How to get to France

France is an iconic travel destination and for good reason. Getting there can be a memorable part of the trip in and of itself. In this guide, we’ll explore the how to get to France from various regions, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Whether you are travelling by air, sea or rail, prices increasingly depend on how far in advance you book, but will also depend on the season. Fares are at their highest from around early June to the end of August, when the weather is best, drop during the “shoulder” seasons – roughly September to October and April to May.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

The quickest way to travel to France from the UK and Ireland is by air. Numerous airlines (Airlines like British Airways, Air France, Ryanair, and Aer Lingus) offer direct flights from London and Dublin to various destinations in France, with Paris being the most popular. Flights between the UK, Ireland and France are plentiful, even from regional airports.

• Typically, flights from the UK take around 1 to 2 hours, while flights from Ireland take around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
• Tickets generally range from £50 to £300 from the UK and €50 to €300 from Ireland.

Flights from the US and Canada

The best way to travel to France from the US is typically by flying directly to Paris. Several airlines offer non-stop flights from major US cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Airlines like Air France, Delta, and American Airlines operate frequent routes. 

Several airlines offer non-stop flights from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Airlines such as Air Canada, Air France, and WestJet operate regular routes.

• The cost of an average ticket can range from $500 to $1500 for economy class from the US
• Economy class tickets from Canada generally range from $800 to $1500 CAD.
• It takes around 7 to 10 hours to reach Paris from the East Coast, and around 10 to 12 hours from the West Coast.

Flights from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Most flights from Australia and New Zealand usually involve one stop over, and most choose to fly to France via London. If you’re planning your trip from South Africa, there are plenty of direct flights via Johannesburg. 

Flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Johannesburg to Paris are available with airlines like Air France, Qantas, Emirates, and South African Airways. 

Flight durations can vary significantly depending on the departure city:

• Typically, flights from Australia take around 22 to 24 hours with one or more stopovers.
• Flights from New Zealand take around 24 to 26 hours. 
• Flights from South Africa take approximately 10 to 12 hours with one stopover.

The cost of an average ticket can vary based on factors like the time of booking, season, and airline choice:

• Tickets generally range from AUD 1200 to 2500 from Australia.
• NZD 1500 to 3000 from New Zealand.
• ZAR 8000 to 15000 from South Africa.

By train

Taking the train to France is quick and scenic. Hop on the high-speed Eurostar, and you'll zoom from London to Paris in just over two hours. It's quick, it's efficient, and it's a great way to travel if you want to make the most of your time. 

Standard fares from London to Paris or Lille start at £72 (£99 to Avignon) for a non-refundable, non-exchangeable return. Availability is limited so it’s best to book as early as possible.

Rail passes

If you're planning on hopping around Europe, rail passes can save you a ton of money. The Eurail Pass, for example, provides unlimited travel across multiple European countries, including France and the UK. 

Prices vary depending on how long and where you want to travel. For example, a 3-day Global Pass within 1 month starts at around £170 for adults.

By car via the Channel Tunnel

If you prefer the freedom of driving, the Channel Tunnel by car is a seamless connection between the UK and France.  Drive your car onto the Eurotunnel shuttle service, and in just 35 minutes, you’ll be on the other side, travelling from Folkestone in Kent to Calais in northern France. 

If you book in advance, fares for a standard car with up to 9 passengers start from around £31 each way. It’s super convenient and a great way to explore at your own pace. Bike tickets are also available.

Ferries

If you’re after a more leisurely journey to France, taking a ferry might be just what you need. Several operators run services between the UK and France, with routes like Dover to Calais, Portsmouth to Le Havre, and Newhaven to Dieppe. 

Companies like P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways offer regular crossings, and if you book in advance, you can snag a standard return ticket for a car and passengers starting from around £50.

The cheapest way to get to France from UK

Taking the bus might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s a super budget-friendly way to get to France. There are several coach companies with routes connecting major cities like London and Paris. Budget operators like FlixBus offer one-way fares from London to Paris starting from around £20 if you book ahead.