- Eurostar takes about 2h20 centre to centre, and door to door it usually beats flying
- Flights are shorter in the air, but airports and transfers add 2-3 hours
- Eurostar has no liquid rules and a generous luggage allowance
- Allow extra time at St Pancras for EU Entry/Exit System checks
London to Paris is one of the busiest international routes in Europe, and you have a real choice: the Eurostar from St Pancras or a flight from one of London's airports. The flight looks shorter on paper, at about an hour and a quarter in the air. Once you add getting to the airport, security and the trip into Paris from Charles de Gaulle, the train nearly always wins if you start in or near London.
Door-to-door comparison (central London to central Paris)
| Eurostar | Flying (e.g. Heathrow to CDG) | |
|---|---|---|
| Time travelling | about 2h20 | about 1h15 in the air |
| Arrive before departure | Check-in closes 30 min before (15 min Premier). Arrive 60-90 min early in busy periods | Usually 2 hours before |
| Getting to the station or airport | Central London (St Pancras) | 30-60+ min to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton |
| Into central Paris | Arrive at Gare du Nord, in the city | RER B from CDG to the centre: about 35-50 min, €14 |
| Typical door-to-door time | about 4-4.5 hours | about 5-6 hours |
| Luggage | Generous allowance included in standard fares | Often extra for hold bags on budget airlines |
| Liquids | No limits | Security limits apply |
| Carbon footprint | Much lower per passenger | Much higher |
Times are approximate. Allow longer at peak times.
Price
Both can be cheap or expensive depending on when you book.
- Eurostar: Standard fares start from around £39 one way when booked early, and there are occasional flash sales. Prices rise sharply for Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons and school holidays. Eurostar sells three classes: Standard, Plus (with a light meal and more space) and Premier (flexible tickets and lounge access).
- Flights: Budget fares can be very low, but add hold luggage, seat selection, travel to and from the airport and the €14 RER ticket in Paris, and the gap often closes. Flying can win if you live near a regional airport with a direct Paris route, such as Manchester, Edinburgh or Bristol.
For general fare timing, see the cheapest time to fly from the UK.
Border checks and the EU Entry/Exit System
Both routes now use the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. The first time you enter the Schengen area under EES, your fingerprints and photo are taken. On the Eurostar, French border checks happen at St Pancras before you board, so you walk straight off the train in Paris. At busy times, the queues at St Pancras can be long. Arrive early and check Eurostar's latest advice.
The separate ETIAS travel authorisation is not yet required, and its launch has been pushed back beyond 2026. Don't pay any website that claims to sell it.
Comfort and convenience
The train wins for most travellers: bigger seats, no liquid rules, the freedom to walk around, phone signal for much of the way and a city-centre arrival. It's especially good with children (see Paris with kids) and for anyone who dislikes flying.
The plane wins if you're connecting onwards from CDG, travelling from the north of England or Scotland, or have found a very cheap fare from a nearby airport.
Watch out for engineering works
Eurostar is running reduced weekend timetables between London and Paris on several weekends between October and December 2026, because of engineering works near Gare du Nord. Check before you book a weekend trip.
Going further by train
Paris is also a gateway to the rest of Europe: change at Gare de Lyon for the Alps or the south. See our European city breaks by train from London guide, our Amsterdam weekend itinerary (also served by direct Eurostar), and the France guide. Ski fans can even go by train: read our guides to when to book ski holidays for the best price and the French Alps.
Once there, book your Eiffel Tower and Louvre tickets ahead, especially at weekends.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Eurostar faster than flying to Paris?
From central London, usually yes. The train takes about 2h20 between city centres. Once you add airport travel and security, flying typically takes five hours or more door to door.
How early should I arrive for the Eurostar?
Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure for Standard and Plus, and 15 minutes for Premier. With EES border checks, Eurostar advises allowing more time at busy periods. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes.
How much luggage can I take on the Eurostar?
Standard tickets include a generous allowance, typically two large bags plus one small item each, with no weight limit if you can carry them. Check Eurostar's current rules for your ticket type.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to France?
Not yet. ETIAS has not launched and has been delayed beyond 2026. British travellers only need a valid passport and must go through EES biometric checks.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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