Can you really do a day trip from London to Paris? Yes. Thanks to the Eurostar, you can have breakfast in London, lunch near the Seine, and be back in your own bed by midnight. A single day won't show you everything in the City of Light, but with a smart plan it is a memorable adventure. Here is how to get there, what to see, and the tips that make a London to Paris day trip work.
How to Get From London to Paris
By Eurostar train (best for a day trip)
The Eurostar runs from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord in about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. It takes you from city center to city center, with no airport transfers and no long security lines, so it is the fastest option overall.
- Go early, come back late. The first trains leave London early in the morning, and the last trains back leave Paris in the evening. Check the timetable on the Eurostar website for your date.
- Remember the time difference. Paris is one hour ahead of London.
- Book early. Fares rise as the train fills up, so book weeks or months ahead for the best prices.
By plane or bus
Flights take just over an hour, but once you add getting to and from the airports, they rarely beat the train. Buses are the cheapest option but take around seven to nine hours each way, so they don't work for a day trip.
What to Do in Paris in One Day
The secret to a great day trip is not trying to see everything. Pick one area, or two or three major sights, and enjoy them at a relaxed pace. Buy Metro tickets (or use a contactless card where accepted) as soon as you arrive at Gare du Nord.
Option 1: Montmartre
Montmartre is only a short Metro ride from Gare du Nord. Climb to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica for views across the city, watch the painters in Place du Tertre, see the Moulin Rouge, and settle into a café for people-watching. It feels like a village, and it is perfect if you want the Paris of postcards.
Option 2: The Latin Quarter and the islands
Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, beautifully restored and reopened after the 2019 fire, then cross to the Latin Quarter. Browse the Shakespeare and Company bookshop, stroll the Luxembourg Gardens, and stop at a bakery or a classic bistro.
Option 3: Museums and gardens in the 1st arrondissement
Spend the morning in the Louvre or across the river at the Musée d'Orsay (book a timed ticket in advance). Have hot chocolate at Angelina, walk through the Tuileries Garden, and window-shop along Rue Saint-Honoré.
Finish at the Eiffel Tower
In the afternoon, walk along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower, or take a short river cruise. On a day trip, consider admiring it from the Champ de Mars or the Trocadéro rather than going up, which can mean long waits. If you return after dark, the tower sparkles for a few minutes at the top of every hour.
Have a proper French dinner
Before you head back, treat yourself to dinner at a bistro near Gare du Nord or along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, so you are close to the station.
What not to do
Don't try to add Versailles. It is about an hour from central Paris, and visiting it would take most of your day. Save it for a longer trip.
Tips for a London to Paris Day Trip
- Bring your passport. You go through UK exit and French entry checks at St Pancras before you board, and again in Paris on the way back. Some travelers may also need to register for the EU's Entry/Exit System or, in the future, an ETIAS authorization, so check the latest rules.
- Arrive early for check-in. Allow plenty of time before departure at both stations, especially on the way home, as lines at Gare du Nord can be long. Eurostar's website lists the recommended check-in times.
- Don't rush. Linger in a café, wander side streets, and enjoy being in Paris rather than ticking off sights.
- Pack light. A small bag, a portable charger, and a compact umbrella are all you need.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot.
- Stay connected. You need maps, Metro routes, and your return ticket on your phone. An egoViet Europe eSIM covers both the UK and France on one plan, or choose a France eSIM for the day. See our France eSIM guide for more options.
More ideas for getting out of the city? See our guide to the best day trips from London, or plan a full stay with the best things to do in Paris.
FAQs: London to Paris Day Trip
Is a day trip from London to Paris worth it?
Yes, if you plan well. With early and late Eurostar trains, you can spend around 10 hours in Paris and see a neighborhood or a few major sights.
How long is the train from London to Paris?
The Eurostar takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes from St Pancras to Gare du Nord.
Do I need a passport for a day trip to Paris?
Yes. You pass through border checks in both directions, so bring a valid passport and check any entry requirements for your nationality.
What is the best thing to see in Paris in one day?
Choose one area, such as Montmartre, the Latin Quarter and Notre-Dame, or the Louvre and the Tuileries, then end with a walk to the Eiffel Tower.