The bus trip from London to Paris is one of the most popular and affordable ways to travel between the two cities. It's an easy and convenient way to get from one city to another, and it has the peculiarity of crossing the English Channel, a strait that separates England and France.
The distance between London and Paris is 470 kilometers (292 miles). The average bus journey time is 7-10 hours, depending on traffic and other conditions.
Travelers can expect to go through immigration at both the UK and French borders, as well as customs. It is recommended to have all the necessary documents in order, such as a passport or other form of ID, ready before boarding the bus.
How buses cross the English Channel
Buses traveling between the two countries have two crossing options:
The ferry: it's the most popular and affordable way to cross and it takes about 1.5h. Buses usually cross from Dover, in the UK, to Calais, in France, which is the shortest sailing distance between the two countries (31 miles or 50km). The ferries frequently have onboard amenities such as restaurants, duty-free shops, and even cinemas, and for that reason are considered the most comfortable way to cross the channel.
The Chunnel: it's a train that goes through under the English Channel tunnel. Yes, buses that take this route go into the train wagon in order to complete the crossing. The railway is 50km long and connects Folkestone (UK) and Coquelles (FR). Only a few companies use this crossing option on a few daily buses.
Companies operating on this route
The two main companies operating buses between London and Paris are Blablabus and Flixbus. Both companies offer affordable tickets and convenient schedules. The average number of departures on this route is 11 per day, which means that travelers have plenty of options to choose from.
Bus station in London
Most buses leave from Victoria Coach Station in London, which is one of the most important bus stations in the country and is located in the heart of the city. It is well-connected to the rest of London and is easy to reach by public transportation. The coach station has plenty of facilities and services, such as cafes, restaurants, shops, toilets, and luggage storage. It is also close to many of London's main tourist attractions, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey and it's easily accessible through public transportation.
Other bus companies may have different departure points, so it's always best to check in advance.
Bus stations in Paris
In Paris, most buses arrive at Paris Bercy Seine station, which is located in the 12th arrondissement, by the river Seine. The station is well-connected to the Paris metro and it's only a few minutes away from Gare de Lyon, one of the city's main train stations.
Paris Bercy Seine is a large and modern station with plenty of facilities, such as shops, cafes, restaurants, and toilets. Being one of the most important in Paris, as it's also used by trains and the metro. Some bus companies may have their own arrival points, so it's best to check ahead of time.
Airport departures and arrivals
Some companies also have departure and arrival points at the airports of the two cities, which can be convenient for travelers who are arriving by plane and want to take the bus directly.
Immigration and customs
As of January 2021, UK citizens can travel to the EU for tourism and business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. All travelers need a passport that is valid for at least three months after the planned return date.
Non-Europeans traveling from London to Paris may need a visa, depending on their nationality. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country in advance to find out if a visa is required and what the requirements are.
Customs regulations
When traveling by bus from London to Paris, travelers are subject to customs controls at both the UK and French borders, as well as customs. There are some rules as to what travelers are allowed to bring, especially related to the amount of money, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. So make sure to check them in advance.
Amenities on the buses
Most buses on this route are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Some companies also offer snacks and drinks for sale on board.
Most companies allow travelers to bring two pieces of luggage with them on the bus. However, there may be size and weight restrictions, so it's always best to check with the company you choose to travel with in advance.

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