Top Tips for a Perfect One-Day Trip from London to Paris

Whether you’re after a romantic stroll or cultural immersion, a day trip from London to Paris is one of the best travel experiences you can have – and it all begins at St. Pancras International.

Can you take a day trip to Paris from London? Absolutely! Thanks to the high-speed Eurostar, day trips from London to Paris by train are not only possible but incredibly easy and smooth. Whether it’s your first visit or just a spontaneous getaway, this London to Paris train day trip guide will help you make the most of your one day in Paris. Wondering what to do in Paris for a day trip? We’ve got the perfect itinerary.

Top Attractions to Visit in Paris on a One-Day Trip

Short on time but big on making the most out of your day? These are the must-see spots for your one day trip to Paris from London:

  1. Eiffel Tower – Start your day with photos from Trocadéro.
  2. Seine River – Walk along or take a short cruise.
  3. Arc de Triomphe – Iconic views down the Champs-Élysées.
  4. Louvre Museum – Visit the pyramid or choose a highlights route.
  5. Jardin des Tuileries – Perfect for a midday picnic.
  6. Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité – Enjoy the view and stroll the island.
  7. Sainte-Chapelle – Stunning stained-glass windows.
  8. Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur – End your day with sweeping views.

 

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Credit: Eurostar

Best London to Paris Day Trip Itinerary

Here’s how you could spend the perfect day in Paris:

Early Morning

  • Depart on the earliest Eurostar from London St. Pancras (around 07:00 AM).
  • Arrive at Gare du Nord around 10:20 AM local time.

Morning

  • Head straight to the Eiffel Tower (Trocadéro view).
  • Walk the Seine and cross Pont Alexandre III.
  • Stroll up Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.

Late Morning

  • Metro to the Louvre.
  • Rest at Jardin des Tuileries.

Lunch

  • Grab a quick lunch at Rue de Rivoli cafés or take a picnic to the Tuileries.

Afternoon

  • Walk to Île de la Cité.
  • See Notre-Dame and visit Sainte-Chapelle.
  • Take the Metro to Montmartre.

Late Afternoon to Evening

  • Explore Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur.
  • Optional: Quick dinner or a sunset Seine River cruise.

 

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How to Enjoy a Budget-Friendly One-Day Trip to Paris

If you’re asking, “what to do in Paris on a budget?” – try these tips:

  • Eiffel Tower: View from Trocadéro is free.
  • Louvre: Skip entering unless it’s the first Sunday of the month (then it’s free). Admire the Pyramid and Palais du Louvre courtyard from the outside. 
  • Lunch: Grab sandwiches or pastries from a local boulangerie.
  • Riverbanks: Instead of a paid boat cruise, walk along the riverbanks around sunset.
  • Metro: Buy a Mobilis day pass for unlimited travel (~€8).

 

Your Guide to Getting from St. Pancras Station to Paris

  • Booking: Book early via Eurostar for best fares.
  • Departure: Arrive 90 minutes early for check-in.
  • Journey: Around 2 hours 20 minutes.
  • Arrival: Paris Gare du Nord, central location with Metro access.

Practical Information and Tips for One-Day Trips to Paris

Timing

  • Aim to arrive by 8:30–9:00 AM to make the most of the day.  Pace yourself: Focus on enjoying a few key areas rather than rushing through too many. 

Transportation

  • Buy a Mobilis day pass for all-day Metro/bus travel.

Walking

  • Paris is walkable. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Packing

  • Backpack, water, snacks, phone charger, jacket.

Budget

  • Bring small Euro notes and coins.
  • Café lunches and boulangeries offer good value.

Photos

  • Mornings: Best light for Eiffel Tower and Seine.
  • Evenings: Capture sunsets from Montmartre.

Public Toilets  

  • Many are free but sometimes charge ~€0.50; keep coins handy. 

Free Wi-Fi  

  • Available at some parks and public areas; otherwise cafés often have it. 

Safety

  • Watch for pickpockets at major tourist sites.

FAQs

Can you really do a day trip to Paris from London? Yes! It’s doable and enjoyable with a well-planned itinerary.

Is a day trip from London to Paris worth it? Absolutely – even one day in Paris is magical.

Can you take a one-day trip to Disneyland Paris from London? Yes, but it’s a long day. It’s best suited for families with a focus on Disney only.