A Budget Traveller's Guide: From London to Paris

When you plan a holiday, what is the first question that comes to your mind? Probably it's how much this is going to cost, right? Going from London to Paris doesn't have to be expensive. Even if you're a student or just trying to save money, you can easily make this trip without spending too much. What you have to do is make some planning and make smart choices.

You can enjoy two of Europe's best cities on a budget. In this guide, I'll tell you how you can travel from London to Paris on a budget.

When to Travel

Do you want to save money on your trip from London to Paris? It all comes down to when you travel. January, February, and November are usually the most affordable months. These are "off-season" times, so travelling there and staying there costs a lot less. You should try to avoid major holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Easter, because prices will be much higher then. And here's a tip: travelling from Tuesday to Thursday is usually cheaper than going on the weekend.

Ways to Travel from London to Paris on a Budget

You can reach Paris from London using one of four main transport options: bus, train, budget flight, or rideshare.

Bus, Cheapest Overall

If you are on a tight budget, the bus is your best friend. And do you know companies like Flixbus and BlaBlaBus offer one-way tickets starting from just £15 (€17) if you book in advance? Bring a phone charger and some snacks because the trip takes about eight to nine hours. It's a slower way to travel, but it's perfect if you're not in a hurry. Plus, you can often travel overnight, which means you save money on a place to sleep. So save as much as you can.

Train Eurostar on a Budget

If you want to reach Paris from London really fast, the Eurostar train is perfect. The Eurostar train is the quickest way! It only takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to go from the middle of London to the middle of Paris. And if you ask about the price. It's cheaper if you plan! Try to book 2 to 3 months before you go, and you might find tickets for around £39 (€45). If you book very close to your travel date (like, a week before), tickets can get expensive, often over £100!

Budget Flights

You can find cheap flight tickets, sometimes only £25 (€29) for a one-way trip, with airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. This is often true if you can fly on different days.

But be careful! These cheap tickets usually don't include everything. You'll likely pay more money for your bags. Also, these flights often use airports that are far away from the main cities (like Stansted/Luton and Beauvais). This means you'll have to pay extra money for buses or trains to get to where you want to go. Make sure to add these extra costs to your travel plan. Air France, on the other hand, usually flies from the main airports (like Heathrow in London and Charles de Gaulle in Paris), which are much closer to the city. But their tickets are generally more expensive than those of budget airlines.

Rideshare (BlaBlaCar)

This is a way to travel where you share a car with someone who is already driving to your destination. It is more flexible, meaning you might find a ride when you need one. The cost is usually between £20 and £40 (€23 and €47). This price can change based on the driver and how many people want a ride. It's a nice way to meet people who live there and share the cost of the trip.

Affordable Places to Stay

In Paris

• The People Hostel – Paris Bercy: Clean, well-rated, and dorm beds start from €30/night.
• Christopher's Inn Canal: Beds from €28/night with social vibes.

In London

• Generator Hostel: Central location with beds from £25/night.
• YHA London Central: Good facilities, beds from £27/night.

When you want to book a room, websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com are good places to look. They often have special deals (cheaper prices!).

But before you book, always remember two things:

1. Can you cancel? Check if you can change your mind or cancel without losing money.
2. What do others say? Read what other people wrote about the place. Did they like it? This helps you pick a good spot!

What to Pack

If you want to save cash on your trip? Pack light! This is extra important if you're flying with budget airlines, as they often charge extra fees for bigger bags. So, a smaller bag means more money in your pocket!

What should you pack?

• Passport
• Plug adapter (UK and France use different types)
• Reusable water bottle
• Portable charger
• Travel apps: Rome2Rio, Google Maps, Omio

Free and Cheap Things to Do

In London (many top attractions are free)

• British Museum
• Tate Modern
• Natural History Museum
• Walk along the South Bank
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

You can eat on a budget in places like Pret a Manger, Sainsbury's Local, or Camden Market.

In Paris

• Free walking tours (just tip the guide)
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont or Jardin du Luxembourg
• First Sunday of the month: Free entry to many museums like the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay
• View the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro (great photo spot for free)

You can eat good food without spending a lot of money. You can grab a baguette sandwich from a local bakery (called a "boulangerie") or try a crêpe from a street seller. These usually cost around €3 to €5.

Yes, you can travel from London to Paris on a Budget. Going from London to Paris without spending a lot of money is possible! It can even be fun and easy to plan. You can see both cities without using up all your savings with a little bit of planning. Whether you take a bus at night, take a flight to Paris from the UK, or watch the Eiffel Tower from a distance, this trip will be special. And you won't have to worry about spending too much money.