Paris to London by train, plane or car: the door-to-door comparison
Paris to London by train, plane or car: the right choice depends less on the advertised speed than on your luggage, your group and your exact addresses. Here are the real journey times, the formalities and the cases where each option wins.
From city centre to city centre, the train is usually the fastest: 2 hr 17 from Gare du Nord to St Pancras. The plane makes sense mainly when you are leaving from an airport. The chauffeur-driven car, 6 to 7 hours on the road, becomes the right choice with a lot of luggage, in a group or with a pet.
Train, plane or car: which should you choose?
Between central Paris and central London, the train is usually the fastest and simplest option. Flying only makes sense if you are leaving from an airport or if London is just one stop on a longer trip. A chauffeur-driven car takes longer, but it becomes the right choice as soon as you travel with lots of luggage, as a group, with a pet or from an address far from the stations.
The comparison at a glance
| Option | Advertised journey time | Check-in time | Arrival in London | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurostar | 2 hr 17 from Gare du Nord to St Pancras International | 75 to 90 min in Standard and Plus, 45 to 60 min in Premier | Right in the centre | 2 suitcases and 1 small bag (3 suitcases in Premier), 85 cm max |
| Plane | About 1 hr 10 flight time | Depends on the airline, plus the journey to the airport | Airports outside the centre | Depends on the ticket |
| Chauffeur-driven car | 6 to 7 hours on the road, including the 35-min crossing | None: the chauffeur waits for you at your door | At your address | Depends on the vehicle chosen |
Times and conditions noted in November 2026 on the official Eurostar, Air France and LeShuttle websites: they may change. London is one hour behind Paris.
Is the train really the fastest?
Eurostar Paris to London: journey time and check-in
The Eurostar links Gare du Nord to St Pancras International in 2 hr 17. However, you need to arrive at the station 75 to 90 minutes before departure in Standard and Plus, 45 to 60 minutes in Premier, to get through the checks. Boarding gates close 30 minutes before departure, 15 minutes in Premier. Before collecting your ticket, you must also enter your advance passenger information (API).
Each traveller can take two suitcases and one small bag, three suitcases in Premier, up to 85 cm long. Extra luggage must be booked in advance, on certain trains only, from £35 (fare in force in November 2026, subject to change). On your own or with one companion, with little luggage and a central address, this is the option we recommend. Our Gare du Nord transfer drops you there with your suitcases.
When does the plane make sense?
The Paris to London flight time is short: about 1 hr 10, according to the timetables published by Air France between Roissy and Gatwick. But you need to add the journey to the airport, check-in, security checks and then the connection into central London: from Heathrow, for example, the Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in 15 minutes. Flying makes most sense if you are staying near an airport or continuing your journey. To reach Roissy or Orly, see our Paris airport transfers.
When should you choose a chauffeur-driven car?
Allow 6 to 7 hours on the road in general, depending on traffic and breaks. It takes longer, but you leave from your door and arrive at your address, with no connections and no suitcases to carry. This journey is priced on quotation: our Paris to London private driver service gives you a fixed price before you book.
- Lots of luggage: a long stay, professional equipment or collector's trunks, beyond what the train allows.
- A group or a family: our vans seat 7 to 8 passengers, and a minibus or coach can be arranged for larger groups.
- A pet: Eurostar does not accept pets on its trains to and from London, except guide and assistance dogs. With us, a small pet travels in its closed cage or carrier bag.
- An address outside the centre: a property in the English countryside or a house in the outer Paris suburbs, far from the stations.
- Confidentiality: a private cabin to work or make calls, a bilingual chauffeur (French and English) in a suit and a non-disclosure agreement signed on request.
Crossing the Channel Tunnel by car
The route uses the LeShuttle service between Calais and Folkestone: you stay in the vehicle during the crossing, which takes 35 minutes. LeShuttle advises arriving between 30 minutes and 2 hours before your chosen departure; your chauffeur builds this time into the journey. With a dog, cat or ferret, you must check in at Pet Reception at least 90 minutes before departure.
What are the formalities for entering the UK?
UK ETA: the authorisation to obtain before you leave
You need a passport valid for the whole stay: identity cards are only accepted in specific cases, for example for holders of UK resident status. Most European travellers must also obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), unless they are exempt, as Irish passport holders are. It costs £20 per person according to the official gov.uk website in November 2026, is applied for on the UK ETA app or online, and the decision usually arrives within one day, sometimes up to three working days. It is valid for two years, or until the passport expires, for stays of up to six months. Each traveller needs their own. Since 25 February 2026, the rule has been strictly enforced: without an ETA, airlines refuse boarding, and Eurostar states that travel is then impossible.
Travelling with a pet
To enter Great Britain, a dog, cat or ferret must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies (after a first vaccination, wait at least 21 days before travelling) and have a European pet passport or an animal health certificate. Dogs must also be treated for tapeworm between 24 hours and 5 days before arrival.
Our view
Alone, with one suitcase and a central address: take the Eurostar. As a family, with a pet, trunks or a need for discretion, the chauffeur-driven car gives you back in comfort what it costs you in time. To receive a price, use our quote request, stating the number of passengers and pieces of luggage.
On quotation: you receive a fixed price before you book, with a bilingual chauffeur (French and English) and no night or weekend surcharge.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to travel to London?
A passport valid for the whole stay and, for most European travellers, an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) obtained before departure. Identity cards are only accepted in specific cases, such as UK resident status.
How early should I arrive for the Eurostar?
At Gare du Nord, Eurostar advises arriving 75 to 90 minutes before departure in Standard and Plus, 45 to 60 minutes in Premier. Boarding gates close 30 minutes before departure, 15 minutes in Premier.
Can I take a dog on the Eurostar?
No, unless it is a guide or assistance dog, which must be notified to Eurostar at least 48 hours in advance. For a small pet in a cage, driving through the tunnel is the simplest solution, provided you comply with British animal health rules.
How long does the Paris – London journey take by chauffeur-driven car?
Allow 6 to 7 hours on the road in general, depending on traffic and breaks, including the 35-minute LeShuttle crossing. You leave from your door and arrive at your address, with no connections and no suitcases to carry.
How much does a Paris to London journey with a chauffeur cost?
It is priced on quotation, depending on the addresses, the date and the vehicle. The fixed price is given to you before you book, with no night or weekend surcharge, and is paid online before departure.
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Sources
- Paris to London trains (Eurostar)
- When to arrive at the station (Eurostar)
- Luggage (Eurostar)
- Travel documents and requirements (Eurostar)
- Can I take my pet on Eurostar? (Eurostar Help Centre)
- Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK (GOV.UK)
- Apply for an ETA (GOV.UK)
- UK enforces digital permission to travel, 24 February 2026 (GOV.UK)
- Entering the UK: before you leave for the UK (GOV.UK)
- Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (GOV.UK)
- Driving to France with LeShuttle (LeShuttle)
- Travelling with animals (LeShuttle)
- Air France expands its flight schedule to the UK, press release of 4 December 2025 (Air France)
- Journey time: Paddington to Heathrow (Heathrow Express)
Prices and timetables of other means of transport may change: check the official websites before you travel.
Prices and information checked in November 2026 · Updated 6 November 2026.
Written by the Aura Chauffeur team, private chauffeurs in Paris.