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Road trip route · United Kingdom · France

London to Paris drive time, distance, costs & the best stops

Drive time
5 hr 28 min
Distance
454 km
Fuel (est.)
€57
Tolls (est.)
€15

The London to Paris drive

The drive from London to Paris covers 282 miles (454 km) and takes about 5 hr 28 min without stops, including the 35-minute Eurotunnel shuttle from Folkestone to Calais. That makes it a comfortable one-day drive. Leave in the morning and you'll arrive with the day ahead of you.

Expect fuel for a typical petrol car (~40 mpg) to cost around €57 one-way plus roughly €15 in motorway tolls. Prices shift monthly, so treat these as ballpark figures.

Best stops between London and Paris

Within ~30 km of the driving route, worth the detour.

Castles & Palaces

Leeds Castle

A castle on islands in a lake formed by the River Len in Kent, often called the loveliest castle in the world.

Castles & Palaces

Dover Castle

A medieval fortress overlooking the English Channel, known as the Key to England due to its strategic defensive significance.

Natural Wonders

White Cliffs of Dover

Iconic chalk cliffs reaching up to 110 meters high along the English Channel, symbolizing Britain for centuries.

Castles & Palaces

Hever Castle

Romantic 13th-century double-moated castle that was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, set within award-winning gardens and a 38-acre lake.

Museums

Brooklands Museum

The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, featuring the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit from 1907.

Landmarks

Thorpe Park

Thrill-focused theme park near London catering to older children and adults with intense roller coasters.

Racetracks

Brands Hatch Circuit

Legendary undulating British racing circuit in Kent hosting major motorsport events and offering car racing experiences.

Scenic Viewpoints

Cap Blanc-Nez

Dazzling white chalk cliffs on the Opal Coast with views across the Channel to England on clear days.

Scenic Viewpoints

Cap Gris-Nez

The closest point in France to England, a windswept headland of cliffs, lighthouse and migrating birds.

London to Paris FAQs

How long is the drive from London to Paris?

Driving from London to Paris takes about 5 hr 28 min nonstop, covering 282 miles (454 km), including the 35-minute Eurotunnel shuttle crossing. Add time for breaks: most drivers stop every 2 hours.

How much does it cost to drive from London to Paris?

Fuel for a typical petrol car (~40 mpg) costs roughly €57 one-way. Expect around €15 in motorway tolls. Estimates are indicative: prices change monthly.

Can I drive from London to Paris in one day?

Yes, at about 5 hr 28 min of driving, London to Paris is a comfortable one-day drive with a couple of breaks.

What are the best stops between London and Paris?

Top-rated stops in the drive corridor include Leeds Castle, Dover Castle, White Cliffs of Dover: see the full list of 9 stops on this page.

More drives from London & Paris

Planning a bigger trip? Try the free United Kingdom road trip planner or the France planner, or read the driving in France guide.