⚡ TL;DR
- Only direct option: Eurostar, 2h 16m, via the Channel Tunnel
- Cheapest: Book 3-4 months ahead, Standard from £52 (~€60)
- With rail pass: Eurail/Interrail needs extra €30 reservation fee
- Note: Security & passport checks required — arrive 60 min early
- Recommendation: Advance tickets are cheaper; pass makes sense if continuing through Europe
Route Overview
| 🚉 Departure | London St Pancras International |
| 🏁 Arrival | Paris Gare du Nord |
| ⏱ Duration | 2 hours 16 minutes |
| 🚆 Train | Eurostar e320 |
| 🕐 Frequency | 12-18 trains daily |
| ⚡ Top speed | 300 km/h |
| 🌊 Channel Tunnel | ~35 minutes |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | Free (may drop in tunnel) |
💰 Rail Pass vs Point-to-Point Prices
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Standard | £52-90 | Cheapest 3-4 months ahead |
| Standard Premier | £115-200 | Light meal & drinks included |
| Business Premier | £250-350 | Full meal, lounge access |
| Walk-up Standard | £150-250+ | Very expensive, not recommended |
| Eurail/Interrail + reservation | €30* | *Pass cost separate |
Sources: eurostar.com (Feb 2026)
🎫 Reservation Requirements & Fees
- Mandatory reservation: Eurostar always requires a reservation, no exceptions
- Pass holder fee: €30 (2nd class, for both Interrail and Eurail)
- Where to book: eurostar.com (easiest), Interrail website, or station counters
- Limited seats: Pass holder allocation is small (~20-40 seats per train), popular dates sell out 6-8 weeks ahead
- ⚠️ If pass holder seats are gone, you either change trains or buy a full-price ticket
- 💡 Pro tip: Calling by phone sometimes gets seats that show "sold out" online
🧳 Practical Tips
- 🚉 St Pancras: Right next to King's Cross, connected by Underground. Harry Potter Platform 9¾ photo spot nearby
- 🪪 ID: Passport required. UK is outside Schengen — you go through UK exit and French entry checks
- 🧳 Luggage: 2 large bags + 1 carry-on per person, no weight limit
- 🔌 Power: Both UK and EU sockets available — no adapter needed
- 💷 Currency: London uses GBP, Paris uses EUR. The onboard bar accepts both currencies and cards
- 📍 Arriving in Paris: Gare du Nord is central — Metro lines 4/5 connect everywhere. Note: Area around the station can be sketchy — watch your bags
- 🕐 Time zone: France is 1 hour ahead of UK (CET vs GMT). Adjust your watch on arrival
🔄 Alternative Routes
Ferry + Train (~7-8 hours)
Ferry from Dover to Calais (1.5h), then train to Paris. Total ~£50-80. Good for those wanting to see the Channel, or if traveling with a car.
Flight (1h flight + airport time)
easyJet/Ryanair from £25, but total 4-5 hours with airports. Getting from Heathrow/Gatwick to city center adds up. Eurostar's city-center-to-city-center wins.
FlixBus Coach (~7-9 hours)
£15-30, includes ferry crossing. Very slow but cheapest option.
📚 Related Pages
❓ FAQ
How long is the train from London to Paris?
Eurostar direct takes about 2 hours 16 minutes from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord. The Channel Tunnel crossing takes ~35 minutes. Around 12-18 daily services.
Do I need to pay extra with a Eurail or Interrail pass?
Yes, pass holders pay a €30 reservation fee (Eurostar passholder fare, 2nd class). Pass holder seats are limited and can sell out weeks ahead on popular dates. Note: Eurail Pass does not cover other UK trains.
How early should I book for the cheapest fare?
Tickets open 3-4 months ahead, from £52 one-way (Standard). 6-8 weeks out is typically £60-90. Last-minute can be £150-250+. Midday weekday trains are usually cheapest if you're flexible.
How early should I arrive at the station?
Officially 90 minutes early, but 60 minutes is usually fine. You'll go through security, passport control, and UK exit/French entry checks. Weekends and holidays may have longer queues — allow extra time.
Which side has the best views?
Honestly, most of the journey is either in the tunnel or through suburbs. The Kent countryside (left side) has some nice English pastoral views. The tunnel is 35 minutes of darkness. French side is flat northern plains. This train sells on speed and convenience, not scenery.