Have you ever dreamed of visiting Paris, the city of love, but don’t have enough time or money to spend a week there? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy a day trip from London to Paris and see some of the most iconic sights of the French capital. In this blog post, we will show you how to plan your perfect day trip from London to Paris, how to get there, what to do, and what to avoid.
How to get to Paris from London
Taking the Train
The easiest and fastest way to travel from London to Paris is by taking the Eurostar train, which connects the two cities in just over two hours. You can board the Eurostar at St Pancras International Station in London and arrive at Gare du Nord station in Paris. The Eurostar trains are comfortable, and modern, and offer free wi-fi and power sockets. You can also choose between different classes of service, such as Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier, depending on your budget and preferences.
Ticket Booking Tips
You can book your Eurostar ticket online or at the station, but we recommend booking in advance to get the best deals and avoid disappointment. The prices vary depending on the time of the day, the day of the week, and the season, but you can expect to pay between £50 and £150 for a return ticket. You can also find some special offers and discounts on the Eurostar website or through other travel agencies.
You will need to check in at least 30 minutes before your departure time and go through security and passport control. Make sure you have a valid passport and, if required, a visa to enter France. Even if you are only going on a day trip from London to Paris, you must complete a Passenger Locator Form before traveling, as part of the Covid-19 regulations. You can find more information about the travel requirements and restrictions on Eurostar’s official site.
By Air
Another option to get to Paris from London is by taking a flight, which can be cheaper and faster than the train, depending on the airline and the airport. You can fly from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, or City airports to Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, or Beauvais airports. The flight time is about an hour, but you will need to factor in the time and cost of getting to and from the airports, as well as the check-in and security procedures. You can compare the prices and schedules of different airlines on websites like Skyscanner or Kayak.
By Bus
If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to travel from London to Paris, you might consider taking a bus. However, before you book your ticket, you should be aware of the pros and cons of this option. Here are some points to consider:
- The bus is the cheapest option. You can find tickets for as low as £10 for a one-way trip, which is much cheaper than taking a train or a plane. You can also save on accommodation costs by taking a night bus, which will allow you to sleep during the journey and arrive in Paris in the morning.
- The bus is the slowest option. The average travel time by bus is nine hours, which is considerably longer than taking a train (two hours) or a plane (one hour). Additionally, you might face delays due to traffic, border checks, or weather conditions.
- The bus is the least comfortable option. Depending on the bus company, the quality of the seats, the legroom, the amenities, and the cleanliness might vary. You might also have to deal with limited luggage space. Moreover, you will not have much flexibility to change your plans, as bus tickets are usually non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Given these points, taking a bus from London to Paris might be a good option if you are on a tight budget and you have plenty of time to spare. However, if you are planning a day trip or a short weekend getaway, taking a bus is not recommended, as it will consume too much of your valuable time. In that case, you might want to consider taking a train or a plane, which are faster and more convenient options.
You can find more information about the bus services on websites like Flixbus or Ouibus.
What to do in Paris
Paris is a beautiful and vibrant city that has something for everyone. You can admire the stunning architecture, visit the world-famous museums and monuments, enjoy the delicious cuisine and wine, shop at the chic boutiques, or simply stroll along the charming streets and the River Seine. However, since you only have one day to explore the city, you will need to prioritize and plan your itinerary carefully.
Here are some of the best things to do in Paris on a day trip from London:
Visit the Eiffel Tower:
No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower, the symbol of the city and one of the most visited attractions in the world. You can either admire the tower from the ground, from the nearby Champ de Mars park or the Trocadéro gardens or climb to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, but be prepared to queue for a long time, especially during peak hours. The prices vary depending on the level you want to visit, but they range from €10.50 to €27.50 for adults. You can also book a guided tour or a skip-the-line ticket to save some time and learn more about the history and the secrets of the tower.
Explore the Louvre Museum:
The Louvre Museum is the largest and most visited museum in the world, and it houses some of the most famous and priceless artworks, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. You can spend hours wandering through the vast and impressive collections of paintings, sculptures, antiquities, and other treasures, or you can focus on the highlights and the masterpieces.
You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance, but we recommend booking in advance to avoid the long queues. The tickets cost €17 for adults, and they include access to all the permanent and temporary exhibitions. You can also book a guided tour or an audio guide to enhance your experience and learn more about the artworks and the artists.
Walk along the Champs-Élysées:
The Champs-Élysées is the most famous and elegant avenue in Paris. It stretches for almost two kilometers from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. The boulevard has trees and beautiful buildings. You can admire them as you walk. There are luxury shops, cafes, and restaurants too. You can also visit many attractions. For example, the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais, the Madeleine, or the Lido.
It is breathtaking when you climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. This monumental arch commemorates the victories and the heroes of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket office, and they cost €12 for adults. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Eiffel Tower from the terrace.
Cruise on the River Seine:
A cruise on the River Seine is a highlight of any day trip from London to Paris. You can choose from different types of cruises, such as sightseeing, lunch, dinner, or night cruises, and you can hop on and off at different stops, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Musée d’Orsay, or the Île de la Cité. You can buy your tickets online or at the dock, and they start from €15 for adults.
Discover the Montmartre district:
Montmartre is one of the most charming and artistic districts in Paris, and it is famous for its bohemian atmosphere, its steep and cobbled streets, its quaint cafes and shops, and its stunning views of the city. You can explore the neighborhood and discover its hidden gems, such as the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Place du Tertre, the Moulin Rouge, the Wall of Love, or the Musée de Montmartre. You can also join a walking tour or a bike tour to learn more about the history and the legends of the area, and to meet some of the local artists and performers.
What to avoid in Paris
Paris is a wonderful city, but it also has some drawbacks and pitfalls that you should be aware of and avoid, especially if you are on a day trip from London. Here are some of the things to avoid in Paris:
Avoid the peak hours:
While planning your day trip from London to Paris, you should also avoid the peak hours in both cities. Paris is a very busy and crowded city, and it can be very stressful and frustrating to travel during peak hours, especially on public transport. You can expect long queues, delays, and traffic jams, which can waste your precious time and ruin your mood. Try to avoid traveling between 8 and 10 am and between 5 and 7 pm, and plan your itinerary accordingly. You can also use alternative modes of transport, such as walking, biking, or taking a taxi or an Uber, to avoid the hassle and the congestion.
Avoid the tourist traps:
If you are planning a day trip from London to Paris, you might be tempted by some of the tourist traps that promise a quick and easy way to see the city of lights. However, these traps often charge you a lot of money for a low-quality service, and you might end up wasting your time and missing out on the real charm of Paris.
You can avoid these traps by doing some research and reading some reviews before you book or buy anything, and by comparing the prices and the offers of different providers.
We recommend you to avoid places that are too crowded, too noisy, or too flashy, and opt for the ones that are more authentic, local, and cozy. You can also ask for recommendations from your friends, your hotel, or your tour guide. One can consider using sites or apps like TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Google Maps for good deals and experiences.
Avoid the scams and the pickpockets:
Paris is also full of scams and pickpockets, which are people or groups who try to trick you, distract you, or rob you of your money or your belongings. You can avoid these scams and pickpockets by being alert and aware of your surroundings, and by keeping your valuables close and secure.
If someone on the street offers you something for free, like a bracelet or a rose, it’s often a scam. Similarly, those asking for help with finding items might be trying to distract you to steal. Avoid known unsafe areas, especially at night, and stick to main, well-lit streets. Reporting suspicious or illegal activities to the police or authorities is also advisable.
Keytake Away: Making the Most of a Day
Wrapping up your day trip from London to Paris, remember that the key to a truly memorable experience lies in smart planning and being open to the enchanting spontaneity of Parisian life. While it’s important to visit the iconic landmarks, taking the time to enjoy the small moments can be equally rewarding. This could be as simple as taking a leisurely stroll along the Seine, savoring the aroma of fresh pastries from a local boulangerie, or admiring the quiet beauty of a hidden courtyard.
By staying informed, avoiding common tourist pitfalls, and embracing the city’s vibrant culture, you can make the most of your brief jaunt to Paris and encapsulate the essence of this magnificent city. So go ahead, enjoy your day in Paris, and carry back memories that will beckon you to return.
Bon voyage!
