How to Take a Perfect Day Trip from London to Paris (Complete Itinerary + Tips)

A day trip from London to Paris is one of the most exciting ways to add a taste of France to your UK holiday. Thanks to the Eurostar, you can leave London early in the morning and be standing beneath the Eiffel Tower before lunchtime.

I have done this myself, staying with family in London so I could catch one of the first trains out of St Pancras. It meant a very early start, but it gave me a full day in Paris, enough time to see the highlights and still have moments to sit at a café and simply take it all in.

Are you thinking about other possible day trips from London? Check out my guide to day trips from london (mainly within the UK) as well as a more specific guide to day trips from London to Europe.

How to Get from London to Paris

The Eurostar is by far the most practical and comfortable way to travel between London and Paris for a single day. The journey takes just two hours and twenty minutes, departing from St Pancras International and arriving at Gare du Nord in central Paris.

If you book one of the first departures around 6.00 or 7.00 in the morning, you will arrive in Paris mid-morning. The last return train to London usually leaves around 9.00pm, giving you approximately nine to ten hours in the city.

Eurostar Check-In:
Eurostar recommends arriving at least 60 to 90 minutes before departure for security and border checks. During school holidays or busy weekends, arrive even earlier.

Tickets can be booked up to 330 days in advance, and the cheapest fares are released first. Booking early almost always guarantees the best price. There are sometimes last-minute tickets available, but these are often more expensive and seat availability can be limited, so it is best to plan ahead if Paris is a priority.

Flying between London and Paris is technically possible, but once you factor in transfers to and from the airports, plus security checks, the Eurostar is far more convenient and gives you more time to explore.

Getting Around Paris

The Paris Metro is the quickest and most reliable way to move between attractions. A single journey ticket, called a t+ ticket, costs around €2.15 and works on the metro, buses, trams and RER trains within central Paris. You can buy tickets at vending machines in every station.

Unlike London, the Paris Metro does not allow you to simply tap a bank card or credit card at the gates. The barriers only validate pre-purchased tickets; they are not payment points. To travel, you will need either a virtual ticket on your phone (via the Île-de-France Mobilités app, which links with Apple Wallet and Google Pay) or a physical Navigo Easy card. The Navigo Easy card costs about €2 and can be topped up with single tickets or carnets of ten, which are cheaper if you plan to make several journeys.

Navigo Easy Tip:
You can buy a Navigo Easy card at any Metro station, but not every machine accepts foreign cards. Use the staffed ticket desks at big stations such as Gare du Nord.

Another option to consider once in Paris is a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. These are a relaxed and efficient way to see the city’s most famous landmarks without navigating the metro system for every journey.

Taxis and rideshares such as Uber are available, but traffic in central Paris is often slow. For most visitors on a short trip, the metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get around.

A One-Day Paris Itinerary from London

Morning: Eiffel Tower and the Seine

After arriving at Gare du Nord, head straight for the Eiffel Tower. Begin at the Trocadéro Gardens, which offer some of the best views and photo opportunities. If you want to go up the tower, book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Otherwise, simply walking beneath its vast iron structure and strolling along the Seine is a memorable way to start your day.

Midday: The Louvre and Arc de Triomphe

From the Eiffel Tower area, make your way to the Louvre. Even if you decide not to go inside, the atmosphere outside is wonderful, with the glass pyramid set against the grand façades of the former palace. If you do want to explore the galleries, pre-book timed entry and focus on just a few highlights such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Afterwards, head to the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées. The monument is one of Paris’s most recognisable landmarks, and climbing to the top rewards you with sweeping views of the city, looking down the famous avenue and across to the Eiffel Tower.

Afternoon: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Continue north to Montmartre, the artistic hilltop neighbourhood that feels like a village of its own. Climb the steps to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy panoramic views across Paris. The cobbled streets around Place du Tertre are filled with cafés and artists at work, making it the perfect spot for a coffee or glass of wine before you return to Gare du Nord.

Evening: Seine River Cruise and Dinner

If time allows before your return train, finish your day with a Seine river cruise. Seeing Paris lit up at night, the Eiffel Tower sparkling, the bridges illuminated, Notre Dame glowing in the distance, is unforgettable. The lights turn on the Eiffel Tower at dusk so whether you are there to see them on your day trip will of course depend on what time of year you are tehre. After your cruise, enjoy a relaxed dinner nearby before making your way back to the station.

Best Time of Year for a Paris Day Trip

Spring (April–June): The dream combination of long days, mild weather and blooming gardens.
Early autumn (September–October): Warm, calm, great light for photos.
Summer (July–August): Lively, long evenings, but hot and busy.
Winter (November–February): Quiet, atmospheric and festive, but short daylight hours.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip

Book your Eurostar tickets as far in advance as possible for the best fares. Arrive at St Pancras at least 45 minutes before departure to allow time for security and border checks. Bring your passport and keep it handy for both London and Paris.

Travel light, with only a small day bag, and wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot. Consider pre-booking skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or other must-see attractions to save time. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, a hop-on, hop-off bus pass will take you around the highlights without needing to plan your own transport.

Is a Day Trip to Paris Worth It?

Absolutely. You will not see everything, but you will capture the essence of Paris in a single day. From sipping coffee at a street café to gazing out from the steps of Sacré-Cœur, you will experience the atmosphere that makes Paris one of the world’s great cities.

For many travellers, a day trip is the perfect introduction. enough to say “I’ve been to Paris,” while still leaving plenty of reasons to return for a longer stay.

Where To Stay In London (For A Day Trip To Paris)

Where you stay in London can make a real difference. If a Paris day trip is on your itinerary, consider choosing accommodation near St Pancras International or in a neighbourhood with quick transport links, such as Kings Cross, Bloomsbury or Camden.

Sample Budget for a Paris Day Trip

Eurostar return:

• £80–£200+ (depends how early you book)

Paris transport:

• Navigo Easy card €2
• 4–6 metro journeys (€2.15 each or €17.35 for a carnet of 10)
• Total ~€10–€15

Lunch:

• Café or bistro: €20–€35 per person
• Quick lunch (sandwich + drink): €10–€15

Dinner:

• Bistro or brasserie: €25–€40 per person

Seine cruise:

• €15–€20 (standard)
• €60–€80 (dinner cruise, not recommended for tight schedules)

Attraction entry (only if applicable):

• Eiffel Tower summit: €28.30
• Louvre: €22
• Arc de Triomphe: €13

Approx total for a day:

£150–£300+ per person depending on Eurostar price and how many attractions you enter.

Packing List for a Perfect Paris Day Trip

You’ll be out all day, so pack light and stay comfortable.

Essentials

• Passport
• Eurostar ticket (printed or phone app)
• Phone + charger/power bank
• Small day backpack or crossbody
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses
• Light scarf (useful in churches or on breezy cruises)

For comfort

• Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella
• Lip balm + hand cream (Paris Metro can be dry)
• Plasters for blisters
• Pocket tissues (public toilets sometimes lack paper)

For photos

• Portable phone stabiliser (optional)
• Spare SD card if using a camera

For summer

• Sunscreen
• Handheld fan or cooling spray

For winter

• Gloves, hat, warm layers
• Heat patches (game changer in cold weather)

Safety Tips for a Paris Day Trip

Paris is generally safe, but like any big city, it helps to stay aware. A few simple precautions make a big difference:

Pickpockets

Most common around:

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre courtyard
• Sacré-Cœur steps
• Metro lines 1, 4 and 12
• Major stations including Gare du Nord

Keep bags zipped and in front of you. Don’t keep phones or wallets in back pockets.

Scams to watch for

• Friendship bracelet scam on Montmartre steps
• Petition clipboard scam around main sights
• “Found ring” scam
  Simply walk away without engaging.

Metro awareness

The Metro is safe, but crowded. Keep your phone in hand. Avoid leaving bags on seats.

Evening caution

Well-lit tourist areas are fine, but avoid wandering quiet backstreets alone late at night. Stick to main boulevards or take the Metro/taxi.