What to Know Before You Drive to Paris

Katrina Antonio

Last updated 24 Jun 2025

Planning a trip from the UK to Paris and trying to figure out the best way to get there? Yes, it is possible to drive! Whether you’re thinking about taking the scenic route and driving, hopping on the Eurostar, or flying over the Channel, this handy guide breaks down all your options.

Let’s explore the most popular ways to get from the UK to Paris, including how to drive to Paris, what to expect on the train, and some lesser-known tips to make your trip smoother.

Option 1: Drive to Paris from the UK

What to Expect on the Road

If you're someone who loves the flexibility of road trips, then a drive from London to Paris might be right up your alley. This journey usually takes about 5.5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic, rest stops, and your route.

To drive to Paris from London, you’ll typically go through the route below:

M20 to Folkestone
Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel Le Shuttle)
A16 and A1 highways in France

The Eurotunnel is a train that carries cars, so you’ll be able to enjoy this unique experience from inside your vehicle! Washrooms are available, and there’s space to walk in case you want to stretch your legs during the ride.

The train itself only takes 35 minutes to cross from Folkestone to Calais. From Calais, it’s about a 3-hour drive to Paris. If you’d like to secure your slot safely, you can book a space on the Eurotunnel in advance online.

Cost breakdown:

Eurotunnel fare: Around £100-£150 (approx. USD 134 - 200) each way (depends on time/date)
Fuel: Approx. £100 round trip (approx. USD 134), depending on your car
Toll roads in France: Expect to pay around €20–25 (approx USD 24 - 29) one way

*Note: Conversion rates or prices can fluctuate as of writing, so do double-check before you go!

Things to Know Before You Drive

You’ll need to drive on the right once you enter France.
UK driving licences are valid in France, but don’t forget to carry your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Make sure your car complies with French road rules—headlight beam deflectors, a reflective jacket, and a warning triangle are required.
Fuel stations are plentiful, but toll booths may not accept all UK bank cards, so have some cash or a multi-currency card handy.

Driving also means you’ll want reliable data for GPS and navigation. A Europe eSIM is a great option here, since this gives you easy access to mobile data across Europe. No physical SIM required—just scan a QR code and you’re set.

If you're traveling as a group, want to explore stops along the way like Rouen or Amiens, or are just looking for a unique experience, driving from the UK to Paris is definitely worth it.

Option 2: Eurostar

Now, if you’re looking for the best way to get from London to Paris, most travelers agree: it's the Eurostar.

This high-speed train takes you from central London (St Pancras International) to Paris Gare du Nord in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. No airport hassle, no baggage claim wait, and no long drives.

Perks of Taking the Eurostar

Super fast: You’re in Paris in just over 2 hours.
City-center to city-center travel.
You only need to arrive 45–60 minutes before departure.
Luggage is included (two bags and one hand luggage).

What Does It Cost?

Economy fares start at around £39 (approx USD 52.28) one way if booked early.
Standard Premier and Business Premier offer more comfort at higher prices.

Take the Eurail for travel within France

For travelers continuing across France or Europe, consider getting the Eurail France Pass. It offers flexible, unlimited travel on trains throughout France (including TGV services), perfect if Paris is just one stop on your itinerary! While the Eurostar is great for a direct ride between London and Paris, it does not cover travel within France itself.

Why Choose the Eurail Pass?

Unlimited travel days: The France Eurail Pass gives you a set number of flexible travel days (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or more) within 1 month. You can hop on and off trains across the country without buying separate tickets each time.
Comfortable first-class seating: With the first-class option, you get larger seats, more space, quieter cars, and often complimentary extras like power outlets—great for longer journeys.

Popular Routes from Paris Using Eurail

Once you've arrived in Paris, the Eurail France Pass makes it easy to explore beyond the capital:

Paris to Lyon: About 2 hours via TGV, perfect for foodies and history lovers.
Paris to Nice: 5.5 hours on a high-speed train. Scenic views of the French Riviera included.
Paris to Strasbourg: Just under 2 hours, great for a taste of Alsace.
Paris to Bordeaux: Roughly 2 hours, and ideal for wine enthusiasts.
Paris to Avignon: Around 3 hours. Home to medieval architecture and sun-soaked landscapes.

The Eurail Pass is worth it if you’re planning to visit multiple French cities across longer periods of time. The pass can be used for up to 8 days in 1 month!

Now, if you want to be really flexible with your itinerary (or sneak in a spontaneous trip here and there 😉) without breaking the bank, you can try using Europe travel passes. These give you rail access options in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Norway, and more.

Option 3: Flying from the UK to Paris

Flying may seem quick on paper, but once you factor in the airport wait times, security checks, and transport to and from the airport, it doesn’t always save time compared to the train.

Flight Overview

Flight time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Airports: Most flights depart from London Heathrow, Gatwick, or Luton and arrive in either Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports in Paris.
Budget carriers like easyJet and Ryanair often have the lowest fares, but add-ons like baggage and seat selection can bump up your total cost.

Klook Tip: If you're carrying large bags or traveling with kids, booking a private transfer or shuttle ahead of time is a huge help.

Option 4: Bus

Taking the coach is the most budget-friendly option, but also the slowest. Companies like Flixbus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate daily services between London and Paris. The journey usually takes 8–10 hours, with fares as low as £20 one way if booked in advance.

You’ll travel via ferry or Eurotunnel and have stops along the way. It’s not the fastest, but it's useful for travelers on a tight budget.

Option 5: Ferry + Train/Drive Combo

If you want to combine a bit of sea and land, consider taking a ferry from Dover to Calais (90 minutes), then continuing by train or car.

Dover to Calais ferries are operated by P&O and DFDS.
Once in Calais, you can either:
- Rent a car and drive to Paris
- Take a train to Paris (approx 2.5–3 hours)

This is a good option for those who want more flexibility or are planning to visit other parts of France before heading to the capital.

So, what’s the best way to get to Paris?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it really depends on your priorities.

If you want the fastest and easiest experience, go with the Eurostar.
If you value flexibility and have multiple destinations in mind, then driving to Paris can make a lot of sense.
If budget is your top concern, the bus might be the right choice.
And if you’re coming from further afield or need a tight schedule, flying is still a valid option.

And hey, whichever way you get there, Paris is waiting for you to explore. 🧡

FAQ

Can you drive a car to Paris?

Yes, absolutely! You can drive to Paris from the UK using the Eurotunnel or a ferry. The most direct route is from London to Folkestone, across the Channel Tunnel (also called the Chunnel) to Calais, and then on to Paris via the A1 motorway. It's a popular choice for travelers who want flexibility or are planning a road trip across France.

Is it cheaper to drive or fly to France?

It depends. Flying can be cheaper if you find a good deal on budget airlines and are traveling solo or light. But once you add in luggage fees, airport transfers, and travel time, the savings may disappear. If you're traveling as a group or with family, driving to Paris can be more cost-effective, especially if you split tolls and fuel.

Can US citizens drive in Paris?

Yes. US citizens can drive in Paris and anywhere in France using a valid U.S. driver’s license. However, it’s strongly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your license. Keep in mind that driving in central Paris can be stressful due to traffic, narrow streets, and limited parking, so plan accordingly.

Is there a charge to drive into Paris?

Yes. Paris has introduced a low-emission zone (ZFE) to reduce pollution, which means vehicles must meet certain emission standards. If your car doesn’t qualify, you may not be allowed to enter the city during certain hours. You’ll also need a Crit’Air sticker, which categorizes your vehicle’s emissions. Make sure to apply for one online before your trip to avoid fines.

More guides for your trip to Paris

Things To Do

What to Know Before Going Inside the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Plan your visit like a pro! Learn tips on tickets, lines, what’s inside, and making the most of the Eiffel Tower.

Things To Do Transportation

Plan The Perfect Day Trips from Paris with These Ideas

Experience the many sides of France with these perfect day trips from Paris!

Things To Do

7 Best Things to Do in Paris in Summer

Make the most of summer with these 7 best things to do in Paris!

What is Klook?

Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.

Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.

✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels

📸 Instagram | 📱 TikTok | ✏️ Blog | 🔴 YouTube

Paris London France United Kingdom

Recommended for you