City to City
London to Paris: Eurostar Versus the Alternatives
This is the route that proved high speed rail beats short haul flying, and the numbers still hold up decisively.
Route at a glance
- From
- London St Pancras
- To
- Paris Gare du Nord
- Distance
- About 285 miles
- Typical time
- 2h 16m by rail
Comparing your options
Typical characteristics rather than live prices or timetables. Always check the operator on the day you travel.
| Option | Typical journey | Cost character | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eurostar | 2h 16m to 2h 30m | 60 to 250 GBP | Nearly everyone |
| Flight | 1h 15m in the air | 40 to 200 GBP | Connecting itineraries only |
| Coach | 8 to 10 hours | 20 to 45 GBP | Strict budgets |
| Car via Eurotunnel | 5 to 7 hours | Shuttle fare plus fuel | Onward road trips |
The city centre advantage
Eurostar runs from St Pancras International, on the northern edge of central London, to Gare du Nord in the tenth arrondissement of Paris. Both stations are on their city's metro networks. There is no airport transfer at either end, which is where the two hours saved in the air disappear.
Check in closes 30 to 45 minutes before departure, considerably less than an airport, and border formalities are handled at the station.
Getting a good fare
Eurostar prices behave like airline prices. Booking six to twelve weeks ahead usually produces the best fares, and mid week departures cost less than Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons. Flexible tickets cost substantially more, so only buy them if your plans are genuinely uncertain.
When flying still makes sense
If Paris is a connection rather than a destination, or if you are travelling from an outer London area with easy airport access and awkward access to St Pancras, a flight can work. For a straightforward city to city trip, it rarely does.
Practical notes
- Arrive at St Pancras 60 to 75 minutes before departure to be comfortable.
- Passports are required and border checks now include entry and exit systems for the Schengen area.
- Luggage allowance on Eurostar is generous compared with airlines, with no weighing in practice.
- Gare du Nord is busy and worth leaving promptly rather than lingering in.
Keep reading
Related guides
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