How Long Is the Journey From London to Paris by Car?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a road trip from London to Paris? One of the first questions that come to mind is how long the journey will take.

The distance between these two European cities is approximately 213 miles (343 km). However, several factors can affect the duration of your trip, such as traffic, weather conditions, and border control.

Driving Route from London to Paris:

The most direct driving route from London to Paris involves crossing the English Channel. You can either drive onto a ferry or take the Eurotunnel shuttle service.

The Eurotunnel service is quicker, taking only 35 minutes to cross from Folkestone in England to Calais in France. On the other hand, a ferry takes around 90 minutes to cross.

Once you reach Calais or Dunkirk port in France, you’ll need to navigate through French roads to reach Paris. The most commonly used route is via A16/E402 and A26/E15 motorways. You can also choose other alternative routes but bear in mind that they might take longer.

Driving Time:

Assuming you take the Eurotunnel shuttle service, the driving time from London to Paris could take around 4 hours and 30 minutes without traffic. This figure includes the time taken for boarding and crossing on the Eurotunnel.

However, traffic congestion can significantly add time onto your journey. Rush hour traffic in London and Paris can be particularly heavy and add an extra hour or more onto your journey.

Rest Stops:

It’s essential to take regular breaks during your journey for rest and refreshments. There are plenty of rest stops along the A16/E402 and A26/E15 motorways with various facilities like fuel stations, cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, and toilets.

Tolls:

You should also budget for toll charges when driving on French motorways. The cost of tolls from Calais to Paris is approximately €22.

Conclusion:

In summary, the journey from London to Paris by car can take around 4 hours and 30 minutes without traffic if you take the Eurotunnel shuttle service. However, it’s essential to factor in traffic congestion, rest stops, and toll charges when planning your journey.

Remember to take regular breaks for rest and refreshments along the way. With proper planning and preparation, your road trip from London to Paris can be a fun and exciting adventure.