Southampton
United Kingdom
550 km
6-7 hours driving
Paris
France
Distance
550 km
Drive Time
6-7 hours
Est. Fuel
£40-£55
Est. Tolls
£20-£28
Route Overview
Southampton to Paris benefits hugely from the nearby Portsmouth ferry terminals. The Portsmouth-Le Havre or Caen ferries put you 2-3 hours from Paris — much shorter than driving to Dover then Calais.
Best crossing option
Portsmouth-Le Havre or Portsmouth-Caen ferry
Cost Comparison
| Method | Crossing Cost | Est. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel | £130-£200 | £210-£303 |
| Ferry | £120-£190 | £180-£273 |
| 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 only 30 minutes from Southampton — western ferry routes save significant time.
The Portsmouth-Le Havre ferry lands you just 2.5 hours from Paris via the A13 autoroute.
Portsmouth-Caen is another option — slightly longer ferry but lands you 3 hours from Paris.
Southampton residents can use the frequent ferries as a car-free option to France.
Western ferry routes are often quieter and more relaxed than the busy Dover-Calais corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Southampton to Paris?
The cheapest option is usually the Portsmouth-Le Havre or Portsmouth-Caen ferry, with total costs around £180-£273 one way including the ferry, fuel, and tolls. Portsmouth is just 30 minutes from Southampton, making western ferries the most convenient option.
How long does it take to get from Southampton to Paris?
Total journey time is 6-7 hours via the Portsmouth-Le Havre ferry (3.5-hour crossing, then 2.5 hours driving to Paris). Via the Eurotunnel, it is about 1.5 hours to Folkestone, 35 minutes crossing, then 3 hours to Paris — but the drive to Folkestone adds 2 hours.
Which Portsmouth ferry is better for getting to Paris?
The Portsmouth-Le Havre ferry lands you closest to Paris (2.5 hours on the A13). Portsmouth-Caen is slightly further from Paris (3 hours) but the ferry crossing is shorter. Both are excellent options from Southampton. Le Havre is better if Paris is your only destination.
Get an exact cost for Southampton to Paris
Compare tunnel, ferry, and fly + hire prices for your specific dates and vehicle.
Compare Southampton → Paris