Are you dreaming of a Parisian escape, even if it’s just for a day? Great news – it’s absolutely possible! A day trip from London to Paris is the perfect way to get a taste of the City of Light’s magic. Thanks to the speedy Eurostar train, traveling between these iconic cities is a breeze.
Let’s dive in and plan your whirlwind Parisian adventure – you’ll be surprised how much you can experience in just 24 hours!
How To Get From London to Paris
The Eurostar train is the fastest way to get from Paris to London. It takes less than 2.5 hours to travel from London’s St. Pancras Station to the Gare du Nord in Paris. The train is much faster than taking a bus, which takes six to eight hours. The train is also probably faster than flying once you consider the time spent traveling to and from the airport, the time getting through security, and the fact that you have to arrive so early before take-off. The train has the added benefit of delivering you to the city center, whereas planes land outside the city center and require additional travel time to get to where you want to go.
For a full London to Paris day trip, leave as early as possible. If you plan on traveling by train and don’t mind waking up early, there’s a 5:40 AM train in London that arrives in Paris just after 8 AM. The last train leaving Paris is at 9:13 PM, giving travelers a lot of time to work with.
What To Do on a Quick London to Paris Day Trip
With a full day in Paris ahead of you and a city full of attractions and beautiful sights, it can be hard to choose what to do. The key to a successful London to Paris day trip is not cramming everything in. Pick two to three main Paris attractions or maybe even just one neighborhood to fully explore. A good tip is to purchase Metro tickets as soon as you arrive at the Gare du Nord. While Paris is a walking city, the Metro is ideal for getting to your first destination. Speaking of that first destination, we recommend Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, and the 1st arrondissement.
The site of the famous Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre is an excellent place to spend the day. We recommend visiting a Parisian café for a cup of coffee and prime people-watching.
Home to Notre Dame, Shakespeare & Company, and Luxembourg Garden, the Latin Quarter is easy to explore. Take a break from the sights and pop into a local bookstore or bakery.
Looking for a relaxing day of finding inspiration in museums, strolling through gardens, and sipping tea? The 1st arrondissement is home to the Louvre (or Musée d’Orsay), Angelina Tearoom, and Tuileries Gardens. The 1st arrondissement is also where you’ll find the Rue Saint-Honoré, a shoppers’ paradise lined with cute boutiques.
After a morning exploring, walk along the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower. It’s picturesque and well worth the stroll. Plus, you’ll want to snap a few photos of the iconic landmark before heading back to London. Since this is a quick London to Paris day trip, sit and admire the Eiffel Tower without venturing up to the top. Save climbing for a trip where you have a little more time. Before it’s time to head back to London, you’ll want to dine in a chic Parisian restaurant for deliciously decadent French cuisine.
As important as it is to plan the perfect one-day itinerary in Paris, it’s also important to know what not to do on a quick London to Paris day trip. First of all, stay in Paris. Don’t venture too far away. For example, Versailles is about an hour away, which doesn’t seem like that long, but if you choose to visit, it’s the only place you’ll be able to see. Plus, you’ll add to your travel time, cutting away from vacation time.
Tips To Make the Most of a London to Paris Day Trip
Don’t Rush
We mentioned it above, but it bears repeating: Don’t try to do too much on your London to Paris day trip. It’s fun to get lost on side streets, snap photos along the Seine, and smell the roses in the beautiful gardens. Linger in a café, wander through the shops — get a real taste of Parisian life, even if it’s only for one day.
Travel Light
A small backpack or carry-on is ideal for easy maneuvering. With a small backpack or carry-on, you’ll navigate cobblestone streets, crowded metros, and Parisian landmarks with ease. This way you’ll maximize your experience: Less time lugging around baggage means more time for wandering charming side streets or discovering hidden cafes.
Comfortable Shoes
- Your feet will thank you: Paris is a walking city – think cobblestones, charming staircases, and sprawling parks. Prioritize comfortable shoes (stylish sneakers, supportive flats) for all-day exploration.
Extra Tips:
- Layers are key: Parisian weather can be unpredictable. Pack light layers you can add or remove for comfort.
- A reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while saving money and reducing plastic waste.
Arrive at the Gare du Nord Early
Nobody wants to miss their ride home on a London to Paris day trip. Arrive at the Gare du Nord at least one hour before departure time. You’ll have to go through immigration, and depending on the length of lines, it can take a while.
Remember: Missing your train could mean added expenses or a very late night in Paris. Don’t let a potential hassle ruin your perfect day!
Currency Exchange
Have some euros on hand for small purchases and tips. Tipping isn’t as customary in Paris as in the US. A small amount for good service at restaurants or for taxi drivers is appreciated.
Navigating the Metro
Paris has a great metro system. A day pass is often a cost-effective way to get around.
- Decoding the System:
- Lines are numbered and color-coded for easy reference.
- Know your direction! Each line’s final stop is displayed to help you get on the right train.
- Free metro maps are available at stations to guide your journey.
Top Tips:
- Download a metro app: Apps like Citymapper can be lifesavers for routing and live updates.
- Validate your ticket: Don’t forget to insert your ticket at the turnstiles to avoid potential fines.
Bring a Charger and an eSIM
Don’t let your phone run out of charge. You’ll want it to snap photos! Plus, travelers need to stay connected, even on a quick day trip. Consider an Airalo eSIM. Airalo makes it easy to get online, so you can communicate with others and research train times, ticket prices, and restaurant menus. Simply download the app, choose your destination and package, install the eSIM, and connect to a mobile network when you arrive in Paris. It’s useful, cost-effective, and can be a real lifesaver when you need it most.
Taking a day trip from London to Paris? Visit the Airalo store to find eSIMs for France and 200+ countries and regions worldwide.