Day trip from paris to London onEurostar Train
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Day Trip From Paris to London: Eurostar Train vs Flying

Are you thinking about making a day trip from Paris to London or vice versa?

Awesome!  We did it on our last trip and it was totally worth it! Exploring Europe by train is the way to go! 

In this post, we are going to look at the best transportation options for a day trip from Paris to London.   This will be a guide for deciding if you should fly or take the Chunnel from Paris to London (Also known as the bullet train Paris to London option.) 

I wanted to be able to give you great options for transportation.  I decided to both fly from London to Paris and then take a Eurostar train from Paris to London.  I tested both of these options out so I could let you know what I thought about each option.

In making this decision I looked at times of departure and duration to make the best choice for our schedule. Let's explore all of our options for a day trip from Paris to London.

Let's explore some of the options for transportation for a day trip from Paris and London.

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Eurostar London to Paris using the Chunnel

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Booking a Flight from London to Paris

Day Trip from London to Paris by Plane

We made an Air France reservation from London to Paris.  It was very inexpensive.  I have found that airline tickets are typically a little less money than train tickets.

A Couple of Things to Consider When Flying

  • Finding transportation to the airport
  • Being at the airport early
  • Checking bags
  • Security check
  • Customs as you exit the destination airport

We took these things into consideration when planning our day trip from London to Paris. Catching an Uber from our hotel, was not a problem.  We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare.  The London Airport was very particular with security, so it did take us a longer time as they searched our entire bag.

Air France

This was our first time flying Air France.  We really liked it.  The seats were comfortable and the flight attendants were very nice.  We loved that they gave out croissants.  It made us even more excited to go to France.

Exiting the airport was an unexpected hold-up for us.  I did not think it would take very long but I was wrong.  We had to wait in a long line through customs.

Once we made it out it was fine.  We were headed to Disneyland Paris which is a short train or bus ride from the airport.  If you are headed to downtown Paris your commute time and transportation will take you a little longer.

Does Flying Save Time?

via GIPHY

I don't think it saves that much time when you consider you have to be early and wait in line.  The reason we choose to fly from London to Paris was the direct Eurostar train from London to Paris and right to Disneyland Paris did not arrive until 11:00 am.

If we took an early flight we were able to get in by 8:00 am.  We wanted to get to the park as soon as possible! Even with having to wait in line and take the bus to Disneyland we were able to get in the park by 10:00 am.

Is it Cheaper to Fly to Paris or Take the Paris-London Chunnel?

It is cheaper to fly.  There are great prices from London to Paris The Eurostar or Eurotunnel does cost more money but let's see if it is worth it.  

How Much Does it Cost to Ride the Paris to London Eurostar Train?

It averages around $47.  Flying can be cheaper if you use companies like Ryanair or Easyjet. 

Fly or Eurostar

You will have to decide if it makes sense for you to fly or take Eurostar on your day trip from Paris to London!

Let's talk about Eurostar (Paris London Chunnel) and what it is exactly!

What is the Eurostar Train or Paris-London Chunnel?

Day trip from Paris to London Eurostar Train

The channel tunnel mostly known as the “Chunnel” is a 31-mile underwater tunnel that connects England to France.  The Eurotunnel or Getlink and Eurostar trains are the only way to access the Paris – London Chunnel.  We took Eurostar so I will focus on that. 

Cars are not allowed to drive in the tunnel but a special Eurotunnel Le shuttle train will allow you to bring your car across the English Channel.

What is a Eurostar Train (Paris-London Chunnel)

Eurostar is a high-speed railway services connecting major European cities.  In this post, we will talk about the service from Paris to London. This will be extremely helpful as you plan your day trip from Paris to London.

How Long is the Chunnel from Paris to London?

The chunnel from Paris to London is 2 hours and 15 minutes. This high-speed rail from Paris to London is fast! It actually goes 320km/hr which is 199 mph. You will be getting from France to London by train incredibly fast. 

Eurostar Train Tickets For Your Day Trip From Paris to London

Eurotunnel tickets or Eurostar tickets are the same things.  It is really easy to book your Eurotunnel tickets.

  • Go to the Eurostar Website
  • Enter in destination Paris to London
  • Enter travel dates
  • Number of travelers
  • Click search

Once you have completed those steps you will be shown all the different routes available for the day you entered.  Please, take note that the schedule has direct trains as well as trains that make a stop.

It is best to look at the prices and time of day you would like to travel.  Once you have made your choice click “continue” to pay for your ticket.  Super simple!  If you have children under 4 they do not need a ticket.

Ticket Classes on Eurostar Train From Paris to London 

Eurostar Standard Seat
Standard Seat

You might be wondering why some ticket prices are more expensive than others.  Travel classes are available on Eurostar.

Business Premier

Business Premier is the most expensive ticket. It has a lot of extra perks such as:

  • Access to exclusive lounges with free Wi-Fi, drinks, and snacks
  • Free cancellations and unlimited exchanges
  • Access to a special gate where you can arrive as late as 10 minutes to departure time
  • A three-course, onboard meal
  • Taxi ready and waiting for you

Standard Premier

  • Arrive 45 minutes from departure
  • Spacious coaches and comfortable seats
  • A light meal and drinks served
  • Magazines to look at

Standard

  • Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure
  • Purchase food onboard
  • 2 for 1 admission to top museums in the area

Eurostar Train Booking Hot Tip

The earlier you purchase your Eurostar from Paris to London tickets the cheaper it is!  I learned this the hard way.  I still booked a month ahead of time but the prices had gone up!

As you plan your day trip from Paris to London think about what class you would prefer.  If you won't have time to eat then maybe upgrading wouldn't be a bad idea.

Download the Eurostar App

international cell phone coverage

The app has your tickets and train times available which is very convenient. It also maps your Eurostar route to Paris.  One awesome feature of the app is that it has entertainment options you can enjoy as you ride the Eurostar train from Paris to London.   There are both films and games on the app to keep you occupied.

Downloading the app is a fun option for your day trip from Paris to London!

Eurostar Train Connection in ParisEurostar from Paris to London - Train Station

If you are traveling by train on your day trip from Paris to London, you will go to Gare De Nord Station to board your Eurostar train to London.

The area is gross, dirty, and questionable all around.  I wouldn't suggest hanging out in this area.  I was feeling very uncomfortable with my 12-year-old and I am grateful it was not nighttime.

But don't worry; it gets better.  When you are boarding an international train, you actually go to a separate area that is much nicer.

What to Expect When Boarding the Eurostar Train from Paris to London

You will head up the escalators with your tickets in hand (paper or on your phone)  They will be scanned immediately.  You will proceed to customs. 

One very interesting thing about this process is that you go through the exit process with France and immediately go through the entrance process for the United Kingdom.  It is kind of cool.

Once, you get through customs, there is a security checkpoint just like at the airport.

The upstairs of this building is very nice.  It was clean and had nice snack shops and gift shops.  I felt so much better as we waited in this area.

Boarding the Eurostar Train

Day trip from Paris to London Eurostar Train

When you look at your ticket you are assigned a gate number.  You will wait at a specific area until it is time to board the train.  Once, the time comes you will be escorted down by an employee to the train.  Your seat is pre-assigned so it is very easy to find your train car.

Baggage Space on Eurostar Paris to London Train

Baggage Space on Eurostar

The baggage space is very similar to an airplane.  You can put your carry-on size luggage above you.  Bigger suitcases can be left in the luggage area as you board the train.

Eurostar Train – Day Trip From Paris to London

Eurostar from Paris to London

I wanted to give you an honest opinion of our experience.

Our Experience on Eurostar from Paris to London

The Eurostar from Paris to London is a really nice train.  I had read reviews that would suggest otherwise but my experience was very pleasant.  Everything was clean and comfortable.  I like that there are entertainment options through the app.

We had standard tickets. I imagine business premier and standard premier would be an even better experience.

One thing that really surprised me about our day trip from Paris to London was that I thought we would be in the Chunnel the entire time.  I thought it would be a dark train ride but that was not the case. There were plenty of views to take in. 

How Long Does Eurostar Take From Paris to London?

The total time for the Paris to London Eurostar is around 2.5 hours. Surprisingly, the Paris-London Chunnel only takes about 20-30 minutes to cross.  The entire Eurostar Paris to London duration of the ride is about 2 and half hours so the majority of the time you can look out the window and see the countryside.

One thing I learned after our trip you can combine the Eurostar Ticket with toursYou will have to look at this and see if it is something that you would be interested in.

Enjoy Your Day Trip From Paris to LondonDay trip from Paris to London - Platform 9 3/4 London

Arriving in London

Once you arrive in London you will be at the St Pancras International Station.  This is right next to the King Cross Station!  If that doesn't mean anything to you, it is time to start reading some Harry Potter books!

It was pretty exciting for us since we had already planned a Harry Potter London VacationWe visited the Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 store.  It was an unexpected surprise!

More to Do In London

If you are looking for more ideas about what you can do in London jump on a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour.

Also, check out this 2 day London itinerary, or if you have a little more time this 4 day London Itinerary for even more ideas!

Is a Day Trip From Paris to London Worth it?

Absolutely, a day trip from Paris to London is worth it! You are going to have so much fun. 

I hope this post helps you prepare for your day trip from Paris to London in regards to transportation. Riding the Eurostar from Paris to London is awesome!  I highly recommend it.  

I am excited to hear about your experience on the Chunnel from Paris to London. Comment below and let us know how it went.  

Facebook Community

If you have any questions, join my Travel Community on FacebookThis is a great group of experienced travelers or those who just love to travel!

Have fun on your day trip from Paris to London!

 

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94 Comments

    1. That is what scares me the most, that I won’t be able to find it but this international experience was different almost like an airport.

  1. It’s been a number of years since I’ve taken the Eurostar. I found it to be just as you did. I did sleep during the trip so it was all fine for me. You can do that when you travel by yourself.

  2. Excellent comparison train versus flying. I’m planning a Eurotrip via train and you gave some great tips. I’m downloading Eurostar now!

  3. When we go to London, we will be taking the Eurostar train to Paris for sure. This was very informational. Thanks for sharing!

  4. That was some fascinating information about the Eurostar!! I just never did the research for it, but you did quite a bit. It’s a fascinating mode of transportation, but I don’t know that I would ever do it. The whole underwater thing. LOL. Sounds like you had an amazing trip!

  5. Sounds fun! I would give the train a try. Thanks for sharing your experience and helping us to understand what to expect!

  6. Awesome comparison…I think the train is a great way to see the countryside..but it does take longer! Thank you for sharing your input!

  7. Very interesting! Sounds very fun. I’ve never been to Europe, but this is a great resource for when I do. I love that you got croissants on the Air France flight! Yum!

  8. Thank you for this post! We are going to Paris at the end of the year and trying to decide if we are going to London or Italy while we are there. I am definitely saving this post for later! Thank you!

  9. Thank you for all of the information! It’s interesting to me that the airline tickets were cheaper than the Eurostar. I haven’t been to Europe yet, but it’s on my bucket list. After doing 23 and me, I learned that I am actually quite a bit English, so I really need to travel there someday.

  10. Lisa, you rock! We are going to be in England this Summer and then head over to Paris for my younger brother’s wedding. I’ve been weighing the options of flying vs train and this was SO HELPFUL! Thank you so much!!!!!

  11. This is awesome information! We were planning to do Europe this past spring and had considered the Eurorail. I am pinning this information for when we do make it! Thanks!

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  15. I loved the Eurostar when I went. No question that it’s a prestige project, and they’ve lavished money and comfort on it. When I boarded in economy class, I actually double-checked that I hadn’t accidentally entered first class!

    Expensive, certainly, but a terrific train!

  16. The train ride sounds interesting with the countryside views! How was the train station security process compared to the airport?

  17. What a great comparison – I’d fly Air France just for the on-board croissants! I’ve heard a lot about the Eurostar though, and it seems like a much more enjoyable ride than the plane.

  18. I didn’t know much about Eurostar so this is great to know! How was Disney Land in Paris? Do you recommend to go just for adults?

    1. I went with my 12 year old. We had a lot of fun, we are big Disney fans. We went two days and it wasn’t crowded so we were able to do everything we wanted. I would go 1 day as an adult if you are a big Disney fan. Disneyland Paris is not the same standards as Disneyland in America….it is dirty and paint chipped on the railings…that would never happen at Disney World. With that said we rode every ride like 4 times and the rides are the same pretty much. Eurostar was cool!

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    1. The hop on bus is probably not exactly near the train station. I felt like the train station was far away from everything. The hop on hop off buses are near most of the tourist sites.

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