Are you planning a trip from the UK to Paris and wondering if there’s a ferry option available? Well, the answer is both yes and no, depending on what you mean by “ferry.”
If you’re imagining a traditional ferry, like those that cross the English Channel to calais or Dunkirk, then unfortunately, there is no direct ferry service from the UK to Paris. However, there are alternative modes of transportation that can get you from the UK to Paris in various ways.
Eurostar Train
One of the most popular ways to travel from London to Paris is via the Eurostar train. The Eurostar departs from London’s St. Pancras International Station and arrives at Paris’ Gare du Nord station in just two hours and 15 minutes.
The Eurostar train service also has direct routes from Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations in Kent.
Ferry + Train
While there are no direct ferries from the UK to Paris, it is possible to take a ferry across the English Channel, then connect with a train to reach Paris.
For instance, you can take a ferry from Dover (UK) to Calais (France), then hop on a train from Calais-Fréthun station that will take you directly into central Paris. This journey takes around 4 hours.
Coach/Bus
Another option for getting between the UK and France is via coach or bus. Several companies offer direct coach services between London and Paris such as Flixbus and Eurolines. Journey times vary depending on traffic conditions but usually take around 7-8 hours.
Driving
Driving between London and Paris is another option but keep in mind that you’ll need to use either the Channel Tunnel or one of several cross-Channel ferries services which run between ports such as Dover (UK) – Calais (France) and Newhaven (UK) – Dieppe (France). Once you arrive in France, you’ll need to drive for around 3 hours to reach Paris.
Conclusion
While there is no direct ferry service from the UK to Paris, there are a variety of other transportation options available. The Eurostar train is the quickest and most convenient way to get from London to Paris, but taking a ferry and then connecting with a train or coach is also possible. Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance for the best prices and availability.