Is the Eurostar from London to Paris cheaper than flying?

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London to Paris by Eurostar: A Complete Travel Guide (2025 Edition)

Planning a trip from London to Paris and wondering which travel option suits you best? Whether you’re taking a romantic getaway or a quick weekend escape, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: How long is Eurostar from London to Paris? The high-speed Eurostar London to Paris time is around 2 hours and 16 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to cross the Channel.

Eurostar train in the platform

If you’re budget-conscious, you might also ask, How much does it cost to take the Eurostar from London to Paris? or even Is the Eurostar cheaper than flying? While flight prices can fluctuate, the Eurostar often proves more cost-effective once you factor in airport transfers, baggage fees, and check-in time. Many travelers agree that it’s better to take the Eurostar than fly from London to Paris for comfort and time savings.

The London to Paris train cost varies depending on the season and how early you book, while the London to Paris train time remains consistently quick. This “underwater train from London to Paris” runs through the Channel Tunnel—an engineering marvel that links two world capitals beneath the sea. Curious about the underwater train from London to Paris price? Ticket deals can start low if you book in advance, especially for off-peak departures.

Looking for the cheapest way to get from London to Paris or the cheapest train from London to Paris? Eurostar often offers discounts and seasonal promotions. And yes, to answer a frequent query — is Eurostar the only train from London to Paris? — it’s currently the only direct service connecting the two cities.

Traveling from London to Paris by Eurostar is one of the most efficient, comfortable, and scenic ways to journey between two of Europe’s most iconic capitals. The Eurostar high-speed train connects London St. Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord in just over 2 hours and 15 minutes, making it the perfect option for both leisure and business travelers.

Why Choose Eurostar?

The Eurostar train offers a fast, city-center to city-center connection, saving you the hassle of airport check-ins and transfers. With free Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and onboard dining, it’s a stress-free way to travel across the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel.

Eurostar is Europe’s premier high-speed rail service, seamlessly connecting the United Kingdom with major destinations across mainland Europe, including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and beyond. Operating through the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar trains can reach impressive speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on modern high-speed lines, ensuring fast, smooth, and comfortable journeys between city centers.

Passengers can choose from three travel classes — Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier — each offering excellent amenities such as free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, generous luggage space, and an onboard café for snacks and drinks.

A Single, Connected European Network

Following the merger with Thalys routes, Eurostar now operates an even larger and more efficient network across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, linking the UK to continental Europe under one unified service. This expanded network offers more destinations, greater convenience, and improved travel connections.

Why Millions Choose Eurostar Every Year

Millions of travelers prefer Eurostar for its speed, comfort, and sustainability. At up to 300 km/h, passengers can travel directly from one city center to another, avoiding airport hassles and saving valuable time.

Unlike airlines, Eurostar imposes no strict luggage weight limits — if you can carry it, you can take it. Even better, you can travel with liquids, so there’s no need to worry about airport-style restrictions.

Environmentally conscious travelers also love Eurostar’s green credentials. A single flight between London and Paris produces 14 times more carbon emissions than the same trip by Eurostar train, making it one of the most sustainable ways to explore Europe.

Popular Eurostar Routes

Eurostar routes are divided into two main categories:

  • Channel Routes – These pass through the Channel Tunnel between the UK and mainland Europe.

  • Continental Routes – These connect European destinations such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Both offer comfortable, fast, and eco-friendly journeys, with only minor differences in service design and branding.

London to Paris by Eurostar

The most iconic Eurostar journey is the London to Paris route, which travels beneath the English Channel and across France at high speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). In around 2 hours and 15 minutes, passengers arrive at Paris Gare du Nord, right in the heart of the city — perfect for exploring famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Seine River.

London to Disneyland Paris

Families and Disney fans can easily reach Disneyland Paris by taking Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Marne-la-Vallée, via a quick connection in Paris. The service offers a fun, easy, and efficient way to reach the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

London to Amsterdam

Since 2018, Eurostar has offered direct trains from London to Amsterdam, covering the 357 km journey in around 3 hours and 41 minutes. With more than 10 direct departures daily on weekdays, this route has become one of the most popular for travelers seeking a fast, scenic way to reach the Netherlands.

London to Lille

Eurostar’s London–Lille route is its shortest and fastest journey, taking just 1 hour and 22 minutes. With nearly 20 daily departures, it’s ideal for quick business trips or weekend getaways. This route has been part of Eurostar’s core network since its launch in 1994.

London to Brussels

Traveling between London and Brussels is effortless with Eurostar’s direct trains, completing the journey in under 2 hours. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to travel between these two European capitals.

Other Eurostar Destinations

Eurostar also serves additional destinations depending on season and schedule, including:

Germany: Düsseldorf, Aachen, Cologne, Duisburg, Essen
France: Strasbourg, Marseille, Avignon, Valence, Lyon
Belgium: Liège
UK: Ebbsfleet, Ashford

Seasonal Routes: Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Aime-La-Plagne, and Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains.

Eurostar Snow Service

Winter travelers can take advantage of Eurostar Snow, a seasonal service connecting London St Pancras International with top Alpine ski resorts via a quick stop in Lille. Destinations include Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. These trains run on Saturdays, with returns on Sundays, allowing passengers to bring two bags and ski gear without restrictions.

Why Choose Eurostar for Your Next European Journey

Eurostar combines speed, comfort, and sustainability like no other mode of transport. Whether you’re commuting between capitals, planning a family trip to Disneyland, or embarking on a European adventure, Eurostar makes travel effortless — from city center to city center.

👉 Book your Eurostar journey today and explore Europe in comfort and style.

How to Book Eurostar Tickets from London to Paris

You can book tickets directly on the Eurostar website, or compare fares using trusted travel booking partners like Trip.com .
Pro Tip: Book at least 60–90 days in advance for the best prices. Off-peak and early-morning trains often offer significant discounts.

Best Time to Travel from London to Paris

The best time to visit Paris is from April to June or September to November, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Traveling in spring offers the bonus of blooming gardens and outdoor café culture, while autumn brings charming fall colors and lower hotel rates.

Must-See Tours and Attractions in Paris

Once you arrive at Gare du Nord, Paris is at your doorstep. Here are some popular tours and attractions to book in advance:

👉 Explore Paris Tours & Attractions on Viator
👉 Find the Best Day Trips from Paris on Trip.com

Where to Stay in Paris: Hotel Options for Every Traveler

1. Luxury Hotels:

2. Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Hotel Le Six – A stylish boutique option in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

  • Hotel Recamier – Elegant and peaceful, perfect for couples.

3. Budget & Boutique Stays:

👉 Compare Paris Hotels on Booking.com
👉 Find the Best Paris Hotel Deals on Trip.com

Getting Around Paris: Rent a Car or Use Public Transport?

If your Paris itinerary includes exploring nearby regions like Normandy, Loire Valley, or Champagne, consider renting a car. Major car rental companies such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz have offices near Gare du Nord.

👉 Compare Car Rentals in Paris on Economybookings.com

However, for city sightseeing, the Paris Metro and RER trains are faster and cheaper. Many tourist attractions are within walking distance or a short metro ride away.

London to Paris Eurostar Travel Tips

  • Arrive at St. Pancras International at least 45–60 minutes before departure.

  • Keep your passport and travel documents ready for security and immigration checks.

  • Bring snacks or enjoy the onboard Café Métropole.

  • Use contactless cards or Revolut for convenient Euro payments in Paris.

Image credit: Trip.com

Why Travel Insurance is Essential for Your Eurostar Trip

Even for short cross-border trips, travel insurance provides essential protection against unexpected disruptions like delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies.
For international travelers from India or outside the EU, choosing the right travel medical insurance ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.👉 Compare Top Travel Insurance Plans Here 

Smple 3-Day Paris Itinerary After Eurostar Arrival

Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Louvre Museum
Day 2: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, Moulin Rouge evening show
Day 3: Versailles Palace day trip and Champs-Élysées shopping

Final Thoughts

A London to Paris Eurostar trip is more than just a train ride — it’s an unforgettable European experience. With seamless booking, world-class attractions, and convenient connections, traveling between these two capitals has never been easier.

🔗 Disclaimer

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a booking or purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support our website and allow us to continue bringing you useful travel content, tips, and recommendations. We only promote products and services we personally use or believe will add value to our readers.


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