Make informed choice of how to travel between London & Paris
There are three public transport options available for travel between London and Paris: train, coach, and air. However, most travellers heading from city center to city center prefer the Eurostar train service. It’s no surprise, as it offers the quickest and most hassle-free experience.
However, Eurostar trains aren’t the most budget-friendly option for traveling between the two cities. That title actually belongs to the affordable coach services we discuss on this page.
While the Eurostar trains can whisk you from city center to city center in just a little over 2 hours, the quickest coaches travelling through the Channel Tunnel can take about 7.5 hours for the same trip.
Eurostar fares are also highly volatile. At popular times and dates or if you buy tickets at very short notice fares can be eye watering and make air travel an option to consider in addition to coach services.
Airlines – not great for London – Paris city centre to city centre
Airlines operating between London and Paris are usually the national carriers, such as British Airways and Air France, which primarily cater to transit passengers connecting to long-haul flights, rather than those traveling directly from city center to city center.
Low cost budget airline easyJet offers low cost services from London Luton and Gatwick.
However, for many travellers looking to journey between central London and Paris, the standout advantage is that with Eurostar trains, you’ll likely reach the heart of Paris just as a flight from London is getting ready to depart.
Eurostar trains – the most popular London – Paris transfer
The Eurostar train can whisk you to Paris in just two hours and 15 minutes, making it quite feasible for those who start their day early to enjoy a day trip to the city. To make this even more appealing, there are special day return tickets available.
Eurostar trains depart from London’s St Pancras station and terminate in the centre of Paris at the Gare du Nord. Once in Paris there are various options to independently travel around the city including taxies, local buses and the Paris Metro. Furthermore, the Hop-on, hop-off buses visits the station.
Eurostar trains run at minimum hourly frequencies between London and Paris. There are no overnight services, first services start very early morning, last departure is mid/late evening.
Eurostar fares
Eurostar is a reservations only service – you can book up to 4 months in advance. The further ahead that you book, the more likely you’ll be able to pick up the best fare. Non-flexible tickets (i.e. no exchanges or refunds allowed) are cheaper than tickets with fewer restrictions.
Eurostar fares are dynamic, there will be different fares for different schedules on the same day. Fares can be eye watering if you book late or are trying to travel when an event is on at your destination so do try and plan well ahead.
FlixBus coach services – the cheapest way between London and Paris
If you want to go Paris cheaply and are in no hurry then using the coach services may be your preferred solution.
FlixBus buses run daily services year round both day time and overnight.
FlixBus use modern air conditioned coaches, some with free Wi-Fi and are backed by a global corporate parent company. The terminus in London is Victoria Coach Station.
Victoria Coach Station in London is conveniently situated just a 5-minute stroll from Buckingham Palace and a short distance from Victoria Underground Station.
Victoria is also a major London hotel district with accommodation options for all sectors of the market.
Certain coach services opt for the ferry to cross the English Channel, while others take advantage of the Channel Tunnel. The quickest journeys take about 7.5 hours, whereas the Eurostar trains complete the trip in just 2 hours. You can find both daytime and overnight options available throughout the year.
There are 5 FlixBus destinations in Paris: Gallieni, a purpose built coach station integrated with a Paris Metro station but not as central as Victoria in London, Bercy Seine, CDG Airport, Orly Airport and Disneyland Paris.
Day trips to Paris from London
You can enjoy up to 8 hours of sightseeing in Paris with Eurostar services by departing early and returning late.
One of the best options for a one-day sightseeing adventure in Paris is to purchase a package that includes Eurostar train tickets along with a guided tour of Paris. This combination allows you to make the most of your time in the city, efficiently visiting all the major attractions and maximizing your day.
And right now there’s a SALE: 3-course lunch on the Eiffel Tower and cruise on the River Seine day tour from London, making it the best value yet. Grab yourself a bargain while it lasts.
Paris Special with Escort Onboard Eurostar
Paris in one day tour from London including Eurostar
Adult from £259 • Child (4-11 years) from £249 • Senior & student from £256
- Seat reservation on Eurostar
- Map of Paris including public transport information
- Time for shopping and sightseeing
- 1-hr Seine river cruise
Welcome to Paris Day Trip with Professional Guide
Paris in one day tour from London including Eurostar with Seine river cruise
Adult from £309 • Child (4-11 years) from £299 • Senior & student from £306
- Seat reservation on Eurostar
- Guided coach tour of Paris
- 1-hr Seine river cruise
- Map of Paris
- Time for shopping & sightseeing
Luxury Escorted Paris Day Trip with Eiffel Tower Lunch + River Cruise
Paris in one day tour from London including Eurostar with 3 course lunch on the Eiffel Tower with river cruise
Adult from £359 • Child (4-11 years) from £349 • Senior & student from £356
- Fully escorted
- Seat reservation on Eurostar
- 3 course lunch on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower including wine & coffee
- Guided coach tour of Paris
- Fast track entry to Eiffel Tower
- Cruise on River Seine
