Paris and London are two of Europe’s most iconic cities, each with its own unique charm, culture, and history. Whether you’re in Paris for a vacation and want to hop over to London for a quick getaway, or you’re making a multi-city trip, knowing how to travel efficiently between these two capitals is essential. The good news is that traveling from Paris to London is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options that fit various budgets, travel preferences, and schedules.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best ways to travel from Paris to London, comparing the options so you can choose the method that works best for you. From the high-speed Eurostar train to flights and even buses, I’ll cover everything you need to know for a smooth journey. Plus, I’ll throw in some travel tips to make your trip even easier!
1. Eurostar: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option
Without a doubt, the Eurostar is the fastest and most popular way to travel from Paris to London. The high-speed train runs directly between Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras International, making the trip in as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes. With no need to go through lengthy airport security checks or deal with traffic, the Eurostar offers a hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat.
Why Choose Eurostar?
Fast and Direct: The Eurostar whisks you from central Paris to central London in just over two hours, making it the quickest and most efficient way to travel.
Comfortable and Convenient: The train is spacious, with comfortable seats and plenty of room to move around. Plus, you can bring your luggage with you without the need to check bags.
Eco-Friendly: Traveling by train is a more environmentally friendly option compared to flying, with a much lower carbon footprint.
Minimal Waiting Time: You only need to arrive at the station about 45 minutes before departure, which is significantly less than the time you need for airport security.
How to Book Eurostar Tickets
Booking your Eurostar tickets is easy. You can book directly on the Eurostar website, and it’s best to book as early as possible to get the best fares. Prices can vary depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book, but tickets generally range from €50 to €200.
Classes of Service
Eurostar offers three main classes:
Standard: The most economical option with comfortable seating and access to onboard food and beverages for purchase.
Standard Premier: Offers more spacious seating and includes a light meal and drinks served at your seat.
Business Premier: Ideal for business travelers, this class provides wider seats, gourmet meals, and access to the Eurostar lounges in both Paris and London.
Travel Tips for Eurostar
Luggage: Eurostar has generous luggage allowances. You can bring two large bags and one piece of hand luggage for free.
Arrive Early: While the check-in process is much quicker than at the airport, it’s still a good idea to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure, especially during busy travel times.
Power and Wi-Fi: Eurostar trains are equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected during your journey.
2. Flying: A Quick Option, But With More Hassle
Flying from Paris to London is another popular option, especially if you prefer air travel or if you find a good deal on flights. The flight itself takes about an hour, but when you factor in getting to and from the airport, going through security, and waiting for your flight, the total travel time is significantly longer than the Eurostar.
Airlines and Airports
Several airlines operate flights between Paris and London, with the most common routes being:
Air France and British Airways: Both offer frequent flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and London Heathrow (LHR).
EasyJet and Vueling: These low-cost airlines operate flights between Paris Orly (ORY) and London Gatwick (LGW) or London Luton (LTN).
Flight Duration
While the actual flight time is only about an hour, you’ll need to account for the extra time it takes to get to the airport (both in Paris and London), check-in, go through security, and wait for boarding. In total, flying from Paris to London can take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours.
Cost of Flying
Airfare between Paris and London can vary greatly depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Prices can range from as low as €30 for budget airlines like EasyJet, to upwards of €300 for last-minute flights with traditional carriers. Keep in mind that budget airlines often charge extra fees for checked luggage, seat selection, and other services.
Getting to the Airports
In Paris: Charles de Gaulle is about 25 km (16 miles) from the city center, while Orly is about 18 km (11 miles) away. Both airports are accessible by train, bus, and taxi, but CDG is much larger and has more international flights.
In London: Heathrow is the largest airport, located 23km (14 miles) west of central London. Gatwick and Luton are further out, so factor in additional time and cost for transport into the city.
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Pros and Cons of Flying
Pros: Potentially cheaper than Eurostar if you find a good deal; fast once you’re in the air.
Cons: Time-consuming due to security checks and airport transfers; hidden costs with budget airlines; less environmentally friendly.
3. Bus: The Most Affordable Option
If you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus from Paris to London can be the cheapest option. Several companies operate direct buses between the two cities, with prices starting as low as €20. However, keep in mind that this is also the slowest way to travel, with the journey taking anywhere from 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and border control checks.
Bus Companies
FlixBus: One of the most popular budget bus companies in Europe, FlixBus offers multiple daily departures from Paris to London.
Eurolines: This company also offers several daily services between the two cities, with similar travel times and prices.
BlaBlaBus: Another affordable option, with comfortable buses and low-cost fares.
Cost of Bus Travel
Bus tickets from Paris to London can cost as little as €20 if booked in advance, though prices can increase closer to the departure date. This makes it the most budget-friendly option, especially for students or backpackers.
Duration of the Journey
The bus ride from Paris to London takes between 7 and 9 hours, depending on the route and border crossing times. Most buses take the ferry across the English Channel, while a few use the Eurotunnel.
Amenities on Board
While buses are the slowest option, they do offer some basic amenities to make the journey more comfortable. Most buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, reclining seats, and power outlets. Some also have onboard toilets, though these can vary by company.
Pros and Cons of Bus Travel
Pros: Extremely affordable; multiple departure times; eco-friendly compared to flying.
Cons: Long travel time; less comfortable than the Eurostar or flying; potential delays at the border.
4. Car: A Scenic, But Time-Consuming Option
For those who prefer the freedom of driving, renting a car and driving from Paris to London is another option. This can be a great choice if you want to explore more of the French and English countryside along the way, but it’s not the most practical option if you’re looking for speed or convenience.
Driving Route
To drive from Paris to London, you’ll need to cross the English Channel via the Eurotunnel or a ferry. The Eurotunnel is the fastest option, taking about 35 minutes to cross, while ferries take about 90 minutes. The total driving distance between Paris and London is around 460 km (285 miles), and the journey typically takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and waiting times at the border.
Cost of Driving
Renting a car in Paris can cost anywhere from €50 to €150 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and the rental company. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of fuel, which is generally more expensive in Europe than in the U.S. Additionally, both the Eurotunnel and ferry charge fees for vehicles, with prices ranging from €100 to €200.
Pros and Cons of Driving
Pros: Flexibility to stop along the way and explore; scenic drive through the countryside; no need to adhere to train or flight schedules.
Cons: Expensive due to car rental, fuel, and Eurotunnel/ferry fees; time-consuming compared to other options; dealing with traffic and navigation.
5. Ferry: A Scenic Alternative for Water Lovers
If you love the idea of crossing the English Channel by boat, taking a ferry from Paris to London can be a unique and scenic alternative. While not as fast as the Eurostar or flying, taking a ferry can be a fun way to break up your journey and enjoy the views of the Channel.
Ferry Operators
Ferry services operate between Calais (in France) and Dover (in the UK), and you can take a train or bus to Calais from Paris. Some of the main ferry operators include:
DFDS Seaways
P&O Ferries
The ferry journey from Calais to Dover takes about 90 minutes, and from Dover, you can take a train or bus to London, which takes about 2 hours.
Cost of Ferry Travel
Ferry tickets typically cost between €30 and €50, depending on the time of year and availability. This makes it a more affordable option than driving or flying, though it’s slower than the Eurostar.
Pros and Cons of Taking a Ferry
Pros: Scenic views of the English Channel; more affordable than flying or driving; a relaxing break in your journey.
Cons: Longer travel time due to transfers; limited departure times; weather can cause delays.
Conclusion
When deciding how to go from Paris to London, the best option depends on your priorities. If speed and convenience are your top concerns, the Eurostar is the clear winner, offering a direct, comfortable journey in just over two hours. If you’re on a tight budget, buses offer the most affordable option, though they come with longer travel times. For those who prefer flying, you can find cheap flights, but be prepared for the extra time needed for airport security and transfers.
Whichever option you choose, traveling between Paris and London is a straightforward process with plenty of options to suit different travel styles. So, whether you’re planning a whirlwind European tour or simply hopping between two of the world’s most exciting cities, getting from Paris to London is easier than you might think. Safe travels!
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