Ferry Port
Calais
290 km, 3 hours
Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle
From Calais
3 hours
Est. Tolls
£20-£25
About Paris
The City of Light needs no introduction. France's capital is packed with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and some of the best dining in Europe. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Montmartre to the Marais, Paris is one of the most visited cities on the planet for good reason.
Best for
Tips for Getting to Paris
The Eurotunnel gets you from Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes, then it's a straight 3-hour drive south on the A1/A26.
Avoid arriving into Paris during rush hour (7-9am, 5-8pm) — the périphérique ring road is notorious.
Consider parking outside Paris and taking the RER train in. City centre parking is expensive (£25-£40/day).
Dover-Calais ferries are usually £30-£60 cheaper than the tunnel, but take 90 minutes instead of 35 minutes.
Flying from the UK to Paris can be surprisingly cheap, but car hire adds up if you need wheels in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get to Paris from the UK?
Dover-Calais ferries are typically the cheapest crossing (£50-£90 return), followed by a 3-hour drive. Budget airlines also offer very cheap flights to Paris from most UK airports, though you'll need to factor in airport transfers.
How long does it take to drive to Paris from London?
Around 5-6 hours door-to-door including the Channel crossing. The Eurotunnel takes 35 minutes (Folkestone to Calais), then it's approximately 3 hours driving on French motorways.
Do I need to pay tolls to drive to Paris?
Yes. Expect to pay around £20-£25 in French autoroute tolls from Calais to Paris. The périphérique ring road around Paris is toll-free.
Calculate Your Trip to Paris
Get exact costs for tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire options for your specific dates.
Compare Options to ParisGetting to Paris from the UK
Compare routes from 10 UK cities to Paris.
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 460 km | 5-6 hrs | Tunnel or ferry |
| Manchester | 750 km | 8-9 hrs | Tunnel or ferry |
| Birmingham | 650 km | 7-8 hrs | Tunnel or ferry |
| Leeds | 700 km | 8-9 hrs | Tunnel or ferry |
| Glasgow | 1,050 km | 12-13 hrs | Fly + hire |
| Liverpool | 720 km | 8-9 hrs | Tunnel or ferry |
| Edinburgh | 1,050 km | 11-13 hrs | Fly + hire |
| Bristol | 600 km | 7-8 hrs | Ferry or tunnel |
| Southampton | 550 km | 6-7 hrs | Ferry |
| Cardiff | 650 km | 7-8 hrs | Ferry or tunnel |