London and Paris are two of the most popular cities in Europe, and many travellers want to combine them in a single trip. The good news: it’s only 214 miles (344 km) between the two capitals, and since the Channel Tunnel opened in 1994, getting between them has been easier than ever.
We’ve made this journey many times in both directions, by every mode that’s reasonable (and a couple that aren’t). This guide covers all 11 options for getting from London to Paris, with current 2026 pricing, journey times, booking tips, and our view on which mode is right for your situation.
We also flag the new EU Entry-Exit System (EES), which began rolling out across the Schengen Area in April 2026 and will change how non-EU passengers cross from the UK to France. The juxtaposed UK crossings (St Pancras for Eurostar, Folkestone for Le Shuttle, Dover for ferry) are running with passport stamping for now while software issues are worked through, but biometric registration is expected to come into force at those points later in 2026 or 2027. Once it does, you’ll register fingerprints and a facial photo on your first crossing, with subsequent trips faster.
Prices throughout are sticker rates in GBP, current at the time of writing. All operators run regular sales, so check the booking site for current promotions before you commit.
How to Get From London to Paris in 2026: 11 Ways Compared
Here are 11 different ways to get from London to Paris (or from Paris to London). We cover the popular options like the Eurostar train, ferries, flights, driving, and coaches, alongside less conventional choices like cycling, walking, ride-sharing, private transfers, and even swimming.
Whichever mode you pick, you’re crossing an international border between the UK and the Schengen Area. You’ll go through border security and customs, so make sure you have the right travel documents before your trip.
Table of Contents:
At a glance: which mode is right for you?
If you only read one section of this article, read this one. We’ll walk through each option in detail below, but here’s the short version:
| If you want… | Pick | From (one way) | Time | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The fastest, most efficient option | Eurostar train | £39 | 2h 16m | City centre to city centre, no airport transfers |
| The cheapest practical option | Coach (Flixbus / BlaBlaBus) | £25 (sales lower) | 7–10 hr | About a quarter of the train fare; long but easy |
| To bring your own car | Le Shuttle | £59 per car | ~6 hr total | 35-min crossing; faster than the ferry; we’ve used it many times |
| A scenic, slower crossing as a foot passenger | Ferry (Newhaven–Dieppe) | £32 foot passenger return | ~8 hr door to door | The only Channel route where DFDS still accepts foot passengers; 4 hr crossing |
| An overnight crossing on holiday | Brittany Ferries overnight (Portsmouth) | From around £100 with cabin | ~7 hr (sleep through it) | Cabins, restaurants, live entertainment; book a cabin, not a recliner |
| A guided day trip from London | Eurostar package tour | £200+ | One long day | Eurostar tickets, sightseeing, meals all booked for you |
A full decision matrix with all 11 modes is at the bottom of the article. Now to each mode in detail.
1. Eurostar Train
The Eurostar is our default. We’ve taken it many times in both directions, and the appeal hasn’t worn off — being able to walk into St Pancras in central London and walk out at Gare du Nord in central Paris a little over two hours later is hard to beat. No airport transfer, no security queue at 5am, no boarding in zone numbers. You get on the train, you sit down, you arrive in Paris.
The Eurostar is also the newest way of getting between the two cities. Before the Channel Tunnel — the Chunnel — opened in 1994, the only options were boat or plane. The Channel Tunnel itself remains an extraordinary feat of engineering and still has the longest underwater section of any tunnel in the world.
Which train companies operate between London and Paris?
Only one passenger train company runs through the Chunnel, and that is Eurostar. The high-speed train goes directly from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, with multiple services per day in both directions.
Eurostar also operates direct services from London to Brussels, Amsterdam, and (seasonally) the French Alps and the South of France for skiing and summer travel. The corporate merger between Eurostar and Thalys completed in 2022, with the Thalys brand fully retired in October 2023 — Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam services now run as Eurostar. The London to Disneyland Paris direct service, which used to be a popular option for families, ran for the last time on 5 June 2023.
The Eurostar fleet today is mostly the e320 — the modern long high-speed train — with refurbished e300 trainsets occasionally on the route.
How much does the Eurostar cost from London to Paris?
Eurostar fares start around £39 one-way for a Standard ticket if you book well in advance. Like airline tickets, the price fluctuates based on how close to the travel date you book and how full the train is. There are three classes: Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier.
The class determines how much luggage you can bring (2 pieces in Standard and Standard Premier, 3 in Business Premier), whether food is included (Premier and above), seat width, and lounge access. Business Premier also has flexible change and cancellation rules — useful if your plans might shift.
Two booking tips:
- Book early. Standard fares stay around £39 if you book a few weeks ahead; last-minute fares at busy times can be 5–10× higher.
- If your dates are flexible, midweek trains usually have the best availability and the lowest fares.
Eurostar runs sales on standard fares regularly, so always check the operator’s site for current promotions before booking.
Can I use a Rail Pass to travel from London to Paris?
Yes, an Interrail or Eurail Global Pass is valid on Eurostar, but you have to pay a seat reservation fee on top of your pass. The reservation is mandatory, can be made up to 12 weeks in advance, and at last check was around €30 for Standard class and €38 for Standard Premier.
Worth noting: your Eurail or Interrail pass isn’t valid on most other transport in the UK, so if you’re using one, plan to do this leg at the start or end of your pass validity rather than in the middle.
How long does the Eurostar take from London to Paris?
The Eurostar takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes in optimal conditions, with most services landing closer to 2 hours and 30 minutes station to station.
Passport checks happen at St Pancras before you board. EES biometric registration at St Pancras has been deferred while France works through software issues, but allow extra time at first whenever it goes live in earnest — plan on 60 minutes ahead of your train rather than the old 45.
Service can be affected by worker strikes, protests, and severe weather — Eurostar publishes service updates on their site if you’re travelling during disruption.
Where to buy Eurostar tickets?
You can buy directly from the Eurostar website or from a third-party booking site like Trainline. Prices are usually the same across booking channels, so pick whichever interface you prefer.
You can also buy tickets in person at the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras or Gare du Nord, but same-day fares are typically much higher than booking ahead.
Eurostar opens its booking window 180 days in advance.
2. Ferry
Why we sometimes pick the ferry over the train. The Eurostar is faster, and it’s our default. But when we have a few extra days and the journey itself is part of the holiday, especially with a car or for an overnight crossing, the ferry is the better choice. The view of the White Cliffs of Dover and the Cap Blanc-Nez on a clear day, the ability to bring everything in the boot, the chance to actually sleep on a Brittany Ferries overnight sailing in a cabin — none of that is replicated by sitting in a train carriage. Don’t expect to save much time. Do expect a different kind of trip.
The ferry is the slower, more scenic way of getting from London to Paris. Ferries take foot passengers, cyclists, and vehicles, and they’re the most popular option for cyclists crossing between the UK and France.
For pet owners, ferries are usually the friendliest option — most allow pets to travel with their owners’ vehicle, with pet exercise areas at the ports. As always, check the specific ferry operator’s pet rules and have the right documentation in advance.
For the goal of getting from London to Paris specifically, the quickest and most popular ferry route is Dover to Calais. We’ll focus there, but we’ll also cover the alternatives, including overnight options.
What are the ferry routes between the UK and France?
There are around a dozen possible routes between the UK and France. The main ones are:
- 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 London to Paris travellers, Dover to Calais is the fastest and most efficient. Newhaven to Dieppe is popular with cyclists and long-distance walkers. The Portsmouth and Plymouth routes operated by Brittany Ferries are good if you want an overnight sleeper crossing.
How to get to the ferry from London?
You can drive, take the train, or take a coach to reach the ferry ports. The right option depends on which port you’re heading for.
For all ferry crossings, plan to arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow for check-in, security, and customs.
Getting to Dover Ferry Port from London
You can take a high-speed train, regular train, coach, or drive to Dover.
If you’re driving, it’s about 80 miles (128 km) from London and takes around 2 hours, though London traffic can stretch that significantly.
The fastest public transport option is the high-speed train from St Pancras, which takes just over 1 hour. Other trains from Charing Cross and Victoria take about 2 hours. The cheapest option is the coach — buses generally take 2.5 to 3 hours and run from London Victoria Coach Station, with one-way fares typically £5 to £12.
From Dover train or bus station to the ferry terminal, it’s a short taxi ride (about 5 minutes), a regular shuttle bus from outside the train station (around £2 per person), or a 30-minute walk. You can pre-book a Dover taxi via minicabit.
To check schedules and compare prices, Trainline and Omio are both good aggregators.
Getting to Newhaven Ferry Port from London
Newhaven is about 76 miles (122 km) from London, around a 2 hour 15 minute drive. By train it’s 1.5 to 2 hours with at least one change. From Newhaven town station, the ferry terminal is a 3-minute walk.
Direct buses to Newhaven run on certain days only and take about 3 hours.
Getting to Portsmouth Ferry Port from London
Portsmouth is about 75 miles (120 km) from London, around a 2-hour drive. Trains to Portsmouth Harbour station take 1.5 to 2 hours. Coaches from Victoria take 2 to 2.5 hours.
From either station, the ferry terminal is a short taxi ride (about 8 minutes) or a 35-minute walk. Pre-book a Portsmouth taxi via minicabit.
How to get from the ferry port to Paris?
The most common arrival port is Calais. From there, you can rent a car, take a bus, or take the train to Paris. The fastest option, and the one we’d usually recommend, is the TGV high-speed train.
To reach Calais train station (Gare de Calais Ville) from the ferry terminal, you can take an hourly shuttle bus for €2, take a taxi, or walk (about 35 minutes). Direct trains from Calais to Paris take 2 to 3 hours depending on the service.
The Calais bus station is next to the train station and direct buses to Paris generally take 4 to 4.5 hours, terminating at Bercy Seine Bus Station.
Schedules and tickets are available via Trainline or Omio.
How long is the journey by train and ferry from London to Paris?
The full London-to-Paris journey via Dover-Calais ferry takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on your train connections and ferry sailing.
The most time-efficient version: high-speed train London to Dover, taxi or shuttle bus to Dover ferry terminal (arrive 60 minutes before), 90-minute ferry crossing, taxi from Calais ferry port to train station, direct high-speed train Calais to Paris.
What is the cost of taking the ferry from London to Paris?
DFDS Dover-Calais is currently vehicle and bicycle only — foot passengers aren’t accepted on this route. With a car, fares typically start around £100 one-way for short crossings, climbing significantly at peak times. If you’re a foot passenger, the only Channel route that still takes you is Newhaven-Dieppe, currently from around £32 return.
Add the cost of getting to the ferry port from London (£15–£40 by train, less by coach) and from the Calais ferry port to Paris (around £40–£70 by train). For a full London-to-Paris ferry-and-train journey, budget around £100 to £150 per person sticker.
DFDS, Brittany Ferries, and the other operators all run regular sales, especially out of season — check the booking site before you commit.
Where to book ferry tickets?
We recommend booking directly with the ferry operators.
DFDS Seaways operate Dover-Dunkirk, Dover-Calais, and Newhaven-Dieppe routes multiple times daily. Crossings take 90 minutes to 4 hours depending on the route. On the Dover departures, foot passengers are not currently accepted — you need a vehicle or bicycle. Foot passengers are allowed on the Newhaven-Dieppe route.
Brittany Ferries operate from Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Poole, with most UK-France crossings leaving from Portsmouth. Crossings take 3 to 8 hours and include daytime and overnight sailings. Foot passengers and vehicles both welcome.
If you’re driving, book in advance. If you’re a foot passenger, you can usually buy at the terminal on the day, since foot-passenger spaces rarely sell out.
What if I want to take an overnight ferry from the UK to France?
Brittany Ferries operate overnight sailings on several routes, including Portsmouth-Caen, Portsmouth-Cherbourg, and Plymouth-Roscoff. These are the slow, holiday-mode option.
For Paris-bound travellers, the Plymouth to Caen or Plymouth to Le Havre routes work well, since you can drive or take the train onward to Paris from the French side. If you’re planning to explore Brittany or Normandy along the way, several other routes are good options.
Not every Brittany Ferries crossing is overnight, so make sure you book the right sailing — most routes have one daytime and one overnight crossing per day. The ships themselves range from simple to fairly luxurious.
Many of the Brittany Ferries ships have multiple dining options, cafes, live entertainment, gift shops, children’s play areas, and a movie theatre. When we do an overnight trip, we like to get on, check into our cabin, have a nice dinner at the restaurant, watch the live entertainment, and then head off to bed. The food in the main restaurant is usually very good.
Having travelled by overnight ferry a few times now, I would only book an overnight crossing if you book a cabin. There are reclined airplane-style seats you can reserve as well, which work if you’re the kind of person who can sleep comfortably in a recliner — I personally cannot. If you can’t sleep on the crossing, you’re paying more for a much longer journey and arriving tired.
We take the overnight ferry when we want a slower, more luxurious option. It often makes a nice transition at the start or end of a longer trip. When we want a quick option, we book one of the regular 1.5-hour Dover-Calais crossings instead.
Can I travel in my own boat from London to Paris?
Technically yes — you can travel down the Thames, cross the Channel, and follow the Seine up to Paris. But the Channel crossing in a small boat has serious legal requirements, is highly weather dependent, and can be dangerous.
If you’re considering it, start researching the route and the requirements well in advance.
3. Flying
Flying is another popular way to get between London and Paris because the flight itself is short and budget airlines run regular sales on the route.
The catch: between getting to and from the airports, security, and boarding, the door-to-door time often matches the train. If you live close to a London airport or Paris airport, flying can be the quickest. If you’re starting from central London, the train is usually faster.
Which airlines fly between London and Paris?
Airlines currently operating non-stop flights between London and Paris include EasyJet, British Airways, Air France, Vueling, and CityJet. Many more offer connecting flights via other European cities, but those routes are slower than the train and usually only worth booking on price.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Paris?
Walk-up fares typically run £60 to £150 one way, and budget airlines regularly run sales bringing fares as low as £20 to £30. Factor baggage fees into the comparison — a £30 base fare with £40 in baggage costs more than a Eurostar Standard ticket.
How long does it take to fly from London to Paris?
The flight itself is 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the airline.
Add airport transfer time on both ends. London Heathrow can take an hour or more from central London. Charles de Gaulle is about 45 minutes from central Paris. Door to door, plan on 4 to 5 hours total — comparable to or longer than the Eurostar.
London has six major airports, all in different directions; check our London airport transport guide to plan the airport leg.
In Paris, flights from London typically arrive at Charles de Gaulle, Orly, or Beauvais.
Where to book flight tickets?
You can book directly with the airline or use a comparison site to find the best fares. We’ve used Priceline and Kiwi to compare across airlines and find the cheapest convenient option.
4. Car / Driving
Driving from London to Paris with your own car gives you flexibility on timing, no luggage limits, and the ability to keep going on either side of the Channel without thinking about onward transport. We’ve done it many times, taking either Le Shuttle (formerly Eurotunnel) or the ferry across.
You have two options for crossing the Channel with a vehicle: Le Shuttle (the train shuttle that takes your car through the Channel Tunnel) or a vehicle ferry. Le Shuttle is the faster option and the one we’ll cover in detail in this section. See the Ferry section above for the ferry option.
Le Shuttle accepts almost any vehicle: cars, motorcycles, vans, campervans, motorhomes, trailers. Motorcycles get reduced fares and larger vehicles pay more.
It’s also the easiest way to travel with pets between the UK and France. Pets must have the correct documentation, microchipping, and vaccinations. You can check the current pet requirements here.
Driving across an international border requires preparation. UK and France have different traffic regulations (we drive on the left, France on the right), and there’s a list of paperwork and gear you need to bring a UK car into the EU: a valid driving licence, passport, vehicle registration certificate (V5), proof of motor insurance, a UK sticker on the car (the old GB sticker is no longer valid), reflective safety vests, and headlamp beam adjusters. The full requirements are documented on the Le Shuttle site.
France also requires all vehicles entering Paris (and several other cities) to have a Crit’Air Air Quality Emissions Certificate, which you can buy online for a few euros. Get this before you go — there are penalties for driving in the restricted zone without one.
Coming the other way (France to UK), you need passport, vehicle registration, and proof of motor insurance valid in the UK. We have a longer guide to driving in the UK if you’re new to it.
Driving requirements change reasonably often — we’d suggest checking current rules at least a month before your trip.
If you’ve driven UK-France before Brexit, note that several requirements changed. You can check the current post-Brexit driving guidance on the Le Shuttle driving page.
EES biometric registration at the Le Shuttle Folkestone terminal has been deferred along with the other UK juxtaposed crossings while software issues are worked through. Once it does come into force, expect a longer process on the first crossing.
Can I drive across the Channel Tunnel?
No — nobody actually drives through the tunnel. You drive into a Le Shuttle carriage and stay in your car while the shuttle carries you across. The carriages take everything from cars and motorcycles to vans, motorhomes, coaches, and lorries.
Note: Vehicles using flammable gas (LPG, BiFuel, Autogas, Hydrogen, CNG, CGH2) cannot use Le Shuttle for safety reasons, even if the gas is a backup fuel source. Any flammable gas containers (e.g., for a campervan) must be declared and inspected, and there are size limits.
Le Shuttle versus ferry — which is better with a car?
Both will get you from Folkestone/Dover to Calais. Le Shuttle is faster — the crossing itself is 35 minutes, vs. 90 minutes by ferry. With check-in time, Le Shuttle is around an hour and a half door to door, the ferry is around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Ferry tickets can be cheaper, especially out of season, so worth comparing if you’re on a tight budget. The ferry also has more route options if you want to land in a port other than Calais — Dunkirk, Dieppe, Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, St Malo, and Roscoff are all served by the ferry network.
Personally, we’ve taken both, and they’re both seamless experiences. Le Shuttle for a quick day-shape crossing; ferry for a slower, more scenic trip.
How long does it take to drive from London to Paris?
Around 6 hours including the Le Shuttle crossing, in optimal conditions. Le Shuttle runs up to 4 services per hour at peak times, so you don’t need to time things tightly.
That 6 hours assumes no major traffic, no Le Shuttle delays, and no construction on the French autoroutes. Add a couple of hours of buffer in your planning to absorb any of those.
For UK road conditions, check Traffic England. For French autoroutes, we usually just rely on Google Maps live traffic. Le Shuttle service updates are on the Le Shuttle live departures page.
Fastest driving route from London to Paris?
There’s effectively one route: London → Folkestone via the M20, Le Shuttle to Calais (35 min), then Calais → Paris via the A26 and A1. The total is around 258 miles (415 km) of driving plus 34 miles (54 km) of Le Shuttle crossing.
Cost of driving from London to Paris?
Le Shuttle one-way fares start around £59 per car, with peak day surcharges of £10 to £250 on top during high-demand periods. Round-trip fares can be as low as £29 each way if you book ahead and travel off-peak. Book on the Le Shuttle site.
Add fuel costs (varies a lot by vehicle and current fuel prices), French autoroute tolls (around €30–€40 each way for the Calais-Paris stretch), and parking in Paris (high — around €30+ per day in central garages). For an electric or hybrid, both Le Shuttle terminals have charging stations.
If you’re renting rather than driving your own, the rental car costs themselves can be significant, plus there’s usually a cross-border surcharge.
Should I hire a car to drive from the UK to France?
Generally, no. We don’t usually recommend renting a car in one country and driving it across the Channel.
Several rental companies don’t allow their cars to be taken across the border, on ferries, or on one-way trips. Some do, but it limits your choices. Even when allowed, the cross-border surcharge is high.
Second, you’ll have to learn the driving rules and paperwork for both countries. Third, in at least one country you’ll be driving a car designed for the wrong side of the road — a UK rental in France or a French rental in the UK has the steering wheel on the wrong side for the local roads.
Our advice: rent in the country you’ll drive in, and switch cars at the border. Rent in the UK for the UK leg, return it before crossing, and rent again in France for the French leg. Both London and Paris have plenty of rental options, and neither city is a place you actually want a car — public transport in both is excellent.
When you do rent, Discover Cars is a useful aggregator that lets you filter for cross-border-friendly providers and compare across the major rental brands at once. Worth knowing: some rental companies still don’t allow their vehicles on ferries or across borders into France, so check the rental terms before booking — Discover Cars usually flags this in the listing.
What do I need to take a rental car across the Channel?
For a UK-registered rental car going to France, you’ll still need to meet all the standards we covered earlier — driving licence, passport, insurance, GB→UK sticker, reflective vests, headlamp beam adjusters, plus a Crit’Air sticker for Paris. Confirm with the rental company that they allow the car across the border, and that you have a VE103 cross-border permit if required.
Where to rent a car in London?
There are car rental agencies all around London, mostly clustered at the airports with some in central London. Discover Cars aggregates across the major brands and lets you compare rates, terms, and cross-border permissions in one search.
If you plan to take the car to France, an additional fee usually applies. Tell the agent at pickup so you have the right insurance, stickers, and documentation in place.
To rent a car in the UK, you usually need to have held a valid driving licence for at least one year (some companies require three) and the licence must be in English or use the Latin alphabet. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need an International Driving Permit from your home country.
The minimum age to rent a car in the UK is 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25. Most companies require a credit card; some accept debit. Automatic transmissions are available but manuals are common, so confirm at booking.
Where to rent a car in Paris?
Paris has the same major rental brands as London — find them via Discover Cars, which lets you compare across providers and filter for cross-border-friendly options.
If you’re planning to drive a French rental into the UK, the same caveats apply: not every rental allows it, the cross-border surcharge can be high, and you’ll need the right documentation.
The minimum age to rent in France is 21, with surcharges below 25. Manual transmissions are still common in French rentals — request automatic if you need one.
5. Bus / Coach
Coach is usually the cheapest practical way to get from London to Paris. It’s slower than the train or a flight, but if budget is the main constraint, it’s hard to beat.
We’ve taken the coach from London to Paris ourselves — it’s surprisingly comfortable, and the Le Shuttle crossing in the coach is a fun curiosity if you’ve never seen Le Shuttle from the inside of a vehicle. The coach drives onto the shuttle, the doors close, and 35 minutes later you’re in France.
Which coach companies operate between London and Paris?
The two main operators are Flixbus and BlaBlaBus (formerly OuiBus).
Flixbus is the largest coach network in Europe. Their buses have comfortable reclining seats, on-board toilets, free wifi, and power outlets. They run around a dozen services a day from London to Paris, though only about half are direct (the rest involve a connection in Lille). Flixbus also owns the Eurolines brand on this route.
BlaBlaBus (formerly OuiBus) is a French operator covering ten countries and around 300 destinations. They run roughly half a dozen services a day, some terminating in central Paris and some at the Paris airports.
Most London-Paris coaches leave from Victoria Coach Station in London (164 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9TP) and terminate at Bercy Seine Bus Station in Paris (208 Quai de Bercy, 75012). Some run to the Paris airports or Disneyland Paris instead.
You can compare schedules and fares across all operators on aggregator sites like Trainline or Omio.
Can coaches cross the Channel Tunnel?
Yes — coaches use the same Le Shuttle service as cars and lorries. The coach drives into a Le Shuttle carriage, the journey takes 35 minutes, and you stay on the coach the whole time.
How much does the coach cost from London to Paris?
Sticker fares are typically £25 to £50 per person one-way. Flixbus regularly runs flash sales, sometimes as low as £10 to £15 if you catch them. Book ahead, and book midweek where you can.
EES note: coach passengers register at the Dover or Folkestone facilities along with all other travellers crossing from the UK. EES biometric registration at the UK juxtaposed crossings has been deferred mid-2026 while France works through software issues; allow extra time on the first crossing once it does come into force.
How long does the coach take from London to Paris?
Most services take 7 to 10 hours depending on traffic and stops. The direct services are at the lower end of that range; ones that change in Lille take longer.
How to book a coach ticket?
Book directly on the operator’s site (Flixbus or BlaBlaBus), or use an aggregator like Omio or Trainline to compare across operators in one search.
6. Take a Guided Tour
For a quick, organised day or weekend trip, you can visit Paris from London on a guided day tour. The two cities are close enough that you can leave London before breakfast and be back by dinner.
How long is a guided tour from London to Paris?
Most are one long day. Departures are typically 6:00 am from London, returning by dinner. Expect 16+ hours door to door.
If you have more time, multi-day options stay overnight in Paris.
How much does a London-Paris tour cost?
Day-tour fares start around £200 per person, depending on what’s included. Most cover Eurostar tickets, a Paris sightseeing element (bus tour or guided walking tour), and either an attraction ticket or a meal. Multi-day tours cost more.
What are some tour options from London to Paris?
Here are some of the better-rated options we’ve come across:
- Paris Full-Day Trip from London — A guide meets you at the Eurostar terminal in London. You take Eurostar to Paris, do a sightseeing bus tour, lunch at the Eiffel Tower, a Seine cruise, and free time before returning by Eurostar.
- Paris Rail Day Trip with Options — A 15-hour round trip with flexible Paris options. You can choose Standard or First Class Eurostar, then independent sightseeing with a sightseeing bus pass, or a guided Paris day tour with a Seine cruise.
- Day Tour with Lunch Cruise — Round-trip Eurostar, a fully guided Paris coach tour, and a 2-hour Seine river cruise with three-course lunch.
- Guided Paris Day Trip with Free Time — Eurostar tickets, a Paris sightseeing bus tour, a Seine cruise, and an afternoon to explore independently.
Tours vary in how much hand-holding they include — some have a guide with you the whole day, others just bundle the tickets and let you explore independently. Read the inclusions carefully before booking.
Joining a full-day walking tour of Paris
If you’d rather book your own Eurostar tickets and join a walking tour once you arrive, that works too. You can leave London early to catch the tour, though we’d recommend overnighting in Paris first if you can — long day tours start with energy you may not have if you’ve been up since 4am.
For example, this full-day walking tour covers Montmartre, Île de la Cité, and the Latin Quarter, plus a guided visit to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine cruise.
7. Carpooling / Ridesharing
If you want a low-cost option but don’t fancy the coach, carpooling is worth considering. It also gives you a built-in travel companion, which some people enjoy and others very much don’t.
Ridesharing services for a London-Paris trip
For London-Paris carpools, check BlaBlaCar, Carpling, or Liftshare. These are platforms where private drivers offer seats in their car for a fee — you’re effectively splitting fuel and crossing costs with the driver and any other passengers.
A few practical safety notes: you’re getting in a car with a stranger, so apply normal travel-safety precautions. Tell someone where you’re going and who you’re going with; share your live location via Google Maps or similar; check the driver’s profile and reviews on the platform before you commit.
A mainstream rideshare service like Uber technically could do this trip, but no driver is going to accept it and the fare would be enormous. For a chauffeured option, see Private Car Transfer below.
Ridesharing travel time from London to Paris
Most drivers list 6 to 8 hours for the trip, depending on which crossing they use.
Cost of ridesharing services from London to Paris
Carpool fares typically run £35 to £50 per seat. That’s cheaper than renting your own car or driving a private vehicle, when you factor in fuel and the Le Shuttle or ferry crossing.
8. Private Car Transfer or Cab
If logistics-handling is your priority and budget is less of one, a private car transfer is an option. Most regular cab companies and ride-share drivers won’t take a cross-Channel job, but some specialist transfer companies do.
The driver picks you up at your London hotel, station, or airport and drops you in Paris (or the reverse). The driver handles the Le Shuttle or ferry crossing, the paperwork, and any stops along the way.
How to book a private car transfer from London to Paris
A few options to consider:
- This private transfer service takes you from London to Paris with door-to-door service. The driver collects you, handles luggage, provides water and snacks, and stops for breaks. Up to 15 passengers.
- If you’re going Paris to London, the same operator runs private transfers starting in Paris.
- This Mercedes-class private transfer picks up anywhere in Paris and drops anywhere in London. Air-conditioning and wifi included. Up to 8 passengers.
How long does a private transfer take from London to Paris?
6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic. Most use Le Shuttle for the crossing.
Cost of a private car transfer or cab from London to Paris?
Sticker prices start around £530 for a single transfer, rising depending on number of passengers and vehicle class. A group of up to 4 typically pays around £1,068; a group of 8 around £1,268.
For one or two travellers it’s expensive. For a family or small group needing the door-to-door logistics, it can work out roughly comparable to first-class Eurostar tickets per person.
9. Bicycle
If you’re a confident cyclist, you can ride from London to Paris. You can’t cycle through the Channel itself, but you can cycle to either Newhaven or Dover and take the ferry across (or use the Le Shuttle bicycle service), then cycle on to Paris.
Most of the route is reasonably flat and suitable for fit beginner long-distance cyclists. The Avenue Verte route in particular is well-suited to cycling families — we’ve read of plenty of parents doing it with older children.
Bike routes from London to Paris
Two main routes:
Dover-Calais Classic Route: Follow the old Roman road of Watling Street out of London to Dover. Cross the Channel by ferry to Calais. Then follow Napoleon’s Route Nationale 1 from Calais to Paris. Around 304 miles (490 km), unsignposted.
Newhaven-Dieppe Avenue Verte Route: Follow the A11 down to Newhaven. Cross the Channel by ferry to Dieppe. Then follow the D915 into Paris. Around 247 miles (398 km), waymarked throughout.
We’d suggest a guidebook to plan the journey. This Cicerone guidebook covers both routes. This SusTrans guide covers the Avenue Verte from the London Eye to Notre-Dame.
For maps, Ordnance Survey are the best for the UK side; IGN for France. Ordnance Survey’s Landranger weatherproof active maps are designed for long-distance cycling; IGN’s Top100 or Top75 series suit French cyclists. Pair with a cycling GPS for navigation.
A great resource for planning is london2paris.co.uk, dedicated to this exact route. Most riders do the trip independently, but you can also join organised group rides.
Can cyclists bike across the Channel Tunnel?
No, you can’t cycle through the tunnel itself. But Le Shuttle has a bicycle service: your bike goes across in a specially adapted trailer while you ride in the Le Shuttle carriage as a passenger. The service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance by calling +44 (0)1303 282201 — there’s only space for a limited number of bikes per crossing. Details at the Le Shuttle bicycle page.
You can also bring bikes on the Eurostar, though that defeats the point if your goal is to ride between the cities. Eurostar bike rules.
Can cyclists bring bikes onboard the ferry?
Yes, almost all UK-France ferries take bicycles. Most cyclists prefer the ferry to Le Shuttle: it’s usually cheaper, requires less pre-booking, and the ferry ports align well with the popular cycling routes.
The most popular ferry routes for cyclists are Newhaven to Dieppe and Dover to Calais, both operated by DFDS.
How long does it take to cycle from London to Paris?
Most riders take 2 to 5 days, with 3 days being most common — that’s a steady pace without rushing. If you want to sightsee or take detours, plan 5+ days.
Where to rent a bike in London?
Plenty of bike-hire shops in London, but almost all require you to return the bike in London. So if you’re planning a round-trip cycling tour to Paris and back, a rental works.
If you’re cycling one-way and not returning to London, you’re unlikely to find a hire shop that lets you drop off in another country. The usual workaround is to buy a bike in London for the trip and sell it (or ship it home) at the Paris end. Both cities have plenty of used-bike markets and second-hand shops.
10. Walk
If you’re really committed to slow travel, you can walk from London to Paris. The Channel obviously means you can’t walk the whole way — you’ll cross by ferry or Le Shuttle — but the rest is on foot.
Walking routes from London to Paris
The shortest walking option: London → Newhaven on foot, ferry to Dieppe, Dieppe → Paris on foot.
The Avenue Verte route works for walkers as well as cyclists, though it’s designed for bikes. Whatever route you pick, plan with a good map plus a compass and a hiking GPS.
For maps, Ordnance Survey‘s Explorer series for UK long-distance hiking, IGN‘s Top25 and Blue series for French hiking.
Can you walk through the Channel Tunnel?
No. The only ways across the Channel are by Eurostar, by vehicle through Le Shuttle, or by ferry. There’s no pedestrian access to the tunnel itself.
How long does it take to walk from London to Paris?
At least 3 days; most walkers take a week or more. The total distance is around 234 miles (377 km), of which 75 miles is the ferry crossing — so 159 miles of actual walking on the Newhaven-Dieppe route.
If you can walk 30 miles a day, you’ll cover a 170-mile route in 5–6 days. At 20 miles a day, 8–9 days. At 10 miles a day, around 17 days.
11. Swim the English Channel
You’re probably not seriously considering this one. But it’s fun to know it’s possible.
You can swim from England to France across the Channel. Swimming France to England has been outlawed by the French authorities, though if you start in England you can return on the same swim (a “two-way” or “double” Channel swim).
Channel swimming has serious legal requirements, fees, and physical demands. You’ll need to train for many months, particularly in cold water.
Once committed, the first step is registering with the Channel Swimming Association and booking a CSA escort pilot — a boat that follows alongside your swim with assistance and your documentation.
You’ll need to book a swim window (typically several days in a warmer month) and wait for safe weather.
Swimming route across the English Channel
Swimmers usually start near Shakespeare’s Cliff between Folkestone and Dover, finishing at or near Cap Gris Nez between Boulogne and Calais.
The shortest crossing is around 21 miles (32 km), but most swims are longer because currents pull swimmers off course.
How long does it take to swim the English Channel?
Anywhere from 7 hours (very fast) to 27 hours, depending on conditions and the swimmer. People have been successfully swimming the Channel since 1875 — there’s a list of successful swimmers with the record holders.
What is the cost of swimming the English Channel?
Typically £3,500 to £5,000, but it varies. At a minimum, you pay for the registration packet and the pilot boat. On top of that: travel and accommodation in Dover (you may need to be there several days waiting for weather), training costs, food and supplies, and travel back from France (unless you swim back).
Choose Your Mode: Full London-Paris Comparator (2026)
Here’s the full decision matrix across all 11 modes, expanding the at-a-glance table at the top of the article. Use it to match your priorities (cost, speed, scenery, with-luggage-or-bike-or-pet, etc.) to the right option.
| Mode | From (one way) | Time | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurostar train | £39 | 2h 16m | Default option; central-to-central | EES: arrive 60+ min once live |
| Ferry (Dover-Calais, with car) | £100+ one-way | 6–8 hr door to door | Scenery, families with car, pets | DFDS Dover is vehicle/bicycle only — no foot passengers |
| Ferry (Newhaven-Dieppe, foot passenger) | £32 return | ~8 hr | Foot-pax travellers, cyclists | The only Channel ferry that still accepts foot passengers |
| Brittany Ferries overnight | ~£100 with cabin | ~7 hr (sleep through) | Slow holiday-mode crossing | Always book a cabin, not a recliner |
| Flight | £60+ (sales lower) | 4–5 hr door to door | If close to a London airport | Door-to-door usually slower than Eurostar |
| Le Shuttle (own car) | £59 per car | ~6 hr total | With your own vehicle, with pets | 35-min crossing; 4 services per peak hour |
| Coach (Flixbus / BlaBlaBus) | £25 (sales lower) | 7–10 hr | Cheapest practical option | From Victoria; some services connect in Lille |
| Guided tour (Eurostar package) | £200+ | 1 long day or multi-day | Day trip with no planning | Tour bundles tickets + sightseeing + meals |
| Carpool / rideshare | £35–£50 | 6–8 hr | Budget travellers OK with a stranger | BlaBlaCar / Carpling / Liftshare |
| Private car transfer | £530+ | 6–8 hr | Group of 4–8 wanting door-to-door | Per-person cost competitive in groups |
| Bicycle (Avenue Verte) | Bike + ferry £30+ | 2–5 days | Confident cyclists; the journey IS the holiday | 247-mile waymarked route via Newhaven |
| Walk | Ferry only | 1–3 weeks | Slow travel pilgrims | ~159 miles of actual walking via Newhaven-Dieppe |
| Swim the Channel | £3,500–£5,000 | 7–27 hours | Trained open-water swimmers | CSA registration + pilot boat required |
Our preferred way
Most of the time, we take the Eurostar. The combination of speed, central stations, and not having to think about anything else is hard to beat. We’d take the train every time unless there was a specific reason not to.
When we do need our car in France, we drive and take Le Shuttle. The ferry is also fine with a car, especially if we want a slower-paced trip or are heading somewhere on the French coast that’s served by a Brittany Ferries route.
For an actual holiday-mode crossing, our favourite is a Brittany Ferries overnight from Portsmouth — a cabin, dinner in the restaurant, the live entertainment, and we wake up in France ready to drive on. Worth it once or twice as a treat; not the way we’d commute.
FAQ: London to Paris in 2026
What is the cheapest way to get from London to Paris?
The cheapest practical option is the coach. Sticker fares run £25 to £50 with Flixbus or BlaBlaBus, and flash sales drop them as low as £10 to £15. Carpooling via BlaBlaCar is similar at £35 to £50.
If you book Eurostar far enough ahead, the £39 Standard fare is competitive — and you save 5+ hours each way. For most travellers, a £39 train ticket beats a £25 coach ticket once you value your time.
What is the fastest way to get from London to Paris?
The Eurostar, at 2 hours 16 minutes city centre to city centre. Door to door from central London to central Paris, the train is faster than flying once you account for airport transfers and security.
Can you drive from London to Paris?
Yes. You can’t drive through the Channel itself, but you can drive your car onto Le Shuttle (the train shuttle through the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone to Calais), or onto a vehicle ferry from Dover or Newhaven. Le Shuttle takes 35 minutes; the ferry takes 90 minutes.
You’ll need a UK sticker on your car (the old GB sticker no longer counts), reflective vests, headlamp beam adjusters, your driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance, and a Crit’Air Air Quality sticker if you’re driving into Paris.
How long does the Eurostar take from London to Paris?
2 hours 16 minutes in optimal conditions, with most services landing closer to 2 hours 30 minutes. Passport and security checks happen at St Pancras before boarding. EES biometric registration at St Pancras has been deferred along with the other UK juxtaposed crossings while France resolves software issues, but plan on arriving 60+ minutes ahead of your train once it does come into force.
What is the EU Entry-Exit System (EES) and how does it affect London-Paris travel?
EES is the EU’s biometric entry-exit register, which began progressive rollout across the Schengen Area in April 2026. Non-EU passengers (which now includes UK residents post-Brexit) will register fingerprints and a facial photo on their first crossing into the Schengen Area, and subsequent crossings re-use the data for three years.
The catch for UK travellers: at the UK juxtaposed crossings (St Pancras for Eurostar, Folkestone for Le Shuttle, Dover for ferry, plus the equivalent coach checks), France has paused biometric registration in 2026 while software issues are sorted out — passport stamping continues there in the interim. Expect biometric registration to come into force at those points once the technical problems are resolved.
Practically: when biometric registration is live at your departure point, allow extra time at the terminal on your first trip. The system applies to all modes — train, car, ferry, and coach.
Is the ferry from London to Paris worth it?
Only if the journey is part of the trip. The fastest ferry option (Dover-Calais by foot) is 6 to 8 hours door to door, vs. the Eurostar at around 4 hours including transfers. The ferry is cheaper and more scenic, particularly with a car or for an overnight Brittany Ferries crossing — but if speed matters, the train wins.
We’d pick the ferry over the train when we want a slower-paced holiday, when we’re driving and want a longer crossing to relax in, or for the overnight Portsmouth-Caen sailing as a treat at the start or end of a trip.
What’s the best London to Paris option for a day trip?
Eurostar, almost always. A direct flight can work if you’re already near a London airport, but for most travellers the train is faster and cheaper.
For a hands-off option, a guided day-trip package bundles the Eurostar tickets, sightseeing, and lunch into one booking. If you’d rather plan independently, book a Eurostar early-morning departure and a late-evening return, and stay near St Pancras the night before — see our recommended hotels in London.
Do I need a passport to travel between London and Paris?
Yes. The UK and France are separate countries; the UK left the EU in 2020. All travellers need a valid passport regardless of mode (Eurostar, flight, ferry, Le Shuttle, coach). Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa or proof of onward travel. Check the UK government border control page and your own country’s travel authority for current rules.
What you need to know before travelling between London and Paris
A few practical points that apply across all the modes above:
- Passports. Everyone needs a valid passport. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa or proof of onward travel. Check with the UK government’s border control page and the travel authority for your own country before you go.
- EU Entry-Exit System (EES). EES went live progressively across the Schengen Area in April 2026 — fingerprints and a facial photo on first crossing, then on file for three years. France has paused biometric registration at the UK juxtaposed crossings (St Pancras, Folkestone, Dover) mid-2026 while software issues are resolved, with passport stamping continuing in the interim. Once it does come into force at those points, allow extra time on the first crossing.
- Languages. English in the UK; French in France. English is widely understood in central Paris but less so outside the centre.
- Currency. The UK uses pound sterling (GBP); France uses the euro (EUR). Card payment is universal in both, but a small amount of cash is useful for taxis, market stalls, and some smaller cafés.
- Plugs and voltage. Both countries use 230V, but the plug types differ — Type G in the UK, Type C or E in France. You’ll need a travel adapter for at least one country regardless of where you’re from. See our guide to travel adapters.
- Pets. Pets need a pet passport, microchip, and the right vaccinations to cross between the UK and France. Specific rules differ by mode (Le Shuttle, ferry, and Eurostar each have different pet policies). Check current requirements before booking.
- Driving in cities. Neither London nor Paris is a city you actually want to drive in. Both have congestion charges, expensive parking, and excellent public transport. If you’re flying or taking the train, don’t rent a car for the city portion of your trip.
- Driving between countries. If you’re driving across, you need different paperwork for each country. UK requirements for cars in France include a UK sticker (not the old GB sticker), reflective vests, headlamp beam adjusters, plus a Crit’Air sticker for Paris. France-to-UK requires UK-valid insurance and the standard documentation. See our Driving section above.
- Rental cars. Most UK rental companies don’t allow their cars across the border or on ferries. Check the rental terms before booking, or use Discover Cars to filter for cross-border-friendly providers. If you’ll be driving in the UK and your licence isn’t in English or the Latin alphabet, you’ll need an International Driving Permit.
- Time zones. The UK is on GMT/BST, France is on CET/CEST — France is one hour ahead. Reset your watch when crossing.
- Sightseeing in London. If you’re spending time in London too, see our 2 day London itinerary, 3 day London itinerary, or 6 day London itinerary. For getting around, our London public transit guide and Oyster Card guide cover the basics. If you’ll be sightseeing intensively, the London Pass can save money.
- Sightseeing in Paris. See our 1 day Paris itinerary, 2 day Paris itinerary, and 3 day Paris itinerary. Our Eiffel Tower guide covers booking and visiting the tower. The Paris Museum Pass and Paris Pass can save money on attractions.
- Onward travel. Heading on to Edinburgh after London? See our guide to getting from London to Edinburgh.
We hope this helps you figure out how to get from London to Paris (or back) in a way that works for your trip. We’ve lived in both the UK and France over the years, and we’ve used every major mode here personally — if you have a question we haven’t answered, leave it in the comments below.
Planning to travel to London and Paris soon? Pin this article for later:
If you have any questions about travelling between these two cities — or general questions about either one — just let us know in the comments below.
Which mode is your favourite way between London and Paris? If you have your own tips or experiences to share, drop them in the comments too.
DAWN STRAUSS Post author
Really informative, thank you. We are travelling to Paris from Sydney and would then want to cross the channel to London and return. If we go by ferry, is there security parking for a vehicle in France, and also how far away from the shiiping port would we find car rental in UK.
If we travel by fast train from Paris to UK how far would it be to get to car hire facilities at the other end in UK? I know nothing about European travel and starting to get concerned. I also cannot walk great distances because of a health issue but still want to visit Europe.
Will car rental companies allow their cars to leave France to travel to Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Italy.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Dawn,
Happy to try to help you in planning your trip to London and Paris.
For secure parking at Paris, yes, the main ferry ports have secure parking. They also all have the major car rental companies nearby. You might find it is more cost effective to return your rental car at Calais and then start a new rental on your return to France, rather than paying for secure parking, but this will also depend on how much the car hire company charges for a one-way rental and where you plan to return the car.
We would definitely advise against getting a car rental for your time exploring Paris and London, the roads are very congested, there are high fees for driving most cars in the centre of the cities, and parking can be both hard to find and expensive. There are excellent public transport systems in both cities which are very good value and also a lot quicker than driving in most cases. There are also of course taxis and ride-share services (e.g., Uber, Bolt) if you prefer those to public transit.
Do you plan to drive anywhere outside the cities of Paris or London? If not, I would recommend not having a car rental in those two cities. You can take the Eurostar between them and then use public transit and taxis to get around.
If you take the train from Paris to London (the Eurostar is the only option), which we would recommend as it’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to get between France and the UK, then you will find car rental locations in multiple locations around the city. If you plan on spending time in London and then touring other parts of the UK, we’d suggest picking up the car once you have finished seeing London, from a location on the outskirts of the city which you can reach by public transit.
Yes, the majority of rental car companies in France will have no problem with visiting other Western European countries but you should always check your rental contract for any restrictions. You will need to inform the rental car company that you plan to do this, either at the time of rental or when you pick up the car. Some may charge a small fee for this. It is best to pick up and drop off the car in the same country though as it typically costs a lot more to pick up a car in one country and drop it off in another country.
The thing to note is that there are special issues for driving in each country. For instance, if you drive into Switzerland you will have to purchase a road tax sticker for your car window. This will allow you to travel on the motorway / interstate system. For 2025 it costs CHF 40, and you can purchase it as you pass through customs when you enter the country, or online. You can read more about this here. Germany also has emission stickers (Umweltplakette) that are needed to drive in most of the larger cities. If you rent a car in Germany it will typically come with this but if you rent it from another country you will need to get one.
If you are sticking to main cities and major tourist destinations, it is often easier to travel by train than drive and then get around via walking, public transit, and taxis. But if you have difficulty walking, then that is obviously something to take into account but finding parking in central downtown cities in Europe is often expensive and sometimes difficult.
Hope that helps, and feel free to ask any additional questions you have as you plan your trip!
Best,
Jessica
Dawn Strauss Post author
Hello Jessica, This information has been very helpful and I thank you very much for taking the time to assist me with this information. I will read it all carefully and take on your advice.
Kindest Regards
Dawn
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Dawn,
You’re very welcome! If you have futher questions, just let us know as happy to help. I would start by deciding how you want to get around Europe and if/where you need a car. For things like the EuroStar you will want to book your train tickets in advance for best price and availability as many trains do book out in advance.
Since this is your first trip to Europe I would definitely recommend getting a good Europe guidebook that covers the places you want to visit, such as Lonely Planet Western Europe and maybe a good guide that will help with planning/packing/transportation etc. like Rick Steve’s Europe Through the Backdoor. We also like Rick Steve’s Best of Europe guidebook but I don’t think it covers Belgium at all as it covers only selected cities/towns across Western Europe.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Jessica
Tony Fawole Post author
Hi Jessica, thank you for your well detailed and comprehensive travel guide to Paris. I find it really useful.
I am however organising a day trip to Paris with family and friends on 7th Sept to watch my niece’s race at the Paralympic Games. I am in the process of hiring a 17-seater minibus as this is cheapest option available due to the time and the number of people willing to attend.
Please can you suggest or give me any tips on how to go about this in particular navigating through the city of Paris. From your experience, would crossing the channel better and cost effective via Euro Tunnel or Ferry? I would be grateful for any tips you can give me.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Tony Fawole
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Tony,
That is very excitng that you niece is racing at the Paralympic Games!
So there are quite a few things to consider and unfortunately some of them are going to make hiring a van a bit of a challenge.
First, you will need to make sure you are allowed to take the rental to France if hiring in the UK, as not all rental companies allow their vehicles to be taken abroad. You also need to check if they allow it on a ferry / Euro Tunnel as some rental companies for instance don’t allow ferry transport of their vehicles.
In terms of driving in Paris, honestly, we’ve generally avoided it. Parking can be tricky and navigation can also be difficult. Additionally, for the Olympics a lot of roads were closed, which may also be the case for the Paralympics. I would ensure you have a safe place to park in Paris – whether that be at your hotel/lodging or maybe at a secure lot on the outskirts of the city where you can ride into the city by metro/bus. Many central hotels of course don’t have their own parking or parking that can hold oversized vehicles.
Another thing to be aware of is that Paris requires your vehicle to have something called a Crit’Air sticker. This is mandatory for any vehicle entering inside the perimeter of the city demarcated by the A86 ring road, and applies between 8am and 8pm Monday-Friday. A UK registered vehicle is unlikely to have this sticker (although check with the rental agency). Without the sticker you’ll need to make sure you park outside of this area.
Should you still want to go ahead, in terms of the price difference between the ferry and the EuroTunnel LeShuttle, this is tricky to know. We’ve done both, and sometimes one or the other is better value. So we’d just recommend checking both options.
It looks like a minibus with standard fuel with 17 people on EuroTunnel LeShuttle between Folkstone to Calais is about £200 each way using the Standard Refundable rates in September, so I would expect around £400.
For the ferries, it looks like most of the ferry companies, like DFDS and Brittany Ferries, require you to call or email them directly to make booking for larger groups so if you have 17 people, you’ll need to call them for rates. You’ll also need to know the details of the vehicle like type, length, height, weight, and type of fuel. Rates will vary by the specific ferry route as well.
Once you know approximately how much the rental, fuel, insurance, transport across the Channel, and parking costs will be, I would consider comparing that to the price per person for a budget flight and/or taking the EuroStar to make sure it is worth it. If you are planning to drive around other parts of France and visit places, then a minibus rental definitely makes it more worthwhile but if you are only using it to drive between the UK and Paris, then I would see if it makes sense in terms of cost/time.
Anyway, hope that helps and would love to know what you decide to do and how you decide to get between London and Paris.
Wishing your niece a lot of luck at the Paralympic Games and hope you and your family have a wonderful time in Paris!
Best,
Jessica
Rhona Lebner Post author
Excellent publication, this was so helpful!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Rhonda,
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
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lynn,
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!
Best,
Jessica
Audrey Ruland Post author
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Audrey,
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.
Best,
Jessica
Kasey Gupton Post author
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Kasey,
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.
Best,
Jessica
Kasey Gupton Post author
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Kasey,
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!
Best,
Jessica
Arlene Schneid Post author
Can I take my small chihuahua pup with me on the train to and from London and Paris?
Laurence Post author
Hi Arlene,
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!
Best
Jessica & Laurence
Paula Post author
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…
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Paula,
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
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Karen,
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.
Best,
Jessica
Karen Wilkinson Post author
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Karen,
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.
Best,
Jessica
Arhaan Post author
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Arhaan,
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!
Best,
Jessica
Roy Hinchliff Post author
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.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Roy,
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)!
Best,
Jessica
Mridula Post author
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?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
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!
Best,
Jessica
Mridula Post author
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?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Mridula,
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.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
Mridula Post author
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.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
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
Mridula Post author
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?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Mridula,
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.
Best,
Jessica
Sundar Post author
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Sundar,
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.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
Sundar Post author
Thanks for the reply
Giorgia Post author
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!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
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.
Best,
Jessica
Marius D Post author
very useful information…thank you Jessica and Lawrence!!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
You’re very welcome Marius 😉 Wishing you safe travels if planning a trip between London and Paris!
Best,
Jessica
Marius D Post author
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
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.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
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
Marius D Post author
Now with the coronavirus I guess its safer just to stay at home and not travel so much.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Marius,
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.
Best,
Jessica
Lori Davies Post author
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
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lori,
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