So, are you thinking about taking a trip from London to Paris? Great choice, Paris is perfect for a weekend getaway from London. Since the two cities aren’t far apart, you can experience completely different environments and atmospheres.
But the main question is how to get from London to Paris. Should you take the sleek high-speed train or hop on a quick flight? We’ll break down the two travel options in detail, along with pricing information, to help you find the solution that best fits your needs.
Table of Contents
How Do You Travel from London to Paris
Other Ways to Get from London to Paris
Extra Tips for Traveling from London to Paris
How Do You Travel from London to Paris
There are several ways to travel from London to Paris, the most common of which are by train and by plane. For those living in central London, the train is the most convenient option. However, if you’re closer to an airport like Luton or Stansted, or if you find a budget flight for the price of a sandwich, the air route might tempt you.
Train from London to Paris
This is the most classic way to travel from London to Paris, and it’s also our top recommendation. Specifically, we’re talking about the Eurostar. Since it first started zipping through the Channel Tunnel, it has completely changed the way we think about international travel.
You’ll depart from St Pancras International, a station that’s beautiful in its own right. It’s well-connected by the Tube (King’s Cross St Pancras), meaning you can get there from almost anywhere in London in under 45 minutes. The check-in process is similar to an airport, but usually much faster.
Moreover, there are generally no restrictions on the volume of liquids, and once you have cleared both departure and arrival inspections, you will not need to go through customs again upon arrival in Paris.
Train Tickets from London to Paris
Of course, Eurostar offers a variety of fare options to choose from, so you can select the one that best suits your luggage and the kind of travel experience you’re looking for.
| Feature | Standard | Plus | Premier |
| Price (Start) | ~$100-$300 | ~$200 to $400 | $459 |
| Luggage | 2 Bags + Handbag | 2 Bags + Handbag | 3 Bags + Handbag |
| Food/Drink | No | Light meal included | Gourmet meal included |
| Flexibility | Limited | Moderate | High (Refundable) |
| Lounge Access | No | No | Yes |
Standard: This is the type of train ticket most travelers choose; it is both affordable and comfortable. The fare is approximately $100-$300 (£75- £220) if booked several months in advance. You can bring two suitcases and one piece of hand luggage. No weight limits.
Plus: This class offers passengers more space, with fares ranging from $200 to $400 (£150–£300). The seats here are more spacious, with more legroom, and light meals and drinks will be served. The rules and standards for carry-on luggage are the same
Premier: This is the most luxurious experience on the train, offering access to a private lounge and express boarding lanes. In addition to being able to bring one extra piece of luggage, passengers also enjoy fine dining and drinks. The fare is a flat rate of $459 (₤330).
How to Purchase
The easiest way is to book through the Eurostar website or app. Select your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers. Choose your train service and seat class, then enter your personal information and complete the payment. You’ll receive your e-ticket via email or directly in the app.
Of course, you can also buy tickets on-site at St Pancras International Station, either at the ticket counters or at the self-service machines. However, last-minute fares are usually more expensive.
How Long Is the Train from London to Paris
The train ride takes about 2 hours and 16 minutes, but you’ll need to factor in the time it takes to get to the station. Eurostar recommends arriving 90 minutes before departure, as you’ll need to go through security and passport control. So the total time required will be around four hours.
Flight from London to Paris
Surprisingly, a flight from London to Paris can actually be cheaper than a train ticket. The flight usually takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, and when you factor in the time needed to arrive at the airport early, the total time required is 4 hours.
Several airlines offer round-trip flights between the two cities, including easyJet, British Airways, and Air France.
- British Airways & Air France: These fly mostly from Heathrow (LHR). They offer a full-service experience. However, their fares start at $100 (₤75).
- EasyJet & Vueling: These are the kings of the budget route. They often fly from Gatwick (LGW) or Luton (LTN). If you travel with just a backpack, you can snag seats for as low as $30(₤22).
Which London Airport Should You Use?
- Heathrow (LHR): Best if you’re coming from West London or want the reliability of major carriers.
- Gatwick (LGW): Great balance of price and convenience, easily reachable via the Gatwick Express from Victoria.
- London City (LCY): The absolute fastest for the business crowd. You can go from the curb to the gate in 15 minutes.
- Luton/Stansted (LTN/STN): Usually the cheapest, but the train ride to the airport can take an hour and cost $25+.
How to Get the Best Flight Deals
If you want to save as much money as possible, there are also ways to save on airline tickets:
Travel Mid-Week: Tuesday and Wednesday remain the cheapest days to fly. Avoid the Friday evening rush when everyone is heading home or going on a weekend break.
The 21-Day Rule: Prices often jump sharply once you’re within three weeks of departure. Try to secure your seat at least 28 days out.
Check Nearby Airports: Don’t just search for “Charles de Gaulle.” Look at Orly (ORY) or even Beauvais (BVA). Beauvais is further out, but the bus ride is easy, and the flights are often half the price.
Other Ways to Get from London to Paris
If neither trains nor planes are suitable options for you, there are other ways to travel from London to Paris.
The Coach: Companies like FlixBus run regular services from Victoria Coach Station. The bus fare is very affordable, costing around $35 (26 pounds). However, the bus ride takes a long time, usually 7 to 9 hours.
Driving: Of course, you can also choose to drive to France, which will take about 6 hours. You can drive to Folkestone and take the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. It’s a 35-minute crossing where you stay in your car.
Extra Tips for Traveling from London to Paris
Before you set off, here are some insider tips to make your trip easier and smoother.
- Mind the Time Zone: Paris is one hour ahead of London (CET).
- Download the Apps: Get the Eurostar app or Citymapper. Citymapper is vastly superior for navigating the Paris Metro.
- Validate Your Metro Tickets: If you buy paper tickets, keep them until you exit the station. Ticket inspectors are common and can be very strict.
- Check Your Passport: You will undergo UK exit and French entry checks upon departure, so please ensure your passport is valid.
- Watch out for Pickpockets: Paris train stations and the metro are crowded, so keep a close eye on your wallet and phone.
FAQ
How much is a train ride from London to Paris?
If you book in advance, the fare will likely be around $100. If you book at the last minute, however, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300.
Is it better to travel by train or plane from London to Paris?
The train is almost always better. It drops you in the city center, has more luggage space, and is better for the environment. Only fly if you find a deal that is significantly cheaper or if you live very close to an airport.
How long is the high-speed train from London to Paris?
The actual time on the rails is about 2 hours and 16 minutes. Including check-in, the whole process takes about 4 hours.
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