eurostar day trip paris

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

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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.

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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!

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• About this activity

Paris Day Trip via Eurostar Train with River Cruise, Travelcard or Bus Tour

• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Freedom to plan your own sightseeing tour of Paris
• Enchanting landmarks & atmosphere of the French capital
• Quick & comfortable 2.5-hour trip from Central London
• Relaxing hour-long cruise along the majestic River Seine
• Seine River Cruise, Travel Card or Bus tour (if selected)

Activity location

Meeting/redemption point.

• Euston Road
• N1C 4QP, London, England, United Kingdom
• Mon, Apr 29 -
• Tue, Apr 30 -
• Wed, May 1 -
• Thu, May 2 $284
• Fri, May 3 -
• Sat, May 4 -
• Sun, May 5 -
• Mon, May 6 $284
• Tue, May 7 -
• Wed, May 8 $284
• Thu, May 9 $284
• Fri, May 10 -
• Sat, May 11 -
• Sun, May 12 -
• Mon, May 13 $284

Eurostar Tour with Standard Class Train Ticket to Paris with 1 day travel card

• Activity duration is 16 hours 16h 16h

Eurostar Tour with Standard Class Train Ticket to Paris with Seine River Cruise

Eurostar Tour with Standard Class Train Ticket to Paris with Seine River Cruise.

Paris Day Trip via Eurostar Train in Standard Class with 1 Day Travelcard and Cruise

Trip to Paris in a Eurostar train standard class with 1 day Travelcard usable across Paris and Cruise

Paris Day Trip via Eurostar Train with Open-Top Bus Tour

Paris Day Trip Via Eurostar train with Open-Top Bus Tour of the city

Eurostar Tour with Standard Class Train Ticket to Paris with Seine River Cruise and Open-Top Bus tour

• Activity duration is 15 hours and 35 minutes 15h 35m 15h 35m

Eurostar tour with Standard Class Train Ticket to Paris with Seine River Cruise and Open-Top Bus tour. This services departs on Peak times only on Saturdays

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Roundtrip Eurostar tickets between Paris and London
• What's included What's included One hour river cruise (if purchased)
• What's included What's included Hop-on hop-off open top bus tour (if purchased)
• What's included What's included 1 Day Zone 1-3 Travelcard (if purchased)
• What's excluded What's excluded Gratuities
• What's excluded What's excluded Food and beverages unless stated differently

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: this tour is unescorted
• 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: 5.45am (5.15am on Saturdays), Departure Point: St.Pancras International station
• 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 +44 (0)207 630 2028 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 text message notification - Please check all inboxes including your spam/junk folders. Please ensure the details are correct for each booking.
• Tickets need to contain first and last name as per clients' passport - All tickets must be printed and digital copies on your smart phones as backups are recommended
• 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 to arrange

What you can expect

Explore Paris at your leisure with this full-day trip from London. Choose your own sightseeing itinerary and take advantage of unlimited access to public transportation within the city. A Seine river cruise ensures you don’t miss any of the iconic landmarks that await in the City of Light.

Start your day at St Pancras International where you will meet a Golden Tours representative at the Paul Express coffee shop (unit 2) who will assist you with check in procedures before boarding the Eurostar Train. After a speedy crossing under the English Channel, reach Gare du Nord in central Paris and start your independent tour of the city.

Soak up the French culture and history as you pass by world-famous attractions including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, and Eiffel Tower. Observe Parisians' way of life, snap some souvenir pictures, and sip a glass of wine in a cafe on a cobbled side street or glamorous boulevard.

Complete your experience with a relaxing Seine river cruise where you can marvel at the city while you float under bridges and see famous landmarks and city monuments along the route.

**Please have ALL tickets for your trains and attractions printed out with digital copies as a backup

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants

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.

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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.

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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

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• 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.

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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)

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Hotel + train.

All bookings are subject to the relevant terms and conditions made available at the time of booking. A current copy can be found here for Train + Hotel packages and for hotels respectively.

For any further questions, please refer to our help pages .

For bookings made in the UK - we are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. All the standalone hotels and Train + Hotel packages we sell are covered by a scheme protecting your money if the supplier fails. Other services may not be protected and you should ask us what protection is available.

For bookings made in the EU – all hotel bookings that form part of a linked travel arrangement and Train + Hotel packages we sell are covered by an insurance scheme which protects your money in the unlikely event we become financially insolvent (other services may not be protected and you should ask us what further protection is available). This insurance has been arranged by International Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE. For further information please go to https://www.ipplondon.co.uk/

Eurostar International Limited is an Appointed Representative of AWP Assistance UK Limited (trading as Allianz Global Assistance) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). AWP Assistance UK Limited FAC registration number is 311909. FCA authorisation can be checked on the FCA register at https://register.fca.org.uk/s/

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London to Paris and Beyond: Eurostar Guide for Families

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

As TPG 's resident London mum, I am fond of traveling to mainland Europe on the Eurostar with my kids. London is a great place to visit with young children with endless attractions for little ones and plenty of points redemptions. But there's obviously more to Europe than just London, so since traveling by train in Europe can often beat flying , read on for suggestions for your family's next Eurostar adventure.

Kids Under 4 Travel Free (With a Catch)

Children under 4 do not need a ticket for the Eurostar but technically need to sit on an adult's lap the entire journey if they don't have a ticket. However, if you book a less busy train or an upgraded carriage there are often extra seats. You can also bring your young children to the dining car or walk the train. One TPG reader suggested finding a space on board and unfolding your stroller for your baby's nap.

You are also restricted to only one lap child per adult, so if you're traveling with two children under 4, as I often do, you have to buy at least one of them a seat. According to the Eurostar website, if you're traveling alone with children and alert the staff, they will provide extra assistance from check-in to the train. I have not seen this assistance but have not explicitly mentioned that I was on my own. Don't forget that even though children under 4 don't need tickets, they do need their passports (it's international travel, after all).

Child and Youth Tickets

Children between 4 and 12 travel on a reduced fare called a "child" ticket and children 13-25 travel on a "youth" ticket. If the adult price is already deeply discounted, like the fares below ($46.80 each way), then the youth ticket is the same price, and the child ticket is only mildly discounted.

There are three classes of service: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. Whichever you choose, be sure and pay with a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees . Bonus points (literally) if you choose one that also awards a category bonus on travel, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Periodically Eurostar puts on unannounced flash sales for a few days for tickets over the coming months. If you have a upcoming trip, we suggest following them on social media or signing up to their mailing list. I just snagged tickets from London to Amsterdam for $45 each way in June for the adults with my young kids riding free.

Book Ahead and Look For Early/Late Trains

The Eurostar website highlights the least expensive tickets. Often these tickets start early in the morning or come back late. Another option, if you have found a great hotel or Airbnb in either London, Belgium or Paris, is to book a day trip to the other country. I have made several single-day trips from London to Paris and back again to avoid overnighting in Paris with this train taking a bit over two hours each way.

Booking Seats

As soon as your Eurostar booking is confirmed, you will automatically be assigned seats. You can then log in to your booking and change your seat assignments so that your family can sit around a table for four (if available) or closer to the changing rooms or cafe, depending on your preferences. The seat map will show you where your seats are currently located. Also, if you are prone to motion sickness, sit facing in the forward direction (these seats often book up first).

We have had good luck in getting a table of four to ourselves on offseason dates, but remember that it can be more difficult to fit a child on your lap in this configuration if others are sitting across or next to you. In high season it could be worth purchasing all four seats, even if you have children under 4.

There is a bit more space to spread out at the tables for four in Standard Premier.

Check-in/Security

One of my favorite things about the Eurostar used to be that you could arrive 30 minutes before your train and still make it comfortably to embarkation. That, sadly, has changed. Long lines at immigration mean that arriving 90 minutes early is standard practice. However, I love that you can still carry a hot beverage through security and then nurse your coffee (for that cheap early-morning train!) throughout your immigration experience. Immigration is immediately after security so hold on to those passports. Other families reported a tight policy on removing babies from slings.

Hang on to your children on the travelator. The moving sidewalk to board the train means that your stroller will become heavy as it goes up. (Technically, strollers are not allowed on the travelators, but I have always used them and see other families that do the same.) Young children start to naturally fall back on the incline so hold on tight to them.

Luggage Tips

It helps to board the train as early as possible if you have a lot of large luggage or a stroller. On the Eurostar you wait in a holding area until your boarding announcement, but you may be able to go up early if you explain that you need the space for your stroller. Space in the storage compartments at the end of each carriage is limited.

On my last trip, I traveled Standard on the way out and Standard Premier on the way back and noticed more luggage space with Standard Premier. You can also fit a small item like a jacket or handbag above your seat.

Meanwhile, the Standard Premier fits this folded UPPAbaby Vista easily.

Food On Board

There are lots of food options at the onboard Eurostar cafe, which are reasonably priced, considering how captive you are to their selection. As there is no liquids restriction on the train like there is at an airport, you can bring Champagne on board and have yourself a celebration, if you want. Otherwise, I tend to pick up sandwiches at a local place in London or Paris before getting on board.

Virtual Reality?

On my last trip I saw this Eurostar virtual-reality headset for sale, so I purchased one for £3 (about $4). The Wi-Fi on board was terrible (make sure you have enough programs downloaded) and I could not get it to work.

Bottom Line

Traveling from London to Paris, Lille or Brussels on the Eurostar (plus changing trains to go farther afield) can actually be a highlight of a family vacation in Europe, especially if train travel is relatively novel for your family. TPG readers use points to get to London and then use the Eurostar to avoid flying back out from the UK, thus way avoiding the UK's notorious air taxes and fees.

Have you used the Eurostar as a family? Tell us about the trip.

All photos by Kathleen Porter Kristiansen/The Points Guy

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

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Paris & Disneyland by Eurostar

3 days tour.

Please scroll to see more information

Tour Overview

03 days - paris & disneyland by eurostar (code: preo), tour highlights.

Eurostar Return Tickets

High Speed Passenger Train

Outbound: London St Pancras - Paris Gare du Nord

Inbound: Paris Gare du Nord - London St Pancras

Return Eurostar tickets in Standard Class

Disneyland® Paris with entrance

Eiffel Tower (level 3*) with entrance

River Seine Boat Cruise with entrance

Montparnasse Tower with entrance

Orientation Tour

Carrousel du Louvre (Louvre Museum entrance not included)

Sacre Coeur (no entrance included)

*Subject to Availability - In the event of the Eiffel Tower restricitng access/closure the ticket price difference for the restricted floor will be reimbursed. Eiffel Tower during national holidays or events may be substituted by Montparnasse tower or will be refunded.

Price Includes

Return tickets on Eurostar (high speed passenger train) from London St Pancras on Standard Class

Transportation by deluxe AC coach in Paris

2 nights accommodation in a 4* hotels with breakfast

1 Indian Dinner & 1 Indian Lunch

Entrances and sightseeing as mentioned in Tour Highlights

All tips and service charges

Premium service of a Star Tours’ Representative

ABTA Legal Protection

2 nights at Novotel Massy or similar

The Star Difference

Eurostar tickets included in price

Eiffel Tower included in price

River Seine Boat Cruise included

Tips and service charge included

ABTA Protection

Disney Infromation :

Download the Disneyland Paris app on your smartphone or tablet in order to consult the Disney Park Guide and access real-time information about shows and parades. The app also features attraction queuing times and detailsof any attraction closures.

Tour Itinerary

Other information.

2024 USD Dates & Prices

Price per person based on 2/3 adults sharing a room

Child 2 - 11 years must share a room with 2/3 adults

Infants 0 - 23 months price is from $155 for a seat in coach only

Single supplement will be an additional $130

Country Details

In France the currency that you will need is Euros.

Passengers should exchange any spending money for their holiday before they actually travel. Whilst on tour it is very inconvenient and not all places you will visit will have ATM machines or accept credit/debit cards.

We also advise our passengers to keep some change in coins on them whilst on tour as using toilets in many parts of Europe is not free.

USD, GBP or travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted at locations in this tour.

It is advisable passengers carry necessities that they may need for the day such as water, dry snacks, cameras etc. with them in their hand luggage.

Please see a summary of the distances you will be covering below:

Above is for indication purposes only

Standard class tickets are included as part of your package. Please note seat selection on group booking is not possible. You are required to check-in with the group and individual check-in may not be possible. You are requried to check-in with the Tour Rep at London St Pancreas International 100 minutes before departure.

Amentities on board the Eurostar may vary, and Star Tours are not responsible for these services.

Your Standard class tickets include your baggage allowance, and no meals are included in the ticket price.

Children and Infants aged between 0 - 4 Years will not be provided a seat on the Eurostar train and will be required to sit with parents/guardian.

For security check and on board facility advice please see Eurostar's website by clicking here

Traveling with Eurostar

For a seamless and enjoyable experience, we kindly recommend that you arrive punctually at the station. Once you breeze through our checks, you can unwind in the departure lounge until it's time for your train to be announced. To ensure you have ample time for all pre-departure procedures, please adhere to the recommended arrival time rather than rushing just before the gates close. Rest assured, all border and luggage checks take place before you embark, allowing you the freedom to disembark at your destination with ease.

Navigating Ticket Gates

Upon reaching the ticket gates, a simple scan of the barcode on your paper ticket, provided by your tour manager, is all that's required. Remember to scan each ticket individually to secure your seat and avoid any unexpected changes. If a new ticket is issued upon scanning, it signifies a seat alteration; keep it safe, as it will guide you to your new spot when you board.

Security Precautions

Following ticket gates, a thorough security check is conducted, both for your personal belongings and luggage. Please ensure you adhere to luggage weight restrictions and avoid carrying prohibited items. Whilst there is no weight allowance on the train please do not the weight restrictions for the coach.

Passport Control

Your passport will undergo two checks-first for UK exit procedures and then by the French authorities. If you possess a biometric passport with an electronic chip, consider using the convenient ePassport gates rather than the manual passport control booth.

Eurostar Departure Lounge

Our Eurostar departure lounge is equipped with a range of amenities, making your wait as comfortable as possible:

The Station Pantry offers a selection of snacks and beverages.

A Pret a Manger for a quick, delicious meal.

A tax-free shop for last-minute shopping.

Cash machines with both euros and pounds.

Restrooms with baby-changing facilities.

Complimentary Wi-Fi.

A bureau de change for currency exchange.

A Changing Places facility for added accessibility.

Boarding Information

The platform for your train's departure will be displayed on screens within the departure lounge as boarding time approaches, usually around 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Getting to London St Pancras

St. Pancras International is conveniently situated in central London, in the King's Cross area. It is easily accessible via National Rail, Underground, London bus services, and by car. The King's Cross St Pancras Underground station serves several tube lines, including Hammersmith & City, Circle, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines, ensuring smooth connectivity to and from the station.

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels. The breakfast is usually in a separate dining area of the hotel and is usually a continental breakfast, which will consist of tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit and yoghurt.

Passengers can choose from different diets, including vegetarian, Jain or non-vegetarian (Halal will not always be available) meals. Passengers should advise the tour representative of their preferred diet on day one. The meals are pre-set buffet, and a choice of menu is not available. Meals will be provided with tap water only.

Lunches are not provided on this tour. We highly recommend if you have specific dietary requirements then you should make arrangements to carry your own food for lunch.

Lunches are not provided on this tour.

Not all hotels in this tour will have air-conditioning so you should carry a small portable fan with you especially during the summer months.

Please also note that not all hotels provide a kettle so if hot water is required for warming milk etc. in the hotel then it is advisable to carry a bottle warmer/kettle as well as a thermos flask. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hairdryer etc., as many hotel rooms may not have these facilities.

Some hotels in Europe, especially France will provide two single beds put together as a Double occupancy room, as this sort of configuration allows the hotel to use a room for multi-use, we do contract with such hotels, and you should be prepared for such eventualities.

If you use services such as the phone or mini-bar or pay TV whilst in your room, you will have to pay the hotel directly when you check out; these services are not included in your tour cost.

The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is 4 person(s).

Foreign Office Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click on the link below to get Country specific details

For a full list of the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here

Other Advisories

Disneyland® paris.

Disneyland Paris can get busy, especially at peak times, so it makes sense to orientate yourself before you arrive by going onto the website and looking at the latest map. There’s a lot to see so you might like to prioritise your must-do attractions to avoid disappointment. But one should try not missing the famous Disney Parades when the much-loved Disney characters take to the streets for a unique and interactive experience. Please note on this tour you will not be staying in Disney until it closes so you will not see the evening firework, Parade or illuminations. Should you wish to do this, then you will need to make your own way back to the Hotel, and you will miss the dinner and transfers for which no compensation will be due.

The resort itself comprises of two parks: The Disneyland Park, packed with rides and attractions, and the Walt Disney Studios Park. Your tickets will allow you access into any one of these parks.

When you arrive at the park, you might like to consider using the Fastpass service, a free service which helps you to cut down on waiting times for some of the attractions (subject to availability and operation).

Pick up and Drop off points & Times

Passengers should arrive at London St Pancras at least 2 hours before the train departure, and check for regular updates.

Schengen Visa Details

Visas & passports.

A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by all nationals. Except EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card which is valid for the duration of stay.

If you hold an Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladesh Passport, you will need to obtain Schengen Visa prior to travelling. Many nationalities do not require Schengen visas, such as British, EU and American nationals. Should you need further clarification, please contact us.

Weather in much of Paris tends to be the same as England and is very unpredictable. Regardless of the time of the year, it is advisable to carry an umbrella. Temperatures vary from place to place, and it is a good idea to check online for average temperatures for the destination(s) being visited depending on the time of the year.

Passengers can be well prepared by ensuring they are carrying appropriate clothing, footwear and accessories.

Wheelchairs & Child Seats

We will accept lightweight manual wheelchairs for travel, subject to them being capable of being stowed in the luggage hold of the coach.  It is also essential that a family member is also on tour to push their wheelchair.

In most of Europe, the use of child seats in coaches is mandatory for children under the age of 12 or who are shorter than 150 cm. Children under 7 years old or less than 125 cm tall must use a child seat with a harness or a restraint system. Children between 7 and 12 years old or between 125 and 150 cm tall must use a booster seat or a seat cushion. It is the responsibility of the child's parent or guardian to provide the appropriate child seat for their child.

Those aged between 0 and 4 will not be provided a seat on the Eurostar Train and will be required to sit on Parents Lap.

Useful links

Home pick-ups.

The map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service.

Unfortunately, there are no home pickup locations at this moment.

Pick-up points.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Early Bird Offers

Book your tour, number of passengers.

The Ultimate Paris to London Day Trip Itinerary (+ London Travel Tips)

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: June 9, 2023

Categories Day trips from Paris , France , Paris , Travel Guides , UK

Home » The Ultimate Paris to London Day Trip Itinerary (+ London Travel Tips)

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Paris is beautiful, but have you ever wanted to take a day trip away from the French capital and explore London?

Most people visiting Paris choose to spend the day away at Monet’s Gardens in nearby Giverny or on a day trip to the beautiful champagne region of France .

These are both great options, don’t get me wrong.

But if you’re looking for something a bit different, why not take a day trip to London? It’s the perfect way to explore two of Europe’s most iconic cities in one day.

Taking a day trip to London from Paris is possible (and relatively easy) with the right planning.

It’s definitely one of the best things you can do if you want to maximize your time in Europe! A trip to London is my top choice when it comes to the best day trip to take from Paris to other countries in Europe .

In this post, we’ll take a look at all the transportation options available to you, as well as provide some helpful tips on how to navigate each one.

We’ll also dig into the best places to go and things to see in London , as well as provide an itinerary that allows you to make the most of your day trip from Paris .

This 10-page Paris travel guide includes all the best foods to eat in Paris, where to eat, the top things to do and see in Paris, including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more. Find out the best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area. Links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!

In this post, you'll find...

How far is London from Paris?

London is located about 280 miles away from Paris, just across the English channel.

This might seem like a long way to travel in one day, but it’s actually quite doable with the right transportation option!

Can you visit Paris and London in one trip?

The answer is yes – with some careful planning and the right transportation options, you can have an incredible day trip from Paris to London!

Depending on your travel dates, you can get there and back with time to spare for exploring both cities. The high-speed Eurostar train service makes it easy to get from Paris Gare du Nord station to London’s St. Pancras Station in just a few hours.

P.S. You can find all my Paris travel articles, resources, and recommendations here 👈

Is a day trip from Paris to London worth it?

There is so much to see in London and it really deserves more than just one day. But if you have limited time and are looking for a great way to experience both cities, a day trip from Paris to London can be an incredible experience!

With the right itinerary and transportation options, you can make the most of your day in this iconic city.

The Best Things to See in London on a Day Trip

When it comes to sightseeing, there’s no shortage of things to see in London!

Here are some of the must-see London attractions:

• Windsor Castle – one of the official residences of The Queen

• Tower Bridge – one of the most iconic bridges over the Thames

• Big Ben – a clock tower housing one of the world’s largest bells

• The London Eye – a giant Ferris wheel offering unparalleled views of the city skyline

• Buckingham Palace – the official residence of former Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family

• Trafalgar Square – one of London’s most recognizable public spaces.

• Tower of London – a medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site

• St. Paul’s Cathedral – one of the largest churches in England, with an impressive dome

• British Museum – one of the world’s oldest museums, housing over 8 million artifacts from around the world

Of course, there is so much more where this came from! London is home to world-class museums, galleries, parks, and monuments. There are over 1,000 activities and attractions that you can see here!

I recommend checking out some of the most popular London attractions and activities and planning out in advance what you want to see.

Best way to get to London from Paris for a one-day trip

For a day trip to London from Paris, the best way is to take the Eurostar high-speed train. A train ride on the Eurostar from Paris will typically last around 2 hours and 15 minutes. You’ll be dropped off in the center of London’s city center, at St. Pancras Station.

Eurostar tickets from Paris Gare du Nord station to London St Pancras station start at €60 (one way). You can book tickets for the Eurostar on Omio .

Note : Eurostar is best when booked in advance. It is possible to buy tickets on the day of your visit, but you may find yourself paying more for tickets, or not being able to get a seat on the day you choose to travel.

The next best option for getting to London from Paris is by plane. Flights from Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport in Paris will get you to Heathrow airport, London’s major international airport, in just under one hour.

Flights on budget airlines such as EasyJet can be found as low as €20 one way if booked in advance. However, flight times are limited to a few hours a day and you have to factor in the time it takes for getting to/from the airports, security queues, and baggage collection.

I typically use WayAway to find the best deals on flights and get cashback. You can search for flights on WayAway here 👇

For those looking for an even cheaper option than taking Eurostar, there is also the option of traveling by train. Regional trains run from Gare du Nord train station in Paris to London St Pancras station twice a day, with an approximate travel time of 7-8 hours.

Prices for these tickets start at €19 one way if booked in advance. Train tickets can be booked online with Omio .

Driving to London from Paris is also an option, though it’s not ideal only for a day trip. London is about 280 miles from Paris, or a 6-hour drive. It’s technically feasible if you get an early start, but it’s really not worth it with such limited time to spend in London.

If you decide to drive, remember that you will need to pay for gasoline and tolls for crossing the English Channel tunnel.

There is also the option of taking a bus from Paris to London. Buses are generally slower than trains or planes and take around 11 hours to get from one city to the other. Prices are cheaper than Eurostar and flights, with tickets starting at around €25 one way if booked in advance.

Obviously, an 11-hour bus ride is less than ideal with only one day to spend in London. But it is an affordable option if you don’t mind the long ride. I always use FlixBus to book my bus tickets.

Finally, if you really want to make the most of your one day in London, there are also special day trips available that include a guided tour and transport. Usually, these will pick up from central locations in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower or Sacré Coeur. Prices for these tours vary depending on what’s included but usually start around €100.

How to spend one day in London: One-day Itinerary

Once you’ve arrived in London, there is a lot that can be done! Ideally, you’ll have a full day here to really maximize the time you have to visit London.

Depending on what time you arrive, here is a suggested itinerary of how to spend one day in London :

• 9:00 am – Arrive in London and get breakfast at Borough Market. After breakfast, start your day with a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Next, head over to Tower Bridge and take some time to admire the view of Thames River.

• 10:30 am – Explore Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Nearby, you’ll also find Big Ben and the London Eye.

I recommend taking a ride on the London Eye for a bird’s eye view of the city! It’s kinda like the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, but so much better.

This area is also home to Buckingham Palace, one of the iconic symbols of London. Wrap up the morning with a stroll in St James’ Park or check out the historic Trafalgar Square.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiana • Where Tiana Travels (@tianabaaaby)

• 12:30 pm – Have lunch in one of the many pubs or cafes in Soho. Afterward, take a walk through China Town and visit Carnaby Street for some shopping. You can even take a walk along the Southbank, stopping at art galleries such as Tate Modern or the National Gallery.

• 2:00 pm – Visit Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These two parks are great for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day in London. If the weather is bad, take a quick tour of the Natural History Museum or Victoria & Albert Museum .

Entrance to the Victoria & Albert museum is free, and you don’t need to book in advance. This makes it a great option for those on a day trip, especially if you’re visiting London on a budget.

• 3:00 pm – Spend some time exploring the British Museum , one of London’s top attractions. Afterward, take a stroll around Covent Garden and soak up some of the local culture. You can even join a Secrets of London walking tour with a professional guide who can give you some secret history of the area.

Or hop on a 3-hour Secret British food tour of London !

• 4:00 pm – As the day draws to an end, head over to Notting Hill and explore its bohemian streets and colorful houses. Finish your day with some afternoon tea at one of London’s famous cafes like The Goring Hotel or Claridge’s .

• 5:00 pm – End your day with dinner in one of Shoreditch’s trendy restaurants and pubs. Dishoom and Blacklock Shoreditch are two of my favorites here!

• 6:00 pm – Head back to the train station or airport for your journey back to Paris.

If you don’t want to stick to an itinerary while in London and prefer to just go with the flow, I’d recommend getting on a hop-on hop-off Big Bus sightseeing tour of London . It’s a great way to explore the city and get a feel for the different neighborhoods. You can easily hop off at each stop and explore the attractions you want to see!

Getting Around in London

Navigating London can seem daunting even to native English speakers, so if it’s your first time in the city it’s a good idea to plan ahead on how to get around most efficiently.

The best way to get around London is by using public transport such as the Tube (London Underground). London’s public transportation system is widely considered one of the best in Europe, and it’s very easy to use.

The best way to save money is by getting an Oyster card, which allows you to pay per ride and get discounts on longer journeys. You can buy one from any Tube station or online.

Without the Oyster card, you can just pay with cash or credit card at the station, but you will be charged a higher fare. Ticket fares are typically around £6 each way when you pay with cash or card.

The Tube runs from 5 am until midnight, but there are also buses and night buses that run after midnight if you miss the last train.

You can also get around London by bus, which is a great way to see the city’s sights as you travel from one place to another. Bus fares are £1.50 per journey when you use an Oyster card and £2.40 without it.

Walking in London is also a great option as most of the major attractions are located close to each other. However, London is a lot bigger than Paris and can be quite tiring, so make sure to plan your walking route ahead of time.

You can also use Uber or a black cab for shorter distances, but it’s usually more expensive than the Tube.

Where to stay in London – Best areas & Hotels

London is way cool and definitely deserves more than just a day trip. If you plan on staying overnight ( which you absolutely should ), there are a few areas I recommend checking out.

Central London is my favorite area and the best place to stay if it’s your first time in town. It’s home to some of the city’s main attractions like Buckingham Palace and The Shard, but also some of its coolest neighborhoods like Soho, Marylebone, and Covent Garden.

Hotels like St Pancras Renaissance Hotel , The Montcalm Royal London House-City of London , or The Langham are all great options for a luxurious stay in Central London.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out the East End neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Hackney, and Whitechapel. The area is full of cool bars and restaurants as well as some really nice budget hotels like Generator London or CitizenM London Shoreditch .

No matter where you decide to stay in London, make sure to book in advance as accommodations fill up quickly!

Search through over 1000 hotels and apartment rentals in London here 👇

Essential Travel Tips for London & the UK

Now that we’ve got transportation, activities, and accommodations sorted, it’s time to talk about a few last travel tips.

• Make sure to check the weather forecast before your trip – London weather can be unpredictable. And don’t forget to bring an umbrella! London is a very rainy city and you’ll want to be prepared.
• The currency in London is the British Pound (GBP). You can easily exchange your Euros at any bank or exchange office.
• Tipping is not a big part of the culture in the UK, so don’t feel obligated to tip unless you’re really impressed with someone’s service.
• London is a lot more expensive than Paris so budget accordingly!
• Carry cash with you in case your card doesn’t work in some places.
• Most public restrooms in London require a payment of £0.30 – you can use coins or a contactless card.
• Download Google Maps for offline navigation and make sure to turn on mobile data roaming before you arrive.
• The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Drinking in public places is illegal so make sure to stick to bars and pubs.
• Don’t forget to bring your passport with you! Since the UK is no longer in the EU, you’ll have to present your passport at customs when crossing the border from France. This applies even if you’re only taking a day trip.

Thanks for reading!

And that’s it! Visiting London for one day on a day trip from Paris is totally doable.

Of course, there is much more to London than what can be done in just one day, but with careful planning and an itinerary like the one I suggested above it’s definitely worth it.

By the end of your day trip from Paris to London, you’ll have seen some of the most iconic sites in two of Europe’s most amazing cities!

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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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8 Easy Day Trips from Paris (to other countries in Europe) | Where Tiana Travels

Saturday 6th of May 2023

[…] P.S. Check out my full Paris to London day trip itinerary + my top London travel tips here […]

Visiting Monet's Garden on A Day trip to Giverny from Paris | Where Tiana Travels

Thursday 4th of May 2023

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I've been to more than 30 countries, but I'll always think this European city is the best destination for children of any age

• Of all the countries I've been to, I think London is the best place for kids of any age.
• My husband and I took our son to the city when he was a baby, a preteen, and a teenager.
• The city has many museums, parks, and other activities to entertain kids of all ages.

As a travel writer, one of my greatest loves is experiencing a new country , region, or city with my son. But one place has always been our favorite: London.

The city, which is projected to be the top summer travel destination in 2024 , is popular among tourists due to its iconic sites, gardens, and history. But if you ask me, London is also the best spot to bring your kids, especially if they range in age.

I've been to over 30 countries, and out of all of them, London is the place we chose to bring our child when he was a baby, a preteen, and a teenager.

From the city's amazing architecture to its bustling museums , there are plenty of activities to catch any kid's attention. Here's why I'll always believe London is a terrific destination for children of any age.

Transportation in London is usually a breeze

In my experience, arriving in and getting around London is pretty easy. The Heathrow Express, an airport rail link operating from London Heathrow Airport, can transport passengers to Paddington Station in 15 minutes or less.

Once in the city, we take the Tube, a rapid underground transit system, to get to the big sights. Children under 11 travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and discounts are available for older kids.

When my son was 11, he loved the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus, a touristy but fun experience that takes passengers to major city sights like Big Ben and the Tower of London. Passengers can get off the open-top double-decker vehicle anytime, take a tour, grab a bite to eat, and then continue their journey when the next bus comes.

I recommend getting a 48-hour pass because you can get a great city overview on the first day and then dig deeper into certain spots on the second.

Finally, in an emergency like an infant meltdown or a toddler tantrum, Ubers are almost always accessible.

The city is full of parks for children to play in

London has incredible green space for such a large city. Many of the city's parks are free to the public and are wonderful spots for kids to picnic, sightsee, and burn off energy.

Regent's Park has gorgeous gardens, a playground, and a lake. At Hyde Park, families with two adults and up to four children can swim in the Serpentine Lido for only £15, or about $19.

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Greenwich Park is another one of our favorites because it offers beautiful views of the River Thames and an expansive lawn surrounding the Royal Observatory and Prime Meridian.

There's no need to worry about a language barrier

I'm a seasoned traveler, but language barriers can still throw me for a loop. I always try to learn a few simple phrases, but not understanding a language and juggling a kid can cause a lot of stress.

In London, there's no need to worry about a language barrier. Though over 300 languages are spoken in the city, most people know English.

There might be different words for various objects — like "nappy" or "diaper" — but I've easily communicated with the people around us in London.

London is full of kid-friendly eateries

Each time we've traveled to London, I've seen terrific restaurant options for palates of all ages. For example, Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen offers a deal so children 8 and under dine for free when ordering off the kids' menu.

Delicious international foods , such as Italian, Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian cuisine, are also available all over London. Fast-food chains like Simit Sarayi and Yo! Sushi are also located throughout the city.

We loved taking our son to sample sweets at Harrods' Food Halls and enjoy sandwiches and scones at St. Martin-in-the-Fields' Café in the Crypt in Trafalgar Square.

There are tons of entertaining museums that offer free admission

London offers nearly 200 museums for patrons to soak up the city's culture and history. They're the perfect places to seek shelter from rain or serve as quiet, interesting respites for a napping baby.

On our first family trip, we strolled our then 8-month-old son through several wings of The British Museum as he peacefully slept. When he was 11, we hit The British Library to marvel at the Magna Carta and checked out the artwork at the National Portrait Gallery.

On our most recent excursion, we watched as our 16-year-old perused the masterpieces at Tate Modern. Most of these museums offer free admission, great kids' activities, hands-on exhibitions, and terrific gift shops.

London is close to tons of easy day-trip options

If you're a traveler who needs a change of pace or scenery every few days, London is a gateway to several day-trip destinations. Places like Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Birmingham, and Brighton are only a bus ride away.

Visiting cities like Paris , Brussels, and even Amsterdam in a single day is doable thanks to the Eurostar train, which runs through several Western European countries.

The bottom line: London's fun, full of great transportation options, and offers endless activities to entertain the entire family. It's truly a winner for kids of all ages.

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‘I took the kids to Disneyland Paris and walked 20,000 steps a day’

It's a physical and emotional work out...

I was raised by (lovely) parents who spent holidays hiking the Pembrokeshire coast path while staying in an off-grid cottage way before a digital detox was even a thing, so a trip to somewhere like Disneyland was never on the cards growing up.

Fast-forward to my own parenting years (two sons aged 8 and 12) and I have a more open outlook when it comes to family travel, in that I'll go pretty much anywhere with them - the best being a trip to Petra in Jordan, the worst being a choppy ferry journey to Ireland during which they vomited on me so I arrived on the Emerald Isle covered in sick. Happy days.

So when the kids said their dream holiday was Disneyland, it wasn't an initial 'no way', though Orlando was instantly ruled out due to cost. But Disneyland Paris? The French capital's cheaper and easier to reach in a weekend and, after some excellent campaigning from the kids outlining the charms of its exciting rides, restaurants styled like Ratatouille and Sleeping Beauty’s iconic pink castle (ok the last one was me), I booked.

How do you get there?

The journey was equally as efficient, particularly the meal served at our table, aeroplane-style, with a hostess serving a choice of two meals from a trolley - I opted for beetroot salad and a glass of wine. How civilised.

A couple of hours later we glided into Gard du Nord in the heart of Paris, from where we took a 30-minute transfer to Hotel L’Elysée Val d’Europe, our base for two nights and just a (free) ten-minute shuttle ride from Disneyland Paris.

First impressions of the parks?

First surprise? it’s two parks: Disneyland Paris and the smaller (though size doesn’t matter, right?) Walt Disney Studios Park. Second surprise? It's SO. BIG.

The moment you step through the gates (there are two sets, security and then each park has its own entrance), you’re transported to another world, one where you can chat to Cinderella, have an Avenger’s burger for lunch and get lost in an Alice in Wonderland’s labyrinth.

Everywhere you look people of all ages are wearing Mickey and Minnie headbands – we even saw some excited punters dressed in head-to-toe Disney merch (yes, they were adults). When we arrived a parade along Main Street USA had just started, so we were instantly immersed in a carnival atmosphere complete with colourful floats carrying characters from Frozen, Peter Pan etc .

Okay tell me about the rides...

I’m starting with the rides my sons BOTH voted the best. Number one – the shiny new Spider-Man W.E.B Adventure in the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus (Walt Disney Studios), where we climbed aboard a W.E.B slinger vehicle and shot spider-bots with web from OUR HANDS *Spidey web hands gesture*. It’s fast, furious and, even though I caught the least bots, I get why this one was such a hit.

The rest of the Avengers Campus went down a storm, including Flight Force (warning, this twisty, turney coaster isn’t for the faint-hearted). Meeting Spider-Man in the Hero Training Centre was a great photo opp, though we left feeling like we probably didn’t have enough training to rid a city of criminals. Sadly, I couldn’t drag them into the Pixar Musical Adventure , ‘a journey through Toy Story, Monsters and Finding Nemo ‘ (too babyish, apparently),

Over in Disneyland Paris, the kids’ favourite ride was Star Tours: The Adventures Continue found in the Discoveryland area. We put on a pair of 3D specs, stepped aboard a Starspeeder 1000 and sped through a galaxy far, far away, with thrilling glimpses of the Death Star, C-3PO and underwater realms. It’s incredibly realistic and everyone wanted to go on it again (me included!).

We gave Stars Wars Hyperspace Mountain a swerve, though it did look thrilling, and headed instead for another white-knuckle coaster: Temple of Peril , a slightly terrifying Indiana Jones-style coaster where putting your hands in the air and screaming is obligatory. You can get more adrenaline rushes on Big Thunder Mountain plus Crush’s Coaster and The Twighlight Zone Tower of Terror in Walt Disney Studios.

Rides aside, the shows are not to be missed. Frozen fans will want to make a beeline for Elsa and crew at Frozen: A Musical Invitation (Walt Disney Studios) where you can belt out Let It Go . The Lion King’s equally enticing and apparently Alice in Wonderland is due to take the stage in Walt Disney Studios this spring.

All three of us thought Adventureland was excellent, a lush land of towering bamboo, spooky caves, wobbly rope bridges, an enormous (fake) tree housing the Swiss Family Robinson’s cabin, souks from Aladdin and a massive pirate galleon. Think the best play park you’ve been to on steroids.

Got younger kids? There’s loads for little ones, particularly in Fantasyland, where we saw Peter Pan’s flight (you get to fly through a virtual Never Land) and tots can spin around in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, fly in Dumbo and ride on the gentle Le Petit Train Du Cirque .

And is the food any good?

It’s a good job you easily walk more than five miles exploring the parks, because the restaurant offering at Disney’s off the scale. Seriously, I’d be happy to just do a food tour. If your main aim is to meet Disney characters, you’re going to want to book a table at fancy French restaurant Auberge de Cendrillon in Disneyland Park, where Cinderella, Elsa and co make an appearance. Or Plaza Gardens pavilion for a chance to meet Mickey over the all you can eat buffet.

For an authentic Ratatouille vibe, it has to be Bistrot Chez Rémy – think over-sized cocktail umbrellas, cookbooks and cutlery. While Marvel fans will want to refuel at PYM Kitchen in the Avenger Camp for the novelty value – the food, zapped by PYM particles (see Ant-Man and the Wasp ) is fun-sized, from mini burgers to massive pretzels.

For snacks/pit stops, March Hare in Fantasyland is very sweet (literally, it sells lots of ice cream), and we couldn’t resist a round of Nutella-loaded waffles from one of the many food trucks. See more dining options here .

Where's the best place to stay?

We slept 10 mins (by complimentary shuttle bus) from the parks at super four-star Hotel L’Elysée Val d’Europe . If you're not a die-hard Disney fan, believe me you'll appreciate arriving back in the real world after 10 hours of fantasy.

Our spotless family room had two enormous squishy double beds, WiFi faster than a Disney ‘coaster and a tub, the perfect place to wallow in bubbles (the foamy kind) and ease tired legs. If there are more than four in your clan, book an XL Family Room which can fit up to eight people.

Although the food at Disneyland Paris is great, our favourite meal of the weekend was at Le George, the hotel’s swish restaurant. Starters of light tuna tempura and duck, followed by succulent steak frites (the kids menu is simply smaller portions of the adults, so French). Even the wine, a glass (ok two) of recommended Cote-Rotie (€12), was superb.

The boys left the table between courses to explore ‘the jungle’, a mini Kew-like double-storey glass room filled with trees, tropical ferns, banana plants and flowers. There’s a long dining table in the middle of all the foliage which you can book if you’re in a bigger party.

L’Diplomat Bar’s a cosy spot for a post-Disney cocktail - it looked like that’s exactly what many of guests were doing, though most had removed their Minnie ears - and it also serves a rich hot chocolate for kids.

Try and carve out a little free time to visit huge shopping centre Val d’Europe opposite the hotel, which is like adult Disneyland – upstairs dedicated to fashion and beauty and a lower floor full of French food. I picked up a tube of French beauty editors’ must-have secret potion A313 Pommade from the pharmacy and a pair of black ankle boots, not bad for a 25-minute dash.

Want to stay in-park? Disneyland Hotel (themed around Disney royalty) has just reopened its doors (after a two-year, multi-million pound reno) and it’s gone down a storm with reviewers. The upsides? Reception resembling Sleeping Beauty’s castle, getting to eat breakfast with Disney characters, pillow menus, five-star Clarins spa and a private entrance to the park. The downside? It’s £1,501 per night in April, though this is for a family of four and does include two-day park passes.

Download the Disneyland Paris app: BEFORE you go. Seriously, everything you could possibly ever need is on the app , from interactive maps, to opening times and the ability to book lunch. And take a phone charger, because if your phone shuts down, the magic will too.

Don’t try and cram in too much : These parks are BIG. Better to go for two days and spread it out, if you can.

Pack like you’re going on a hike: You’ll walk for miles (I’m talking 20,000 steps a day), so it’s important to be prepared. Trainers, tick. Comfy clothes, tick. Waterbottles (there are plenty of drinking fountains), tick. Snacks, tick.

Beat the queues for rides with Disney Premier Access Ultimate : If you’re not prepared to wait for up to 45 mins to get on some of the more popular rides and attractions, you can snap up premier access on the app (around €90pp per day for up to 16 rides low seasons, up to €190pp per day in peak) then simply scan the QR code at the entrance to the ride and, voila , you’re in the fast lane.

Arrive early, but not too early: The parks open at 9.30am and the queues were pretty lengthy even in low season (Feb), however by 10.30am they appeared to have eased off a little.

Take rain gear : You’re in FRANCE not FLORIDA. Rain happens, and you don’t want to spend extra money on see-through ponchos you’ll never wear again.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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