Is London a doable day trip from Paris? According to rail europe, each way by train is about 2 hours 20 minutes. I figure I could get an 8 am train to London, and come back around 8 pm. Has anyone else ever done this? Does it sound like a good idea? Or what about Brussels? That train trip is a little shorter.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
It is very do-able and of course it's a good idea. People will tell you to take 2 or 3 days but if one day is what you have then do it. Do NOT buy your ticket from RailEurope or go by their schedule list. Go to eurostar.com and the earlier you buy your ticket the better the price, starting 120 days before your date of travel. Take into account that London is 1 hour behind Paris and book the earliest train you can and the latest going back to Paris. It'll be a grand day for you.
Posted by
upland, ca, usa
10 posts
I love this- I was going to ask the same question! Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Des Moines, IA
38 posts
Thanks for the response!!
Can't wait to see the sights and add one more country to my list!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Rachelle people do daytrips back and forth all the time.. of course they are never long enough, but at least you get a taste. Go somewhat organized,, ie if you know you want to see x y and z be sure to look at a map and figure out your days route ahead of time . Also for some sights you really need to pre purchase tickets or arrive before they open to avoid wasting hours in lines. What sights are top of your list? Also , buy tickets as soon as you are set on date, prices only go up and up.
I hope you also checked the Eurostar.com sight, they list all the departures for the day.. RailEurope does not always do that, and there can be price differences so compare. No need to spend for 1st class, 2nd is fine. Take a snack though food car is dismal concession counter set up.
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
Our first day trip from London years ago was the Eurostar to Paris, 2.5 hours city center to city center. Now we always fly into London, spend a couple days, take in Burrough Market, then zip over to Paris for a week or so. The Eurostar is a delightful train ride and a day trip from one city to the other is a breeze. Check out seat61.com for loads of tips and when and how to buy Eurostar tickets. Stay away from RailEurope. It's a long day, Paris to London, but sleeping on the train on the way back to Paris, with the gentle swaying of the train car and comfy seats is highly recommended. I feel a nap coming on right now.....
Posted by
OP
Des Moines, IA
38 posts
Thanks for the tips! I love seat61.com, now I have my tickets booked and a great seat in my opinion!
This community is so great, thanks everyone so much for your help.