Short answer: there is no mode that is always cheapest from Paris to London. Eurostar runs directly from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras International in roughly 2 h 15 to 2 h 30, city centre to city centre. The bus (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) is slower but can show lower starting prices depending on the date. The plane is short in the air, but you must add airport transfers and baggage options. The right habit: compare the total price (luggage and transfers included) and the door-to-door time for your date, not just the headline fare.
The three options at a glance
| Eurostar | Bus | Plane | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure | Paris Gare du Nord | Depends on the operator (coach stations or stops in Paris) | Paris airports (Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Beauvais) |
| Arrival | London St Pancras International | Depends on the line | London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City) |
| Journey time | About 2 h 15 to 2 h 30 | Much longer, varies a lot by departure | Short in the air, but transfers and formalities add up |
| Formalities | Passport + ETA, checks before boarding | Passport + ETA, border checks | Passport + ETA, security and border control |
| Luggage | 2 large bags (up to 85 cm) + 1 hand bag included | Depends on the operator | Often not included in the base fare on low-cost airlines |
Eurostar: the simplest, centre to centre
Eurostar is the only one of the three that drops you at St Pancras International in the heart of London. On the Paris – London page you can see the distance, average journey time and operators of the line.
What to know before booking, according to Eurostar's official website (checked 9 October 2026):
- When to arrive: at Paris Gare du Nord, Eurostar recommends arriving 75 to 90 minutes before departure in Standard or Plus, and the gate closes 30 minutes before. At St Pancras the recommendation is 75 minutes. Passport and baggage checks take place before departure.
- Luggage: 2 large bags, up to 85 cm long on routes to and from London, plus one hand bag.
See the Eurostar carrier page and the Eurostar guide for classes and services.
Bus: a different trade-off between price and time
Several operators link Paris and London by coach, including FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus. The journey times shown by FlixBus on its route pages, checked on 9 October 2026, range from about 6 h 15 to nearly 9 hours depending on direction and departure: several times the Eurostar journey. "From" prices vary widely by date: compare them for your exact travel date rather than relying on a starting price. The bus guide covers luggage and booking rules.
Plane: count the whole journey
Both Paris and London are served by several airports. To compare a flight fairly, add up:
- the trip from home to the Paris airport, plus check-in and security;
- the flight;
- baggage reclaim, border control and the trip from the London airport to your destination. From Gatwick or Luton, the Thameslink line runs through central London.
On low-cost airlines the displayed fare often excludes a checked bag: check what is included before comparing. The plane guide covers these costs.
Entry requirements not to forget
- Passport: a valid passport is required to travel to the United Kingdom, whatever the mode of transport.
- ETA: since 2 April 2025, citizens of many European countries, including French citizens, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before a short stay. Apply on the official gov.uk/eta site.
How to pay less, in practice
- Compare on your exact date: prices for all three modes change from one day to the next. Shift your outbound or return by a day when you can.
- Compare the total price: luggage, airport transfers, meals and travel time matter as much as the ticket.
- Book early: on all three modes the lowest fares are generally offered first and rise as seats fill.
- Keep an alternative in mind: if Eurostar is sold out or expensive on your date, the bus or plane may become relevant, and vice versa.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get from Paris to London?
Door to door, Eurostar is generally the simplest: about 2 h 15 to 2 h 30 station to station, with no airport transfer. The plane is short in the air, but transfers and formalities add up.
Do I need a passport to go to London?
Yes, a valid passport is required, and most European travellers must also get an ETA before departure (see gov.uk/eta).
How much luggage is included on Eurostar?
According to Eurostar, 2 large bags (up to 85 cm long on routes to and from London) plus one hand bag.
Where can I compare prices for my date?
Run a search on Gopaxo: it compares train, bus and plane offers for your date, then sends you to the carrier's official site to buy.
Sources
- Eurostar, When to arrive at the station (checked 9 October 2026)
- Eurostar, Luggage allowance on board our trains
- Eurostar, Travel documents and requirements
- UK Government, Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- FlixBus, route pages Paris – London and London – Paris (checked 9 October 2026)
