Paris to London by Train: How to get the Eurostar and why it’s faster and better than the airport

Travelling from Paris to London? Skip the stress of flying and take the Eurostar, a high-speed train that directly connects the city centres of Paris and London!

My family have taken many trips, where they’ve spent hours getting to the airport and passing through endless queues, I can confidently say the Eurostar is by far the easiest and most stress-free option. Booking your tickets is straightforward, and you’ll be avoiding all the airport hassle. Forget the long waits and transfers - here’s everything you need to know (including on how to book) for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

How to Get There

To travel from Paris to London by train, you’ll take the Eurostar, a high-speed train that connects Paris Gare du Nord with London St Pancras International. The journey takes just 2 hours and 17 minutes, which means you’re travelling directly from city centre to city centre without the usual airport hassle. If you’ve ever dealt with the long queues at Paris airports (trust me with this, it’s no joke!), you’ll appreciate how much easier this is. No airport transfers, no waiting around in crowded terminals - just a fast and comfortable ride.

Gare du Nord is located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, a short distance from major attractions. If you're staying in central Paris, it's easy to reach via Metro (Lines 4, 5, or 7) or a quick 10-minute taxi ride. Alternatively, you can take the bus, with several routes stopping nearby, or enjoy a 30-minute walk from the Louvre.

St Pancras International in London offers easy access to the city with connections to the London Underground (multiple lines including the Circle, Piccadilly, and Northern lines). You can also catch a bus or take a short 10-minute taxi ride to the centre of London. If you prefer, it’s an easy walk from the station to many parts of the city.

Both stations are centrally located, making your transition between cities fast and convenient, no matter how you choose to get there.

Booking Your Eurostar Tickets

You can book Eurostar tickets directly through their website or via a travel agent. Fares for standard class start from £52 one-way or £78 return, while first-class (Eurostar Plus) tickets begin at £115 one-way or £199 return.

Booking in advance is key to securing the best deals. The earlier you book, the cheaper the fares, with tickets available up to 11 months ahead. However, if you’re looking too far in advance, some trains might not appear in searches due to trackwork planning. If that happens, just wait a little longer for the schedule to be fully updated.

Why the Eurostar Beats Flying

If you’ve ever travelled through Paris airports, you know the chaos that comes with them. My family has had our fair share of nightmares - queues that take up to 1-2 hours just to get in and out of the airport. Getting to the airport from the city centre typically takes 1-1.5 hours, and once you’re there, expect long security lines and waiting times that can add another hour or more.

By contrast, Eurostar offers a much more reliable and comfortable experience.

• No airport hassle: With Eurostar, there’s no waiting in long security lines, and you travel directly from city centre to city centre.

• On-time reliability: Eurostar has an impressive punctuality rate, with 90%-95% of trains arriving on time or within 15 minutes, compared to only 65%-70% for short-haul flights.

• Comfortable and fast: The Eurostar offers more space and comfort than flying, so you can relax and enjoy your journey.

• Get work done or enjoy the ride: The comfortable, spacious environment of the Eurostar allows you to work or relax during your journey, making it a more productive and enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

Taking the Eurostar from Paris to London is honestly the easiest and least stressful way to travel between these two amazing cities. No airport queues, quicker travel times, and a much more comfortable ride - it’s a no-brainer if you want to make your journey as smooth as possible. And let’s be honest, it’s a much more mindful way to travel too - way less hassle, more time to relax, and you get to enjoy the ride with your friends and family. So next time you’re planning a trip, skip the airport madness and go for the train. Trust me, you won’t regret it!