The Ultimate Paris to London Day Trip (Itinerary)

Have you ever thought about taking a break from the beauty of Paris to explore London for a day?

While many visitors opt for trips to the Versailles Palace or the Champagne region, there’s something exciting and different about venturing to another iconic European city.

As someone who has been living in Paris for almost five years and visited London numerous times, I can assure you that it’s not only possible but also relatively easy to plan a day trip to London from Paris with the right preparation.

In my experience, embarking on a day trip to London is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in Europe.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the must-see sights in London and offer a helpful itinerary for your day trip from Paris. To make your trip even smoother, I’ll cover essentials like how to get to London from Paris, getting around in London, accommodation, and travel tips for both cities.

As you follow this guide, you’ll soon realize how much fun and adventure a Paris to London day trip can offer!

⚡ Related read: The 6 Best International Day Trips to Take from Paris (by Train)

Table of Contents

How far is London from Paris?

Here’s a fun fact: Paris and London are about 280 miles apart, just a hop across the English Channel.

Sounds like a lot, but guess what? It’s actually doable in one day with the right transportation! In no time at all, you can go from enjoying croissants in Paris to sipping tea in London.

Here’s a quick overview of travel time:

Train (Eurostar): approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
Car: approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes
Flight: approximately 1 hour

As someone with firsthand experience, I can confidently say that a day trip from Paris to London is not only possible, but also an amazing adventure.

Can You Visit Paris and London in One Trip?

Absolutely! With a bit of planning and the right transportation, it’s totally possible to enjoy a fantastic day trip from Paris to London.

To make the most of your trip, use the high-speed Eurostar train service. It’s a breeze to travel between Paris Gare du Nord station and London’s St. Pancras Station in just a few hours.

Here are some quick tips for a fun day in both cities:

Choose your travel dates wisely to optimize exploration time
Plan a London and Paris itinerary to make the most of your visit
Stay caffeinated and energized for a full day of sightseeing
Bring comfy shoes to explore the best of Paris and London on foot

Is a Day Trip from Paris to London Worth It?

Although there’s so much to see in London, a day trip from Paris is totally doable and an awesome experience, especially if you’re short on time.

Here’s a quick tip: plan your itinerary wisely and choose the right transportation options. You’ll be amazed at how much you can experience in the UK capital.

Of course though, with so much to see and do in London, it will be impossible to do it all in one day. I highly recommend spending more than one day here if you have the time. You’d need at least a week to really experience all the major sites and attractions this city brings.

However, one day in London can give you a good idea of the city’s iconic sites and can be a great option for an introduction to the city.

The Best Things to See in London on a Day Trip

As someone who’s visited London many times, I’ve got you covered with my own top 10 must-see attractions for a day trip to London:

Windsor Castle: The Queen’s official residence, steeped in history and architectural wonder. Don’t miss the changing of the guard!
Tower Bridge: This iconic Thames crossing is a sight to behold, especially when it’s illuminated at night.
Big Ben: Actually the name of the massive bell inside, this historic clock tower is currently undergoing restoration. Still worth a visit, though.
The London Eye: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this giant Ferris wheel. Perfect for the ‘gram.
Buckingham Palace: Pay a visit to former Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family’s residence. Keep an eye out for royal sightings!

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Trafalgar Square: A bustling public space filled with people, art, and history. A great spot for people-watching.
Tower of London: Step back in time at this medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet the Beefeaters and marvel at the Crown Jewels.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: Stand in awe of the magnificent dome and vast interior at one of England’s largest churches.
British Museum: Art and history buffs will love exploring this treasure trove, home to over 8 million artifacts from around the globe.
Hyde Park: Take a leisurely stroll or picnic in this massive green space, a favorite retreat for both locals and tourists.

These spots are just the tip of the iceberg—London has a thousand more things to see and do, so plan your day wisely.

How to get to London from Paris? Best Travel Options for a One-Day Trip

By plane

Although a flight from Paris to London lasts a mere hour, it’s not the most convenient option for day-trippers.

When you factor in time spent traveling to and from the airport, navigating security, and waiting for luggage, it eats into your precious sightseeing time. That said, if you find a great deal on flights through WayAway, it can be worth considering.

By high-speed train

In my experience, the Eurostar high-speed train is the best way to make the Paris-London journey.

With a quick journey of about 2 hours and 15 minutes, you’re conveniently dropped off in central London, ready to explore. Keep in mind that booking in advance on Omio can save you money, as last-minute purchases might end up being more expensive.

Regional trains

Another train option, although less ideal, are the regional trains connecting Paris and London. They take significantly longer – close to 7-8 hours – but can be cheaper, with tickets starting at €19 one way. Like the Eurostar, plan ahead and book your tickets with Omio to save some cash.

By car

Driving the 280-mile distance between Paris and London is achievable but not recommended for day trips. To be honest, the 6-hour drive is not worth the valuable exploration time you’ll lose. If you do decide to brave the drive, factor in gasoline and tolls for crossing the English Channel tunnel.

By bus

Busing from Paris to London is a more budget-friendly option, with tickets starting at €25 one way. The downside? A 6-hour journey that eats up most of your day. While it’s not ideal, frugal travelers can book their tickets using FlixBus.

Joining Guided Tours

If you want to maximize your day in London, consider guided tours that include transportation from Paris. These tours often pick up from central Paris locations and vary in price, usually starting at around €100.

As an avid traveler between these two incredible cities, I’d personally recommend the Eurostar for a seamless and efficient day trip. You can spend more time enjoying London’s gems and less time on the road.

How to spend one day in London: One-day Itinerary

So, you’ve got one day in London and you’re wondering how to make the most of it?

I’ll guide you through a fantastic itinerary that’ll help you see the best of London in just one day.

Let’s dive in!

9:00 am – Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Borough Market. With a full stomach, explore St Paul’s Cathedral, a majestic sight you can’t miss. Then, head to Tower Bridge and gaze at the beautiful Thames River.

10:30 am – Visit Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and finally the London Eye. Trust me, the view from the London Eye is even better than the Eiffel Tower!

Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square are also nearby, so why not give them a visit?

12:30 pm – Time for a tasty lunch in Soho! After that, take a stroll through China Town, visit Carnaby Street for shopping, and admire art at Tate Modern or the National Gallery along the Southbank.

2:00 pm – Enjoy a leisurely walk in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. If it starts raining, no worries – The Natural History Museum or Victoria & Albert Museum are both fantastic indoor options!

3:00 pm – Check out the British Museum, followed by a walk around Covent Garden. Feel like uncovering hidden gems? Join a Secrets of London walking tour or indulge in a 3-hour Secret British food tour of London!

4:00 pm – Head to the charming Notting Hill for colorful houses and bohemian vibes. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a classic afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel or Claridge’s.

5:00 pm – Wrap up your day in London with dinner in Shoreditch. I personally love Dishoom and Blacklock Shoreditch for a fantastic dining experience.

6:00 pm – Time to say goodbye to London and head back to Paris. Safe travels!

If sticking to an itinerary isn’t quite your style, don’t fret! The hop-on hop-off Big Bus sightseeing tour is a fantastic way to explore London at your own pace and enjoy the diverse neighborhoods. Just hop off at each stop, and discover the attractions that interest you the most!

Getting Around in London

Navigating London might seem like a challenge, even for native English speakers like me, but with a little planning, you’ll be zipping around the city like a pro in no time!

Public transport, especially the Tube (London Underground), is your best friend in London. As someone who’s visited London multiple times, I’ve found their public transportation system to be one of Europe’s finest.

To save some bucks, I suggest grabbing an Oyster card, which lets you pay per ride with sweet discounts on longer journeys. You can easily get one at any Tube station or online. Without it, you’ll pay a higher fare of around £6 per trip.

The Tube operates from 5 am to midnight, but don’t fret if you miss the last train—there are buses and night buses to the rescue!

Speaking of buses, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy London’s sights while commuting. With an Oyster card, you’ll pay £1.50 per bus journey, while non-cardholders pay £2.40.

If you’re up for some urban exploration, walking is another excellent option since many attractions are nearby. But keep in mind, London is way bigger than Paris, so plan your walking route to avoid exhaustion.

For shorter distances, you can always hail an Uber or a classic black cab. They’re usually pricier than the Tube but can save your tired feet at the end of a long day.

To make the most of your London adventure, consider these popular transportation options:

The Thames River: Consider a river cruise for a leisurely sightseeing experience.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: It’s a convenient way to explore the city at your own pace and see top attractions.

In a nutshell, London’s public transport scene is vibrant, efficient, and user-friendly. Just remember to plan ahead, and you’ll be navigating the city like a true Londoner!

Where to Stay in London – Top Areas & Hotels

As I mentioned, there’s too much to see in London to only stay one day here, and I highly recommend staying a couple nights to really experience the city.

If it’s your first time in London, Central London is an excellent choice, with iconic attractions like Buckingham Palace and The Shard nearby. Plus, you’ll be in the heart of vibrant neighborhoods such as Soho, Marylebone, and Covent Garden.

For a luxurious experience, consider hotels like St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, The Montcalm Royal London House-City of London, or The Langham.

However, if you’re on a budget, East End neighborhoods, like Shoreditch, Hackney, and Whitechapel, offer affordable accommodations without compromising on style or substance.

Accommodation options like Generator London or CitizenM London Shoreditch are worth checking out. You’ll also find cool bars and restaurants in these areas.

To make the most of your time in London, consider its proximity to airports like Heathrow and Gatwick. As an experienced traveler, I found these areas to be superb for accessibility and convenience.

Keep in mind that accommodations fill up fast in London, so make sure to book your stay in advance!

Essential Travel Tips for London & the UK

As someone who’s been living in Paris for almost 5 years and visited London many times, I’ve got some crucial tips to share with you.

Weather & Clothing: London’s weather is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get! So, check the forecast before leaving and bring an umbrella because London loves its rain.

Currency: London uses British Pound (GBP), so go ahead and exchange your Euros at a bank or exchange office.

Tipping: In the UK, they don’t tip like they just won the lottery, only tip when you’re truly impressed.

Budget: Keep in mind, London can be more expensive than Paris, so plan your finances accordingly.

Carrying cash: Try having some cash handy in case your card goes on a strike in certain places.

Restrooms: Bring £0.30 to access public restrooms – they accept coins or contactless cards.

Navigation: Download Google Maps for offline use and make sure to have mobile data roaming before you arrive.

Drinking age & Public drinking: In the UK, you can buy a pint at 18, but don’t chug it in public spaces – stick to bars and pubs instead.

Transportation options: London offers a vast public transport network, or you can grab a London Pass for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.

Lastly, remember your passport as the UK is no longer in the EU, so even if you’re just visiting for a royal day, you’ll need it at the border.

Thanks for reading!

So there you have it, folks! Taking a day trip from Paris to London is not only possible but absolutely worth it.