Could you please advise what is the most convenient way to cross the channel from Heathrow airport. If we travel by plane, how much time should I leave between flights as I assume we will have to go through customs before the flight to Paris?
If we go by Eurostar how much time do I leave as I know the station is an hour away and we will have luggage? We are scheduled to land at 7:45 a.m. on a Thursday.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4850 posts
I suppose the most obvious question would be why are you landing at Heathrow and not CDG in the first place.
There is no guarantee that your flight will be on time, so a quick connecting flight is out of the question. Since you have luggage, you will need to do a separate check in for your second flight, because it will be on a separate ticket. And of course, if your original flight is so late that you missed the second one, you would need to buy a whole new ticket to Paris. I would think a 4 hour minimum would be needed.
Similarly, you would want a 4 hour minimum if taking the Eurostar from St Pancras, since you need to arrive at least an hour before departure for Passort Control there.
Flying may be simpler, if only because you would stay at Heathrow, although you likely would need to change terminals. The better solution would be to fly to Paris, either directly from home or with a connecting flight that is all on one ticket.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Not sure why you are doing this this way but since you are at the airport -- stay there. I would try to book a flight from Heathrow to Paris after 3 pm to give yourself sufficient time for everything. These is some risk when you book two independent tickets. But the risk is about the same if you were trying to catch the Eurostar.
Posted by
Sweden
6375 posts
I agree, the big question is why you are flying to London if your destination is Paris. That doesn't make sense.
But if you are trying to self connect at Heathrow I agree that 4 hours is the bare minimum, but more time doesn't hurt. Another option is as you mention the Eurostar. You'd still need a bit of buffer time, but central London is in my opinion a more interesting place to spend that time.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11178 posts
Could you please advise what is the most convenient way to cross the channel from Heathrow airport.
Fly
If we travel by plane, how much time should I leave between flights
4hrs minimum; more if you have checked bags
Depending on what flights you are contemplating, the answer may differ, especially with checked bags.
Info here--- https://www.heathrow.com/connecting-flights
Read carefully for 'self-connecting'