How to travel from London to Paris

Travel from London to Paris

You can choose from a variety of transportation methods as you travel London to Paris. The fastest option is flying, which generally takes about 1h 15min. This is a popular route, with about 30 flights per day to explore from a variety of airlines. Though it takes a bit longer, travel by train is a more scenic option that some people find more enjoyable than air travel.

The journey by train typically lasts about 2h 20min, as you cruise along a high-speed train through the Channel Tunnel and into France. This route is operated by Eurostar, with hourly departures every day of the week throughout the entire year. You can also choose to ride the ferry across the English Channel and take in the White Cliffs of Dover, though this will take about 10h compared to the Eurostar route. Another option is to ride the bus, which takes about 10h and departs from London twice per day.

About Paris

Paris is the capital of France, with the highest population of any city in the country. There are well over two million people living in just over 40 square miles (100 sq km), so this is a bustling metropolitan area. The currency used in Paris and throughout France is the euro (€). The city enjoys mild weather throughout the year with moderate moisture levels, though you can expect abrupt and powerful rain showers that pop up sporadically throughout the year.

Most shops will close in the middle of the day for several hours to break for lunch, typically from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. On the other hand, restaurants generally close for several hours after the lunch hours, usually shutting their doors from 2:00 p.m. until dinner time around 8:00 p.m.

Public transport in Paris

The public transit infrastructure of Paris has been rated as the greatest public transportation system in the world. With bus, tram and metro lines criss-crossing throughout the city, you can rely entirely on public transit throughout your visit. The most popular and most extensive system is the metro, known as the Paris Métro. This underground system has 16 lines with closely spaced stations.

You can also ride the Réseau Express Régional or the Transillian, both regional train systems, for greater access to the Paris suburbs. The tramway and bus routes are also extensive, with nearly 60 bus lines and three massive tramway lines.

Important bus & train stations, airports to Paris?

Arrival bus, train, flight station, airport: There are three airports in Paris that you may arrive at - Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Paris-Beauvais Airport. These three airports make up the fifth busiest airport system in the world, with nearly 100 million travelers per year. Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest airport in France, located 14 miles (23 km) to the northeast of Paris city centre. Orly Airport is located 8 miles (13 km) to the south of Paris, and Paris-Beauvais Airport is located 53 miles (85 km) to the northwest of Paris.

All three of these airports connect to public transit options that can bring you to the heart of the city centre. Paris is also home to the busiest train station in the world outside of Japan - Paris Gare du Nord. It is found in the northern region of Paris, with direct connections to the Paris Métro to simplify your travel via public transit throughout Paris.

Which companies travel to Paris?

Train travel from London to Paris is primarily operated by Eurotar, a high-speed rail system that uses the Channel Tunnel to bypass the English Channel. Air travel is provided by a variety of airlines, including AirFrance, British Airways, easyJet and Vueling. Bus travel London to Paris is provided by BlaBlaCar Bus, with the journey lasting about 8h 30min to 9h 30min. These bus lines do not require a change.

BlaBlaCar Bus to Paris

There are two departures per day provided by BlaBlaCar Bus from London to Paris. The journey takes approximately 9h. There is one departure at 11:30 a.m. that arrives in Paris at 9:00 p.m., with another departure at 11:45 p.m. that arrives in Paris at 10:25 a.m. of the following day.

Eurostar train to Paris

The primary operator for train travel from London to Paris is Eurostar, which uses a high-speed rail system that crosses beneath the English Channel in the Channel Tunnel. These trains reach speeds up to 185 mph (300 km/h), able to complete the 300 mile (485 km) journey in just 2h 15min. Trains depart from London on an hourly basis every day throughout the year.

British Airways flight to Paris

British Airways offers four flights per day from London to Paris. These flights depart from London Heathrow Airport and arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The first departure leaves around 9:00 a.m. and the final departure is around 3:00 p.m. In total, the journey usually lasts about 1h 20min. All flights with British Airways from London to Paris are direct flights.

AirFrance flight to Paris

AirFrance offers four flights per day from London to Paris. These flights depart from London Heathrow Airport and arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The first departure leaves around 6:15 a.m. and the final departure is around 9:30 p.m. In total, the journey usually lasts about 1h 20min. All flights with AirFrance from London to Paris are direct flights.

easyJet flight to Paris

easyJet offers four flights per day from London to Paris. These flights depart from London Gatwick Airport or London Luton Airport and arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The first departure leaves around 8:00 a.m. and the final departure is around 6:00 p.m. In total, the journey usually lasts about 1h 20min. All flights with easyJet from London to Paris are direct flights.

London Illuminated. Source: Shutterstock

Vueling flight to Paris

Vueling offers six flights per day from London to Paris. These flights depart from London Gatwick Airport and arrive at Orly Airport in Paris. The first departure leaves around 9:00 a.m. and the final departure is around 9:30 p.m. Some flights with Vueling from London to Paris are direct flights, while some involve one layover in Barcelona. In total, the direct flights usually last about 1h 20min.

How to find cheap tickets to Paris?

When you are looking to find inexpensive travel from London to Paris, explore a variety of travel dates and departure times. You can use the filter tools on Omio to ensure that you are getting the best deal for the travel plan that fits your schedule.

Be sure to check all different types of travel, as the speed of a high-speed train is often similar to that of an airplane. You might be able to save money on travel by choosing routes with connections or layovers. If you know the dates and times that you are planning to travel, book in advance to ensure that prices do not increase as the dates get closer.

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel from London to Paris. Buses traveling from London to Paris depart from London's Victoria bus station and take at least 7:30 h to arrive in Paris. Over 20 buses travel from London to Paris every day with the first departing at 6:00 a.m. Bus companies that travel from London to Paris include Eurolines, Flixbus, Ouibus, and National Express.

Fastest way to travel from London to Paris

Taking the train is the fastest way to travel from London to Paris. Trains depart from St Pancras international train station and arrive at Paris Gare du Nord after approximately 2:30 h of travel time. All trains that travel from London to Paris are operated by Eurostar. Eurostar trains travel from London to Paris 20 times per day, departing every 45 minutes.

Travel to Paris —travel tips

France itself is one of the international capitals of the world, and Paris is the epicenter of French culture. When visiting Paris, you can see iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower or the banks of the Seine River.

You can walk the medieval streets of Marais, or sail across the waters in Luxembourg Gardens. If you are looking for some retail therapy, Paris offers some of the greatest shopping options in the world, including the famous Golden Triangle of shops.

For the history buffs, or just those who are looking to learn a bit on their travel, famous museums such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou are the perfect way to expand your mind. Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without eating your way through the city.

This is the culinary capital of the world, with chefs from around the globe flocking here for training and experience - no matter which restaurant you choose, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.