It's about time an idealist from London could have a café crème in Paris a few hours after their morning brew in London. Travel from London to Paris by train is not only feasible but also one of the most stress-free, picturesque, and romantic means considering two of Europe's most popular destinations.
Once you have tried this, you wonder why anyone has to bother with airports for such a quick trip. Let me walk you through everything you need to know—because getting from London to Paris by train is the kind of experience you want to do right, not just fast.
Let’s start with the obvious: flying is a pain. Between airport queues, security checks, baggage restrictions, and the chaos of boarding, a 1-hour flight can easily take 4+ hours of your life. But when you travel from London to Paris by train, you skip all of that. No airport, no turbulence, no tiny seats where your knees kiss the tray table.
Instead, you glide from city center to city center in comfort. You’ll board in the heart of London and disembark in the soul of Paris—with enough time to grab a croissant before lunch.
So it is not surprising that most travelers prefer traveling from London to Paris via train. It is quick indeed, comfortable and sort of magical.
Let’s talk numbers because this is where the train really flexes. The London to Paris train time averages just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Yup, that’s it.
You hop on the Eurostar at London St Pancras International, settle in with a snack or a good playlist, and before you’ve even finished scrolling Instagram, you’re pulling into Paris Gare du Nord.
And the best part? Since both stations are smack in the middle of each city, there’s no need for extra time-consuming transfers. That’s the real beauty of traveling from London to Paris by train—your adventure starts the second you step onboard.
London to Paris Distance by Train
To satiate your curiosity regarding the extent between London to Paris by train actually traverses, it stands at or thereabouts of 190 miles, or 305 kilometers thereabouts. Most of the ride glides through the stillness and calm beneath the English Channel, what one would conventionally refer to as the "Chunnel." A little crazy to think you are under the ocean, but you would hardly notice it- just a shorter stretch of a tunnel.
Admittedly, it sounds pretty crazy to travel at 300 km/h through an underwater tunnel, but really, it feels perfectly normal while you are doing it. No water drips, no spooky vibes. Just fast, efficient travel the way it should be.
Here’s how a smooth London to Paris by train day typically plays out:
1. Morning
Arrive at St Pancras 45-60 minutes before departure. While you don’t need to check luggage, you’ll go through a quick passport control and security check. It’s way more relaxed than the airport—promise.
2. Boarding
Trains board about 20 minutes before departure. Seats are assigned, so no need to rush.
3. The Journey
Once you're on, kick back. The seats are comfy, there's Wi-Fi, and snacks are available. Or, bring your own and pretend you're in a mini movie scene with your croissant and coffee.
4. Arrival in Paris
Voilà! After about 2 hours and 15 minutes, you'll land in Paris. The Gare du Nord connects to several metro lines, so in just a few minutes you could be at the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or whatever dream spot brought you here.
Now, about those London to Paris train tickets—prices vary depending on how early you book. Like flights, trains reward the planners. You can snag one-way fares starting around £39 (€45) if you book in advance, but last-minute seats can cost a whole lot more.
There are different ticket classes too:
Standard: Comfortable and budget-friendly.
Standard Premier: More legroom, a light meal, and extra chill vibes.
Business Premier: For those who want lounge access and gourmet meals. (Hey, treat yourself.)
You can book tickets directly on the Eurostar website, but plenty of travelers use third-party platforms to compare fares. Spoiler: I’ll tell you my go-to site at the end.
Is It Easy to Travel London to Paris via Train with Luggage?
Absolutely. One of the best parts about traveling London to Paris via train is the generous baggage allowance. There’s no weight limit (within reason), and you can bring your suitcase onboard without checking it in. No baggage claim delays. No lost luggage horror stories. Just grab your bag and go.
Book early: You’ll thank yourself when you see the price difference.
Pick a window seat: The views of the English countryside are beautiful. You won’t want to miss them.
Bring snacks: There’s food onboard, but local pastries? Always a good idea.
Travel light: While bags are allowed, dragging multiple suitcases through cobblestone streets in Paris is… not the vibe.
Don’t stress about the Chunnel: You’ll barely notice when you’re under the sea. It’s just another dark tunnel—no biggie.
Let's be honest-traveling by train across Europe just feels different. Less stressful and yet much more scenic and surprisingly fast. Taking the train from London to Paris instead of flying isn't just smart-it's much more enjoyable.
No removing your shoes at security. No overpriced airport sandwiches. Not running though terminals desperately hoping you'll make it to your gate. It is just a beautiful, warm journey that takes you between two famous cities as you sit back and watch a movie.
And that's the beautiful thing; traveling from London to Paris by train isn't simply about getting somewhere but about how one feels getting there.
Train trips might be planned, so before anyone even thinks of hopping a train from London to Paris, I suggest heading over to the Trainline. It is super user-friendly, so you can see all times and prices in one place, without any headaches. First time traveler or a regular Eurostar user, it is the easiest way to ensure you are getting the best price on London to Paris train tickets.
So, are you ready to ditch the airport drama and glide into the City of Light in style? Traveling London to Paris by train is your ticket to a smooth, scenic, and downright satisfying journey. All aboard!
1. How much does it cost to go from London to Paris by train?
Tickets for London to Paris trains can start from £39 (€45) if bought in advance. It can scale up to £150 or more depending on how last-minute tickets are bought, the travel class chosen, and some other demand-related issues.
2. Which train is better from London to Paris?
The Eurostar is the only high-speed direct train service from London to Paris. It is fast, efficient, and considered the most convenient option. Alternatives exist with transfers, but Eurostar wins on speed and comfort.
