day trip to paris on eurostar

Country and language

United Kingdom

United States

Deutschland

@media (max-width: 37.5rem){.css-vo707v{font-size:1.5rem;}} Log in

Verify it's you, @media (max-width: 52.5rem){.css-1qvpg8e{font-size:1.375rem;}} no account.

Join Club Eurostar for FREE

• Travelling with Eurostar
• Frequent travellers
• Manage your booking

Frequent or Premium Pass

Please log in to use your subscription pass.

Didn't get the code? Send again

Day trips to Paris

London to Paris and back again in one day? Is it possible? Yes, it definitely is and in fact, it’s one of the best ways to make the most of Paris.

Discover Paris in a day

Whatever you have packed into your Paris itinerary you can start your day in comfort and style on a Eurostar train from London to Paris . And if you leave your return journey from Paris to London as late as possible, you’ll even be able to sample the sights and sounds of Paris at night. Oui!

So, now you know it’s possible, how will you make the most of your trip to Paris? Any day trip to Paris needs to involve the right blend of the top tourist attractions , with the best places to sample Parisian cuisine shoulder to shoulder with the locals, and the top neighbourhoods to really get that French flavour. Not only do we make Paris day trips possible on our speedy trains between the two cities, we’ve also got the inside track on the best things to do in Paris from our local team and the top tips for making Paris in a day something you’ll never forget.

Day trip in Paris itinerary

If you only have a short time in the city, it’s important to get the inside track on what to do in Paris in a day. There’s no time to waste reading guidebooks or searching on your phone for inspiration. Our expert team of local Parisian bloggers and influencers know just how to make the most of the city in a short space of time. And they’re on hand to guarantee you do just that.

If you’ve the appétit

Head south to Pierre Hermé : home of delicate macarons, indulgent Ispahan croissants and desserts that wouldn’t look out of place in the Louvre. Poilâne , with its signature sourdough loaf, and master chocolatier Patrick Roger are also good spots to pick up a tasty souvenir or two. A little further west, you’ll find Jacques Génin and the most divine caramels you’ll ever taste.

If you’re not quite ready for breakfast, go north

On your way to the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés pop into Ladurée for a box of scrumptious macarons. Wander the petite narrow streets, make your way east towards the Saint-Michel fountain, cross the bridge to Île de la Cité – and gaze at the majesty of Notre Dame.

Explore charming streets

Then, once you’ve had your fill of whispering “the bells” under your breath, continue into Le Marais: to explore charming streets, stumble upon stunning buildings, discover hidden gardens and relax in colourful cafés.

If there’s one tip to follow in the hunt for your dream déjeuner, it’s to eat where the locals eat. Luckily, there’s no shortage of choice, whether you’re vegetarian, visiting with kids or a romantic lunch à deux.

The romantic lunch

The City of Love is packed with so many  romantic things to do  for couples. Whether planning a Valentine’s Day to remember, a spontaneous jaunt just for two, or you simply want to dine in one of Paris’ stunning restaurants for an anniversary to remember, a day in Paris is the ultimate in a quick couple’s retreat. If you’re hungry for amour, head over to Le 52, take a seat at one of their marble-topped tables and prepare to be wowed by the most sensational seasonal fish dishes you've ever tasted.

The classic French bistro

Just a ten-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Gare du Nord, make yourself at home in  La Maison Bleue . Their famous French bistro dishes look as fabulous as the mixture of modern and vintage French décor. Though if the sun has his chapeau on, it’s even lovelier to eat sur la terrasse.

Travelling with kids?

Paris really does do a fine sideline in catering for families. The boulevards are pram-friendly, the play-parks are inventive, and the museums offer state-of-the-art experiences. With so many fun things to do with the kids , Paris in a day with all the family really is a possibility. And for lunch? Chez Jeanette  serves up simple, quintessentially French food as well as kid-friendly burgers and frites. Pizza-lovers should make a beeline for  Lucky Luciano .

You’ve enjoyed the best that Paris has to offer in terms of food, now it’s time to explore –an essential part of all Paris day trips.

The islands of Paris

Two natural islands sit proudly in the midst of this stretch of the River Seine. Île de la Cité, the larger of the two, is home to the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral.

But never discount the allure of its sister Île, Saint-Louis. A short jaunt from Le Marais, one of Paris’s most fashionable neighbourhoods, the Pont Louis Philippe bridge welcomes you to intimate island life, with pretty cobbled streets and a refreshing laid-back charm. It really is amongst the city’s top sights to see.

Fancy a café or an ice cream?

Pick a café – Saint-Régis is always a favourite – and linger over lunch with a glass of rosé, while nearby street musicians fill the air with song. Then, time for a different kind of glass: Crème glacée from Paris’s original artisanal ice cream shop, Berthillon . Indulge in a scoop or two as the sun starts to dip over Notre Dame, or pack a Parisian picnic of crusty bread, gooey cheese and – bien sûr – a bottle of red, all best served with a sunset. Santé!

Think that just because you’re on a day trip to Paris from London means that you can’t enjoy the best of Paris at night? That’s where you’d be wrong. It’s time to make every moment count.

Parisian nightlife

Before you hop on the train back to London, why not sample some Parisian nightlife? If you book ahead, you could even catch a concert at the legendary, and newly-renovated, Elysée-Montmartre music hall.

See some art in the evening

Culture vultures should check out Palais de Tokyo. Europe’s largest contemporary art space is open until midnight every day except Tuesday. And that’s without mentioning the not-so-small matter of the Louvre.

For the foodies

Serious epicureans are spoilt for choix. Some of our go-to Michelin-starred picks: Le Gabriel at La Réserve Paris, Epicure at Le Bristol and L’Abeille at the Shangri-La. Pressed for time? Try Champeaux and Restaurant AG – both in the newly-transformed Les Halles district.

Craft beers

Right now, though, Paris is all about craft beers. Try brews by Brasserie de la Goutte d 'Or, Deck & Donohue and BapBap . On the Bassin de la Villette, in the 19th arrondissement, the Paname Brewing Company is a fun taproom which brews its own beer too.

Fancy some wine?

Raise a glass at an atmospheric bar like La Grande Crèmerie in St Germain. Across the Seine, Juveniles has fabulous food and, for one of the best cocktails in town, don’t miss Le Mary Celeste. If the weather’s nice, hit a rooftop bar like Le Perchoir and enjoy the view.

.css-5vuhm9{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;max-width:100%;border:none;text-align:left;width:100%;background:none;cursor:pointer;position:relative;padding:1.5rem 1rem;}.css-5vuhm9:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#00286A;}.css-5vuhm9:focus-visible{border-radius:1px;outline:2px solid #00286A;outline-offset:2px;}@media (min-width: 37.5rem){.css-5vuhm9{padding:1.5rem;}} .css-4ujqbu{height:0.188rem;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;right:0;top:0;margin:-2px 0 0;opacity:0.4;border-bottom:2px solid #00286A;border-radius:60%;} .css-1ro6ief{--Grid-columns:12;--Grid-columnSpacing:0rem;--Grid-rowSpacing:0rem;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--Grid-rowSpacing) / -2) calc(var(--Grid-columnSpacing) / -2);-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;padding:0rem;} .css-1fiqx1u{--Grid-columns:12;--Grid-columnSpacing:0rem;--Grid-rowSpacing:0rem;-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 10 / var(--Grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--Grid-rowSpacing) / -2) calc(var(--Grid-columnSpacing) / -2);-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-1fiqx1u{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 12 / var(--Grid-columns));}} .css-2pnwxm{--Grid-columns:12;--Grid-columnSpacing:0rem;--Grid-rowSpacing:0rem;-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 12 / var(--Grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--Grid-rowSpacing) / -2) calc(var(--Grid-columnSpacing) / -2);-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-2pnwxm{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 10 / var(--Grid-columns));}} .css-w6gvpm{-webkit-box-flex:1;-webkit-flex-grow:1;-ms-flex-positive:1;flex-grow:1;} .css-11yytic{font-family:'ABC Social Bold','Arial','sans-serif';font-weight:normal;color:#00286A;text-align:left;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:1rem;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.5rem;color:#00286A!important;margin:0rem!important;display:block!important;}@media (min-width: 52.5rem){.css-11yytic{font-size:1.375rem;}} Can you do a day trip from London to Paris? .css-1k89mew{--Grid-columns:12;--Grid-columnSpacing:0rem;--Grid-rowSpacing:0rem;-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 12 / var(--Grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--Grid-rowSpacing) / -2) calc(var(--Grid-columnSpacing) / -2);-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-1k89mew{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 1 / var(--Grid-columns));}}@media (min-width:0rem){.css-1k89mew{-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;}}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-1k89mew{-webkit-box-pack:end;-ms-flex-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;justify-content:flex-end;}} .css-h58ukj{--Grid-columns:12;--Grid-columnSpacing:0rem;--Grid-rowSpacing:0rem;-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 2 / var(--Grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--Grid-rowSpacing) / -2) calc(var(--Grid-columnSpacing) / -2);-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:end;-ms-flex-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;justify-content:flex-end;} .css-19f252s{-webkit-align-self:center;-ms-flex-item-align:center;align-self:center;padding-top:2px;} .css-16gm2n{margin:0rem 0rem 0rem 1rem!important;width:1.5rem!important;height:1.5rem!important;display:inline-block;background-color:#00286A;-webkit-mask:url(https://static.eurostar.com/ui/design-system/icons/chevronBrandedDown.svg);mask:url(https://static.eurostar.com/ui/design-system/icons/chevronBrandedDown.svg);-webkit-mask-size:contain;mask-size:contain;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;mask-position:center;-webkit-mask-size:contain;-webkit-mask-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-mask-position:center;}@media (forced-colors: active){.css-16gm2n{background-color:ButtonText;}.css-16gm2n:hover{background-color:ButtonText;}}

Yes, it is possible to do a day trip to Paris thanks to the Eurostar London to Paris trains . Time it right to get the most out of the day and take the first train out at 06.01 out and come back on last train of the day.

What are the best things to do on a day trip to Paris?

Tale a look at our recommendations of the best things to do to make the most of a full day in Paris before you head home on the last London to Paris Eurostar train ..

Where are the best places to eat on a day trip to Paris?

From friendly neighbourhood bistros dishing up tasty, locally sourced delicacies to vegan spots working plant-based wonders, Paris is a hotbed of exciting culinary experiences. Discover our best dining recommendation to enjoy on a day trip to Paris.

Is it worth going to Paris from London for just a day? Mais oui

While a day in Paris from London might seem ambitious at first, it’s easy when the journey’s so quick and comfortable. If you take the first Eurostar and come back on the last, you’ll have more than eleven hours to enjoy in the City of Light. And since Paris is one hour ahead of London, you’ll be back earlier than you might expect. In short, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the capital.

Here are some top tips for your day trip to Paris:

• Time it right : get the most out of the day and take the first train out at 06.01 out and come back on last train of the day.
• Travel in style : go Standard Premier for a more spacious seat and get breakfast served to you on board.
• Be prepared : buy your Paris metro tickets at our onboard bar buffet and avoid the queues in Paris.

You may also like

City breaks in Paris

Paris is all about people watching, as you drink coffee on a café terrace.

Brussels city breaks

Beer, waffles, chocolate and culture, find out everything this iconic city has to offer.

Eurostar destinations

Between Amsterdam's canals, Paris' botanical gardens, Bruges' architecture, and London's royal parks, Eurostar has something for everyone.

How to Plan a Day Trip to Paris From London by Train

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

A day trip to Paris from London is the perfect addition to a trip to England!  Thanks to the fast and efficient Eurostar train, it’s never been easier to visit Paris for a day. The train takes just two hours and 20 minutes.

Honestly, one day isn’t enough for Paris — ideally, you should spend as much time there as you can. I would gladly stay in Paris for weeks on end.

But not everyone has lots of extra time on their trip. So is it worth it if you only have one day to spare?

Absolutely — taking the train from London to Paris is always worth it. Even if all you have is one day, you can still make it the best day ever.

But if you’re only visiting Paris for one day, it’s best to plan your trip carefully so that you get as much out of it as you can. I’ve laid out all the steps you need to take and a suggested itinerary for someone visiting the French capital for the first time.

Let’s take a look at the itinerary! I want you to have the best day trip ever.

This post was most recently updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

Paris Day Trip from London FAQ

The best way to get from London to Paris is by train . It goes from St. Pancras Station in London to Gare du Nord in Paris and takes about two hours and 20 minutes.

No matter what the weather is, you should dress neatly and wear shoes with good arch support. I usually wear jeans, black flats, a faux leather jacket, and a scarf.

Yes, you need your passport to go from London to Paris or vice versa. You will go through immigration. This goes for EU residents too, as due to Brexit the UK is no longer in the EU.

The perfect one-day itinerary in Paris includes exploring Notre-Dame and the Marais, having my favorite crepes and galettes in the world for lunch, visiting a gorgeous art museum, and seeing the Eiffel Tower up close.

Take the train from London to Paris

The train is far and away the best way to visit Paris for a day.  Eurostar trains depart from London’s St Pancras International Station, arrive at Paris’s Gare du Nord, and take about two hours and 20 minutes each way. You can buy Eurostar tickets here.

This is the Channel Tunnel train to Paris that goes underwater, beneath the English Channel. You go from the center of London to the center of Paris, plus the train journey is exceedingly pleasant.

The bus from London to Paris, by comparison, takes more than seven hours. Not worth it. Driving takes just under six hours if you don’t hit traffic.

You could fly from London to Paris, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a day trip. The flight only takes about one hour and 10 minutes, but you have to factor in getting to the airport 90 minutes before your flight, plus nearly all of the London airports and all Paris airports are located significantly outside the city and take a long time to get there.

(If you insist on flying to Paris for the day, I recommend either flying from London City Airport, which is centrally located though often very expensive, or flying from Heathrow and taking Heathrow Express from Paddington Station, which takes just 15 minutes.)

You need your passport when going from London to Paris, whether it’s by train, plane, or any other method. Even if you’re an EU citizen. Britain is neither in the Schengen Area nor the European Union anymore.

What time should you book the train for? If it were me, I would book a very early train to Paris and a very late train back to London. Perhaps even the last train. I would want to have an early start and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in Paris.

Book Eurostar train tickets from London to Paris here.

Alternatively, book a day tour from London to Paris via train here .

Be realistic about how much you can see on a Paris day trip from London.

One day is not enough for Paris, nor is it enough for everything you will personally want to see on a day trip to Paris from London. You can’t see the Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay and go to the Eiffel Tower and go to Hemingway’s bars and walk around Montmartre and see the show at the Moulin Rouge.

In fact, I wouldn’t advise visiting more than one museum on a day trip to Paris.

I encourage you to choose one or two activities that are absolute musts and to plan your day around them. Supplement your day with activities that are close to your main priorities.

For example, if seeing Notre-Dame is a priority, you can easily fit in nearby destinations like Saint-Chappelle, Île Saint-Louis, Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and either the Marais or St. Germain des Prés.

If you want to spend part of your day in Montmartre, visit the Sacré Coeur, take a long walk down Rue Lepic, see Amélie’s Café des Deux Moulins, and walk down to the Opéra before checking out the rooftop terrace at Galeries-Lafayette.

And if you absolutely must visit the Louvre on your Paris day trip, take time to wander the Tuileries Gardens, visit the Palais Royal, and grab a hot chocolate at Angelina before window-shopping at the jewelry shops of Place Vendôme.

Include downtime in your itinerary.

It’s easy to spend a Paris day trip going from attraction to attraction, but I think the magic of Paris is found in the in-between moments. Sitting in a cafe with a coffee or a glass of red wine. Wandering cheese and pastry shops. Crossing the Seine over and over again with no destination in mind.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort to get of the beaten path — just go to a new neighborhood and wander in whatever destination pleases you.  I wrote a whole post about it.

This free time is where the Paris magic happens.

What to Do on a Day Trip to Paris

I always tell people to travel to the destination that makes their pulse race. And that goes for Paris, too. Prioritize the things that make you excited — the things that are most important to you personally, not the things that you think you should do. If you’re not into art, you don’t have to go to any museums! You can have a day trip to Paris from London without seeing the Mona Lisa .

If your favorite movie in high school was Moulin Rouge! or Amélie , spend time walking around Montmartre.

If you love Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, go to the Musée d’Orsay for the best collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world.

If you’re a die-hard Doors fan, go see Jim Morrison’s grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Beyond that, I think how you should explore Paris depends on your travel experience level. If you’re an experienced traveler, you can handle exploring by metro on your own.

If you’d like something a bit easier, or if you or your companion have limited mobility, a hop-on-hop-off Paris bus tour is a great option for getting around. These bus tours take you from attraction to attraction and let Paris unfold in front of you.

Bonus: if you book the full day tour from London to Paris by train , they include a hop-on hop-off bus tour for free.

Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Paris

Book an early train from London to Paris and a late train back to London.

You have two options:

1) You can book London to Paris train tickets here.

2) You can book a day tour that includes train tickets and a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Paris here.

From that point on, this is my idea of a nice Paris itinerary that takes in a lot of the central sights. It’s a particularly good option for a first-time Paris visitor.

Morning: Notre-Dame and Vicinity

Arrive at Gare du Nord and transfer to the metro line 4 toward Mairie de Montrouge. Get off at Saint Michel Notre-Dame.

Stop for a quick coffee if you’d like and go see Notre-Dame. (Unfortunately, Notre-Dame has been closed since the awful fire. But you can still admire it from the outside.)

Next, walk east to Île Saint-Louis and wander the streets. If you’re feeling really indulgent, get an ice cream at Berthillon ! This ice cream is fantastic and world-famous.

Head north toward the Hotel de Ville and explore the streets of the Marais, heading further upward. Stop by Pierre Hermé for macarons — they’re the best in the city. Just be sure to eat them the same day. Good macarons aren’t built to last.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Breizh Cafe in the Marais

Breizh Cafe is home to outstanding Brittany-style buckwheat galettes and sumptuous crepes. There are several locations in Paris now; you want the Le Marais location at 109 Rue Vieille-du-Temple.

I usually get a galette with egg, cheese, and artichoke followed by a salted caramel crepe for dessert, along with their delicious homemade cider.

Make a reservation in advance if possible ( they finally do online reservations, but only two weeks in advance ); if not, try showing up when they open at 11:00 AM.

Alternative lunch: Walk up to Rue des Roisiers and wait in line at L’As du Falafel, one of the best cheap lunches in Paris. Order your falafel and walk a few streets away to Place des Vosges, where you can enjoy your falafel “sur l’herbe” or sitting on a bench.

Alternative gluten-free lunch: As I update this post in 2023, I realize that neither galettes nor falafel are ideal for gluten-free travelers. If that’s the case for you, find any adorable Parisian-looking cafe in the Marais and dive into their menu. You can always find meat, fish, or an omelette with vegetables.

My friend Jodi creates extremely well-researched gluten-free travel cards that communicate what you can and can’t eat in the local language. Here’s the French card. Well worth the investment!

Afternoon: Museum of Your Choice

Visit one of Paris’s world-class museums in the afternoon. Since you’re visiting Paris on a day trip and have limited time, I urge you to buy skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and be sure to double-check which museums are open that day.

The Centre Pompidou (Beaubourg) is a short walk from Breizh Cafe; if you’re a fan of modern art and architecture, this is a great choice. (If not, I’d go somewhere traditional instead.) There’s a fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower from the top, too. Buy skip-the-line tickets to Centre Pompidou here.

Another option? Head to the Louvre and see the Mona Lisa  (La Joconde) for yourself! The Louvre can be overwhelming; I recommend limiting yourself to two or three sections of the museum (I happen to love the golden Gallerie d’Appolon).  Buy skip-the-line tickets to the Louvre here.

My favorite Paris museum is the Musée d’Orsay, which is home to incredible Impressionist paintings in a fantastic old train station. Buy skip-the-line tickets to the Musée d’Orsay here. Don’t forget to get a photo from the second level.

Not a museum fan? Check out a cool neighborhood instead! My top recommendations are Montmartre (18th arrondissement) or St. Germain (6th arrondissement). Pick out a destination in each — perhaps Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, or Les Deux Magots in St. Germain — but spend the bulk of your time wandering.

Late afternoon: See the Eiffel Tower up close

How you see it depends on how much time you have. You can take a hop-on-hop-off cruise down the River Seine if that interests you. I recommend taking the Metro Line 9 to Trocadéro for the most stunning surprise view of the tower when you turn the corner. From there you can take all the photos you want.

I do not recommend actually climbing the Eiffel Tower. Why? Because you won’t be able to see it in your photos! But if you insist, once again I recommend buying skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets due to your limited time. Make sure it includes the summit.

Instead, you can enjoy the most wonderful view from the Trocadéro Gardens and on the other side, Champs de Mars, a big long park.

I recommend getting a good view from the nearby Arc de Triomphe. It’s a 20-minute metro ride on the 6 from Bir-Hakeim/Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel to Charles de Gaulle Étoile, five-minute cab ride, or 30-minute walk.

Climb the Arc (once again…yep, skip-the-line Arc de Triomphe tickets are best here) and enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower as well as down the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde.

A free alternative is to go to the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette department store in the 9th. It’s not quite as close as the Arc, but it’s free to visit with a fabulous view — and a great way to experience your Paris sunset. Just don’t get sucked into the shopping!

75 minutes before your train: arrive at Gare du Nord

You have to go through immigration again at Gare du Nord, so it’s wise to arrive 75 minutes before your departure.

If you’re coming back from the Eiffel Tower, your best route is to take the 9 from Trocadéro to Mairie de Montreuil and switch to the 4, taking it to Gare du Nord. It should take around 35 minutes.

Enjoy that high-speed Eurostar train ride back to London, awash in your Paris memories. Now would be an excellent time to dive into those macarons you procured earlier!

Do’s and Don’t’s For a Day Trip to Paris from London

I’m not going to begrudge you for doing what you think is best for yourself, but here are some tips:

Do keep track of the time change. Paris is one hour ahead of London.

Do research opening times in advance. Especially so for museums. The Louvre and Centre Pompidou are closed Tuesdays, while the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin are closed Mondays, to start.

Do say, “Bonjour, madame!” or “Bonjour, monsieur!” whenever you enter a shop or restaurant. This is considered basic manners in France and if you don’t, you may be treated rudely in return.

Don’t leave central Paris. This tacks on a lot of time to what is already too short of a trip. Versailles, for example, is just outside the city center but can easily eat up more than half a day. That also goes for Chartres, Giverny, Reims, the Loire Valley, the beaches of Normandy, Disneyland Paris, and other day trips from Paris.

Do guard against pickpockets. If you use a purse, I recommend using a black crossbody purse that zips shut , preferably made of leather or faux leather. Keep your hand on it. You can also keep valuables in the hidden pocket in a  Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf  — I guarantee nobody will pickpocket you there!

Don’t leave love locks anywhere. They’re damaging to structures and your lock will be removed anyway. Just enjoy the city of love without vandalizing it in the process.

Don’t go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This may seem like shocking advice, but when you’re on top of the Eiffel Tower you can’t see the Eiffel Tower.

It’s like going to the top of the Empire State Building in New York — the most iconic building will be missing from your photos.

Definitely go to the base of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero Gardens for the best views, but if you want a good view from a building, I recommend the top of the Arc de Triomphe (close proximity), the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette department store in the 9th (a bit further away), or the top of the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre (furthest away but sweeping views over the whole city).

Do not, under any circumstances, forget an umbrella! Paris’s weather is similar to London’s, but only London gets the overcast weather fame. The weather changes quickly in Paris and rain can come out of nowhere, even on an otherwise sunny day. This travel umbrella is small enough to pack away but strong enough to hold its shape on a windy day.

What to Wear on a Day Trip to Paris

Parisians have a well-earned reputation for being among the best dressed in Europe. So what should you wear on a day trip to Paris?

It depends on the season, but my go-to outfit is a nice top or sweater, slim or skinny dark jeans, a faux leather moto jacket ( this one is similar to mine) or sleek winter coat, and a beautiful scarf or pashmina ( Speakeasy Travel Supply makes gorgeous scarves with a secret hidden pocket — perfect for Paris!).

For shoes, I recommend a pair of black flats with good arch support (I swear by black Abeo flats from the Walking Company ). If it’s cold, you might prefer  a pair of black boots .

My go-to stylish sneakers are these white leather Cole Haan sneaks . Top your look off with tasteful makeup, nice jewelry, and a pair of dark sunglasses .

You might enjoy dressing up a bit, especially if it’s warmer out. Wearing a nice dress makes for better photos and could earn you more cordial treatment from locals or even get you mistaken for being local.

What not to wear: Shorts, athletic sneakers, baseball caps, old-looking t-shirts, and anything with a university name on it will immediately brand you as a foreigner anywhere in Europe, but especially so in Paris. I recommend leaving these items at home.

Ready to go? Book train tickets from London to Paris here!

More on Paris:

• Solo Female Travel in Paris — Is it Safe?
• Where to Stay in Paris: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
• 33 Most Famous Streets in Paris
• How to Spend a Layover in Paris
• 100 Travel Tips for Paris
• The Art of the Chilled Out Trip to Paris

Have you done a day trip to Paris from London? Share away!

Home > Paris Travel Tips > Eurostar London to Paris Day Trip

Eurostar London to Paris Day Trip

London and Paris are two excellent city break destinations, each with their own unique quirks and charms . It might be that you are only able to squeeze one into your travel plans. But who’s to say you can’t enjoy both?

If you settle in London, you can still head out on a London to Paris day trip. The Eurostar London to Paris train is fast and reliable, and you can be in the French capital in only two hours and 20 minutes. Take the first 6 am train from Saint Pancras straight to Paris Gare du Nord, and you will have a full day in Paris for yourself!

You can take a Eurostar London to Paris tour as part of a full package or a self-guided trip. Here are some proposals for your Paris day trip from London for every type of traveler:  

TIP: If you are interested in a trip from London to Disneyland Paris, head to this post .

Eurostar London to Paris Day Tour (Guided)

If you want a hassle-free experience, why not go on a London to Paris day tour. This London to Paris tour is ideal for groups of friends or solo travelers, especially for those with limited time.

This Eurostar London to Paris day trip includes:

• Return Eurostar tickets
• Eiffel Tower admission (up to the second floor)
• Louvre Museum admission (or Orsay Museum tickets if you travel on Tuesday when the Louvre is closed)
• Panoramic tour of the city
• 1 hour River Seine cruise
• Map of Paris
• Friendly and informative guide
• Light meal on the Eurostar (for standard premier tickets)

This day tour London to Paris starts early. Guests need to meet at Chop’d Coffee Shop at 6 am.

This tour is fantastic for first-time visitors to Paris and a good value to see some of the most famous landmarks in Paris in one day. It is also wonderful seeing the city from so many different angles, from the bus to the river cruise, from the top of the Eiffel Tower to inside the Louvre, and their knowledgeable local guides make for a more informative trip. The return Eurostar train departs at 8:13 pm from Gare du Nord train station.

This tour is only held a few days per week, so be sure to plan ahead and book your Paris day trip from London.

Click here to book your guided trip from London to Paris

Flexible Eurostar London to Paris Tour

People opt for this 1-day tour from London to Paris because of its flexibility. This Flexible London to Paris day trip offers a structured guided tour or a flexible independent excursion. If you already know what you want to see, the independent day trip will be right up your street. If you want someone else to take the reins, try the escorted trip.

This day trip London to Paris includes:

• Transportation from London to Paris (Eurostar)
• Public transport information and city map
• Small group tour of Paris (on a small private coach)
• Sightseeing cruise
• Hop-on hop-off tour (for the self-guided tour option)

If you decide to take the guided tour, you will pass by the Seine River, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hotel de Ville, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and Basilique du Sacre-Cœur de Montmartre. It should be noted that this tour doesn’t allow for time to go up the Eiffel Tower, but it is one of the places that you will pass by.

This trip is ideal if you want to get an overview of the city. It is jam-packed with sightseeing opportunities, and you’ll always be on the go. With their highly informed guides, you’ll learn so much about Paris.

Click here to book this Flexible day trip London to Paris

Self-Guided London to Paris Day Trip

If you don’t want to be restricted by the confines of a Eurostar London to Paris tour, then why not go it alone. A self-guided Paris day trip from London is for those who want flexibility and a fun-filled day.

To make the most out of your 1-day tour from London to Paris, you’ll want to set out early. We, therefore, recommend you take one of the earliest trains from St Pancras and one of the last trains from Paris Gare du Nord.

The first train departs at 5:59 am and arrives at 9:17 am (remember Paris is an hour ahead), and the last train back to London departs Paris around 8 pm. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of the first train and category (standard, standard premier, and business premier) – Click here to see train times and prices

With one day in Paris, you don’t want to spend half of the time waiting in line! We suggest buying skip-the-line tickets for the main attractions online in advance. Tourist attractions like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, or the Sainte-Chapelle require booking a specific date and time slot.

Here’s our proposed itinerary for a self-guided London to Paris day trip :

When you arrive at Garde du Nord , you should take the Metro Line 4 to Saint-Michel Notre Dame station on Île de la Cité . Here you can marvel at the Sainte Chapelle , one of the most popular Paris attractions and well known for its remarkable stained-glass windows. You’ll need to book the tickets (date and time slot) to the Sainte-Chapelle in advance .

Next explore the western side of Île de la Cité. Place Dauphine is one of the Royal Squares in Paris , an attractive public square that embodies true Parisian elegance. Few venture to the western tip of Île de la Cité, but head there, and you’ll discover Square du Vert-Galant.

Next, cross over the Pont Neuf bridge over the River Seine towards the iconic Louvre Palace . You can marvel at it from the outside or decide to go inside the glass pyramid to visit some of its most popular artworks – Click here to buy your Louvre skip-the-line tickets

TIP: Here’s how to visit the Louvre Museum in 2 hours or less!

The nearby Tuileries Gardens are lovely to stroll around. Why not grab a bite to eat at one of the park’s kiosks, or if you packed a picnic eat on the grass?

Next, head to the Place de la Concorde . This is where King Louis XVI was beheaded during the French Revolution . In the center of this square, you can see the Egyptian Obelisk that was gifted to France during the 19th century.

The afternoon can be spent walking the Champs-Élysées up to the Arc de Triomphe . This London to Paris day trip doesn’t allow for much time, so make sure you book tickets to go up the Arc de Triomphe in advance . At the top, you’ll see some of the best views of Paris .

No trip to Paris is complete without some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower . From the Arc de Triomphe, take Metro Line 9 to Trocadéro station. Cross over the River Seine for a closer view of this iconic French landmark. Depending on your pace, you may have time to climb up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Make sure you plan in advance and book Eiffel Tower skip-the-line tickets (with a specific date and time slot) to maximize your time in Paris.

Take the glass-roofed Batobus (the only Paris hop-on hop-off river cruise ) from the base of the Eiffel Tower past Notre Dame or to the Jardin des Plantes if you have time. To get your Eurostar London to Paris return train, take the Metro Line 5 from Austerlitz station.

Back to Homepage

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps us to go on creating incredible Paris content for you. We trust all products promoted here and would never recommend a product that isn’t of value. World in Paris is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.

About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

A Day Trip to Paris with Eurostar

By: Author Amar Hussain

Posted on Last updated: May 5, 2020

We teamed up with Eurostar this month to do a little travel experiment; can you do Paris in a day?

A post shared by Guillaume Dutreix (@guillaume_dx) on Aug 19, 2016 at 8:53am PDT

Quick Links

Why travel to Paris with Eurostar?

Extra eurostar benefits, getting around paris by metro, paris tourist attractions and nearest metro stops, paris day trip route, want to do your own day trip to paris.

Eurostar seemed like an obvious choice to do a day trip to Paris from London. First off, the Eurostar timetable is frequent and the journey times are reasonable when you consider that you can check in is 30 minutes before and you’ll be hurtling along at 186mph. For you eco-warriors out there is also the green aspect to consider. We discovered that you use an 11th of the CO 2 emissions per passenger travelling on a return journey by Eurostar than you would if you flew to Paris. The best thing in my opinion is the location, at either ends. London St Pancras and Gare du Nord are both Zone 1 of their respective cities. At 6ft2 comfort on transport is always been my issue but I had no problem on Eurostar. The staff were also very quick to help us when we needed it so hats off to the Customer Service.

There are additional benefits to travelling with Eurostar in the form of Eurostar Plus.

Eurostar Plus Culture is a unique partnership between Eurostar and some of Europe’s most popular museums and galleries in Paris, Lille and Brussels. Travellers simply present their Eurostar ticket to take advantage of 2-for-1 entry into paying exhibitions. Paris galleries include: Musée d’Orsay les Galeries nationales du Grand Palais, Le musée du quai Branly , la Cité de la musique , le Jeu de Paume , le Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris.

Eurostar Plus Shopping gives passengers a 10% discount at the Galeries Lafayette Paris and Lille stores. At the Galeries Lafayette flagship store on Paris’ chic boulevard Haussman passengers can also receive an invitation to a private fashion show.

Paris is very easy to navigate by Metro and you’ve got several ticket options.

Single tickets are €1.70 or you can buy a Carnet of ten single tickets €12.70.

Mobilis tickets allow unlimited travel within a given zone. You can get a one day pass for Zone 1-2 for €6.40.

Paris Visite is a card that not only allows travel but also comes with partner benefits. A Zone 1-3 pass will cost you € 9.75 for the day. You can see the list of benefits here .

You’ll have to balance up your own needs. With Eurostar Plus you get discounts so you might not need a Paris Visite card and a Mobilis ticket would be more cost effective.

Arc de Triomphe – Charles de Gaulle Etoile, Line 2.

Champs Elysees – Champs Elysees, Line 1 or 13.

Eiffel Tower – Bir-Hakeim, Line 6.

Galeries Lafayette – Chaussee d’Antin La Fayette, Line 7.

Louvre Museum – Palais Royal, Line 7.

Notre Dame – Cité, Line 4.

Paris Opera – Opera, Line 7.

Sacr̩ Coeur РAnvers, Line 2.

If you’re going to do a day trip to Paris, you have to be selective about what you plan to see. It’s also best to plan it out beforehand so that you don’t waste time going back and forth on the metro.

We planned a route around Paris to take in the major sites that was also a loop on the Metro.

This route also takes in some of the city’s iconic landmarks. To find the best locations for snaps, check out this Paris Photography Guide .

We started off at Gare du Nord and took a short 10 minute train (Line 4 and then Line 2) to Anvers. Head out of the station and follow the line of souvenir shops up the hill and viola; Sacré Coeur! Great views of Paris from the top and a magnificent building inside and out.

Jump back on Line 2 in the same direction and 13 minutes and 9 stops later you’ll be at Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Pop out from underground and you’ll be right by the Arc de Triomphe. Careful with the roads here, it get’s a bit crazy. Want the perfect shot of the Arc? It’s more sensible than it sounds but stand in the middle of the road! Cross the road and stand by the traffic lights in the middle. You’ll get something that looks like this:

Now from here you have two options. If you’re really short on time or the weather isn’t great then you can grab Line 6 down to Bir Hakeim for the Eiffel Towel. Alternatively, walk down the Champs Elysees. It’s a picturesque spot for lunch however it’s certainly not a budget place to eat. If you want to mind the budget I would suggest heading down one of the roads leading off Champs Elysees to find a slightly cheaper restaurant.

You can walk all the way down the Champs Elysees to the Concorde or alternatively cut off and head south towards the river which is what we did. It’s a very manageable walk and walking down the river towards the Eiffel Tower is something everyone should do.

Cross over the bridge and walk under and through the Eiffel Tower. There’s a lot of green on the other side and we did spend a fair amount of time tanning on the grass. Once the sun got too much we did the short walk to Ecole Militaire. Grab Line 8 followed by Line 7 to Palais Royal for the Musée du Louvre.

Here we watched tourists taking all sorts of bizarre pictures of themselves trying to hold the tip of the pyramid or making it look like they were leaning on it. Then I got bullied by some pigeons but still loved being here all the same.

From here it takes 10 minutes to get to Cité via Line 7 and 4 to Notre Dame.

We had ended up with some spare time so we ended up buying ice cream, sitting on a wall and watched the shadows on Notre Dame change as the sun started to set.

When we were ready to move on we jumped on Line 4 back to Gare du Nord which took all of 10 minutes. It had been a long day but it was a stress free whip through border control and we were on the train and fast asleep.

The whole day I kept commenting on how I didn’t feel like I was in Paris because it was so easy to get there by train. I normally associate going to another country with the hassle of a flight but this just felt too easy. So can Paris be done in a day? Of course not. Like any city it would take an age to see and do everything but if you wanted to see the highlights in a day it’s perfectly achievable by Eurostar. My advice would be to plan what you want to see carefully before you go.

Well you’re in luck. Eurostar currently have a September sale on until the 15th September 2012 in which tickets can be used between 18th September and 19th December 2012. The sale includes thousands of seats from £59 return to either Paris or Brussels. Maybe you want an impromptu trip now while the weather is good (was 27 degrees yesterday while I was there) or perhaps a winter break to look forward to? Head to Eurostar now to pick up a bargain!

Thank you to Eurostar for providing Gap Year Escape with tickets to see what we could do with a day in Paris!

Amar was born and raised in England and embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. The first gap year inspired a second, which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Since then, Amar has spent the last 14 years traveling the 7 continents.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

norwood price

Thursday 30th of March 2017

Disappointed- I took the Eurostar from London to Paris. I paid 180 pounds sterling. The train had no wifi and was 90 minutes late. Over 60 minutes and you get a refund. Eurostar told me it was only 55 minutes late, so no refund. I know how long it took. This was faked to avoid a refund. I think this happens often. Next time, I will fly.

I travel often. My last trip was four months- Iceland to New Zealand. I love it. If Eurostar makes a promise, they should keep it.

Let's see how long this negative post stays up.

Gap Year Escape

Sunday 2nd of April 2017

That's a shame you had a negative experience. I've travelled with them a few times over the years and found it quite an enjoyable experience.

Exploring the South Eastern Region of France

Monday 27th of October 2014

[…] access any of the main cities by train from Paris, perhaps having travel over from the UK on the Eurostar. Hiring a car allows you to take your time and stop off in some of the central regions of the […]

Saturday 8th of September 2012

Eurostar provided me a good service. I liked how they treat customers which are very accommodating. Cant wait to get back there to Paris.

Friday 28th of September 2012

Yeah, you really can't fault the service!

• Stonehenge Tours
• London Tours
• Harry Potter
• Paris Trips
• Out of London
• Rock 'n' Roll
• Other Tours Open Top Bus Downton Abbey Lunch and Afternoon Tea Tower Of London London Eye Windsor Castle Evening Tours
• Contacts UK 020-7713-1311 US 1-800-815-4003
• All Products (28)
• Stonehenge Tours (9)
• London Tours (12)
• Paris Trips (8)
• Out Of London (10)
• Rock 'n' Roll (5)
• Harry Potter Tours (1)
• Open Top Bus (4)
• Downton Abbey (1)
• Lunch and Afternoon Tea (5)
• Windsor Castle (4)
• London Eye (4)
• Evening Tours (2)
• Value Tours (8)
• Tower of London (3)

Paris is undoubtedly one of the most culturally captivating cities in the world. Discover the beauty of the city with our range of Paris day trips and overnight breaks that start from just £178. The day trips and great value breaks travel by Eurostar train through the channel tunnel and will take you to central Paris in just 2 hours 16 minutes.

[email protected]

Copyright © Premium Tours 2024

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Earn onekeycash when you sign in and book an activity.

Check availability

• About this activity

Paris Day Trip via Eurostar with Open-Top Bus Tour

• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• High-speed train whisks you to Paris in under 2.5 hours
• Chance to see the French capital's landmarks by bus or boat
• Enchanting Paris ambiance, cobbled streets & elegant shops
• Sights include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame & the Louvre
• Immersion into the art, architecture & culture of Paris

Activity location

Meeting/redemption point.

• Euston Road
• N1C 4QP, London, England, United Kingdom
• Sat, May 11 -
• Sun, May 12 -
• Mon, May 13 -
• Tue, May 14 -
• Wed, May 15 -
• Thu, May 16 -
• Fri, May 17 -
• Sat, May 18 -
• Sun, May 19 -
• Mon, May 20 $315
• Tue, May 21 -
• Wed, May 22 -
• Thu, May 23 -
• Fri, May 24 -
• Sat, May 25 $315

Tour with Standard Class Train Ticket

• Activity duration is 17 hours 17h 17h

Day trip to Paris with open-top bus tour of the city and a reserved Eurostar standard seat.

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Roundtrip Eurostar tickets between London and Paris
• What's included What's included Open top bus tour
• What's included What's included Welcome pack
• What's included What's included Paris city map
• What's excluded What's excluded Lunch, dinner, and beverages
• What's excluded What's excluded Metro card

Know before you book

• Children under 3 are complimentary. You must bring a valid passport and visa if required. Please arrive at least 45min at the train station before your train departure time for check-in.
• Please note that there is a 1-hour time difference between London and Paris, with Paris 1 hour ahead.
• Meeting Point: Paul Express, Unit 2, St Pancras Station, Euston Road, London N1C 4QP Meeting time: 6.00am (5.30am on Saturdays), please arrive at least 10 minutes before the time stated. Departure Point: St.Pancras International station
• Monday to Friday and Friday 14th November 2022 till 6th Jan 2023. Exception (2nd January 2023): Check-in - 05:25am *Departure from London* 07:01am *Arrival into Paris* 10:17am *Return To London* 20:13 pm
• Every Saturday in November, December, Monday 2nd January 2023 and every day from 7th of Jan (inclusive) until end of August 2023: *Check In* 6.25am *Departure from London* 7:55 or 08:01am *Arrival into Paris* 11:17am *Return to London* 20:13pm
• Due to security reasons and regulations imposed by the train company and the attractions, you must contact the supplier 24 hours after the booking date (on 020 72337030 or [email protected]) to confirm the exact names of all the travelers within your booking.
• Times are subjected to change. When changes occur, we will notify our mutual clients via email and SMS notification. Please ensure the details are correct for each booking.
• Tickets need to contain first and last name as per clients' passport
• Once booked this tour is non-refundable. This tour is unescorted. Train seats will be reserved, however, Eurostar cannot guarantee that your group will be seated together. Please check your visa requirements and official COVID guidelines before you travel. Travellers will be responsible for arrangin

What you can expect

On this day trip from London, travel by high-speed train to the world's most romantic city, Paris. Experience the splendor of the French capital and see iconic landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.

After a speedy crossing under the Channel Tunnel, reach Paris in less than 2.5 hours. Admire the architectural magnificence of the city as you stroll through its central avenues and discover a city of history, art, and culture.

Pass by main monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, and the world-famous Eiffel Tower. Built for the World's Fair in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is Paris's iconic landmark and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

After you marvel at the banks of the Seine River—a UNESCO-World Heritage site—wander through charming squares and perhaps shop in chic boutiques. Observe the Parisian way of life and snap some memorable pictures of Paris.

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants

RELATED LINKS

On this page, paris independent, paris day tours, paris short breaks, most popular tours, special interest tours, tours from london, hop-on hop-off bus tours, central london tours.

• Guide to hotel areas
• Bed & breakfast
• Backpacker hostels
• Airbnb London
• Central London tours
• Tours from London
• Hop-on hop-off bus tours
• Harry Potter tours
• Stonehenge tours
• Downton Abbey tours
• Windsor tours
• Cotswolds tours
• Private tours
• Ticket & pass offers
• Central London attractions
• Attractions outside London
• Harry Potter attractions
• Tower of London
• PUBLIC TRANSPORT
• London City
• London Southend
• Southampton

Day tours to Paris from London by fast Eurostar train service

Visit paris in a day from london, with discounted tour - lunch on eiffel tower.

The Eurostar high speed train service to Paris take just 2 hours 15 minutes to travel between London St Pancras International station to Paris. The terminus in Paris is the Gare du Nord Station which like St Pancras is on the periphery of the centre of Paris.

It is a long full day in Paris, but the Eurostar trains enable around 7 hours sightseeing in Paris.

Eurostar train fares are very volatile. At short notice the whole cost of a Paris day tour can be significantly cheaper than a walk-up Eurostar train fare.

At Easter and Christmas/New Year, special longer duration versions of the 3-day tours are commonly made available.

See our range of day tours from London to Paris below , including options for independently minded visitors as well as guided options.

And right now there's a SALE: 3-course lunch on the Eiffel Tower and cruise on the River Seine day tour from London , making it the best value yet - not much more than the Welcome to Paris guided option. Grab yourself a bargain while it lasts.

All tours offer a River Seine Cruise , and you can choose your level of guiding to suit.

Paris special day tour - unguided   Welcome to Paris day tour - guided   SALE: Lunch on the Eiffel Tower - luxury  

Three day tours to Paris to choose from - guided or independent?

Choosing a Paris day tour depends on your requirements. On this page we give you three options, from very independent through to fully guided. The choice is yours.

• The Paris Special 1-day tour  is for independently minded visitors and includes day return tickets on the Eurostar train together with the services of a guide for assistance and tips. Paris maps and information on getting the most from your day are provided and a one hour Paris river cruise is included.
• The Welcome to Paris escorted 1-day tour  adds a panoramic coach tour of the highlights of Paris to the train tickets plus a river cruise. You then have substantial free time to visit those Paris icons like the Eiffel Tower you want to spend more time at, or perhaps go shopping or take in Paris people watching from a typical Parisian cafe.
• The Luxury Paris 1-day with 3 course lunch on Eiffel Tower is the ultimate day in Paris including all that the standard tour offers plus a 3 course lunch on the newly renovated restaurant on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower, in addition to a Seine river cruise in the afternoon.

Common features of all day tours to Paris from London

The common feature of all day tours to Paris is the Eurostar train service and the services of a tour manager for guidance and information.

In London the railway station is St Pancras International Station, just to the north of the very centre of London.

No hotel transfers are included to or from St Pancras.

It is an early start, you will need to be at St Pancras by 6 am to meet the tour representative. The tour representative will help you with check-in.

Note: you will need a passport and if applicable to your home country, a visa valid for visiting France.

You will have reserved seats on the Eurostar train. The train is scheduled to take around 2 hours 15 minutes to the centre of Paris.

On arrival in Paris, and through customs what happens next depends on the grade of tour purchased, (see detail below).

All tours include a 1-hour river cruise on the Seine but the cheapest tour does not offer the panoramic coach tour of Paris.

The return journey leaving Paris means you will be at check-in around 6 pm. (Note Paris and London are not co-ordinated on time zones and daylight summer saving. Most of the time Paris is 1 hour ahead of London.)

(Note the Louvre is closed every Tuesday and many Paris museums are closed one day a week - so if you have a particular place in mind to check out its opening days before you book.)

Day tour 1 - Paris Special - escorted day trip to Paris

Paris Special with escort day on-board Eurostar day trip includes:

• Round-trip Eurostar tickets with seat reservations
• One hour River Seine cruise
• Map of Paris including public transport information
• Time for shopping and sightseeing

The entry level escorted tour takes care of course of all the ticketing involved. One of the advantages of taking a tour is that the tour operators can offer a fixed price tour company rate. Eurostar trains have very volatile dynamic prices. At short notice and at popular times the price of the whole tour can be half the price of the fares being offered.

This tour also includes a 1-hour river cruise on the River Seine.

PARIS SPECIAL WITH ESCORT ONBOARD EUROSTAR

Paris in one day tour from London including Eurostar

• Adult from £259 • Child (4-11 years) from £249 • Senior & student from £256

• Seat reservation on Eurostar • Map of Paris including public transport information • Time for shopping and sightseeing • 1-hr Seine river cruise

Day tour 2 - Welcome to Paris - escorted with panoramic coach tour + river cruise

Welcome to Paris day trip with professional guide includes:

• Panoramic guided coach tour of Paris

On arrival in Paris you will taken on a panoramic guided tour of the world's most romantic city. Enjoy spectacular views of Notre Dame, Le Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and more.

During the day you will have the chance to visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame etc or perhaps head off to the shopping district on your own or relax and enjoy lunch while soaking up Parisian life. You can also enjoy a one hour river cruise on the Seine.

WELCOME TO PARIS DAY TRIP WITH PROFESSIONAL GUIDE

Paris in one day tour from London including Eurostar with Seine river cruise

• Adult from £309 • Child (4-11 years) from £299 • Senior & student from £306

• Seat reservation on Eurostar • Guided coach tour of Paris • 1-hr Seine river cruise • Map of Paris • Time for shopping & sightseeing

Day tour 3 Luxury escorted day tour to Paris 3 course Lunch Cruise on Eiffel Tower

Luxury escorted Paris day trip with lunch on Eiffel Tower & River Seine cruise:

• Seat reservations on the Eurostar
• Fully guided panoramic coach tour of Paris
• 3-course lunch including wine and coffee on the Eiffel Tower (1st floor)
• Fast entry access to the Eiffel Tower 1st Level
• Cruise on River Seine

Upon arrival you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city taking in all the major sites including Champs Elysees, Opera House and the River Seine before arriving at the Eiffel Tower. What better way to enjoy lunch than on the Eiffel Tower itself, one of the world's most famous monuments?

Fast entry ticket means you will have priority access and reserved seats in the newly opened restaurant. Sit back and enjoy a fabulous three course meal while soaking up the atmosphere of arguably the world's most beautiful city.

Reopened in June 2022, the 1st floor fully renovated brasserie is run by 2 Michelin stars chef Thierry Marx, offering contemporary brasserie cuisine. The restaurant opens 360 degrees onto the Iron Lady’s metal structure for you to enjoy its beauty, and offers a breathtaking view of the Trocadero and the Palais de Chaillot.

After lunch you can enjoy a romantic cruise on the River Seine with spectacular views of Notre Dame, Musee D'Orsay and Place de la Concorde.

In the early evening you will head back to Gard du Nord for your return journey to London.

LUXURY ESCORTED PARIS DAY TRIP WITH EIFFEL TOWER LUNCH + RIVER CRUISE

Paris in one day tour from London including Eurostar with 3 course lunch on the Eiffel Tower with river cruise

• Adult £359 £323.10 • Child (4-11 years) £349 £314.10 • Senior & student £356 £320.40

• Fully escorted • Seat reservation on Eurostar • 3 course lunch on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower including wine & coffee • Guided coach tour of Paris • Fast track entry to Eiffel Tower • Cruise on River Seine

MOST POPULAR TOURS FROM LONDON 2024

Visiting stonehenge and/or windsor and/or bath, visiting cotswolds and/or oxford and/or stratford and/or warwick, visiting canterbury, leeds castle & dover, special theme tours, day tours by train to liverpool, paris & scotland, 2 to 12 day tours covering great britain, ireland, paris & amsterdam.

• Tours from London - Out of London Tours >

Paris Day Tour from London with Eurostar Tickets & Travelcard

Our Paris day tour from London includes return Eurostar tickets and is ideal if you wish to explore the city independently. Choose to include a Paris Travel Card with access to all metro lines and buses for quick access to the famous Paris landmarks.  Alternatively, take a relaxing River Seine cruise, or an open-top bus tour to help you get acquainted with the city. The comfortable highspeed Eurostar Train travels between Central London and Central Paris in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Take advantage of low-price Eurostar tickets, which are often cheaper than booking directly with Eurostar. Enjoy the convenience of adding a Travel Card river cruise, or a hop-on-hop-off open-top bus tour with your Eurostar tickets.

We have included below some ideas on our Paris from London day tour with Eurostar tickets.

And, of course, you will have plenty of time to stop for coffee and a meal as and when you want.

Why Choose this Tour?

We offer many tours to Paris on our website. Here are a few helpful reasons to choose this tour or to go on another Paris Tour. Please note that all of our tours included Eurostarstar return train tickets.

• This is the only tour we offer that does not include guiding services, so it is perfect if you wish to explore the city by yourself
• The Eurostar ticket price is often cheaper than booking directly
• If you would like to include some attraction tickets or a lunch on the Eiffel Tower, please consider our other Paris Tours

Travel Card, Open Top Bus or River Cruise

River Seine Cruise

TravelCard (if selected)

With the 1 day Travelcard, you have access to all public transport: metro, RER, bus, tram, and Montmartre funicular in zones1-3 of Paris, covering all of Central Paris. Paris public transport is very efficient and is a fast way to get around the city.

Open Top Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus tour (if selected)

You can hop on and hop off at any one of ten stops covering a circular route through central Paris. The stops are conveniently located close to many of the most famous sites, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame.

You can see a map here>>>

River Cruise (if selected)

Admire the world’s most romantic city as you cruise along the River Seine. The one-hour cruise passes many of Paris’s highlights, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. From the river, absorb the feel of this stunningly beautiful city.

The river cruise departs from the foot of the Eiffel Tower on the riverside ” Port de Suffren, “very close to bus stop #9.

London from Paris with a travel card, Open Top bus or River Seine cruise

Place des Vosges in the Marais District

Monday to Friday 

• 5.30am: Meet your travel representative at Paul Express coffee shop, St Pancras Station
• 7.01am: Eurostar train departs for Paris from London, with a journey time of 2hr 16m. There is a 1-hour time difference between London and Paris, so you will arrive at 10.17am
• 10.16am: Arrive in Paris, Gare Du Nord train station
• 8.13pm: Depart Paris Gare du Nord train station. (Please arrive at least 45mins before departure time.)
• 9.30pm: Arrive back at London St Pancras train station
• 6.25am: Meet your travel representative at Paul Express coffee shop, St Pancras station
• 7.55am or 8.01am: Eurostar train departs for Paris from London, with a journey time of 2hr 16m. There is a 1-hour time difference between London and Paris, so you will arrive at 11.17am
• 11.17am: Arrive in Paris Gare du Nord train station
• 8.13pm: Depart Paris Gare du Nord train station. {Please arrive at least 45mins before departure time.)
• Our tour of Paris includes return Eurostar train tickets
• You can choose to include a bus tour, river cruise
• Audio guide available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German on the bus
• The tour does not include any food or drink
• Our Paris from London tour is non-refundable

Important Travel Information

• Tickets are issued under the lead passenger’s name
• Reserved seats on the train
• You are required to carry a valid passport with you, which will be validated at the check-in desk in St Pancras.
• Please check your visa requirements before you travel.
• Eurostar train timings can change. You will receive the exact train timings in your email confirmation after booking.
• Any delays or cancellation of trains is the sole responsibility of Eurostar
• Please note there is a 1-hour time difference between London & Paris

Further ideas of places to visit

• Eiffel Tower
• The Louvre museum
• Musee d’Orsay museum
• Champs Elysee and Arc de Triomphe
• Notre Dame Cathedral and the Isle de la Cite
• Montmartre and Sacre Coeur

Alternatives

• Canal Saint Martin (Trendy neighborhood for young Parisiens and students)
• Rive Gauche and the Sorbonne University
• The Luxembourg Gardens
• Place des Vosges
• Rent a bike
• Picasso Museum
• Villa Windsor (home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor)
• Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Rooftop Gardens of the Galleries Lafayette Department store for great view

Map Of Paris

Tour Booking

Please note the following upgrades are currently unavailable

Eiffel Tower:

Visit the most iconic landmark in Paris. You’ll get to visit the second floor of the Tower and enjoy amazing views of Paris. Enjoy views of the  Arc de Triomphe, the Sacré-Cœur, the Pantheon and much more!

Louvre Museum*

Visi the museum that is home to the most famous painting of all time – The Mona Lisa. The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world that is home to an incredible collection of artwork.

*The Louvre does not open on Tuesdays. You will visit Musee d’Orsay instead.

Upgrade to Standard Premier Eurostar 

Choose to upgrade your Eurostar train tickets to Standard Premier. Standard Premier tickets include a light meal served at your seat, spacious seats and a generous luggage allowance of 2 bags around 85cm long and one small piece of hand luggage. You will also receive complimentary magazines and charging points for your phone or tablet.

In the early evening, we head back to Gare du Nord for our return journey to London.

terms and conditions

You might also be interested.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Edinburgh Day Tour by Train from London

Cotswolds Tour with Pub Lunch from London

Liverpool & The Beatles Day Tour by Train from London

Stonehenge & Bath Tour from London

Paris Tours from Eurostar Trains Tours from the Eurostar trains at Gare Du Nord Station

Award winning day trips of paris direct from the eurostar trains from london and europe, including collection/return to gare du nord station..

• Paris' ONLY fully guided tours direct from the Eurostar trains: No left to wandering around
• Make the most of an opportunity - A hassle free day trip to discover the best of Paris
• Choose from our range of tours to Paris, Versailles or Disneyland Paris.
• Private car/minibus/coach according to your party's size
• Complete packages available, inclusive of Eurostar tickets & transfers from your London accommodation
• Exclusive to Paris Magical Tours: Driver/Guide or Tour Team (Tour Guide plus additional Chauffeur) See Paris Magical Tours Difference

Tour Itinerary

As the original pioneers of the Layover Tour, we are aware of how important time is when you only have a half or full day to visit a location.

With our meet and greet service, the tour begins from the moment you arrive in Paris. You will be welcomed at Gare Du Nord Station as you step off the Eurostar train by a representative carrying a Paris Magical Tours sign before beginning your tour with your own private sightseeing driver-guide or a team of a professional tour guide and in addition, your own chauffeur. The perfect combination to avoid all inconviniences and help get the most out of your day.

Our curbside service stops right by each attraction: there is no better way to avoid delays and help make the most of your valuable sightseeing time.

Following the tour you can be returned to a central Paris hotel or if on a day trip, back to Eurostar train to continue with your journey. Simply choose from any one of our Paris Tours , including our visits to the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland Paris, all of which are available as a day trip option from the Eurostar.

Tours from Eurostar Gare Du Nord Eurostar trains to/from London and the rest of Europe arrive at Gare du Nord Station. As a guideline, allow 10 minutes to clear Immigration and Customs on arrival. Check in time for trains to Europe is approx. 1 hour before the scheduled departure time.

THE MAGICAL LONDON TO PARIS PACKAGE: Eurostar Tickets & Transfers

L ooking for an all inclusive package, with train tickets and transfers from your London accommodation included? Simply let us know your travel dates and we can the Magical London to Paris package, a complete day intinerary, including delivery of your Eurostar tickets and transportation for complete peace of mind. Transfers to and from your central London hotel to the Eurostar at St Pancras Station are also included through our London organisation, London Magical Tours

EUROSTAR TRAIN TICKETS

Standard is a comfortable economy class, offering the lowest available fare.

Standard Premier offers a dedicated travel coach and complimentary light meal served at your seat.

Business Premier offers a dedicated travel coach with spacious seating for additional comfort, use of the executive lounge prior to departure and a three course gourmet meal with drinks served at your seat.

IMMIGRATION AND LUGGAGE

A s a guideline, allow approx. 10 minutes to begin your tour after your train's scheduled arrival time. It is recommended to check in for trains to Europe at least one hour before your scheduled departure time. Our customer service team is happy to advise on the best option according to your schedule.

Passengers are able to bring one item of carry on luggage each with them onboard the tour vehicle. If you will have greater luggage requirements please let us know and we will be happy to advise accordingly.

Tour Extras

VIP Service

Upgrade to the VIP levels: Gold, Platinum or Platinum Plus for extra benefits, including a professional tour guide and extra chauffeur team*, upgraded vehicles for extra space & comfort and exclusive experiences.

Traditional Lunch

Prebook a meal at one of our selected historic Paris restaurants to save time. Free cordial drinks and priority service, exclusively to Paris Magical Tours clients.

Children's Programme

Visiting with children aged under 16? Include the Magical Children's Programme option to add a fun and engaging range of activities to your tour.

TOUR DATES / TIMES / LANGUAGES

Daily throughout the year. Tour times are offered to best suit your train schedules and our dedictated team are happy to advise accordingly. Outside working hour services are also available for late arrivals.

Tour prices are quoted in both English and French languages. Tours are also available in most languages through our specialist multi-lingual guide team, including Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese. Language surcharges may apply.

Tour Comments

Other Tour Ideas

PARIS DAY TOUR (5HRS)

MAGICAL PARIS TOUR (7HRS)

MAGICAL VERSAILLES TOUR (5HRS)

• What is a private tour?
• What time do the tours start?
• Where can I be collected from?
• What are the differences between the 3 hr and 7 hr Paris tours?
• Will we get out of the vehicle to sightsee and take photos or is it just a drive-by?
• Are lunch/entrance fees included?

From France: 0171 025 009 From Abroad: + 33 171 025 009 Toll Free USA & Canada + 1 866 834 8371

Enquiry Form

Paris Magical Tours 6 Lower Grosvenor Place London SW1W 0EN

Magical Tours Blog

• What To Do During My Paris Layover?
• Paris Magical Tours – The Paris Olympics 2024!
• Spring 2023: Visiting Paris
• Tours of Paris Christmas Lights

12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding Eurostar Between Paris and London

Riding Eurostar between Paris and London is an amazing travel experience. Not only is it a smooth and fun ride, but it can save you time and stress when compared to flying. If you’ve never ridden Eurostar before, here are some tips to help you have a better trip.

• 1 How Early Should I Arrive For The Eurostar Train
• 2 Are Passports Checked on the Eurostar Train
• 3 How Long Are You Underwater on the Eurostar
• 4 Is Eurostar Quicker Than Flying
• 5 Does the Eurostar Feel Fast
• 6 Is It Better To Fly or Take Eurostar to Paris and London
• 7 Is Eurostar Scary
• 8 Is Eurostar a Double Decker Train
• 9 Can You See Underwater on Eurostar
• 10 Does Eurostar Check Your Bags
• 11 Do You Keep Your Luggage With You On Eurostar
• 12 Are There Tables on Eurostar
• 13 Booking Train Tickets In Europe

How Early Should I Arrive For The Eurostar Train

You should arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure on Eurostar. On our recent ride it took 30 minutes to get through customs and immigration on our way to London. On top of getting through these security checks, you’ll want to arrive early enough to enter the train when boarding opens, which is 20-30 minutes before the train leaves.

Are Passports Checked on the Eurostar Train

Passports are checked when riding on the Eurostar train. You passport will be checked at the Gare du Nord station in Paris before boarding the Eurostar train from Paris to London. There are separate lines for EU passport holders and all other passport holders. The check is made after you go upstairs to the London Hall.

How Long Are You Underwater on the Eurostar

The speed limit in the Channel Tunnel for trains is 160kph / 100mph. The Channel Tunnel is under the English Channel for 37.9 km or 23.5 miles, which is the worlds longest undersea tunnel. When riding the Eurostar you’ll be underwater for about 13 minutes.

Is Eurostar Quicker Than Flying

It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to go from Paris to London on Eurostar. With security and customs checks taking an additional 30 minutes, your total travel time from the city center can be 3 hours. Eurostar is quicker than flying due to airport security taking longer than train security and the location of the airports.

Does the Eurostar Feel Fast

The Eurostar does not feel fast while you are riding on it. It is a very quiet and smooth train and you’ll have trouble figuring out how fast you are going without looking at a speedometer. Even though you’ll be travelling at around 100mph through the tunnel and 160mph outside of the tunnel, it won’t feel that fast.

Is It Better To Fly or Take Eurostar to Paris and London

It is better to take Eurostar to Paris and London versus flying. When riding on Eurostar the stations are in the city center, which will save you time and money once you reach your destination. If you fly, you’ll be landing at a remote airport and need to take a train into the city. It is also a big time saver to ride Eurostar versus flying.

Is Eurostar Scary

Eurostar is not scary and will not feel different than riding any other train. Most trains go through several tunnels at some point, and the Channel Tunnel will feel just like any other tunnel, just a little longer. If you didn’t know you were underwater you wouldn’t be able to tell. Riding Eurostar should not be a frightening experience as it is a very smooth and quiet train ride.

Is Eurostar a Double Decker Train

The Eurostar is not a double decker train, it is a single level train. Seats can be purchased in 3 separate classes, but all classes are on the same level. There are no stairs to negotiate when riding on Eurostar. You’ll have a choice of sitting in the direction of travel or away from it, but there are no levels to choose from.

Can You See Underwater on Eurostar

Eurostar trains have nice picture windows at the seats that let you see outside. When you are in the underwater section of the ride you will only see the inside of the Channel Tunnel. You cannot see underwater while riding on Eurostar, so no you will also not see any fish.

Does Eurostar Check Your Bags

There is a bag check before boarding Eurostar. Since you are changing countries while on the train, your bags must pass through customs, where they will be scanned and checked. It is a much quicker check than at an airport. You’ll load all of your luggage onto the belt and it’ll be scanned in a matter of seconds.

Do You Keep Your Luggage With You On Eurostar

When riding Eurostar you’ll keep your bags with you on the train. Your bags will either go in the luggage racks at the end of the car, or in the overhead space above your seat. There is plenty of space for your bags. You’ll need to label all of your bags with your name before riding. Simply put your bags on the racks, find your seat and enjoy the ride, then grab your bags on the way off the train.

Are There Tables on Eurostar

Each train car on Eurostar will have tables. Not every seat will have a formal table though, as most just have a fold down tray from the back of the seat in front of them. If you want to sit at a table, reserve seats that face each other, as those seats have tables between them.

Booking Train Tickets In Europe

We book our train tickets in Europe using either Trainline or Rail Europe . These services offer an easier customer experience as we’ve found our credit cards work better when booking through these sites. Eurostar Tickets can be booked on either platform. In addition Rail Europe offers rail passes if you are planning a longer trip.

Eurostar is a marvel of the train world. What many once thought was impossible is now possible by travelling under the English Channel. It is certainly one of the most unique and memorable short rides on a train you can take.

No matter if you are travelling from Paris to London on Eurostar or the other way around, we hope you have an enjoyable and memorable trip!

Robert Marmion

Best Eurostar destinations to visit in 2024: Top routes from London to Paris, Amsterdam and more

S ince launching in 1994, the Eurostar has carried over 200 million passengers across the UK , France , Belgium, the Netherlands , and Germany .

The famed train service whizzes travellers across the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel, completing the journey from London to its nearest stop, Lille in northern France, in just 1h 22m.

And although some of its previously popular routes, such as London-Marseille and the direct train to Disneyland Paris , have been scrapped due to a combination of Covid and Brexit red tape, the addition of routes to destinations including Amsterdam , Rotterdam and Cologne has ensured that Eurostar remains an increasingly popular and environmentally sustainable way for Brits to travel.

What was once a groundbreaking service continues to innovate, and nowadays it provides a gateway to over 100 European destinations, as well as direct travel to much-loved European cities such as Paris and Brussels, with return tickets available for as little as £78.

Below, The Independent has compiled a list of some of the best places that you can visit directly with Eurostar.

Paris, France

Journey time from london: 2h 16m.

The French capital is Eurostar’s flagship destination, with journeys from London taking just two hours and 16 minutes. In 2023, Paris remains as popular as ever, welcoming over 30 million tourists per year. Its architectural sights and attractions are among some of the most visited in Europe, from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Art lovers can visit the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay galleries – containing works such as the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s self-portrait – while many visitors will take the opportunity to explore the city’s different districts (known as arrondissements ).

Read more on Europe travel :

• A weekend trip to this Bucharest wellness retreat costs the same as a day pass to a London spa
• Best budget European city break destinations: Value hot spots for your bucket list
• The best hotels in Europe: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

Many of the main tourist attractions are located in the 1st arrondissement, though neighbourhoods such as the quaint, atmospheric Latin Quarter (5th) or historic, traditional Le Marais (4th) are also well worth exploring. For those who really want to tick off all the sites on their trip, Montmartre (and Sacre Coeur, in the 18th) and the Champs-Elysees (8th) will undoubtedly be on the list.

Best time to visit Paris

June is a month where Paris really shines. The middle of the month plays host to the end of the French Open at Roland Garros, while the weather is usually pleasantly warm and the city receives less rain than almost every other month. With average highs of 23C and average temperatures around 20C, it’s the perfect time to explore the City of Light  – though be aware that in 2024, the city will host the summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games July, August and September.

Where to stay

The beauty of visiting such a large city is that you don’t have to stay in the centre to get the best experience. Le Pigalle is located in the neighbourhood of the same name, just a mile-and-a-half away from Sacre Coeur, the Champs-Elysees and the Louvre, while its prices are far more affordable than city centre rivals.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Journey time from london: 3h 50m.

The three hour and 50 minute journey to Amsterdam has quickly soared in popularity since its launch in 2018 due to its simplicity and convenience. Another city that is beloved by Brits, the Dutch capital is famous for its picturesque, gabled-house-lined streets and network of interlocking canals, all of which are resplendent when the sun shines.

From the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to the Anne Frank house, the city has plenty of cultural and historic landmarks. It is also a great size to explore on foot or by bike, whether wandering the streets of the controversial Red Light District (known as De Wallen) or more trendy neighbourhoods such as Oud-West or De Pijp.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

With a climate similar to that of the UK, Amsterdam is a European city that’s usually bearable to visit at the height of summer; July’s average temperature hovers around 18C (while average daily highs reach 23C). However, with plenty to see and do whatever the weather, it makes for a great year-round city break destination that’s just as charming in winter, autumn and spring.

Located on the grand Herengracht canal, the Ambassade Hotel is within easy walking distance of the Royal Palace, Anne Frank Museum and Rijksmuseum, and offers grand, elegant interiors in its canal-side building.

Brussels, Belgium

Journey time from london: 1h 50m.

Another historic European city, Brussels also acts as Eurostar’s Belgian hub, with connecting trains available for equally scenic cities such as Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. The journey is one of Eurostar’s shortest (at just over one hour and 50 minutes), though it’s great to spend more than just a day to the Belgian and EU capital.

The city centres around the Grand Place, a 17th-century Unesco Heritage Site adorned with Baroque and Gothic buildings that serves as the city’s central square. Museums such as The Atomium, Royal Museums of Fine Art and House of European History offer different exhibitions on Belgian and European history, arts and science, while those exploring further may come across Brussels icons including Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace or Cinquantenaire Park. When it all gets too much, sit down and sample some of the city’s famous beer, chocolate, waffles or fries.

When to visit Brussels

July and August are the warmest and driest months in Brussels, with average highs reaching 23C. However, travelling outside of school in late spring or early autumn will see accommodation and travel prices drop significantly.

With its own indoor pool, Finnish sauna and hot tub, 9Hotel Sablon is just five minutes away from Grand Place and is well-placed for exploring the city centre.

Lille, France

Journey time from london: 1h 22m.

At just one hour and 22 minutes from London, Lille is Eurostar’s nearest destination and the gateway to northern France. Another 17th-century city, Lille is characterised by its Old Town area, with red brick buildings and paved pedestrian streets centring around its own ‘Grand Place’ (named after famed general, Charles de Gaulle) and buildings such as the old Stock Exchange (known as the Vieille Bourse).

While few cities can compete with the wealth of tourist offerings in Paris , Lille has its own notable gothic cathedral (Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille) and the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, a fine arts museum containing works from artists including Goya and Picasso. You can also easily explore the city on foot, taking in its eclectic mix of Flemish, Baroque, Art Deco and modern architecture.

When to visit Lille

July is the best month to experience the northern French city, when weather is at its all-round best. Expect average highs of 23C, although this can drop as low as 14C at night.

Found on the city’s Grand Place, the Grand Hotel Bellevue is set in a Flemish building just 100 yards away from the metro. The hotel has been recently renovated and offers comfortable rooms with traditional decor and views onto the square.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Journey time from london: 3h 13m.

The Netherlands’ second city is much less visited than nearby Amsterdam but is a more modern, futuristic alternative to the historic capital. Architecture such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, the Markthal food market and even the city’s central station attest to this, as does the presence of skyscrapers and modern shopping centres in the central district. Nevertheless, the city still has several green spaces and older areas that have contributed to its contemporary identity.

First among the parks are Kralingse Bos and Het Park, where the Euromast tower provides excellent views over the city. To see where the city has preserved more of its history, head to the bustling Rotterdam Harbour – the largest seaport in Europe – and the Maritime Museum, or art and architecture museums such as the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen or the Netherlands Architecture Institute.

When to visit Rotterdam

Much like neighbouring Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s best weather comes at the height of summer when there are plenty of festivals and events on, but it’s similarly suitable to visit at any time of year thanks to its wide range of indoor activities.

Housed in a charming old building that was formerly the head office of the Holland America Line cruise operator, Hotel New York provides spacious rooms with modern interiors, two restaurants, its own terrace and extensive views over the harbour and the river.

Cologne, Germany

Journey time from london: from 4h 11m.

Cologne is the only German city that you can reach on Eurostar trains – though you stop for a connection in Brussels – and is the furthest you can get using only Eurostar. This northern city is famed for its extensive carnival celebrations, it’s Christmas markets and a vast gothic cathedral that took around 600 years to complete. In 2024, it’ll be on the radar of even more tourists after being announced as a host city for the summer’s Euro 2024 football tournament.

One of the city’s most well-known exports is its kölsch , an ale brewed in the city and served in any of the many brauhäuser (brewhouses, which are the local equivalent of pubs) that dot the streets of the old town. Once you’ve taken in the sights and tastes around the cathedral, banks of the Rhine and the botanical garden, take your tastebuds on another journey at the Schokoladen Museum (Chocolate Museum) or indulge your artistic tastes at the Ludwig Museum, home to the third largest collection of Picasso pieces in the world.

When to visit Cologne

If you can brave the cold and potential snow, a visit in December will coincide with one of Germany’s largest and best Christmas markets, while February sees one of the largest carnival celebrations on the continent. To best enjoy the beer gardens and river views, opt for May or June.

The Eden Hotel Früh am Dom offers affordable accommodation in a convenient location near the cathedral. It is part of the Früh am Dom brewhouse, one of the most renowned in the city, and offers easy access to the old town and the riverside.

Travelski Express

Journey time from london: from 8h 17m.

Although the Eurostar Ski Train has been scrapped, tour operator Travelski now provides package skiing holidays including train travel operated by Eurostar. You can visit destinations including Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d’isere, Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel, with direct trains running from St Pancras to Moutiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Trains depart on Saturday mornings, arriving in the early evening, and depart the resorts early on Sunday eight days later.

Packages offer “a broad range of accommodation options, from self-catered apartments to hotels and chalets”, and include a seven-day lift pass. The easiest resort to reach is Les Arcs; from Bourg, travellers can simply catch the funicular service up the mountain at no extra cost.

When to visit the French Alps

It is recommended to check conditions before you go (and many resorts will vary depending on altitude), but the best time to ski in the Alps is usually from January to early April, though the season can run from December to late April.

Dates and partner accommodation for 2025 is yet to be announced, but check uk.travelski.com regularly for updates.

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Europe

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

The 5 Best Paris Day Trips From London [2024 Reviews]

While there may be water separating them, did you know it’s actually pretty easy to get from London to Paris in the same day? If you’re already in the British capital, you can’t miss taking a day to explore the French one.

Known for its incredible history, architecture, art, fashion scene, and food, you’d be crazy not to check out the City of Lights. I’ve done the trip myself, and there’s many ways to go about it, depending on the time, budget, and your preferred way of travel.

Without further ado, here are the best day trips to Paris from London tours!

Best Day Trips to Paris From London

Quick answer: the 5 best rated paris day trips from london for 2024.

• From London: Luxury Paris Full-Day Trip
• Welcome to Paris Day Trip from London via Train
• Guided Paris Day Trip from London
• Paris Rail Day Trip from London with Optional Guided Tour or Sightseeing Bus
• Paris Rail Day Trip from London

Paris Day Trips From London Reviews

1. from london: luxury paris full-day trip.

• Duration: 14 hours
• Departure:  St. Pancras International Station
• Departure Time: 6:00 AM
• Includes:  Transfers by Eurostar,  Fast-track entry to the Eiffel Tower,  Cruise on the River Seine,  Transportation in Paris by panoramic coach

By now, you probably are very well aware that London is a fascinating place to visit, from its royal history and traditions to world-class museums and theaters.

It has a more “consistent” type of beauty, whereas Paris has perhaps even more beauty but areas that are much worse, as well. If you’d like to check out the former, sign yourself up for the From London: Luxury Paris Full-Day Trip tour !

Start out by meeting your guide and the rest of your group to catch the Eurostar at the crack of dawn, and rest easy knowing that all transfers will be taken care of. Seats are very comfortable, clean, and the inside of the vehicle is climate-controlled with big windows for viewing.

Arrive at the London St. Pancras station where you’ll be escorted onto the 06:55 train to Paris – this is a truly relaxing and beautiful journey!

Once in the opulent French capital, you’ll hop on a bus to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, such as Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, along with the upscale designer stores on the elegant main street of Champs-Elysees.

Then, you’ll have the opportunity for a VIP tour of the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll skip past the always-long lines and head straight to your reserved lunch at the recently-relaunched ‘Madame Brasserie’ location on the first floor.

Once you step inside the restaurant and sit down, you’ll enjoy full 360-degree views over the Trocadero, Palais de Chaillot, and even get to see the iron tower’s structure up close, which is pretty cool.

Enjoy a Michelin-star, 3-course meal and sink into your new Parisian life before heading to a lovely Seine river cruise with glass roofs. No Paris trip is complete without a visit to the intimidating Louvre Museum, where you’ll take some photos.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other london experiences you may enjoy:, 2. welcome to paris day trip from london via train.

• Duration: 14.5 hours
• Departure:  Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4QP
• Includes:  Guided panoramic tour of Paris,  Round-trip transportation between London and Paris via train,  1-hour river cruise,  Live tour commentary provided in English

If you’ve never been to Paris before, you’re in for a real treat with this next tour that will take you by means of a cool, high-speed train.

The Welcome to Paris Day Trip from London via Train tour  is the best way to get to know the capital city, showing you around by various means of transportation.

Just make sure you bring some comfortable walking shoes and a sense of adventure, because you’re sure going on one today!

Your 14.5-hour tour kickstarts at St. Pancras Station, where you’ll be escorted to your comfortable seat aboard your high-speed train. Actually, the train ride itself is worth it, seeing as you get such phenomenal views from the clean windows and have WiFi, snacks, and coffee to enjoy meanwhile.

Once you arrive in the City of Lights, you’ll follow your guide for your panoramic Parisian tour by private bus where you’ll get to pass by popular tourist spots like the Opera House, Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees.

It’s time now to trade wheels for water, on a 1-hour, serene river cruise down the green Seine, which inspired countless legendary authors, painters, and just about every other great mind you can think of.

Cruise right next to the looming Notre Dame and various other notable buildings, until you get to the Eiffel Tower. Once there, you’ll have the freedom to walk around and take photos, head up to the top, or grab a coffee inside.

If you’d like, you can also opt to grab some food or coffee at a local spot close to the Tower. It is important to mention that while many of these places are more expensive due to the area they’re located in, there are  many  tasty spots with authentic local food.

The guides usually keep a few solid recommendations handy, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Search For Other London Experiences You May Enjoy

3. guided paris day trip from london.

• Departure:  St Pancras International, Euston Rd, London
• Departure Time:  6:00 AM
• Includes:  Professional guide, Round-trip transportation between Paris and London via train with reserved seating, Seine River cruise to see more Paris attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Welcome travel pack with map of Paris & public transport information, Air-conditioned vehicle

You may be thinking to yourself, “I really want to go see Paris, but there’s no way I’ll be able to see enough in just one day”. You may be right in that analysis, if you decide to take things into your own hands and try to navigate a city new to you.

However, partaking in a tour like the Guided Paris Day Trip from London tour provides you with an expert guide who knows all the best places to go so that you don’t feel like you missed out on anything!

Just like with every other tour on our insider’s guide, you’ll meet up to be picked up in the early morning to head to St. Pancras International station to take the high-speed train to Paris.

There’s no need to worry if you’re at the right platform or if you’re going to make it on time, because your guide has everything organized seamlessly for you. These trains are such a pleasure to ride, as you watch the interesting architecture and green landscapes fly by.

Once you arrive, take a bit of time to stretch your legs before hopping on a panoramic bus tour where you’ll get to pass by the Opera House, the infamous Moulin Rouge, the enormous Louvre Museum, Arc du Triomphe, and many more iconic places.

You may have seen the Eiffel Tower in the distance by now and become excited, so it only makes sense that you head down to get to know the landmark up close and personal.

Once there, make your way down the stairs for a Seine river cruise in a glass-covered boat so you can take in the classic landmarks without obstruction!

It’s amazing to realize how close so many of these landmarks are to one-another, which makes it pretty easy to see a lot when you’re with someone who knows where to go. What’s even cooler, is that the guides are so knowledeable and provide interesting commentary as you see them.

After the cruise, it’s time to stretch those legs again – this time by exploring on your own, or taking a recommendation or two from the guide for good eats or coffee.

4. Paris Rail Day Trip from London with Optional Guided Tour or Sightseeing Bus

• Duration: 15 hours
• Departure: St Pancras International, Euston Rd, London
• Includes:  Paris travel pack (public transport information and city map), Fully escorted Rail Tour from London to Paris with Expert Guide, Small Group Tour of Paris and Sightseeing cruise (if escorted option selected), Return Eurostar tickets with reserved seats, Luxury small private coach in Paris – if you selected for Escorted tour Light Meals on Eurostar, if you selected for Standard Premier tickets

We love a good versatile tour – one that you don’t have to stick to a rigid schedule with. If you’re looking for just that, then you’ll love the Paris Rail Day Trip from London with Optional Guided Tour or Sightseeing Bus .

The title pretty much says it all, but with this excursion you’ll be able to choose if you’d like a guide to lead the way or if you’d like to take Paris by the reins and explore on your own terms.

The first part of the tour, everyone will be doing the same thing: heading to St. Pancras to take the new Eurostar high-speed train to Paris. However, you do have the option of choosing either standard-class seats or first-class travel.

In all honesty, the standard-class seemed like first-class by my American standards, admittedly, but first-class is even more luxurious with top-notch customer service.

Once you arrive in style ot Paris’ Gare du Nord, you’ll get to choose how you want to do your excursion – either free from a schedule or with your guide to lead the way. We recommend the latter, as these guides are simply amazing – they’re knowledgeable, friendly, and will maximize what you see and how you see it.

However, if you just want to lounge around charming sidewalk cafes, chow down at trendy restaurants, or go shopping for treasures at boutiques, that’s great, too!

The guided day trip will show you through the Place de la Concorde which was known for having been the place where Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI, and many others lost their lives here.

Not to worry though, things have calmed down quite a bit since then. See the main street of Champs-Elysees , where you’ll pass by the famous Arc du Triomphe, the Grand Palais, and many high-end designer stores.

Something we weren’t huge fans of, though, was that a skip-the-line ticket wasn’t included for the Eiffel Tower. While you could go to the Louvre or Musee D’Orsay instead, understandably most woudl like to go inside the tower.

5. Paris Rail Day Trip from London

• Duration: 13 hours
• Includes:  Return train tickets on the Eurostar, Optional extra to upgrade to Standard Premier, Welcome pack with map of Paris Paris, Visite Pass to travel by Metro while in Paris

Last but not least, we have the Paris Rail Day Trip from London Tour.  Lasting 13 hours, it’s a more relaxed way of seeing the city compared to the other tours, which really pack in a lot of activities.

That’s not to say you can’t still see a lot, but you’ll do it with leisure in mind, really soaking the whole experience in.

Hop on an affordable Eurostar in the morning for a rail day trip to head straight to Paris – it’s a nice way to get some sleep before you arrive or watch the beautiful scenery zoom by.

What’s really convenient is that your Eurostar tickets also come with a 1-day Visite Paris Pass which allows you unlimietd travel on the Paris metro and bus network, so you can come and go as you wish. We found the metro to be really easy to navigate, clean, and overall a great way to get around.

With no fixed itinerary to have to stick to, you have all the freedom in the world to check out everything Paris has to offer. We highly recommend checking out the most obvious spots, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Arc du Triomphe, and Notre Dame.

These are all located quite close from one another, and having unlimited metro access makes it that much easier. If you do decide to go to the Louvre, just remember that this place is  huge  and will require at least 2-3 hours to see the most popular art and artifacts.

Afterward, rest those feet and grab a bite to eat at a nearby cafe or restaurant – after all, Paris is known for having some of the best food and coffee in the world! The city center is also very walkable, so take some time to stroll around the wide sidewalks, bridges, and parks.

One-Day Trip Paris Itinerary

Let’s say you decide to take one of the tour options where you get to plan your own itinerary. That’s a lot of responsibility, but you got this! Here’s our personal favorite 1-day Paris itinerary that makes sure you see the main sights without missing out on anything. Of course, this should be tailored to your interests as well, so feel free to add or subtract!

We highly recommend starting your day out at The Louvre and get there a few minutes before it opens if you don’t have a skip-the-line ticket. The lines here can get absolutely insane, and while the staff is truly great about moving people through efficiently, you can still easily spend an hour queuing.

Originally built as a fortress, just the building alone is worth seeing – it’s intimidating, it’s the largest museum in the world, and it’s incredibly old. Oh, and did we mention the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Nike of Somothrace, and countless other masterpieces sit inside?

Eiffel Tower

You’ll be able to see the top of the Eiffel Tower pretty much from anywhere in Paris, but if you want the best views, you’ll need to get up close! A fun way of appreciating it from a distance is to grab a coffee and some pastries and sit at the Champ de Mar gardens right in front of it.

It’s not quite as relaxing, but another great view is from the Trocadero on the other side – just be prepared for street vendors to haggle you into buying souvenirs.

However, if it’s your first time in the city, we highly recommend actually going up inside the tower, which has 3 floors. The first two levels have delicious, upscale restaurants, but as you can imagine, have prices to match.

You’ll likely want to make a reservation beforehand if this sounds like fun to you, as it fills up fast!

Seine River Cruise

A great way to kick back and relax is by hopping on a soothing Seine River Cruise. The Seine is honestly beautiful no matter the time of year, and as you can depart right next to the Eiffel Tower, it’s super convenient.

You’ll have many different cruise types available, from the quick ones that last about an hour to Paris dinner cruises where you’ll actually be served a meal.

On top of that, some come with fully-educational commentaries about the different areas and landmarks as you cruise by while others do not.

Arc de Triomphe

Honoring those who fought and died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, the arch is wonderfully impressive, even just driving around it. However, did you know you can also climb to the top? If you can climb 284 steps, you can enjoy fantastic views of Paris!

For me, it was actually much bigger than I thought it was going to be and even though it’s a little out of the way, I always try to see it at least once every time I’m in the city.

Champs-Elysees

If you’re at the Arc you’re already here, so may as well check it out! This major street gets pretty crazy during Bastille Day, so if you’re around there during the 14th of July, be prepared. Otherwise, it’s a great place to go shopping and take some photos or grab a bite to eat.

Tour Montparnasse

If you love taking photos, this is a must-see. This is a controversial take, but if you want the best views, you’ll find them at the top of this tower rather than the Eiffel Tower.

Standing 210 meters tall, it’s home to 2 different observation decks: one has a restaurant, and the other has an open top-floor deck which is where all the influencers go to take photos. It makes sense why they do it, too, as it’s simply postcard-worthy.

Getting To Paris From London

There are many ways to get to Paris from London, but which method of transport works best for you and your schedule? Did you know that these two capitals are just 214 miles apart?

The Eurostar train is probably the easiest way to go about this journey. Fast, efficient, and cheap, what more could you want? The trains are very comfortable, and you never have to worry about them arriving late.

Not to mention, they leave from the center and arrive to the center of both cities, so you won’t have to spend more just trying to get to the tourist spots. A standard ticket usually costs around 44 euro.

Flying is super fast in terms of the flight (approximately 1 hour), but going through security and boarding, you’ll still likely spend more time traveling than you would if you just took the train. EasyJet, Vueling, British Airways, Air France – they all offer nonstop flights between the two. You can snag a flight for around 100 euro, though we’ve seen them sometimes as low as 29!

Thanks to the construction of the Eurotunnel as well as the ferry, you can actually drive between the two cities! The first time I ever made the trip, I naively didn’t even know the Channel tunnel or “chunnel” was even a thing.

I thought we’d just be boarding a ferry, when I started to feel my ears pop. It was then that I realized we were going  underwater . This is the faster option of the two, and you can transport basically any vehicle of your choosing.

The ferry is also a fun time! It’s obviously more scenic, and you have tons of comfortable seating and activities to do on board. There are shops, various cafes, and a large restaurant with a food court.

Tour Guides

The Luxury Paris Full-Day Trip is our Editors Choice for the best day trip to Paris from London.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

How Does The Eurostar Travel From London To Paris?

• Last updated May 09, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

The Eurostar, one of Europe's most iconic and efficient train services, takes travelers on a thrilling journey through the English Channel, connecting two of the continent's most vibrant cities: London and Paris. But have you ever wondered how this marvel of engineering manages to traverse underwater? In this article, we will dive deep into the workings of the Eurostar, unveiling the secrets behind its seamless and remarkable journey from the heart of London to the enchanting streets of Paris. So strap on your seatbelt and get ready for a captivating exploration of Eurostar's incredible feat of engineering.

What You'll Learn

Eurostar route and schedule, boarding and departure process, onboard amenities and comfort, arrival and customs procedures.

The Eurostar high-speed train is a popular and convenient option for traveling from London to Paris. Operating at speeds of up to 186 miles per hour, the Eurostar completes the journey in just over two hours.

The Eurostar route begins at London St Pancras International station, located in the heart of the city. This iconic station is not only a transportation hub but also a marvel of Victorian architecture. From here, passengers board the Eurostar and embark on an exciting adventure across the English Channel.

Once the train departs from London, it follows a dedicated high-speed line to reach the Channel Tunnel. This underground tunnel connects the United Kingdom with mainland Europe and is a marvel of modern engineering. It stretches for 31 miles under the English Channel, reaching at its deepest point 250 feet below sea level.

As the Eurostar emerges from the Channel Tunnel into France, it continues its journey through the picturesque French countryside. Passengers can enjoy stunning views of charming villages, rolling hills, and vineyards as they speed towards Paris.

The next stop on the Eurostar route is Paris Gare du Nord, one of the busiest train stations in Europe. Located in the heart of the city, this station provides convenient connections to the Paris Metro and other modes of transportation. Passengers can easily reach popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, or Champs-Elysées from here.

The Eurostar runs multiple services each day, offering travelers flexibility and choice. Trains depart approximately every hour, starting from early morning until late evening. This frequent schedule ensures that passengers can find a time that suits their travel plans.

Traveling on the Eurostar is a seamless and hassle-free experience. Passengers can check-in at least 30 minutes before departure and go through security and immigration procedures. The check-in process is similar to that of an airport and is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Once on board, passengers can relax in comfortable and spacious seating, which is arranged in a 2-2 configuration. Each seat comes with a fold-out table, power sockets, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Travelers can also take advantage of the onboard bar buffet, serving a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals.

In summary, the Eurostar provides a fast, efficient, and enjoyable way to travel from London to Paris. Passengers can experience the thrill of speeding through the Channel Tunnel and enjoy stunning views of the French countryside. With a frequent schedule and convenient connections in both cities, the Eurostar is the ideal choice for anyone looking to travel between London and Paris.

The Best Ways to Travel from London to Stonehenge

You may want to see also

The Eurostar is a high-speed train service that connects London with various destinations in Europe, including Paris. If you're planning on taking the Eurostar from London to Paris, it's essential to understand the boarding and departure process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Boarding the Eurostar:

• Arriving at the station: Make sure to arrive at the Eurostar station in London well in advance of your departure time. St Pancras International is the main Eurostar terminal in London, conveniently located in the city center. Give yourself enough time to check-in, pass through security, and find your platform.
• Check-in: At St Pancras International, there are dedicated check-in areas for Eurostar passengers. Look for the Eurostar signs and follow the instructions. You will need your valid passport for check-in, so have it readily available.
• Security and passport control: After check-in, proceed to the security checkpoint. Similar to airport security, you'll need to place your belongings, including any liquids and laptops, in the provided trays for screening. Once through security, you'll go through passport control, where your passport and travel documents will be checked.
• Finding your platform: After passing through security and passport control, follow the signage to locate your Eurostar platform. Screens around the station will display the departure information, so keep an eye out for your train number and platform.
• Boarding the train: Once you've found your platform, wait for boarding to be announced. Listen for announcements or check the screens for boarding information. Eurostar generally uses a color-coded system to guide passengers. Pay attention to the assigned coach number displayed on your ticket, and board the train accordingly. Eurostar staff will be available to assist you if needed.

Departure from London to Paris:

• In the train station: Ensure you arrive at St Pancras International with ample time before your departure. Check the train departure boards or consult Eurostar staff for any last-minute platform changes or announcements.
• Boarding the train: Once your train is ready for boarding, follow the instructions and make your way to the designated coach indicated on your ticket. Eurostar trains have ample storage space for luggage, either above the seats or at the end of each carriage.
• Comfort and amenities: Once on the train, find your seat and settle in. Eurostar trains offer a comfortable and spacious seating arrangement, along with free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and an onboard entertainment system. Take advantage of these amenities to make your journey enjoyable.
• Arrival in Paris: The Eurostar journey from London to Paris takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Upon arrival at Gare du Nord, the main Eurostar terminal in Paris, disembark the train and follow the signs to the exit or connecting transportation.

Understanding the boarding and departure process for the Eurostar from London to Paris will help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Remember to arrive early, follow the instructions and guidelines provided, and enjoy the high-speed and convenient travel experience that Eurostar offers.

Can I Travel Domestically with an Expired Visa?

When traveling from London to Paris, the Eurostar train offers a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation. Onboard the Eurostar, passengers can enjoy a range of amenities and comforts that make the journey enjoyable.

Firstly, the seating on the Eurostar is designed with passenger comfort in mind. The seats are spacious and ergonomically designed, allowing travelers to relax during the journey. The seats also come with adjustable headrests and armrests, ensuring that passengers can find their desired level of comfort.

In addition to the comfortable seating, the Eurostar provides ample legroom, allowing passengers to stretch out and relax. This is especially important for longer journeys, as it prevents passengers from feeling cramped or uncomfortable.

The Eurostar also offers free Wi-Fi onboard, which allows passengers to stay connected throughout their journey. Whether it is for work purposes or simply to browse the internet, passengers can enjoy a reliable and fast internet connection.

Furthermore, the Eurostar provides power outlets at each seat, making it easy for passengers to charge their electronic devices. This is particularly beneficial for those who need to work or use their devices during the journey.

For those who wish to stay entertained during the journey, the Eurostar offers a range of entertainment options. There are onboard screens that display movies, TV shows, and documentaries, ensuring that passengers have something to watch during the journey.

Moreover, the Eurostar also provides a bar-buffet car where passengers can purchase refreshments during the journey. Whether it is a hot meal or a snack, travelers can satisfy their hunger or thirst without leaving their seat.

Another convenient feature of the Eurostar is the onboard luggage storage. Passengers can store their luggage in the overhead compartments or in the designated luggage areas, ensuring that their belongings are secure throughout the journey.

Lastly, the Eurostar is known for its punctuality and reliability. By traveling on the Eurostar, passengers can rest assured that they will arrive at their destination on time and without any delays.

In conclusion, the Eurostar offers a range of onboard amenities and comforts that enhance the travel experience from London to Paris. From comfortable seating and ample legroom to free Wi-Fi and entertainment options, the Eurostar ensures that passengers have a pleasant journey. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey onboard the Eurostar!

Understanding the Hong Kong Travel Advisory and Its Status as Part of China

When traveling from London to Paris on the Eurostar, it is important to be aware of the arrival and customs procedures to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Upon arriving at St Pancras International station in London, make your way to the Eurostar check-in area. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time to allow for check-in and security procedures.

Once you have checked in, you will go through a security screening similar to that at an airport. This may include x-ray scanners for your luggage and a metal detector for your personal belongings. It is important to comply with all security measures and regulations to ensure the safety of all passengers.

After passing through security, you will proceed to the international departure lounge. Here, you can relax and wait for your train to be called. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the departure boards, as they will display information about your train, including the platform number.

When your train is ready for boarding, listen for the announcement and make your way to the designated platform. It is advisable to have your passport and ticket ready for inspection before boarding the train. Eurostar staff will check your travel documents and direct you to the correct carriage.

Once on board, find your assigned seat and settle in for the journey. Enjoy the comfortable seating and amenities, such as power outlets and Wi-Fi, that are available on the Eurostar trains.

During the journey, you will pass through the Channel Tunnel, an engineering marvel that connects the United Kingdom to mainland Europe. The train will travel at high speeds, reaching up to 186 miles per hour, providing you with a quick and efficient way to cross the English Channel.

Upon arrival at Gare du Nord in Paris, follow the signs to the passport control area. Here, you will go through immigration and present your passport for inspection. Make sure to have your passport and any necessary travel documents readily available.

After clearing immigration, collect your luggage from the designated area and proceed to the exit. If you need any assistance or information, the Eurostar staff will be happy to help.

Overall, traveling from London to Paris on the Eurostar is a convenient and comfortable way to make the journey. By familiarizing yourself with the arrival and customs procedures, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip.

Travel from China Temporarily Suspended: Global Response to COVID-19

Frequently asked questions.

The Eurostar journey from London to Paris typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The Eurostar travels through the Channel Tunnel, connecting London with Paris. The train departs from St Pancras International in London and arrives at Gare du Nord in Paris.

The Eurostar departs from St Pancras International station in London and arrives at Gare du Nord station in Paris.

• Paolo Barresi Author

• Arjun Yadav Author Editor Reviewer

It is awesome. Thank you for your feedback!

We are sorry. Plesae let us know what went wrong?

We will update our content. Thank you for your feedback!

Leave a comment

Travel photos, related posts.

Exploring the Fascinating Land of South Korea: A Guide to Visa Requirements

• Apr 12, 2024

The Premier League Team with the Most Traveling Fans: Who Takes the Crown?

• May 10, 2024

Understanding How Wavelengths Change When Traveling Between Different Mediums

• May 08, 2024

A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Visa for Traveling to Russia

• May 04, 2024

Exploring Zurich with an Expired US Visa: What You Need to Know

• Mar 28, 2024

Exploring the Freedom of Schengen Visa Holders to Travel Across Borders

• Mar 15, 2024

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Channel Tunnel: 30 years of failing to deliver transcontinental connectivity

Train talk: promises of uk-europe links were broken, but they could still be made good, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Thirty years ago Queen Elizabeth II and French president Francois Mitterand officially opened the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone in Kent and Calais in northern France.

So how much has the link transformed travel? Unfortunately, it’s been a tale of broken promises so far in terms of direct services between the UK and continental Europe.

The problem for proponents of terrestrial transport is that there has been a revolution in travel over the past 30 years, but it’s been the transformation of aviation.

Eurotunnel is the company that owns the infrastructure and runs LeShuttle car- and coach-carrying service from Folkestone to Calais. It takes about 20 million people a year through the tunnel in these vehicles, as well as on Eurostar trains from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Yet that is a tiny proportion of the number of people who fly to and from the UK.

The only prospect of making good on proper transcontinental connectivity from the UK: cutting costs and opening up to new budget operators.

What was the original plan?

When Eurostar was first envisaged the idea was to have trains from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Plymouth direct to Paris and Brussels.

One-third of a billion pounds was sunk into improving infrastructure and buying the trains. For years a depot outside Manchester Piccadilly stood empty, even though it had a sign reading “Le Eurostar habite ici ” – Eurostar lives here.

The Regional Eurostar rolling stock was built, but not a single train ever ran to Europe from anywhere other than London.

Even on the routes from the capital, the number of destinations has shrunk in recent years. While Rotterdam and Amsterdam have been added, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Disneyland Paris have been taken away – and the two stations in Kent remain closed with no plans to reopen them.

What’s the problem?

Budget aviation is very cheap (I have just paid £15 to fly from Manchester to Vienna) and the charges for running passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel are very expensive. The fare on Ryanair wouldn’t even meet the payment that train firms have to make to Eurotunnel for less than half an hour in the Channel Tunnel.

The company earns around £17 for each passenger on every Eurostar train, as well as a small additional amount to cover the cost of electricity.

For a rail revolution, the fee needs to be cut so that the Channel Tunnel can be opened up to low-cost operators. The airlines show that where there’s competition, everyone wins.

At present, if you book late you’ll pay around £200 one way on Eurostar between London and Paris. That’s typically three times the cost on a budget airline, buying a day ahead.

Wouldn’t Eurostar be damaged by competition?

No, all the evidence from aviation is that the firm would actually be improved by competition and that its passenger numbers would grow. The firm was severely hit by the Covid pandemic, but since then it has been thriving by dominating the market on its key links from London to Brussels and Paris.

What does Eurotunnel say?

The company wants to dramatically expand the range of routes – including direct trains to Germany. In December 2023, Yann Leriche, chief executive of the Channel Tunnel firm, said he was keen to see direct links from London to a range of German and Swiss cities, including Cologne, Frankfurt and Geneva.

Is there room for them?

Yes. At present there are up to 12 trains per hour each way through the Channel Tunnel, a mix of Eurostar, Eurotunnel car-carrying shuttles and freight services. That could increase to 16, theoretically allowing extra trains every 15 minutes to run from London into Germany, Switzerland and deeper into France. High Speed 1, the line from London to the Channel Tunnel in Kent has even more capacity – it could triple the number of trains and still have room for more. But it all depends on new entrants coming in.

There’s been talk about a new Spanish company competing between London and Paris, but so far only rumours. So until further notice, Eurostar will have the link to itself, passengers will pay a fortune and more of us will end up flying.

Today there are more than 50 flights between the London airports and Frankfurt alone, and zero direct trains. With a connection in Brussels, the journey takes six-and-a-half hours. Direct trains would take that down to five hours. But you may be waiting quite some time…

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Saturday, May 11, 2024 10:06 am (Paris)

Taylor Swift European tour kicks off in Paris with four shows and 42,000 spectators

As the European leg of the superstar's Eras Tour kicks off on Thursday, fans were already queueing on Wednesday for merchandise.

Le Monde with AFP

Time to 1 min.

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Messenger
• Share on Facebook
• Share by email
• Share on Linkedin

The highest-grossing tour in history finally arrived in Europe on Thursday, May 9 as Taylor Swift kicks off her European dates with four nights in Paris. Thousands of fans were already visiting the La Defense Arena 24 hours before the show just to get their hands on the merchandise as soon as possible.

A handful of superfans camped out from Tuesday to ensure they got a prime spot in the standing section. "I didn't plan to, but I came to check it out and I saw the first tents and I panicked a little," said Chris, 30. Noah, 20, is seeing all four Paris concerts – he used 22 email addresses to get through the lottery system and secure the tickets.

Many accents in the crowd were American – the venue says a fifth of the audience has come from the United States. Georg'Ann Daly decided to celebrate her 23 rd birthday with the show in Paris. It meant flying from Nashville to Chicago to London and catching the Eurostar to Paris. "I've always been obsessed with Taylor Swift," she told AFP. "I went to her show in Nashville and thought I'm never doing that again because it was crazy. It's a lot of over-stimulation and I have social anxiety." "But it's my birthday and it's Paris and it's the first night of the tour, and I thought why not? It's so worth it!"

42,000 people

Some 42,000 people will see Swift in Paris before dates in Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Poland and Austria. The Eras Tour has worked its way across North and South America and Asia since starting in March 2023.

By the end of the year, it had already become the first to sell more than $1 billion in tickets and is on track to more than double that by the time it concludes in Vancouver this December.

Swifties in Paris are especially excited to hear songs off her new album, The Tortured Poets Society , being performed for the first time. Swift's tell-all dissections of her love stories have been the fuel powering her global domination, and fans have been pouring over The Tortured Poets Department for cryptic clues about Joe Alwyn, her short-but-dramatic fling with Matty Healy (lead singer of The 1975), and her current partner, American football star Travis Kelce.

"Taylor talks about toxic relationships, impossible love, politics, mental health, and so much more -- I think we can all find a song that resonates with our experiences," said Chris as she waited by her tent for the big moment.

Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil.

Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois

Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil.

Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil.

Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette).

Comment ne plus voir ce message ?

En cliquant sur «  Continuer à lire ici  » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte.

Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ?

Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte.

Y a-t-il d’autres limites ?

Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents.

Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ?

Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe .

Lecture restreinte

Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article

Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

European city break destination will be even more expensive this summer

Share this with

For any city-breakers heading to Paris this summer , you might want to take a closer look at your budget.

That’s because the cost of travel in France ’s city of love is about to dramatically increase in price.

Paris’ public transport authority are about to raise the prices of Métro tickets by more than 85%, while the cost of a bus ticket will double.

As of 20 July, a ticket for a single journey in the Métro will now set you back €4 (£3.43) instead of €2.15 (£1.85).

Meanwhile, the price for a city bus ticket will double from €2.50 (£2.15) to €5 (£4.29). 

The hike comes into force just six days before the Olympic and Paralympic Games begin in the French capital, and will remain until the 8 September, the day the games finish.

City officials have insisted that regular travellers, such as local commuters, will be unaffected by the higher tariffs because they have transport passes, for which the prices have stayed the same. 

The Île-de-France regional authority has made a website to help locals plan their journeys around the upcoming Games, but it also has key info for tourists planning to hop on and off the Métro.

In particular, tourists will want to be aware that three busy stations – Champs-Élysées – Clémenceau, Concorde and Tuileries – will close before the Games and will not reopen again until September.

So, to save money, your best bet is to buy the aforemention weekly travel pass instead.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital engagement at eurochange , explains to Metro.co.uk:‘It’s a great idea to get hold of a weekly pass to save quite a bit of cash.

‘There a weekly and monthly travel passes are valid on all forms of public transport in the Île-de-France region, including Métro, RER, bus, tram and train, with the exception of the Orlyval, SNCF train lines with reserved seating, and the Optile special fare lines.’

The pass comes in two forms – and London commuters will be familiar with how it all works.

You can either buy an ‘all zones’ travel pass, which allows you to travel across all zones, every day of the week. There’s also the ‘2-zone’ pass, allowing you to travel outside your two zones and only pay for the extra distance travelled.

Weekly passes are priced at €30.75 (£26.39) for zones 1 to 5 while a Navigo Day Pass costs €8.65 (£7.42) to travel across two zones. 

A Paris Pass is also on offer, which is specifically aimed at people visiting for the Olympics and Paralympics between July 20 and September 8, 2024.

The pass, which works like a season ticket, can be used for up to seven days and prices start from €16 (£13.78, $17.18).

When is the best time to get Euros?

Don’t leave it until the last minute to convert your pounds into Euros. ‘Typically, the EUR rate only moves very slightly over any given month,’ Laura tells Metro.co.uk.

‘Even when the exchange rate differs marginally when buying larger amounts, it can soon add up, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on the exchange rate before you head to Paris. 

‘I would always recommend buying your euros before you get to the airport or Eurostar train station, as the exchange rates tend to be far lower than if you were to buy in branch or online in advance. 

‘Typically, Monday through to Thursday is the best time to buy your euros, as these are the least busy days for transfers, so you might see a little less fluctuation in the mid-market rate.’

You can find out more about tariffs and how to buy them here . You can also buy passes at any ticket desk or at any of the kiosks at stations around the city. 

‘It could be worth looking at which zone your accommodation is in, and where you’ll be travelling to each day, to see which pass would suit you best,’ Laura warns.

Have hotel prices changed because of the Olympics?

It’s not just transport that’s been affected. Hotels have also upped costs for the huge sporting event. 

French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir found that on the night of the opening ceremony, a double room in a three or four start hotel will cost on average €1,033 (£899) compared to €317 (£273). 

And if you still haven’t got your hotels sorted, you may be too late.

Half of the hotels surveyed for the UFC report in late December reported being fully booked and 30% of them had introduced a minimum two-night stay requirement for bookings. 

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: May 11, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

There are properties available on Booking.com during the first weekend of the Olympic Games (two nights between July 26-28) however, many of the four-star hotels have limited rooms left. For a room with a ‘very good’ rating, you can expect to pay around £800 at the time of writing.

You can stay in Musée d'Orsay during the Opening Ceremony

Holidaymakers will have a chance to sleep in a museum this summer because it’s becoming an Airbnb for a limited time.

The holiday rental platform announced its new ‘Icons’ category this week, which includes astounding destinations for travellers to book, including Musée d’Orsay in Paris .

But there is a caveat; there’s a lottery system in place and the bedroom will only be available for one night – the day of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games on July 26.

Booking will be made available from Tuesday May 21, 2024. From this date, Airbnb users guests will be able to request to book through the app. The lucky guests who are selected will be able to stay there for free.

You can find out more information on how to book the Airbnb here .

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

MORE : Gatwick Airport terminal evacuated with fears of ‘inevitable’ flight delays

MORE : Lego travels to Paris with new Notre-Dame and Mona Lisa sets

MORE : Brits banned from going into the sea at holiday hotspot after shark spotted in water

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Sign up here....

Privacy Policy

To the Nigerian mistaken for a Ghanaian traveling from Woolwich to…

To the guy with blond, shoulder-length hair wearing a greyish-black,…

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed

Sat 11 May 2024

2024 newspaper of the year

@ Contact us

Your newsletters

30 years after the Channel Tunnel opening, Eurostar rivals have failed to launch

Could the promise of investment bring competition to the rails and drive down ticket prices .

If the ticket prices and frequency of services were on par, trains would always beat planes as the best way to cross the Channel. But while Eurostar remains the civilised alternative to UK airports, it is often more costly and has seen services from London to Disneyland Paris , Marseille, Avignon and Lyon axed since 2018.

Now the operator, which will celebrate its 30 th anniversary in November, is perhaps closer than ever to seeing competition on the rails.

I took my kids to Austria by rail – it was easy, fun and cheaper than flying

Among the named contenders are Virgin Group, Evolyn (a UK-registered, Spanish-owned firm) and Dutch start-up Heuro.

Evolyn had suggested a launch as early as next year. A €50m show of support from Getlink, which runs the Channel Tunnel, could speed up the race. The Channel tunnel itself turned 30 on Monday.

The Financial Times reports that the operator has offered the investment pot to encourage services from a Eurostar challenger.

Yann Leriche, chief executive of Getlink, told the newspaper that there were at least five companies interested in running new passenger trains between the UK and the Continent. He said that about 400 trains use the tunnel each day, but that there was capacity for 1,000.

If there’s space for more than one Eurostar rival, it could, in theory, make cross-Channel services more affordable.

As Gavin Haines wrote for i , the liberalisation of the rail network elsewhere in Europe has broken down monopolies and led to a reduction in prices.

But there are significant challenges facing new operators. One is the investment required in ordering trains that meet the tunnel’s safety rules.

Many others are revealed by Eurostar’s recent history.

The adherence to post- Brexit rules is among them. Following the end of the Brexit transition period, there are additional passport checks required for entry to the EU from the UK, and for travel from the UK, these are carried out by French passport control officers at St Pancras International.

Stamping UK passports to ensure that Britons are adhering to the 90-day rule for travel to the EU (non-EU residents cannot remain in the bloc for more than 90 out of 180 days) can increase queueing times at terminals, and not all of them have capacity to hold the extra numbers of waiting customers.

In January 2023 , it was revealed that Eurostar’s morning trains are being capped at only 550 out of 900 seats on trains from St Pancras, but also abroad; trains are leaving Amsterdam Centraal station almost three-quarters empty.

The launch of a new fast-track process for some passengers helped to alleviate congestion. However, in February this year, HS1, the owner of the lines and stations between London and the Channel tunnel, warned that planning for the introduction of new EU border rules at St Pancras was inadequate. These checks are still set to be introduced in October through the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace passport-stamping and will require the collection of non-EU travellers’ data, including a facial image and fingerprints, on the first visit to the EU after the system comes into force. The data for most non-EU passport holders will then be kept on the system for three years.

HS2 tunnel to Euston 'to be funded with £1bn of taxpayer cash' despite Sunak vow

At the time, it was said only 24 kiosks for EES checks had been allocated to St Pancras by the French Government and that 50 would be needed at peak times.

Brexit and Covid have also been blamed for the suspension of stops at Eurostar terminals in Kent and the cancellation of the operator’s direct service from London to Disneyland Paris.

Other challenges cannot be assigned to either upheaval, however. Last-minute strikes by French Eurotunnel staff scuppered the plans of thousands of travellers last Christmas. Then, on 30 December, flooding on a tunnel outside of London led Eurostar to cancel services from the UK capital, with about 30,000 customers affected.

Eurostar will remain the smoother alternative to flying to Paris for the Olympics. But could a rival soon lead to more options for rail travellers?

First comes the test of EES. Rail expert Mark Smith, who runs the rail travel website The Man in Seat 61 , suggested to i last year that there could be ways to boost capacity at St Pancras to allow for new operators. Stratford International has also been suggested as a potential terminal for new services.

With the practicalities of launching EES in October, it is hard to see a new cross-Channel rail operator selling tickets by this time next year.

Most Read By Subscribers

• Ghent Tourism
• Ghent Hotels
• Ghent Bed and Breakfast
• Ghent Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Ghent
• Ghent Restaurants
• Things to Do in Ghent
• Ghent Travel Forum
• Ghent Photos
• All Ghent Hotels
• Ghent Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Ghent
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Train from Brussels to Ghent on Eurostar - Ghent Forum

• Europe    
• Belgium    
• Flanders    
• East Flanders Province    
• Ghent    

Train from Brussels to Ghent on Eurostar

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• East Flanders Province forums
• Ghent forum

Hello friendly travellers!

I'm now drawing the long bow but is the trip from Brussels to Ghent also included in the eurostar ticket? I'd be surprised if it was but thought I'd ask. Thank you for your help.

2 replies to this topic

No need to transfer to Central. You can just take the train for Ghent in Midi station.

Your trip to Ghent is included in your ticket only if you have choosen for the 'any belgian station' option https://help.eurostar.com/faq/be-en/question/How-does-an-Any-Belgian-Station-ticket-work

Otherwise you will have to buy an additional ticket

@windyram - thank you for your help once again. Really appreciate it.

• Accommodation yesterday
• Train from Brussels to Ghent on Eurostar yesterday
• Ghent Restaurants - small, favored by locals? May 07, 2024
• Gravensteen + churches in 1 day May 03, 2024
• Citicard gent May 02, 2024
• 10 Journey Train Multi Ticket Apr 30, 2024
• Ghent or Brussels as Base in Belgium? Apr 29, 2024
• BelgianTrain.be Ticket costs Ghent to Bruges Roundtrip Apr 17, 2024
• ATM in Ghent Apr 12, 2024
• Train from Ghent to Bruges - where to buy Apr 10, 2024
• Best P & R when coming from Antwerp Apr 08, 2024
• Ghent St Pieters to Ibis Budget Hotel Dampoort Apr 08, 2024
• Getting from train station to town center Apr 05, 2024
• Ghent and bruges Christmas markets Apr 02, 2024
• train time from brussels to ghent? 6 replies
• transportation from brussels airport to ghent, belgium 7 replies
• Train from Ghent to Paris 6 replies
• Amsterdam to Ghent (Koning Albertlaan ) by Train 2 replies
• ghent or brugge as a homebase? 10 replies
• Stay in Ghent, visit Bruges? 8 replies
• Help: Amsterdam to Ghent to Ertvelde!!! 10 replies
• Train Travel from Ghent to brussels,bruges and antwerp 12 replies
• Ghent or Bruges - where to stay 12 replies
• How far is train station to city centre? 4 replies

Ghent Hotels and Places to Stay