How Much Does It Cost to Drive From London to Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Driving from London to Paris is an exciting adventure, but before you hit the road, it’s important to consider the costs involved. The total cost of your trip will depend on several factors such as fuel prices, toll charges, and any additional expenses along the way. In this article, we’ll break down all the costs involved in driving from London to Paris.

Fuel Costs: Fuel prices vary depending on where you are in the UK and France. As of August 2021, petrol prices in London range from £1.32 to £1.40 per litre, while diesel prices range from £1.33 to £1.44 per litre. In Paris, petrol prices range from €1.52 to €1.67 per litre, while diesel prices range from €1.34 to €1.52 per litre.

To calculate the fuel cost for your trip, you’ll need to estimate how many litres of fuel your car will consume for the journey and then multiply it by the fuel price in each country. For example, if your car consumes 8 litres per 100 kilometres and the distance between London and Paris is approximately 340 kilometres, you’ll need around 27 litres of fuel for one-way trip.

Toll Charges: When driving through France, you’ll encounter several toll roads along the way which can add up quickly. The total cost of tolls will depend on your route and type of vehicle.

If you take the most common route via Eurotunnel or ferry crossing between Dover and Calais (which takes around 90 minutes), there are no toll fees involved as it is a direct motorway route with no toll booths.

However, if you decide to take a longer scenic drive through France with stops along the way or if you use other motorways that require payment at toll booths such as A25 or A26 – be prepared for additional costs ranging from €20 to €40 depending on the route and vehicle type.

Accommodation and Food: If you’re planning on staying overnight in France, the cost of accommodation and food will also need to be considered. The average cost of a hotel room in Paris is around €120 per night, whereas budget options can be found for as little as €50 per night. Dining out in Paris can also be quite costly, so it’s recommended to set aside at least €20 to €30 per person for meals.

Overall, the cost of driving from London to Paris will vary depending on several factors such as fuel prices, toll charges, and additional expenses. However, as a rough estimate, expect to spend around £100 – £150 for a one-way trip (excluding accommodation and food), with toll fees being the most significant expense.

To make your trip more affordable, consider carpooling with friends or family members, using public transport in Paris instead of driving around the city centre (which can be quite congested), or opting for budget-friendly accommodation options. With proper planning and budgeting, driving from London to Paris can be an incredible experience that won’t break the bank!