leave from outside Caen Gare SNCF.  Get off the bus at the Ouistreham Port stop located 500m from the ferry terminal, journey time 31 minutes.  However, the last bus leaves Caen Gare SNCF at around 20:00-20:10, so you'll need to take an earlier train if you want to use the bus, one usually leaves Paris St Lazare around 17:09.

Tip:   There are two route 12s from Caen, one run by NOMAD, the other run by TWISTO, you want the one run by TWISTO.  That comes in two flavours, express & regular, the express is (obviously) faster, but both go to Ouistreham Port.

Step 2, sail from Caen to Portsmouth overnight with Brittany Ferries , usually sailing at 23:00 and arriving at 06:45.

Sailing times vary, so check them at www.brittany-ferries.co.uk before booking any trains.  You'll find an overnight ferry most nights of the year, although not every night in winter.  This route is normally operated by the Mont St Michel and the Normandie, with restaurants, bars & cosy cabins, all with toilet & shower.

Step 3, travel from Portsmouth to London by train arriving around 09:55.

Transfer from Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port to Portsmouth & Southsea station by bus or taxi.  A taxi takes 10 minutes & costs around £11.  City buses run regularly, check times, bus numbers & bus stops at www.firstbus.co.uk .

Assuming the ferry arrives at 06:45 on your date, you can easily make a train around 08:20 arriving London Waterloo around 09:55 - trains run regularly, at least every half hour.  Check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk .

The journey in pictures

Step 1, take a train from London to Portsmouth.   Trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Portsmouth & Southsea.

The trains are air-conditioned & carpeted.

It's a 10-minute taxi ride from Portsmouth & Southsea station (above left) to Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port (above right).

Step 2, take a ferry from Portsmouth to Caen .  Check in at the Brittany Ferries desk and board the overnight ferry to Caen, sleeping in a private en suite cabin. Above, the luxurious Normandie at Portsmouth.

A cosy cabin with shower & toilet on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry.  Courtesy of @AscotPhill .

Sailing out of Portsmouth is lovely, past the naval docks with historic ships HMS Victory and HMS Warrior visible, then past the town and Spinnaker Tower.  This photo was taken from an inwards ferry arriving in Portsmouth at dawn.

Step 3, take a train from Caen to Paris .  This is a double-deck TER Train Nomad at Paris St Lazare.  See St Lazare station guide .  Courtesy of Nicholas A Milligan.

London to Paris via Portsmouth - St Malo

A more leisurely london-paris 'sleeper' option.

Although Portsmouth-Caen is the faster & cheaper overnight 'sleeper' option, you might prefer the Portsmouth-St Malo route for a more leisurely journey with more sleep and a lovely dinner aboard ship, in effect a mini-cruise.  It also allows a stopover in pretty St Malo.

The Man in Seat 61 says "Going Portsmouth-St Malo takes longer than going Portsmouth-Caen, but it's a treat - the ships used on this route are the wonderful Bretagne, a true cruise ferry, and the Amorique, with a few sailings operated by the luxurious Pont Aven.  With an earlier evening departure from Portsmouth  you get to experience sailing past the naval dockyard, HMS Victory & HMS Warrior and the Spinnaker Tower, as dinner is served on board in the elegant restaurant.  Retire to your en suite cabin, as good as any hotel room, and wake up in France..."

London & Portsmouth ► St Malo & Paris

Step 1, travel from London to Portsmouth by train, leaving around 16:30.

You'll usually find a train leaving London Waterloo at 16:30 arriving Portsmouth & Southsea around 18:03.

Transfer from Portsmouth & Southsea station to Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port, remembering the 60-minute ferry check-in.  A taxi takes 10 minutes and costs around £10.  City buses run regularly, check times, bus numbers & bus stops at www.firstbus.co.uk .

Step 2, sail from Portsmouth to St Malo by overnight cruise ferry , usually sailing around 20:15 every day arriving at St Malo at 08:00.

The ferry has an excellent restaurant for dinner and cosy en suite cabins, check times and buy ferry tickets at www.brittany-ferries.co.uk .

In St Malo, the station is a short taxi or bus ride or a 2.2km 29-minute walk from the ferry terminal.  Ask about taxis on board.

Step 3, travel from St Malo to Paris by train, arriving around 15:00.

You may have time for breakfast in the pretty city of St Malo before taking a train to Paris Montparnasse , leaving late morning and arriving around 15:00.  Times vary, I'd allow a minimum of 1½ hours between ferry arrival and train departure.  Some trains are direct, some involve a change, so check times and buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in £ or €, small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (a bit more fiddly, in €, no fee).

Paris & St Malo ► Portsmouth & London

Start by checking ferry times.  There's an overnight ferry on certain dates, only an afternoon/evening daytime ferry on others, so check times at www.brittany-ferries.co.uk .  Check Caen-Portsmouth sailings too, this can be a better route on some dates.

Then work out a train from Paris to connect using www.thetrainline.com with at least 2½ hours between train arrival and ferry departure.

Then work out train times from Portsmouth & Southsea to London at www.nationalrail.co.uk .  As tickets are not train-specific and can be bought on the day, you can reckon on leaving Portsmouth & Southsea by train 60-90 minutes after the scheduled ferry arrival time.

European Rail Timetable

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

H otels in London, Paris & France

Hotels near the gare du nord & other paris stations.

If you need to stay over in Paris between trains, here are some hotels that are both close to the station and get good reviews:

Hotels near the Gare du Nord with good reviews:  Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 2-star), 25 Hours Terminus Nord (formerly the Mercure Terminus Nord, now refurbished in a decidedly funky style, 3-star, directly across the road from the station);  Art Hotel (3-star);  Avalon Hotel (2-star);  Hotel Cambrai (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 1-star).

Hotels near the Gare de 'Est with good reviews:  Libertel Gare de l'Est Français (opposite the station, 3-star);  Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (350m from the Gare de l'Est, 2-star);  OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est (2-star).

Hotels near the Gare de Lyon with good reviews:  Hotel Terminus Lyon (right in front of the station, 3-star);  Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (on the station itself, 4-star);   Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon (opposite the station, 4-star);  Mistral Hotel (800m from Gare de Lyon, 1-star);  Hotel 26 Faubourg (5 min walk from Gare de Lyon, 2-star);

Hotels near the Gare Montparnasse with good reviews:  Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse (150m from the Gare Montparnasse, 4-star);  Best Western Sevres Montparnasse (15 minute walk to Gare Montparnasse, 3-star);  La Maison Montparnasse (10 min walk from station, 2-star);  Hotel du Maine (5 min walk from station, 2-star).

Hotels for that romantic break

Backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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A first-timer’s guide to taking the Eurostar

May 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Plan your train travels with this guide to the international Eurostar service © Eurostar

It’s been 30 years since the Eurostar first connected London to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. As an Australian living in London, I cannot tell you how excited I was the first time I arrived at St Pancras “International” to board a Paris -bound train. 

A few trips later, including a recent long weekend in Amsterdam with my kid to celebrate a milestone birthday, I have put together a first-timer’s guide to riding the Eurostar. 

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re traveling the Eurostar on a Standard class ticket. And if you want to grab a bargain, sign up for emails to be the first to know when the cheap tickets drop.

Where do you catch the Eurostar train from?

In London, it’s St Pancras International, which is right next to King’s Cross Station. There’s plenty of public transportation and dozens of places to eat and drink before you board, whether inside the train station or nearby at Coal Drops Yard (north of the station). Heading south over beyond Euston Rd, the area has a slight ghost town feel after dark.

In Paris, the train departs from Gare du Nord, which is located in the 10th arrondissement . Queues to buy tickets for onward travel on the metro are notoriously long, but you can buy tickets on the Eurostar. Be aware it’s also a prime target for pickpockets and scam artists. Don’t be distracted or, like me, you may lose a handbag while being asked a seemingly genuine question by a stranger.

When catching the Eurostar from Amsterdam Centraal , you’ll find the outbound platform is tucked away. Although in 2024 the station is having an upgrade, so watch this space. Stock up on provisions before you go through passport control. The area around the station is busy so take normal precautions, including looking out for trams and cyclists , who have right-of-way no matter what.

At Brussels Midi Station, you may notice a police presence due to heightened security in Europe. The station area is fairly safe, but it can feel less so after dark with fewer people around.

For Lille and Rotterdam , both smaller cities, the stations where the Eurostar alights are centrally located with shops, cafes and sights nearby. Public transport is easy to navigate, but these are also very walkable cities (if you're not carrying a lot of luggage).

First time visiting France? Here’s what you should know

What can I take on the Eurostar?

You can take two bags up to 85cm/33.5in (at its widest/ longest point), plus one piece of hand luggage on the Eurostar. There’s no weight limit, but you do need to be able to lift your bags onto the train and potentially up to the rack above your seat.

There is luggage storage space at the end of carriages, but be aware that as we passed through Brussels on our way to Amsterdam, announcements were made to keep an eye on your belongings as thieves have been known to lighten the train’s load.

The best bit of traveling by train compared to flying: there are no restrictions on liquids. You can take all the products and bottled water you like (note that there is nowhere to refill on board). And if you’re up for a tipple, you can take one bottle of wine or bubbly or four cans of beer on board – except for during some major events, but you’ll get notified if that’s the case. 

What else should I bring on the Eurostar?

There are UK and European plug sockets to recharge phones and laptops, although there are no USB sockets with Standard class seats. BYO book or download content to your devices in advance as the wi-fi and phone signal drops out regularly.

Can I buy food onboard the Eurostar?

There is a cafe carriage selling snacks and light meals for Standard class travelers (Premium classes get a meal delivered to their seats like on a plane). The menu changes twice a year, but the options are limited, so it’s often better to bring your own food, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

Buy your train supplies before you pass through passport control as the options inside the terminal at St Pancras were very busy the morning we traveled, while at Paris and Amsterdam they’re virtually non-existent.

What can’t I take with me on the Eurostar?

There’s a list of things you cannot take on the Eurostar on the website , most of which follow common sense: firearms, flammables, illegal drugs…. Perishable items like meat, fish and dairy are also on the list, but I am sure I could smell some scrumptious Dutch cheese in somebody’s bag on our way home! 

Sadly taking a bike with you is a lot harder than one would hope, given the increase in interest in cycling to get around and cycling holidays in Europe. For full-sized bikes, you need to pre-book passage and disassemble your bike to check it in as luggage. Folding bikes and children’s bikes can be brought on board with you, but they need to be in a protective bag.

Do I need to print my Eurostar tickets?

Print your ticket out if you want a paper back up, but you can scan tickets directly from the Eurostar app at arrival gates. If your seat has changed for whatever reason, a fresh paper ticket will be printed for you at the gate.

Next, you move onto border control via security, like you do at an international airport.

Do I need a visa as well as my passport?

Make sure you are up-to-date on what documents you need for European travel, which varies by nationality. 

As well as your passport, from late 2024 biometric information (a face scan or fingerprints) will be collected at European borders, which is expected to slow down the check-in process and may have a knock-on effect on the number of passengers that can be booked and processed per train.

Also note that from 2025, all non-EU citizens (that includes the British, obviously) will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – a €7 visa-waiver scheme like the US ESTA – to enter Europe.

Wondering about your visa situation? We have guidance for France , the UK and Belgium

Do you really need to get there 90 minutes before your Eurostar train departs?

Yes, you really do. Cutting it fine can work out, but there are sometimes multiple trains from St Pancras, so queues can build quickly. Also seating inside terminals is limited, so do yourself a favor and get there on time.

What happens if I miss my train?

This has happened to me (or should I say, yes, I did this to myself), and Eurostar kindly rebooked our group on the next service headed to Paris. However we did lose our seat bookings and found ourselves in the backward-facing seats with no window views on the later train. Luckily the cafe carriage has large windows, so we congregated there for most of the journey.

How do you choose seats?

You’ll be allocated seats with your booking, but you can change these online or via the app. I recommend you do that as soon as you can because (as mentioned) there are seats on the Eurostar with no or partial views, and while 30 minutes is under the Channel, the rest of the journey is a chance to see the changing landscape.

Some Eurostar travelers also recommend bringing some kitchen towels or wet wipes and giving your window a clean – inside and out if you can – to improve the view.

Are there sleeper trains from London?

You’ve probably seen the headlines about Europe’s new golden age of train travel with more passengers embracing the greener alternative to short-haul flights. In 2024 there has been an uptick in sleeper train services in Europe, with new overnight routes from Paris to Berlin and Vienna to Hamburg on ÖBB's Nightjet. 

There’s talk of the European Sleeper company connecting London to its night services via the Eurostar, so watch this space. And a sleeper train direct from London to further European cities may well be on the horizon.

Despite the challenges Brexit has put in its path, Eurostar maintains its ambitions to reach 30 million passengers by 2030. Given the London-to-Paris train journey emits 10 times less carbon per passenger compared to flying (22kg of CO2 per person versus 224kg of CO2), it really does make sense to get to and from Europe by rail.

Planning your first journey on a sleeper train? Here are our top tips

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Best Eurostar destinations to visit in 2024: Top routes from London to Paris, Amsterdam and more

S ince launching in 1994, the Eurostar has carried over 200 million passengers across the UK , France , Belgium, the Netherlands , and Germany .

The famed train service whizzes travellers across the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel, completing the journey from London to its nearest stop, Lille in northern France, in just 1h 22m.

And although some of its previously popular routes, such as London-Marseille and the direct train to Disneyland Paris , have been scrapped due to a combination of Covid and Brexit red tape, the addition of routes to destinations including Amsterdam , Rotterdam and Cologne has ensured that Eurostar remains an increasingly popular and environmentally sustainable way for Brits to travel.

What was once a groundbreaking service continues to innovate, and nowadays it provides a gateway to over 100 European destinations, as well as direct travel to much-loved European cities such as Paris and Brussels, with return tickets available for as little as £78.

Below, The Independent has compiled a list of some of the best places that you can visit directly with Eurostar.

Paris, France

Journey time from london: 2h 16m.

The French capital is Eurostar’s flagship destination, with journeys from London taking just two hours and 16 minutes. In 2023, Paris remains as popular as ever, welcoming over 30 million tourists per year. Its architectural sights and attractions are among some of the most visited in Europe, from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Art lovers can visit the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay galleries – containing works such as the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s self-portrait – while many visitors will take the opportunity to explore the city’s different districts (known as arrondissements ).

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Many of the main tourist attractions are located in the 1st arrondissement, though neighbourhoods such as the quaint, atmospheric Latin Quarter (5th) or historic, traditional Le Marais (4th) are also well worth exploring. For those who really want to tick off all the sites on their trip, Montmartre (and Sacre Coeur, in the 18th) and the Champs-Elysees (8th) will undoubtedly be on the list.

Best time to visit Paris

June is a month where Paris really shines. The middle of the month plays host to the end of the French Open at Roland Garros, while the weather is usually pleasantly warm and the city receives less rain than almost every other month. With average highs of 23C and average temperatures around 20C, it’s the perfect time to explore the City of Light  – though be aware that in 2024, the city will host the summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games July, August and September.

Where to stay

The beauty of visiting such a large city is that you don’t have to stay in the centre to get the best experience. Le Pigalle is located in the neighbourhood of the same name, just a mile-and-a-half away from Sacre Coeur, the Champs-Elysees and the Louvre, while its prices are far more affordable than city centre rivals.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Journey time from london: 3h 50m.

The three hour and 50 minute journey to Amsterdam has quickly soared in popularity since its launch in 2018 due to its simplicity and convenience. Another city that is beloved by Brits, the Dutch capital is famous for its picturesque, gabled-house-lined streets and network of interlocking canals, all of which are resplendent when the sun shines.

From the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to the Anne Frank house, the city has plenty of cultural and historic landmarks. It is also a great size to explore on foot or by bike, whether wandering the streets of the controversial Red Light District (known as De Wallen) or more trendy neighbourhoods such as Oud-West or De Pijp.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

With a climate similar to that of the UK, Amsterdam is a European city that’s usually bearable to visit at the height of summer; July’s average temperature hovers around 18C (while average daily highs reach 23C). However, with plenty to see and do whatever the weather, it makes for a great year-round city break destination that’s just as charming in winter, autumn and spring.

Located on the grand Herengracht canal, the Ambassade Hotel is within easy walking distance of the Royal Palace, Anne Frank Museum and Rijksmuseum, and offers grand, elegant interiors in its canal-side building.

Brussels, Belgium

Journey time from london: 1h 50m.

Another historic European city, Brussels also acts as Eurostar’s Belgian hub, with connecting trains available for equally scenic cities such as Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. The journey is one of Eurostar’s shortest (at just over one hour and 50 minutes), though it’s great to spend more than just a day to the Belgian and EU capital.

The city centres around the Grand Place, a 17th-century Unesco Heritage Site adorned with Baroque and Gothic buildings that serves as the city’s central square. Museums such as The Atomium, Royal Museums of Fine Art and House of European History offer different exhibitions on Belgian and European history, arts and science, while those exploring further may come across Brussels icons including Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace or Cinquantenaire Park. When it all gets too much, sit down and sample some of the city’s famous beer, chocolate, waffles or fries.

When to visit Brussels

July and August are the warmest and driest months in Brussels, with average highs reaching 23C. However, travelling outside of school in late spring or early autumn will see accommodation and travel prices drop significantly.

With its own indoor pool, Finnish sauna and hot tub, 9Hotel Sablon is just five minutes away from Grand Place and is well-placed for exploring the city centre.

Lille, France

Journey time from london: 1h 22m.

At just one hour and 22 minutes from London, Lille is Eurostar’s nearest destination and the gateway to northern France. Another 17th-century city, Lille is characterised by its Old Town area, with red brick buildings and paved pedestrian streets centring around its own ‘Grand Place’ (named after famed general, Charles de Gaulle) and buildings such as the old Stock Exchange (known as the Vieille Bourse).

While few cities can compete with the wealth of tourist offerings in Paris , Lille has its own notable gothic cathedral (Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille) and the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, a fine arts museum containing works from artists including Goya and Picasso. You can also easily explore the city on foot, taking in its eclectic mix of Flemish, Baroque, Art Deco and modern architecture.

When to visit Lille

July is the best month to experience the northern French city, when weather is at its all-round best. Expect average highs of 23C, although this can drop as low as 14C at night.

Found on the city’s Grand Place, the Grand Hotel Bellevue is set in a Flemish building just 100 yards away from the metro. The hotel has been recently renovated and offers comfortable rooms with traditional decor and views onto the square.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Journey time from london: 3h 13m.

The Netherlands’ second city is much less visited than nearby Amsterdam but is a more modern, futuristic alternative to the historic capital. Architecture such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, the Markthal food market and even the city’s central station attest to this, as does the presence of skyscrapers and modern shopping centres in the central district. Nevertheless, the city still has several green spaces and older areas that have contributed to its contemporary identity.

First among the parks are Kralingse Bos and Het Park, where the Euromast tower provides excellent views over the city. To see where the city has preserved more of its history, head to the bustling Rotterdam Harbour – the largest seaport in Europe – and the Maritime Museum, or art and architecture museums such as the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen or the Netherlands Architecture Institute.

When to visit Rotterdam

Much like neighbouring Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s best weather comes at the height of summer when there are plenty of festivals and events on, but it’s similarly suitable to visit at any time of year thanks to its wide range of indoor activities.

Housed in a charming old building that was formerly the head office of the Holland America Line cruise operator, Hotel New York provides spacious rooms with modern interiors, two restaurants, its own terrace and extensive views over the harbour and the river.

Cologne, Germany

Journey time from london: from 4h 11m.

Cologne is the only German city that you can reach on Eurostar trains – though you stop for a connection in Brussels – and is the furthest you can get using only Eurostar. This northern city is famed for its extensive carnival celebrations, it’s Christmas markets and a vast gothic cathedral that took around 600 years to complete. In 2024, it’ll be on the radar of even more tourists after being announced as a host city for the summer’s Euro 2024 football tournament.

One of the city’s most well-known exports is its kölsch , an ale brewed in the city and served in any of the many brauhäuser (brewhouses, which are the local equivalent of pubs) that dot the streets of the old town. Once you’ve taken in the sights and tastes around the cathedral, banks of the Rhine and the botanical garden, take your tastebuds on another journey at the Schokoladen Museum (Chocolate Museum) or indulge your artistic tastes at the Ludwig Museum, home to the third largest collection of Picasso pieces in the world.

When to visit Cologne

If you can brave the cold and potential snow, a visit in December will coincide with one of Germany’s largest and best Christmas markets, while February sees one of the largest carnival celebrations on the continent. To best enjoy the beer gardens and river views, opt for May or June.

The Eden Hotel Früh am Dom offers affordable accommodation in a convenient location near the cathedral. It is part of the Früh am Dom brewhouse, one of the most renowned in the city, and offers easy access to the old town and the riverside.

Travelski Express

Journey time from london: from 8h 17m.

Although the Eurostar Ski Train has been scrapped, tour operator Travelski now provides package skiing holidays including train travel operated by Eurostar. You can visit destinations including Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d’isere, Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel, with direct trains running from St Pancras to Moutiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Trains depart on Saturday mornings, arriving in the early evening, and depart the resorts early on Sunday eight days later.

Packages offer “a broad range of accommodation options, from self-catered apartments to hotels and chalets”, and include a seven-day lift pass. The easiest resort to reach is Les Arcs; from Bourg, travellers can simply catch the funicular service up the mountain at no extra cost.

When to visit the French Alps

It is recommended to check conditions before you go (and many resorts will vary depending on altitude), but the best time to ski in the Alps is usually from January to early April, though the season can run from December to late April.

Dates and partner accommodation for 2025 is yet to be announced, but check uk.travelski.com regularly for updates.

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Europe

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

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What you need to know when traveling for taylor swift’s eras tour.

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US singer and songwriter Taylor Alison Swift, also known as Taylor Swift performs on stage at the ... [+] Paris La Defense Arena as part of her The Eras Tour, in Nanterre, north-western France, on May 9, 2024.

Taylor Swift thrilled fans with the addition of performances from her latest album The Tortured Poets Department when she kicked off the European leg of The Eras Tour in Paris on Thursday, May 9, 2024. She jokingly called that section of the show Female Rage: The Musical . Most concertgoers already knew and sang along to every word of all the songs she sang from the album even though it was released just a few weeks earlier on April 19. Such is the power of Swift.

In her long career of riveting live shows, her stunning performance of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” may very well be her masterpiece so far. Swift is enjoying unprecedented success with her latest albums and tour, which showcase how she can tell a story like no other artist. Both her singing voice and her literary voice are stronger than ever, and it’s joyful to watch Swift embody and embrace her mightiness as a performer.

It's no wonder many fans are willing to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles for the chance to see Taylor Swift perform live. Since tickets sold out so quickly for the few remaining U.S. tour dates and resellers are aware of the intense demand, some fans discovered it was more doable to attend one of her international shows.

So, many fans in the U.S. and other countries have decided to make a vacation out of going to The Eras Tour in Europe this summer. If you are among them, here’s some advice on how to make the most of your international adventure.

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PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 09: Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at La ... [+] Defense on May 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management )

Consider Your Lodging and Transportation Choices First

Before buying a ticket, be sure that you will have accommodations available. If you can book a hotel that’s within walking distance of a stadium and know the area is safe, that is ideal. Otherwise, check bus and train schedules for the night of your venue, then look at hotels that might be close to bus or train stops.

With tens of thousands of fellow concertgoers leaving at the same time, transportation can get tricky. If you book a room that’s farther from the venue, try to get a rental car instead of vying for a taxi or rideshare after the show. If you do that, just be sure parking will be available. You may need to buy a parking pass from the venue.

Also be aware that hotel room prices skyrocket when Swift is in town because there is such a high demand. If you are renting a car and don’t mind a longer drive, you can save a lot of money by booking a hotel room that’s a longer drive from the venue.

Enjoy The Moment

Amy Wilkinson, a 49-year-old Swiftie from Tucson, AZ, went viral in December 2023 for her reenactments of The Eras Tour performances using Elf on the Shelf dolls. She posted them to her Instagram, @Tswizzle_Momma , and found thousands of people watching each time she posted her videos. Like many other Swifties in the US, she is flying to Europe for The Eras Tour.

Wilkinson told me she had this advice for fellow fans going to the show abroad, “Enjoy the entire experience, from the moment you get on the plane until the morning after. You may be going for the concert, but the memories are made in the details. See the sights. Enjoy the food. Meet other Swifties. This is at the heart of what international travel is about.”

Make The Friendship Bracelets

Rebecca Bartley, a Swiftie from Nova Scotia, Canada, is going to Sweden to see The Eras Tour. She advises bringing friendship bracelets to share with fellow concertgoers on the night of your show. Wilkinson suggested making friendship bracelets in the language of the country where you’ll be seeing the show.

MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Taylor Swift fan, friendship bracelet detail, attends the ... [+] opening night theatrical release of "Taylor Swift : The Eras Tour" at AMC Marina Marketplace 6 on October 13, 2023 in Marina del Rey, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

It’s easy to learn how to make friendship bracelets. I had never dabbled in making jewelry before, but now I find great joy in creating friendship bracelets. I created dozens and handed them to fans at The Eras Tour movie.

To make friendship bracelets, I start by choosing the colors I want and which word or phrase I want the bracelet to express. Then I choose colorful beads and pick out all the necessary letter beads.

Next, I cut off elastic string. I find it’s best to use Stretch Magic elastic string because of its strength and durability. To make the bracelets, I cut off a piece of string that’s twice as long as I need so that there is ample room for cutting and tying multiple knots.

Then I tape one end of the string to my workspace, string the beads I have set aside until I feel like the bracelet is complete. Being careful to not let any of the beads slide off the string, I then wrap it around my wrist to see how it fits and then consider whether I am making the bracelet for a wrist that’s likely larger or smaller than mine. (Also, with elastic string, there’s room for a flexible fit.) I adjust accordingly.

As a last step, I make four to five knots in the string to tie off the bracelet. Many fans choose to add a dab of fabric glue to the end of the knot, but I found that got really messy and wasn’t necessary if you make multiple knots. Then I tuck the knots into one of the beads so that it doesn’t show on the bracelet. Then the bracelet is concert-ready!

Keep in mind that there are a lot of other ways to make friendship bracelets that are for more involved and creative that mine. And, if the idea of making friendship bracelets doesn’t sound fun to you, don’t worry. You can buy premade friendship bracelets on Etsy. Some Etsy shops like RainFoxx13 and BonniesBracelet have elaborate, beautiful friendship bracelets that you may want to keep for yourself. Others sell packs of friendship bracelets in bulk.

If you don’t want to trade friendship bracelets, that’s okay, too. The Swiftie community is accepting and supportive, and you still may get several bracelets as gifts.

What To Wear To The Eras Tour

There are no rules for what you should wear to Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour beyond the guidelines from the venue. Some fans go casual, and others choose to dress to the nines for the show. Some fans choose to wear merch from Taylor Swift’s official store . Many fans choose to dress up in costumes inspired by Swift’s songs and lyrics.

With the release of The Tortured Poets Department and its video “Fortnight,” some fans are choosing to imitate some of her looks from the video. Others are wearing their interpretation of the incredible costumes she wears during The Eras Tour concert. Others look at past eras for inspiration. You are likely to see every era represented in fan costumes at a show.

What You Should Bring To The Eras Tour In Europe

Wilkinson advised me that the number one thing to bring is a portable phone charger. If you plan on recording video and taking photos, your phone’s battery may die down quickly, and a phone charger can ensure you can keep capturing the memories all night.

Earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud noise. If you’re bringing kids along, they are a must. They ensure you can enjoy the music while protecting your ears.

Bring along a cardigan or jacket. Layering is a good idea for a concert during the summer. Although it may be hot in the stadium, you might be chilly on the way home from the show.

You can’t go wrong bringing along hand sanitizer and a travel pack of tissues. Even if you can get through “All Too Well” without tearing up, you may cry at the sheer excitement of the experience. It can be intense in the best way.

If you have tickets that are far back, bring along binoculars to see close-up details.

What To Avoid At The Eras Tour

Don’t come to the stadium with a big bag. If you haven’t attended stadium concerts before, you may not know that you need to carry a clear bag if you want to bring a purse. It also has to fit within the measurements allowed in the stadium, so you can’t just buy a clear backpack and expect to get in the show. Check with your show’s venue to make sure you follow their rules for what you can bring.

What Are The Dates Of The Eras Tour 2024 In Europe?

Taylor Swift started the European leg of The Eras Tour in Paris on May 9, 2024. Here are all the dates for The Eras Tour that are scheduled for the rest of 2024.

Thursday, May 9, 2024 – París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Friday, May 10, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Saturday, May 11, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Sunday, May 12, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Friday, May 17, 2024 – Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Friday, May 24, 2024 - Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal

Saturday, May 25. 2024 - Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Estádio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain

Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Estádio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain

Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Groupama Stadium - Lyon, France

Monday, June 3, 2024 - Groupama Stadium - Lyon, France

Friday, June 7, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 8, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 9, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Friday, June 14, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 15, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Principality Stadium - Cardiff, United Kingdom

Friday, June 21, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 23, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Friday, June 28, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Sunday, June 30, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Friday, July 5, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Saturday, July 6, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - Stadion Letzigrund Zurich - Zürich, Switzerland

Wednesday, July 20, 2024 - Stadion Letzigrund Zurich - Zürich, Switzerland

Saturday, July 13, 2024 - San Siro Stadium - Milan, Italy

Sunday, July 14, 2024 - San Siro Stadium - Milan, Italy

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Thursday, July 18, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Friday, July 19, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - Volksparkstadion - Hamburg, Germany

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Volksparkstadion - Hamburg, Germany

Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Olympiastadion - Munich, Germany

Sunday, July 28, 2024 - Olympiastadion - Munich, Germany

Thursday, August 1, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Friday, August 2, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Saturday, August 3, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Friday, August 9, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Thursday, August 15, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Friday, August 16, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Saturday, August 17, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Monday, August 19, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Friday, October 18, 2024 – Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Saturday, October 19, 2024 - Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Friday, October 25, 2024 – Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Sunday, October 27, 2024 - Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Friday, November 1, 2024 – Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Saturday, November 2, 2024 - Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Thursday, November 14, 2024 – Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, November 15, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Thursday, November 22, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, November 22, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, November 23, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, December 6, 2024 – BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

Saturday, December 7, 2024 - BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

Sunday, December 8, 2024 - BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

For more information about the forthcoming shows, see the tour page of Taylor Swift’s official website .

How To Get Taylor Swift Tickets In 2024

Tickets have already gone on sale for the rest of the currently confirmed dates of The Eras Tour for 2024. However, you can get secondhand tickets from resellers. It’s usually not a good idea to buy from individuals in Facebook groups offering to sell tickets. That’s hard to verify, and many are scammed that way. Instead, check with the individual venue to see how their resell process works. It varies throughout Europe depending on the country and the individual stadium.

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Paris to London trains

Take a direct Eurostar train from Paris to London in just 2 hours and 17 minutes.

2hrs 17mins

No airport transport, no time wasted

City centre

to city centre travel

Our tickets are now more flexible than ever before. And from 4 November, you’ll be travelling in our new travel classes Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, or Eurostar Premier.

Take a train from Paris to London

Travelling from Paris to London with us is simple, smart, and speedy. Go direct from city centre to city centre in just 2hrs 17mins. And whether you’re going for work or play, we’ll get you there feeling relaxed and rested. Read on to discover why taking Eurostar from Paris to London is the only way to travel.

Take a high-speed train from Paris to London

To start your journey, get to Paris Gare du Nord at our recommended arrival time to allow plenty of time to go through border controls and security. This historic station, with a neoclassical 19th-century façade, is conveniently located at the heart of the city in the 10th arrondissement - connected with several urban transport lines, including Paris Metro, RER and local buses. You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants at Paris Gare du Nord to keep you occupied before you jump on one of our Eurostar trains.

On board a direct train from Paris to London

Travelling with Eurostar is simple, affordable and relaxing. You can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge and with no weight limits. We won’t charge you for choosing your seats and there are no restrictions on liquids, so feel free to bring something bubbly for the journey. Find out more about our luggage allowances . Wherever you sit, you can email, tweet and post all the way with our free onboard wi-fi. You’ll find power sockets at your seat, so you can stay charged up while you relax. If you find yourself feeling peckish, you can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks at Eurostar Café . And if you’re travelling in Standard Premier or Business Premier, you’ll be served a three-course meal at your seat. Find out more about our food on board . Whether you’re travelling for work, a special occasion, or heading away on a budget break, we’ve got the travel class for you. Check out our seats in Standard , Standard Premier and Business Premier .

Arriving at London St Pancras International

Eurostar trains arrive right in the heart of London at St Pancras International station , one of the most elegant stations in the world. Built in 1868, it is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture. On arrival, you can indulge in some boutique shopping, experience fine dining at a world-class brasserie or enjoy a glass of bubbly at the longest champagne bar in Europe. As well as lots of shops and restaurants, you’ll find underground lines and buses to whisk you to London’s top museums and galleries.

Timetables for trains from Paris to London

Tuesday, may 14, 2024.

See full timetable

Frequently asked questions

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var(--grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--grid-rowspacing) / -2) calc(var(--grid-columnspacing) / -2);-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-2pnwxm{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 10 / var(--grid-columns));}} .css-11yytic{font-family:'abc social bold','arial','sans-serif';font-weight:normal;color:#00286a;text-align:left;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:1rem;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.5rem;color:#00286aimportant;margin:0remimportant;display:blockimportant;}@media (min-width: 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A Eurostar Paris to London train ticket starts from $52.

How long is the Eurostar train journey from Paris to London?

The Eurostar can take up to 2hrs 37mins from Paris to London, however, most of our trains will take you to London in only 2hrs 17mins.

Are there additional fees when travelling with the Eurostar Paris to London train?

Unlike airlines, there are no hidden costs when travelling by Eurostar between Paris and London. Once you have picked your train tickets ( Standard , Standard Premier or Business Premier ), there will be no additional fees for seat selection, advanced booking, or luggage allowance .

How early should you arrive for the Eurostar Paris to London train?

Get to the station at our recommended arrival time to allow plenty of time to get through border controls and security for your Paris to London train.

Where does the Eurostar leave from in Paris?

We have direct routes to London from Paris Gare du Nord and passengers have a choice from up to 10 trains a day.

How much luggage can I bring with me on the Eurostar when travelling on the Paris to London train?

When travelling between Paris and London on Eurostar, Standard and Standard Premier adult tickets allow you to bring two pieces of luggage that are up to 85cm long, and one small piece of hand luggage such as a handbag or briefcase. We also have allowances for Business Premier passengers and kids travelling with child tickets.

Can you take liquids on the Eurostar Paris to London train?

You can take liquids on the Eurostar Paris and London train and there is no volume limit, so you can bring all your toiletries and even a bottle of bubbly!

Can you take your own food on the Eurostar Paris to London?

There are no food restrictions, so you’re allowed to bring your own food from home on the Eurostar.

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Pubs, parks and palaces - London has everything you need for a fabulous city break.

All Eurostar trains

Discover Europe’s best destinations with Eurostar across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK.

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London & Paris

About this tour.

From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, cross the English Channel via train and take in the best of these iconic cities. Take a walking tour to Westminster to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Personalize your stay in Paris by choosing to savor a thrilling dinner and cabaret show at the Paradis Latin theatre or indulge in a traditional brasserie dinner before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. Dine at the Eiffel Tower and cruise the River Seine at night.

Your Tour Includes

• 2 Handpicked Accommodations
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Buckingham Palace
• Covent Garden
• Eurostar Train

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

$1,399.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $65.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Embark on a tour of London with a local expert.

Cross the English Channel aboard the Eurostar Train.

Cultural Experiences:

Take advantage of a full day of leisure in both London and Paris.

• Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

Discover London on a walking tour to Westminster and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy London’s culinary renaissance at a dinner featuring contemporary British cuisine.

Savor an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.

• Choices on Tour
• Arc de Triomphe
• Eiffel Tower Dinner
• Seine River Cruise

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 activities. Your first choice is to gain an overview of the French capital during a panoramic bus tour. With your local guide, take in the most iconic sights of Paris such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Place de la Concorde. OR, join a local expert on a walking tour. Travel like a Parisian as you hop on Le Métro bound for the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. Explore the winding streets, home to classical painters and cultural provocateurs and learn the history of this artistic village in the heart of Paris.

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 evening activities. Your first choice is to cross into the Latin Quarter for an eventful dinner at the legendary Paradis Latin,* the city’s oldest cabaret theatre, complete with wine, champagne and a captivating show. Your second choice is to explore Paris’ culinary scene during a traditional brasserie dinner, before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. * The Paradis Latin show features some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children - consult your Tour Manager.

Extend your stay in London with a 2-night pre extension. A locally guided walking tour begins by on the London Underground tube before you explore along the River Thames discovering the iconic buildings of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare’s, ending at the food stalls of Borough Market. An included ticket to the Tower of London lets you peek into the city’s storied past independently uncovering the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Spend ample free time exploring the best of London.

• Overnight Flight
• You’re on your way to London, where you will arrive early and enjoy an additional 2-night stay to explore your way.
• Arrive in dynamic London, a sophisticated, historic city metropolis with a timeless style of its own. The day is yours to explore independently.
• Navigate the city with a local expert. Using your included Oyster card, hop on the famous underground Tube. Take a walking tour along the River Thames, where you will see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Art Gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe. End at Borough market, London’s premier Food Market, dating back over 1000 years. You will love independently strolling the small, specialty produce stalls and sumptuous street food traders. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore the city.
• See London your way today! Be sure to take advantage of your included ticket to the Tower of London to peek into the city’s storied past and uncover the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Later today meet your fellow travelers to start your tour.

Extend your stay with 3 nights in Amsterdam. Arrive via high-speed train before getting acquainted with the city during a locally guided food walking tour. Enjoy ample time at leisure, giving you the opportunity to peruse the city’s many iconic museums or take a cruise along the canals. This 3-night stay is ideal for taking in the art, architecture, culture, and picturesque canals of Amsterdam.

• Paris - Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Board a high-speed train and take off for Amsterdam, the thriving 800-year-old capital of Holland. After some time to settle in, meet up with a local guide to get acquainted with the Jordaan District of Amsterdam. Explore this charming neighborhood and learn of its rich multicultural roots during a walking food tour where you’ll taste traditional Dutch fare as you walk along the canals and historic homes between stops.
• Stroll through the city with a local expert. Get acquainted with the cozy lanes and quintessential Dutch houses as you wander along the canals that lead to Amsterdam’s museum district. Explore the Rijksmuseum with your local guide and experience works from the great Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. Enjoy an afternoon on your own to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll choose to explore the Anne Frank House,* a museum dedicated to the memory of the young diarist who documented her time in hiding during WWII.
• The day is yours. Explore the narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed roads at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll choose to see the city from a different perspective and embark on a canal cruise or spend some time relaxing at a café. Maybe take the train to The Hague to see the renowned Girl with a Pearl Earring in the Mauritshuis Museum.
• Amsterdam - Tour Ends
• Bid Amsterdam farewell as your tour comes to a close today.

Enjoy an interesting visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." On this excursion, travel by coach to Versailles where your local guide will recount the history of the palace and lead you through the various rooms of the State Apartments. Of particular interest are the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. You then have leisure time to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete.

Join us for a guided tour of the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Begin your exploration of the museum by entering through I. M. Pei’s famous Louvre Pyramid, a magnificent glass pyramid rising out of the courtyard of the Louvre. A local expert will provide commentary as you venture through the countless masterpieces that line the halls of the museum, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed!

Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

Accommodations

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