Can you do a day trip to London from Paris?

LONDON DAY TRIP If you have at least 6 days in Paris, it's hard not to be tempted to take a day trip from Paris to London. With the 2 hours 15 Eurostar train service, you can be there by 09:30a. m and enjoy a full day of sightseeing, shopping and high tea. You don't have to plan a thing, just bring your passport!



It is entirely possible and quite common to take a day trip from Paris to London, primarily thanks to the Eurostar high-speed rail service. The journey from Paris's Gare du Nord to London's St. Pancras International takes approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes, allowing travelers to leave early in the morning and return late at night. For instance, a typical itinerary might involve a 7:00 AM departure from Paris, arriving in London by 8:30 AM (considering the one-hour time difference), which leaves nearly 12 hours for sightseeing, shopping, or business. However, travelers must account for "border time," as both French and British immigration checks occur before boarding the train, necessitating an arrival at the station at least 60 to 90 minutes prior to departure. In 2026, eligible non-EU/UK travelers also need to ensure they have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK. Despite these logistical requirements, the speed and city-center-to-city-center convenience of the Eurostar make it the "gold standard" for a cross-channel day excursion, far surpassing the time and hassle required for a flight.

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Ease of travel: Planning a vacation to visit London and Paris at the same time can be a wise choice, as it allows you to travel between the two cities without any extra flights. The Eurostar train is an excellent option for a seamless connection, which will enable you to explore both magnificent capitals with ease.

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Eurostar trains, which travel at speeds of up to 186 miles per hour, are modern and comfortable, with plenty of room for luggage and onboard food and beverage options based on class. Direct trains depart from Paris Gare du Nord every four hours and arrive at St. Pancras International Station in London.

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Sure, a week or two or three in Paris would be much better than one day in Paris, but equally, one day in Paris is better than no days in Paris! My view is that it is worth going to Paris even if you only have one day or a small amount of time because whatever you can experience in that time is likely to be wonderful!

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The cheapest time of year to visit London is from November to March. This is when prices for hotels and flights are typically lower, but you'll need to deal with colder weather and more rain.

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Planning Your Trip to Paris A trip to the French capital is likely to be an excellent experience. First-time travelers should try and plan around 4-5 days—ample time to enjoy some classic Parisian highlights and visit a few of the 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods).

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The Tower lights and beacon are lit up every evening from dusk until 11.45pm. As soon as it gets dark, the Eiffel Tower's golden lighting switches on automatically within less than 10 minutes, thanks to light-sensitive twilight sensors. Simply check an almanac to find out what time the monument will light up.

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How long is the Eurostar train journey from London to Paris? The Eurostar can take up to 2hrs 37mins from London to Paris, however, most of our trains will take you to Paris in only 2hrs 16mins.

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Bus / Coach. Taking a bus from London to Paris is usually the least expensive transport option. While not as fast as a train or flying, it is an easy way to get between the two cities.

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For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least four or five days in London, which will give you enough time to get a feel for the city and see many of its main sites. With so much to do and see check out this article on how you can make the most of your time in London!

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