London → Paris: 10 Tips on How to Get There

London → Paris: 10 Ways to Travel – Pros, Cons & Prices

Travelling from London to Paris isn’t just a change of countries — it’s a true shift in atmosphere: from British formality to French charm. The distance between the two capitals is about 450 km, and there are at least 10 ways to make the journey — from high-speed trains to cycling adventures.

Let’s break down each option: cost, travel time, pros and cons.

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1. 🚄 By Eurostar Train via the Channel Tunnel

Travel time: 2h 15m
Price: €50–€250 one way (depending on season and day of the week)

This is the fastest and most convenient option. The Eurostar high-speed train connects central London (St. Pancras Station) with central Paris (Gare du Nord). It passes through the Channel Tunnel, avoiding airport queues and long transfers.

✅ Pros:

• Low stress, minimal queues

• Direct route, no transfers

• No need to arrive 2 hours in advance

❌ Cons:

• Expensive if booked last minute

• High demand during peak hours

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2. ✈️ By Plane

Flight time: 1h 15m
Total time (with transfer/security): 4–6 hours
Price: €40–€200 one way

Flights depart daily from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted. In Paris, arrivals include Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais.

✅ Pros:

• Frequent flights

• Low-cost carriers offer cheap deals

❌ Cons:

• Lengthy security checks

• Costly airport transfers

• Higher carbon footprint

✈️ Tip: Book 2–3 months in advance to get Ryanair or EasyJet tickets from €30.

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3. 🚌 By Bus

Travel time: 7–10 hours
Price: €25–€60
Operators: Flixbus, BlaBlaBus, Eurolines

A budget-friendly option. Buses depart from various London terminals (e.g. Victoria Coach Station) and arrive at different points in Paris.

✅ Pros:

• Cheapest way to travel

• Luggage often included

• Overnight routes available (save on accommodation)

❌ Cons:

• Long journey

• Possible border delays

• Comfort varies

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4. 🚗 By Car (rental or personal vehicle)

Travel time: 6–8 hours
Costs: From €100 (fuel + tolls + Eurotunnel/ferry)

You can drive from London to Paris via the Eurotunnel (35 min in a car shuttle) or take a ferry from Dover to Calais, then continue on French motorways to Paris.

✅ Pros:

• Freedom to choose route

• Stop in cities like Kent or Rouen

• Convenient for families and groups

❌ Cons:

• UK drives on the left

• Extra expenses

• Expensive and limited parking in Paris

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5. 🚐 Carpooling

Service: BlaBlaCar
Price: From €25
Travel time: 6–8 hours

A popular alternative to bus or car rental. Search for drivers going the same way — even at the last minute.

✅ Pros:

• Affordable

• Social interaction

• Flexible schedule

❌ Cons:

• Hard to find rides at exact times

• No guarantees if cancelled

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6. 🚴 By Bicycle

Distance: 350–400 km
Travel time: 3–7 days (depending on route)
Costs: Food + accommodation

For the adventurous, cycling from London to Paris is unforgettable. A popular route is the Avenue Verte — a dedicated cycling path.

✅ Pros:

• Unique adventure

• Beautiful scenery

• Eco-friendly

❌ Cons:

• Requires preparation

• Weather-dependent

• Border control & visa may apply

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7. 🚢 Ferry + Train/Bus

Route: London → Dover → Calais → Paris
Travel time: 8–10 hours
Price: €40–70+

Take a ferry from Dover to Calais, then continue by TGV train or bus to Paris.

✅ Pros:

• Enjoy a sea crossing

• Flexible routing

❌ Cons:

• Requires transfers

• Longer total time

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8. 🛴 Hitchhiking

The cheapest, but most unpredictable way.

✅ Pros:

• Free

• Adventurous

❌ Cons:

• Risk involved

• Relying on luck

• Uncertain timing

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9. 🛩 By Private Jet or Charter

Price: €3,000–5,000+
For: Business travelers, VIPs, groups

✅ Pros:

• Flexibility

• Speed

• Privacy

❌ Cons:

• Very expensive

• Requires planning in advance

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10. 🚂 Regular Trains with Transfers

Route: London → Dover → Calais → Paris (or via Brussels)
Time: 6–9 hours
Price: From €50

If Eurostar is sold out or you want to save, you can plan a custom train route with transfers.

✅ Pros:

• Flexibility

• Stop in other cities

❌ Cons:

• Slower

• Requires route planning

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🧭 Which Option is Best?

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📌 Final Thoughts

The best way to get from London to Paris depends on your goals, budget, and comfort level. If you value time and convenience — Eurostar is unbeatable. If saving money is your priority — go for a bus or BlaBlaCar. And if you’re up for a true adventure — try cycling or hitchhiking.

Whichever option you choose, enjoy the journey between two of Europe’s most iconic cities! 🌍