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For most people travelling from London, Eurostar is the quicker option door to door, because it runs from central London to central Paris with no long airport transfers. Flights to Paris are shorter in the air, but once you add the journey to the airport, security, boarding and the trip into the city, the gap closes or reverses. For people living outside London, particularly near Gatwick, Stansted or a regional airport, flying can win on convenience and sometimes on price. This guide compares the two options on speed, airports, cost and baggage. Timings, fares and rules change, so check the operator websites before you book.
Is flying or Eurostar quicker?
The honest answer is that it depends on where you start. A direct flight from the south east of England to Paris is typically around an hour and a quarter in the air. That sounds far quicker than the train, which usually takes roughly two and a quarter hours between London and Paris. But the flight is only part of the journey. Add the following and the picture changes.
- Travel to the airport, which can be an hour or more depending on where you live.
- Arriving early for check-in and security, commonly around two hours before a short-haul flight.
- Waiting for bags if you are not travelling hand luggage only.
- Passport control and the transfer from the French airport into the city, which can be 45 minutes to over an hour depending on airport and traffic.
With Eurostar, you generally need to arrive at the station earlier than for a domestic train because of check-in, security and passport checks, but the time you spend in transit is usually more predictable. You arrive at Gare du Nord, which is in the heart of the city and well connected by metro. Check current Eurostar guidance for how early to arrive, as it may differ depending on the service.
If you live close to a London airport with a direct service, flying may still work well for you. If you live in Brighton, for example, the train to London and then Eurostar can be competitive with a Gatwick flight, especially once you factor in airport time. Our holidays from Gatwick guide explains what to expect at the airport if you do choose to fly.
Which airport should you use for Paris?
Paris is served by several airports, and the one you choose affects both cost and journey time.
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): the largest airport, to the north east of the city, with the most services. Rail links run into central Paris, and journey times vary depending on your destination in the city.
- Paris Orly (ORY): south of the city, generally smaller, with transport links into the centre. Useful if you are staying on the south side.
- Paris Beauvais (BVA): well to the north of the city and often used by low cost airlines. Fares can look cheap, but you normally need a coach transfer of over an hour, which has its own cost and timing, so factor that in.
When comparing fares, always include the cost and time of getting from the airport to your hotel. A cheaper flight into Beauvais can end up costing more in time and transfer fares than a slightly dearer flight into Charles de Gaulle. Where you are staying also matters, so check a map and the transport options for your area. Our guide to the best time to visit Paris covers when the city is busiest, which affects both transport and prices.
What is the cheapest way to get to Paris?
There is no permanent winner on price. Flights can be very cheap when booked early or when an airline runs a sale, and Eurostar fares can be competitive on advance bookings, but both rise sharply for last minute travel, school holidays and busy weekends. We are not going to quote fares because they change by the day, so here is how to compare properly.
- Compare the total cost, not just the headline fare: add bags, seat selection, airport transfers and food.
- Be flexible with dates. Midweek travel is often cheaper than Friday and Sunday.
- Book early where you can, as both airlines and Eurostar usually reward advance booking.
- Check whether the train fare is one way or return, and the ticket flexibility.
- Use comparison tools to scan several airlines at once. Our guide to Skyscanner cheap flights explains how to use one.
- Look at package deals, which can combine travel and hotel at a lower overall price, particularly for families.
For wider money saving ideas, our cheap holidays guide and last minute holidays guide cover how to spot value and what to avoid.
What about baggage?
This is where the two options differ most. Airlines often advertise a low base fare that includes only a small under seat bag, with larger cabin bags and hold luggage charged extra. Rules and sizes vary by airline and fare, so check before you pay. Our guides to Ryanair hand luggage size, easyJet hand luggage size and weight and British Airways hand luggage size give more detail.
Eurostar is generally more generous on luggage, with a limit on the number and size of bags rather than a charge per bag, but the exact allowance depends on your ticket and may change, so check the Eurostar site. You also need to be able to carry your own bags, since there is no hold check-in on the train in the way there is at an airport. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage, a pushchair or sports equipment, check the rules for both options in advance.
Flights also have limits on liquids in hand luggage, which can change, so check the airport and airline guidance before you pack. On the train, you do not face the same restrictions in the way you would at a flight security check, but you should still check the current rules.
Comparing the two side by side
- Door to door time: Eurostar often wins from central London, while flying can win from places with a direct service close to home.
- City centre arrival: Eurostar arrives in central Paris, while airports sit outside the city.
- Baggage: Eurostar is usually more relaxed, while airlines can add charges.
- Price: varies widely. Flights can be cheaper on some dates, and trains can be good value when booked early.
- Reliability: both can be disrupted by weather, strikes or technical problems, so check conditions and allow buffer time.
- Environmental impact: rail is generally regarded as the lower carbon option for this journey.
Who should fly and who should take the train?
Fly if you live near an airport with a direct, well timed service, you have found a genuinely cheap fare with hand luggage only, or you are heading to a destination near a particular Paris airport. Take Eurostar if you are starting in or near central London, you want to arrive in the heart of the city, you are carrying more luggage, or you prefer a calmer journey with less queuing. If you are unsure, price both for your dates and add up the real total time and cost before you commit.
Planning a trip to Paris
If this is a short city trip, our city breaks guide helps you compare Paris with other destinations. If you are heading to the theme park, see our guide to Disneyland Paris packages for UK families, as the best way to get there may differ from a central Paris trip.
Entry and border rules for travel to France can change, including checks for UK passport holders. Look at the official UK government travel advice for France and your passport validity requirements well before you travel. It is also sensible to arrange cover, and our travel insurance guide explains what to look for.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Eurostar take from London to Paris?
It is usually around two and a quarter hours on the fastest services, but check the timetable for your date.
Is Beauvais a good airport for Paris?
It can be cheap, but it is a long way from the city and needs a coach transfer. Include the cost and time of the transfer when you compare fares.
Do I need a passport to go to Paris?
Yes. Check the official guidance on passport validity and any entry requirements before you travel.
When is the cheapest time to go to Paris?
Prices are often lower outside school holidays and major events, and midweek can beat weekends. Check our best time to visit Paris guide.
Can I take a pushchair on Eurostar?
Usually yes, but check the current rules on the Eurostar site for size and folding requirements.
Is it cheaper to book flights and hotels together?
Sometimes. Compare the package price with the cost of booking separately, and check what is included.
For the quickest trip from central London, Eurostar usually has the edge, while flying can make sense when you have a direct service close to home and a cheap fare. Price both for your exact dates, count bags and transfers, and check official sources for rules and timetables before you book.