The plan for the day
| Time | Stage | To remember |
|---|---|---|
| About 7 am | Departure from Gare du Nord | Arrive 45 min before for check-in |
| About 8:30 am | Arrival at St Pancras | Local time, one hour behind Paris |
| Morning | Westminster, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey | Seeing the outside is enough for a day |
| Noon | Lunch on the South Bank of the Thames | Walk to the London Eye |
| Afternoon | Borough Market then Tower Bridge | One museum at most |
| About 5 pm | Back to St Pancras | Allow for check-in and border police |
| About 8 pm | Last useful train | Arrival in Paris around 11:25 pm |
On your own or on a tour
On your own, you choose your times and stops; a guided excursion with a multi-stop bus and a Thames cruise simplifies the day but some travellers find it rushed. To sleep near the station before an early departure: hotels near Gare du Nord.
Tips
Charge your phone, arrange an eSIM or roaming plan, and keep a 1-hour margin for the return. On weekdays, avoid London Underground rush hours.
FAQ
Is London in one day from Paris possible?
Yes, with the roughly 2 h 16 Eurostar, leaving early and coming back late in the day.
What is the first Eurostar train?
One example offer lists 7:09 am from Paris; check the Eurostar website for your date.
Do you need a visa or authorisation?
A passport is required; most visitors need the British ETA.
