What Is the Best Train to Take From London to Paris?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a trip from London to Paris? Taking the train is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel between these two iconic cities.

But with multiple train options available, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll compare the top trains to help you determine which one is right for you.

Eurostar

The Eurostar is perhaps the most popular and well-known train that runs between London and Paris. It’s a high-speed train that travels through the Channel Tunnel (also known as the Chunnel) and connects St Pancras in London to Gare du Nord in Paris. The journey takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Pros:

  • Fastest option
  • Comfortable seats
  • On-board food and drink service available

Cons:

  • Can be expensive, especially if booking last minute or during peak travel times
  • Sometimes prone to delays or cancellations due to technical issues or weather conditions

Eurostar Snap

If you’re flexible with your travel dates and times, Eurostar Snap could be a great option for you. This service offers discounted tickets for those who are willing to book last minute and have some flexibility in their travel schedule.

Pros:

  • Cheaper than standard Eurostar tickets if booked last minute
  • Same comfortable seats as Eurostar
  • On-board food and drink service available
  • Cons:

    • You can’t choose your exact departure time – it will be assigned within a certain window of time
    • Not available for all travel dates or times

    OuiGo

    Ouigo is a budget-friendly train service that connects Marne-la-Vallee (just outside Paris) with London. The journey takes around 5 hours and tickets can be as low as £25 each way.

    • Very affordable prices, making it a great option for budget travelers
    • Spacious seats
    • On-board food and drink service available for purchase
    • Limited baggage allowance (one small bag and one piece of hand luggage per person)
    • The journey takes longer than other options, such as Eurostar
    • The trains don’t run every day

    TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse)

    TGV is a high-speed train service in France that also runs between London and Paris. It’s operated by SNCF, the French national railway company. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

    • Faster than Ouigo but still cheaper than Eurostar
    • Pleasant journey with comfortable seats
    • Cons:

      • The train only runs between certain stations in London and Paris, so it may not be convenient depending on your location
      • The on-board food and drink service is limited compared to Eurostar or Ouigo

      Conclusion: Which Train Is Best?

      The best train to take from London to Paris depends on your priorities. If you want the fastest journey with the most amenities, Eurostar is likely your best choice.

      But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind a slightly longer journey, Ouigo or TGV could be great options. And if you’re flexible with your travel dates and times, Eurostar Snap might be the cheapest option overall. With this guide, we hope you can make an informed decision and enjoy your journey between these two vibrant cities.