My wife and I will be spending 9 full days in Paris this spring, our first time there. I've been in London before (my wife has not), and was thinking of a quick over-night trip - grabbing a chunnel train in the morning, staying 1 night in London, and coming back the next evening. Adding too much commotion to a 1 week Paris trip? Does the 3-hour train ride suck? Anyone try this before that cares to share??
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
The train (called the Eurostar) is quite pleasant and it is under 2.5 hours. While I haven't done a quick trip like this for pleasure, I've done many short business trips from London on the Eurostar and it is pretty easy. You do need to check in at least 30 minutes in advance on both ends. It would certainly be reasonable to take an overnight trip there. If you do this, I'd suggest you choose a hotel near St Pancras/Kings Cross just for convenience. That way you won't have to waste a lot of time getting to and from your hotel. You also need to buy your ticket ASAP if you are going in spring. Tickets go on sale 120 days out and the price only goes up as you get closer to the departure date. You can buy tickets on eurostar.com.
Posted by
Indy area, IN
21 posts
While I have never done this myself, I think it would be worth it. You will have 9 days in Paris, so you have plenty of time. We live 4 hours from Chicago and make frequent overnight trips (and long day trips too) without thinking twice about it. That is one of the great things about Europe - the proximity of it all! And I can easily find something to do on a train for 3 hours to pass the time - read, knit, nap, eat, play games, etc.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
The ride over on the Eurostar( they do not call it the Chunnel train,, or any variation of Chunnel) is very pleasant, and only 2 hours and 30 minutes. You take a picnice, look out the window, and very soon you are there. Its nicer then flying as you travel city center to city center, ,you can get up and walk around, and the seats are comfy ,, and I have done this 4 times now, in second class . I think doing an overnight is a great idea,, you can basically get two full days in. Many posters have even done it as a daytrip, but I think it is much better as an overnight.
Posted by
Land of La
9227 posts
Do it. Get your tickets online ASAP. Go! Paris and London in 24 hours. It's grand! You'll be so happy you did it.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I love the Eurostar trip from Paris to London and highly recommend it. I also recommend staying at the Premier Inn at King's Cross, which is right across the street from the train station, a good reasonable hotel, and very convenient.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
We have done the Eurostar trip 3 times. Loved it each time. We traveled in First each time and had wine and lunch or dinner served. Bought early, there was not much difference in price and first class is lovely.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi, The Euro-Star is well worth it between Paris and London, takes 2 1/4 hrs, enough time to relax and sleep. I've taken the Euro-Star a few times. Numerous hotels and a hostel too at both ends for London and Paris near the stations. Very well organised and convenient at St Pancras and Gare du Nord, and if you book at the earliest allowed, 120 days prior, it's really not that expensive even as a r/t day trip in the evening.