London
United Kingdom
460 km
5-6 hours driving
Paris
France
Distance
460 km
Drive Time
5-6 hours
Est. Fuel
£45-£60
Est. Tolls
£20-£25
Route Overview
London to Paris is the most popular UK to France route. The shortest option is via the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, then motorway south to Paris — around 460 km door to door.
Best crossing option
Eurotunnel or Dover-Calais ferry
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £195-£285 |
| Ferry | £80-£140 | £145-£225 |
| Fly + Hire | £100-£300 | £175-£480 |
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 Eurotunnel gets you from Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes — fastest crossing option.
Dover-Calais ferries are usually £30-£60 cheaper than the tunnel, but take 90 minutes.
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).
Flying from London 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 from London to Paris?
The cheapest option is typically the Dover-Calais ferry combined with driving. Off-peak ferry crossings start from around £80 return, and with fuel and tolls you can do the trip for under £150 one way. Booking well in advance helps secure the lowest prices.
How long does it take to drive from London to Paris?
The total journey takes around 5-6 hours including the Channel crossing. The drive from London to Folkestone is about 1.5 hours, the Eurotunnel crossing is 35 minutes, and the drive from Calais to Paris is roughly 3 hours.
Do I need to pay tolls driving to Paris from Calais?
Yes, expect to pay around £20-£25 in tolls on the A26/A1 autoroute from Calais to Paris. You can pay by card at toll booths. Toll-free alternatives exist via N-roads but add 1-2 hours to the journey.
Get an exact cost for London to Paris
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare London → Paris