Is It Possible to Drive From London to Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a trip from London to Paris and wondering if it’s possible to drive? Well, the answer is yes, you can definitely drive from London to Paris. However, there are a few things you need to know before embarking on this journey.

The Distance
The distance between London and Paris is approximately 213 miles (343 kilometers). This means that driving from one city to the other will take around 6 hours, depending on traffic and any stops you make along the way.

The Route
There are two main routes that you can take when driving from London to Paris. The first route is via the Channel Tunnel, which takes around 35 minutes to cross from Folkestone in England to Calais in France. This route is popular with those who want to avoid taking their car on a ferry.

The second route is via ferry, which takes around 90 minutes to cross the English Channel from Dover in England to Calais or Dunkirk in France. This route allows you to enjoy the scenery of the English Channel and can be more affordable than using the Channel Tunnel.

  • Driving in England: In England, motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re not used to this, it can take some getting used to. Make sure you stay alert and focused when driving.
  • Driving in France: In France, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road.

    This means that overtaking will be done on your left. Be aware of this when driving and take extra care at junctions.

  • Tolls: When driving in France, there are toll roads that you will need to pay for. Make sure you have cash or a credit card with you so that you can pay for these tolls.

Tips for Driving from London to Paris

Here are some tips to make your journey from London to Paris as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

Plan your route in advance

Make sure you plan your route in advance so that you know which roads to take and where you will be stopping along the way. This will help ensure that you don’t get lost and that you arrive at your destination on time.

Book your ferry or Channel Tunnel crossing in advance

If you’re planning on taking a ferry or the Channel Tunnel, make sure you book your crossing in advance. This will help ensure that you get the crossing that you want and that you don’t have to wait around for too long.

Take regular breaks

Driving for 6 hours can be tiring, so it’s important to take regular breaks. Plan some stops along the way where you can stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or have something to eat.

Be prepared for tolls

As mentioned earlier, there are toll roads in France.

In conclusion, driving from London to Paris is definitely possible and can be an enjoyable experience if planned well. Make sure to plan your route in advance, book any crossings needed, take regular breaks, and be prepared for any toll roads. With these tips in mind, your journey from London to Paris should be hassle-free.