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Travelling direct from London to Paris with Eurostar in 2 hours and 16 minutes

Eurostar logo

What’s in this guide?

Planning your next trip and looking to travel from London to Paris by train? You've come to the right place!

The Eurostar is the fastest, most direct way to travel from the UK to France. It takes as little as 2 hours and 16 minutes to travel from London to Paris on the fastest services. The train takes you from one city centre to another, and unlike air travel, there’s no delay waiting for baggage or airport transfers. You also don’t have to worry about limits on liquids, which takes away some of the stress of travelling.

Once you arrive at Paris Gare du Nord station, you’ll find Metro and RER trains nearby to start exploring the city straight away.

Not sure where to go? Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for you:

  • Sainte-Chapelle: This beautiful 13th-century chapel has 1,113 stained glass windows – be dazzled by their colours and soak up some history while you’re visiting Sainte-Chapelle.
  • Musée d’Orsay: Looking for your culture fix? Head to the Musée d’Orsay for sculptures and paintings galore, including some notable works by Van Gogh.
  • Sacré-Coeur: If you’re searching for the best view of Paris, look no further! Sacré-Coeur Basilica was built at the top of Montmartre, so you can see for miles around – plus, the Basilica itself boasts some gorgeous architecture.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Paris with us today using our Journey Planner, or keep reading for our train timetable and an expert review of what you can expect on the train journey from England to France. And make sure to keep an eye out on our European deals & discounts page for Eurostar promos

London to Paris by train

It takes an average of 2h 30m to travel from London to Paris by train, over a distance of around 212 miles (342 km). There are normally 16 trains per day travelling from London to Paris and tickets for this journey start from £51 when you book in advance.

First train

06:01

Last train

20:01

Departure station

London

Arrival station

Paris

Journey time

From 2h 21m

Distance

212 miles (342 km)

Frequency

16 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £51

Train and bus operators

BlaBlaCar Bus, Eurostar, Flixbus

London to Paris train times

Check out the next trains departing from London to Paris for Tuesday 26th March 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:01 10:35 2h 34m, direct
09:31 11:53 2h 22m, direct
10:31 12:52 2h 21m, direct
11:31 13:53 2h 22m, direct
12:31 15:01 2h 30m, direct
13:31 16:05 2h 34m, direct
14:31 16:58 2h 27m, direct
15:31 18:03 2h 32m, direct
16:31 19:02 2h 31m, direct
17:04 19:35 2h 31m, direct

Eurostar trains from London to Paris

You can travel from London to Paris on Eurostar trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoSmiley.toerist, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage carriage. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On 1st October, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red colour scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).

Eurostar classes from London to Paris

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar when travelling from London to Paris.

Onboard services on Eurostar

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from London to Paris.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard Class, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.

Travel in Business Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.

For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks.

In Premium class, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.

You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.

For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.

PetPetPets

The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:

Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:

  • Pets are not permitted on board.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.

Trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
  • If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:

  • Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
  • If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
  • Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
InfoInfoOther

Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:

Liquids:

  • There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.

Sports equipment:

  • You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
  • You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm long.
  • Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
  • Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 75 mm long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
  • You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.

Cheap train tickets from London to Paris

The price of train tickets from London to Paris starts at £51 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from London to Paris by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

How many bags are allowed in the different Eurostar classes?

Standard/Standard Premier

  • 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
  • 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase

Business Premier

  • 3 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
  • 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase

Children (for all classes)

  • 1 piece of luggage up to 85cm long
  • 1 hand luggage, e.g. backpack or laptop bag

Everything you need to know about London St Pancras station

How to get to London St Pancras International

London St. Pancras International station is conveniently located in central London in the King’s Cross area and can be easily reached by National Rail, London Underground, bus services and car.

King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines, including Victoria (blue line), Northern (black line), Metropolitan (purple line), Circle (yellow line) & Hammersmith and City (pink line)  

If you’re travelling by train, you can get to London St Pancras from Euston, Victoria, and Paddington stations in around half an hour.

If you’re driving to St Pancras International, you’ll find a Click and Park car park at the station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces where you can store your bike too.

Arriving at Paris Gare du Nord station from London

Your Eurostar train from London to Paris will arrive right in the heart of the French capital at Paris Gare du Nord station.

Paris Gare du Nord is one of the main train stations in Paris, so it’s got all the amenities you could need. If you fancy a quick coffee before making your way into the city, there are plenty of food and drink outlets. There are also shops, a pharmacy and toilets (though you may have to pay to use the toilet in many French train stations, so it’s worth going on the train before you leave!). 

Since all the passport checks are done before leaving the UK, you can step off the train and start exploring the city straight away. Not far from the platform, you’ll find Métro and RER trains to whisk you to Paris’ top museums and galleries.  

From the quaint cobbled streets and independent boutiques along the Canal St Martin to the hip new foodie hangouts across the 10th arrondissement, this is an area packed with Parisian flavour you don’t want to miss! 

Using public transport in Paris

Taking the Métro in Paris 

Paris Métro is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around the city. If you want to skip the queues at Gare du Nord, you can buy your Métro ticket at Café Métropole on board the Eurostar. It can get really busy at Gare du Nord’s metro station, so it’s worth planning ahead. 

Metro tickets (also known as T+ tickets) allow connections between Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities. T+ tickets are also valid on RATP buses and trams. Each T+ ticket is valid for a single journey. 

Did you know? Children under 4 can travel for free on the metro, RER, bus, and tramway services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Children under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.  

Taking a taxi in Paris 

If you want to get a taxi, you can find a taxi rank near Eurostar arrivals at Paris Gare du Nord station. Just head to the concourse at the front of the train, then take the exit on the right where you'll see the line of taxis.  

Going through the Channel Tunnel

Does the train from London to Paris go underwater?

Yes. Trains from London to Paris do go underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel” if you prefer its nickname) is just over 31 miles in length and is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world. At a maximum speed of 100 mph in the Chunnel, it takes a Eurostar train around 35 minutes to travel this underwater stretch between London and Paris.

How long is the Chunnel from London to Paris?

The Channel Tunnel is 31.3 miles (50.56 km) in length and it takes a Eurostar train approximately 35 minutes to travel its full length. In total, the fastest journey time from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord is currently 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Explore Europe by train with an Interrail Pass

After visiting Paris, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days. 

You can use an Interrail Pass if you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country (this includes UK citizens). If you’re not a European citizen or someone legally resident in Europe, such as an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead. 

 

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from London to Paris? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from London to Paris take?

The average journey time by train between London and Paris is 2 hours and 30 minutes, with around 16 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between London and Paris by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London to Paris is 2 hours and 21 minutes.

How much does the train from London to Paris cost?

Train ticket prices from London to Paris can start from as little as £51 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from London to Paris?

Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Paris without having to change trains. There are 15 direct trains from London to Paris each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from London to Paris leave?

The first train from London to Paris leaves at 06:01. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from London to Paris leave?

The last train from London to Paris leaves at 20:01. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between London and Paris by train?

Trains travelling from London to Paris cover a distance of around 212 miles (342 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Paris to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Paris.

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team blog

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. We also believe about taking those journeys and sharing our experiences with you, so you can sit back, relax and get the most out of your trip.

Travelling from London to Paris in Eurostar Standard Class, July 2023

Catching the train at London St Pancras station 

All Eurostar trains depart from London St Pancras station – not to be confused with King’s Cross station next door (the two stations share a Tube stop). Once you’re at St Pancras, look out for signs towards the Eurostar departures area, which is situated in the middle of the station. 

I was heading to Paris after work and arrived around an hour before my train’s scheduled departure time of 7:01 pm. The ticket gates close 30 minutes before departure, so it’s important to arrive in plenty of time – Eurostar recommends arriving 90 minutes before your train leaves. 

I scanned my ticket at the automatic ticket gates. I then had to go through security (similar to airport luggage checks, though there are no liquids limits here) and passport control before reaching the Eurostar departures lounge. There are shops in the waiting area as well as some seating, though often there aren’t enough seats for everyone, so be prepared to stand around for a little while before your train.  

Around half an hour before departure, our platform was announced, and everyone headed to get seated. It’s a long train so boarding can take a little while, but there’s no need to worry. Everyone has allocated seats on their tickets, so it was easy to find our places and get settled in. There’s plenty of luggage storage at the ends of each carriage and overhead too, though it’s important to stick to the luggage size limits so there’s enough room for everyone. 

luggage storage on eurostar

Travelling in Eurostar Standard Class 

I love travelling with Eurostar. The trains have everything you need, even in Standard Class. Plug sockets (both UK and European) at your seat, free WiFi, a café bar (Café Métropole)... What more could you want? I have always wondered what it’s like in Standard Premier, though – you get light refreshments served at your seat throughout the journey, so it feels like it would add a little touch of luxury... Perhaps next time! 

I’m always surprised by how it takes so little time to get to France from London – in half an hour, we reached the Channel Tunnel, and an hour into the journey we were already in Calais! After this, it takes around an hour and a quarter to reach the City of Light. 

plug sockets on eurostar

Arriving at Paris Gare du Nord 

After just 2 hours and 16 minutes, we pulled into Paris Gare du Nord at 10:17 pm – watch out for the one-hour time difference across the Channel! This is one of Paris’ main stations, so it’s well-connected to other places across the city. 

Overall, the journey from London to Paris was fast and fuss-free. It was easy to board the train even with a large suitcase, and I was glad not to have to worry about weight or liquid restrictions for my luggage. I’d recommend travelling from London to Paris by Eurostar to anyone, whether you’re going for a short weekend break or a longer trip. 

About Kristina 
Kristina, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Paris.

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