5 Best Ways to Get From Paris to London with Travel Tips

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Traveling from Paris to London has never been easier, with so many convenient options available these days.

However, the more the option, the more confusing it gets to figure out the best way to travel from the City of Light to the Big Smoke.

Well, that’s where this blog comes in with a perfect breakdown of the 5 best ways to get from Paris to London: Train, Air, Bus, Car, and Ferry. Here, each option comes with its own perks and tips to ensure you make the most of your journey.

So, whether you prefer the speed and convenience, the quick hop, or the unique experience of sailing, we have got you covered with handy travel tips to help you make an informed decision. Plus, we have the budget, time, and convenience at the core.

Keep reading to find your best travel options!

Overview of the Best Ways to Get from Paris to London

There are five primary means of transportation from Paris to London: buses, trains, cars, airplanes, and ferries. While each option has its own pros and cons, the best option is always the one that matches your requirements.

While the airplane may be the fastest option, it is also one of the more expensive options. Hence, we would suggest the train, as it is fast, affordable and convenient, giving you the best of both worlds.

High-Speed Train from Paris to London

The quickest route from Paris to London is via Eurostar high-speed train, completing the journey in around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Ticket prices start at $80+ and vary depending on the chosen class—Standard, Standard Premier, or Business Premier—and the time of year.

Eurostar trains can travel up to 186 miles per hour. They offer modern, spacious interiors equipped with ample luggage storage and onboard dining options tailored to each class level.

Tips for Booking and Traveling on The Eurostar

When you take the Eurostar from Paris to London, there are certain things you need to ensure to make your journey easier. Here are our expert tips:

• Try to download the Eurostar app to your smart device. It will come in handy, as it will have all the timing and ticket information on it.
• As a general rule, always book in advance if you get the chance; it will make your life much easier.
• The Eurostar runs all day long so plan your trip and route and choose the train accordingly.
• If you are on a budget, then you may want to choose off-peak hours to save money.
• Make sure to check your luggage allowance and take precautions if you suffer from motion sickness.

Related Post: Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Flight with Your Puppy

Advantages of Train Journey

Traveling by train from Paris to London has several advantages. Below are the most important ones:

Hassle-Free Rides

Train journeys are streamlined and don’t require you to go through border control procedures like checking and tolls.

Budget Friendly

If you are tight on money, it can be a very budget-friendly option for you without compromising comfort.

Always On-Time

Trains are made to be fast and highly efficient, and they run like clockwork. So you can be sure that your train will always be on time.

Centrally Located

Train routes go from city-center to city-center, which is a huge plus as the city centers are always worth checking out as tourists.

Air Travel from Paris to London

More than 1,000 direct flights depart from Paris to London each week, with varying prices depending on the season. And it only takes about 1.5 hours for direct flights and around 3 hours for connecting flights.

During the peak season (June to August), tickets are usually the most expensive, In contrast, the colder months of January and February offer lower prices.

Flying from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to London Heathrow (LHR) takes only 10 minutes longer than flying to London Gatwick (LGW). As the larger airport, Heathrow offers better connectivity to central London, while Gatwick tends to be less congested.

Tips for Booking and Traveling by Air

You should always book air travel tickets in advance, as it is the most popular choice because of how little time it takes to travel from Paris to London. Here are some helpful tips:

• Always try to book your flights as early as possible, preferably at least a month in advance.
• Use comparison websites like SkyScanner, FlightCompare, or airline booking platforms to compare prices across different airlines.
• For budget options, consider flying from nearby airports, such as Beauvais-Tille (BVA).
• Keep an eye on your flight status and any updates or changes to your itinerary.
• Plan your transportation to and from the airport in advance.

Advantages of Air Travels

Traveling by air from Paris to London has several advantages. Below are the most important ones:

Convenience

If you want comfort and convenience, then opt for air travel between Paris and London. There are lots of different packages so just choose the one that matches your budget.

Variety of Options

Air travel provides ultimate flexibility in selecting departure times that align with your schedule, offering convenience and customization for travelers.

Seamless Boarding

If you want to avoid unnecessary boarding procedures, then you should choose air travel. Airport check-in and security procedures are always streamlined, ensuring a smooth and efficient boarding process.

Flexibility

If you want freedom in choosing when to travel, airlines offer flexible booking options. This allows travelers to select from various fare classes and the flexibility to change or cancel flights as needed, offering peace of mind and adaptability for their journey.

Paris to London by Bus

The most budget-friendly option for traveling from Paris to London is by bus. However, it’s important to note that this option requires a significant time commitment, as the journey takes 7- 9 hours.

FlixBus provides service from Gallieni station in Paris to Victoria Coach station in Westminster, with five daily departures.

Tips for Booking and Traveling by Bus

Traveling by bus is one of the most convenient options for tourists. However, with so many options, here are some helpful tips to help you:

• Like flights, bus fares tend to be cheaper when booked in advance.
• Always pack light to avoid excess baggage fees.
• Consider bringing along entertainment such as books, magazines, music, or movies to keep yourself occupied during the trip.
• Pack your clothes based on the weather.
• Take breaks during rest stops to stretch your legs and explore your surroundings.

Advantages of Bus Travels

Traveling by bus from Paris to London has several advantages. The following are the most important ones:

Scenic Views

If you don’t like starting at a wall and if you enjoy scenic views during bus journeys, then opt for bus travel. They allow you to take in beautiful landscapes and mesmerizing views of both the urban and countryside.

No Delays

No one likes to wait for unnecessary procedures. Hence, to experience hassle-free travel with no security checks or strict boarding procedures, make sure to choose bus travel.

More Storage

If you love to carry around your whole closet with you, then opt for bus travel. Because bus travel offers more generous baggage allowances and fewer restrictions, which allow for greater flexibility in packing.

Easy Access

Bus stations are conveniently located because they are usually centrally situated and easily accessible by public transportation. This ensures seamless connections to and from your destination.

Paris to London by Car

Driving allows you to set your schedule and make stops along the way, allowing you to explore different sights and attractions at your own pace.

You can enjoy scenic drives through the French and English countryside, depending on your chosen route. The distance between Paris and London is approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers). And this journey can take around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route taken.

The driving rules are significantly different in Paris and London. For instance, in France, vehicles drive on the right side of the road, while in the UK, cars drive on the left. So it is always wise to know the specific rules for driving in France and the UK.

Advantages of Car Travels

Traveling by car not only offers flexibility and freedom but is also cost-effective and private. Below are some of the advantages:

Total Control

If you love to be in control of your journey, then car travel is your best option.

Car travel offers an unmatched level of freedom to stop wherever and whenever you want along the route. This allows for spontaneous exploration, sightseeing, and, more importantly, breaks.

Scenic Views

Again, if you love scenic views and journeys, then car travel is a must. It gives you the ultimate option to take scenic routes or detours while enjoying classic countryside views and charming villages.

Comfortable

Moving on to comfort, it goes without further saying that the comfort of your own personal space in the car provides a certain kind of privacy and relaxation during the journey that you can’t get elsewhere.

More Storage

Cars give you the ability to easily bring along luggage, sporting equipment, or other bulky items without worrying about restrictions or extra fees. The bigger the car, the more storage!

Tips for Safe Journey and Scenic Routes

Taking the scenic journey is always fun, but it also requires you to be extra cautious. You should do your research on traffic laws and safety as well as take precautionary measures. Here are a few things you should be aware of:

• When crossing the English Channel by ferry or Eurotunnel, booking your crossing in advance and allocating extra time for boarding is advisable to ensure a smooth departure process.
• Take the time to familiarize yourself with the driving tips, laws, and customs of both France and the UK. This includes understanding speed limits, parking regulations, and right-of-way rules to navigate safely and legally.
• Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey to keep you energized and hydrated along the way.
• If you’re going to be behind the wheel, it’s crucial to avoid consuming alcohol or any sort of recreational drug to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
• Stay informed about traffic conditions before setting off, and consider using your GPS navigation system to help you easily navigate unfamiliar routes.

Paris to London by Ferry

The ferry service from Paris to London offers a convenient and scenic mode of transportation between these two iconic cities.

In total, there are about six ferry companies, offering 11 ferry routes connecting various ports. To make things easier, you can choose the one closest to your hotel or place you wish to visit:

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

However, ferry travel is more expensive than Eurostar. And, in cases of last-minute bookings, when Eurostar fares increase similar to airfares, the combined train and ferry option may become the cheaper alternative.

Tips for Booking and Traveling by Ferry

As the humble ferry is one of the most convenient options for traveling between Paris and London, it is always in high demand. So here is some expert advice:

• Stay informed about any changes or disruptions to your ferry service by checking the ferry company’s website.
• Be prepared to go through border control procedures upon arrival in the UK.
• Compare ferry companies operating between Paris and London, considering factors such as departure times, crossing duration, onboard amenities, and ticket prices.
• Check with the ferry company regarding baggage allowances and restrictions.
• Consider the weather and pack accordingly.
• Carry necessary medicine if you are prone to motion sickness.

Advantages of Ferry Travels

Traveling by water from Paris to London has several advantages. Here are the most important ones:

Flexible

Ferries allow passengers to bring vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and camper vans, providing them with the flexibility to explore destinations at their own pace.

Centrally Located

Ferry terminals are typically centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation. This ensures convenient access for passengers from various parts of the city or region.

Comfortable Nighttime Travel

Some ferry routes offer overnight crossings, allowing passengers to rest and recharge during their journey and maximize their time at the destination.

Pet-friendly

Many ferry companies allow passengers to travel with pets, offering a pet-friendly travel experience for families and pet owners. So, if you have one, make sure to cross-check to avoid the later hassles.

Scenic Views

Ferry crossings allow visitors to enjoy scenic views of the English Channel and the magnificent coastlines of France and the UK, adding an element of relaxation and enjoyment to the journey.

Wrapping Up

We hope our comprehensive guide on the best ways to get from Paris to London has helped you plan your trip. With so many options available, each with its advantages and drawbacks, there is no specific best option for everyone.

For example, if you want full freedom, the car is the ultimate choice. On the other hand, if timing is a big issue, then, without a second doubt, you should opt for air travel, whereas, for a budget-friendly option, buses are the go-to choice.

Now, if you want both affordable and convenient options, then nothing can beat the train journey. Hence, the best option is whichever option best suits your needs, as every individual is different from one another.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)