Cardiff
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-£28
Route Overview
Cardiff to Paris is around 650 km with two good route options: drive to Portsmouth (2.5 hours) for the Le Havre ferry, or continue to Folkestone (3+ hours) for the Eurotunnel. Total journey time is 7-8 hours including crossing.
Best crossing option
Portsmouth-Le Havre or Eurotunnel
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £225-£318 |
| Ferry | £120-£190 | £195-£288 |
| 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
Portsmouth is closer to Cardiff (2.5 hours) than Dover (3.5 hours) — western ferries save time.
The Portsmouth-Le Havre ferry puts you just 2.5 hours from Paris on the A13 autoroute.
Cardiff Airport has some seasonal flights to Paris — worth checking if you don't need a car.
The M4 from Cardiff to Portsmouth or the M25 is straightforward and well-maintained.
Ferry crossings from Portsmouth are often quieter and more relaxed than the Dover-Calais route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Paris?
The cheapest option is usually the Portsmouth-Le Havre ferry combined with driving, costing around £195-£288 one way. Portsmouth is just 2.5 hours from Cardiff. Flying from Cardiff Airport has limited routes, but Bristol Airport (1 hour away) has more options to Paris.
How long does it take to drive from Cardiff to Paris?
The total journey takes 7-8 hours. Via Portsmouth-Le Havre, it is 2.5 hours to the port, 3.5 hours crossing, then 2.5 hours to Paris. Via the Eurotunnel, it is 3+ hours to Folkestone, 35 minutes crossing, then 3 hours to Paris.
Should I use Portsmouth or Dover from Cardiff?
Portsmouth is closer to Cardiff (2.5 hours vs 3.5 hours to Dover) and the Le Havre ferry puts you closer to Paris in France. The Eurotunnel via Dover is faster once you are at the terminal, but the extra driving from Cardiff makes Portsmouth the more convenient choice overall.
Get an exact cost for Cardiff to Paris
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Cardiff → Paris