travelling from London to Paris

The Eurostar train, which goes through the channel tunnel, takes about 2 1/2 hours from downtown to downtown. Flying out of Heathrow, going from downtown London to downtown Paris will take about 5 hours with traveling to the airport, security, flight, and then traveling from the airport. Your choice.

Martha, Since you are already going to be in London, I would opt for Eurostar to Paris. The earlier you can book you travel, the more $ you will save. You can book travel on Eurostar 120 days in advance.

If you have a look at the Eurostar timetable you'll see you could go as early as 5:22, arriving Paris Gare du Nord by 8:50, Paris time. You only have to check in 30 minutes ahead (mandatory) so you can do that easily from your hotel in the City. They come back as late as 9:13pm (21:13), getting back to St Pancras International 10:29pm. Bet you couldn't do that by air. So: Want to get there early and return late. No problem Staying in 5th arrondisement in Paris. OK. Same advice for any of central Paris. Is flying the best way to get there quickly as opposed to the chunnel? No Should I depart Heathrow? No fly into CDG or Orly? do you recommend major carrier or budget airline?
None of those But what you do need to do is make reservations early. Fares only go up, they never go down as travel day approaches.

Eurostar is faster and easier than flying from London to Paris. We took Eurostar from Brussels to London and back again and it was a snap. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Wouldn't ever consider flying between Paris and London Eurostar is so easy. Check in 1 hour before your train departs, grab a beer and a croissant in the cafe car en route, enjoy.

Martha, I definitely agree with Frank II and the others. Travel from London to Paris is much quicker and easier via the channel tunnel than by air. Be sure to allow time to get from whichever part of London you're staying in to London St. Pancras, which is where the EuroStar departs from. You'll arrive at Gare du Nord and can use the Metro from there to your Hotel. Happy travels!

Can't even compare the experience,, easy check in at train stations, comfy relaxing seat,, enjoy picnic you bring onboard( they have a food car, but it sells rather boring premade sandwiches).. arriving in the city center,, no hassles getting to and from airports.. and very important to me, often very cheap if you book WELL in advance, try and travel mid week( cheaper fares) . PS No lost luggage as you bring your luggage on train with you,, no waiting to see if it shows up at destination,, or paying extra for having an overwieght bag( which on the budget airlines can be very expensive)