Birmingham
United Kingdom
650 km
7-8 hours driving
Paris
France
Distance
650 km
Drive Time
7-8 hours
Est. Fuel
£55-£70
Est. Tolls
£20-£25
Route Overview
Birmingham to Paris is around 650 km via the M40/M25 to Folkestone, then the Eurotunnel to Calais and south to Paris. A long but manageable day trip, or comfortably done with an overnight stop en route.
Best crossing option
Eurotunnel or Dover-Calais ferry
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £205-£295 |
| Ferry | £80-£140 | £155-£235 |
| Fly + Hire | £100-£260 | £175-£440 |
Estimated costs for 2 adults, standard car. Actual prices vary by season, booking time, and vehicle. Use our calculator for personalised results.
Tips for This Route
The drive from Birmingham to Folkestone is 2.5-3 hours — much closer than from northern cities.
Avoid arriving into central Paris during rush hour — the périphérique can be heavily congested.
Paris has excellent Park and Ride options (Parc Relais) on metro lines — cheaper than city centre parking.
The A26/A1 autoroute from Calais to Paris is well-signposted and straightforward.
Birmingham Airport has frequent flights to Paris CDG if you don't need a car in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Paris?
The cheapest driving option is the Dover-Calais ferry at around £155-£235 one way. Flying from Birmingham to Paris CDG can be cheaper for 1-2 people, with budget fares from £50-£100 per person return. For families of 4+, driving and sharing costs usually wins.
How long does it take to drive from Birmingham to Paris?
The total journey takes 7-8 hours including the Channel crossing. Birmingham to Folkestone is about 2.5-3 hours, the Eurotunnel is 35 minutes, and Calais to Paris is roughly 3 hours on the A26/A1 autoroute.
Is it easy to park in Paris?
City centre parking in Paris is expensive (£25-£40/day) and spaces are limited. The best strategy is to use a Park and Ride (Parc Relais) on the outskirts connected to metro lines, costing just £3-£8 per day. This avoids the stress of driving in central Paris.
Get an exact cost for Birmingham to Paris
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Birmingham → Paris