Manchester
United Kingdom
700 km
8-9 hours driving
Paris
France
Distance
700 km
Drive Time
8-9 hours
Est. Fuel
£70-£90
Est. Tolls
£20-£25
Route Overview
Manchester to Paris requires a long drive south through England before crossing the Channel. The total journey is around 700 km and takes 8-9 hours including the crossing.
Best crossing option
Eurotunnel or Dover-Calais ferry
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £220-£315 |
| Ferry | £80-£140 | £170-£255 |
| 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 Manchester to Dover/Folkestone alone is 4-5 hours — factor this into your plans.
For a more relaxed journey, consider an overnight ferry from Portsmouth (3.5 hrs from Manchester).
Flying from Manchester to Paris is often the best value — direct flights are plentiful and affordable.
If driving, the M6/M1/M20 route to Folkestone is the most direct.
Budget for UK fuel (£40-£50) as well as the crossing and French costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Manchester to Paris?
Flying is usually cheapest from Manchester. Direct flights to Paris CDG start from around £50 per person with budget airlines. Driving costs £170+ one way when you include UK fuel, Channel crossing, French fuel, and tolls. However, driving is more economical for families or groups sharing costs.
How long does it take to drive from Manchester to Paris?
The total journey takes 8-9 hours including the Channel crossing. The drive from Manchester to Folkestone is 4-5 hours, the Eurotunnel takes 35 minutes, and Calais to Paris is about 3 hours.
Should I drive to Dover or take a ferry from Portsmouth?
Dover is slightly closer from Manchester (4-5 hours vs 3.5 hours to Portsmouth), but Portsmouth offers overnight ferries to Caen or Le Havre, letting you sleep during the crossing. If time is important, the Eurotunnel via Dover is faster overall.
Get an exact cost for Manchester to Paris
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Manchester → Paris