How to Travel from The UK To France Without Flying?

August 25, 2023

Travel to France from the UK is easy and convenient even without flying. With excellent rail and sea transport options, you can reach France in just a few hours. And you can do all this while enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. Just make sure to apply Online France Visa in advance for a hassle-free trip.

Now, let’s jump right into the travel to France from the UK guide.This guide will walk you through best options for travelling to France from UK by train, ferry, or coach.

How to Travel to France from UK without Flying?

1). Take the Eurostar Train – From UK to France by Train!

The most popular and fastest way to reach France from the UK is by taking the Eurostar train. Operated by Eurostar International Limited, it connects London Pancras International station with Paris, Lille, Calais, Avignon, Marseille and more.

The Eurostar journeys through the Channel Tunnel below the English Channel, reaching speeds of 300 kph. It takes only 2 hours 15 minutes to reach Paris and 1 hour 22 minutes to Lille from London.

The Eurostar trains have comfortable seats and onboard WiFi. You will find that thetravel classes are similar to airlines. The trainsalso boast a much-needed onboard cafe serving drinks and light meals. They are an excellent option for a direct, fuss-free journey to France.

Enjoy the best France travel By Trainoption while visiting France with loved ones. Oh yes! Don’t forget to apply for a France Visa from London!

2). Travelling by Ferry – UK to France Travel by Water

For a more scenic experience, you can travel to France from the UK by ferry. Several ferry operators like P&O Ferries, DFDS, Brittany Ferries offer crossings from multiple ports. These include Dover, Portsmouth, Poole, etc to Calais, Dunkirk, Caen, etc.

The ferry crossing duration is 90 minutes to 10 hours depending on the route. You can relax onboard, go for a stroll on the deck, enjoy the sea views and dining options. Ferries allow taking your own car so it’s ideal for road trips.

Shorter crossings like Dover to Calais operate frequently so are quite flexible. For longer crossings, book in advance and check tidal timings.Travelling to France from UK can’t get better than this!

3). Coach Travel – UK to France Travel by Bus (Road)

Travelling to France by coach is the most budget-friendly option. Eurolines and Flixbus operate direct overnight coach services from London to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux and other cities.

The total journey time is 10-14 hours including stops. Coaches have reclining seats for sleeping, WiFi, power outlets. Some benefits are not needing a hotel for the night, and city tours on arrival. Luggage allowance is lower than trains/ferries.

For travelling longer distances across France, buses are a good domestic transport choice. The well-connected bus network serves most towns and cities.

Choosing the Best (Travel to France) Option for You

To decide the best way to travel to France, consider these factors:

Time – Eurostar is fastest but ferries work if you have more days. Coaches take longest.
Convenience – Eurostar and ferries allow doing other things during the journey. Coaches involve just sitting.
Budget – Coaches are cheapest, followed by ferries, and Eurostar most expensive.
Route – Check which ports/stations have direct connections to your French destination.
Luggage – Eurostar and coaches have luggage limits. No limit on ferries.
Experience – Ferries offer seaside scenery. Eurostar and coaches are direct city-to-city.

Booking Tickets and Planning Your France Travel Trip

Book tickets well in advance as prices increase closer to travel. Look out for deals and off-peak promotions. For multiple travellers, family tickets can offer discounts.

Keep passport validity in mind as UK & French immigration checks will happen. Those under 18 may need extra documents. Read up on additional travel requirements.

Make reservations for onwards journeys like connecting trains, buses or rental cars in France if needed. Book accommodation if not getting off in your final destination.

Packing Tips for Your Travel to France from UK

Carry layers of clothing as weather can be unpredictable.
Bring an empty refillable water bottle.
Keep medications, chargers, documents together in a bag for easy access.
Pack snacks like granola bars, fruits if you need to eat during long journeys.
Have entertainment options – books, games, downloaded movies.
Take a jacket, eye mask and earplugs to sleep better on overnight coaches.
Use a durable, easy-to-carry bag with smooth rolling wheels if taking heavy luggage. Backpacks are great for shorter trips.

Things to Do in France

From iconic landmarks and museums to outdoor adventures and gastronomic delights – France offers something for everyone. Here are top things to do:

Visit Paris and see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles Palace, Notre-Dame, walk along the Seine River.
Indulge in French cuisine – breads, cheese, pastries, crepes, wine.
Explore castles along Loire Valley like Chambord, Chenonceau, Chaumont-sur-Loire.
See works of art in museums like the Musee d’Orsay and Musee de L’Orangerie in Paris.
Hike in the calcite cliffs and grottos of the Étretat seaside.
Ski and snowboard down slopes in Chamonix or Val Thorens.
Admire lavender fields and medieval villages in Provence.
Take a road trip along stretches of the scenic Cote d’Azur.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply for a France Tourist Visa in advance for a hassle-free journey!

Places to Visit in France

From buzzing cities to quaint villages, coastal towns to alpine retreats – France has diverse destinations to suit different interests. Top places to see:

Paris – The romantic capital renowned for history, art, culture, fashion.
French Riviera – Glitzy coastal region with beaches, upscale resorts.
Loire Valley – See Renaissance-era chateaus surrounded by vineyards.
Lyon – Foodie heaven and historical city with Roman ruins.
Strasbourg – Half-timbered houses, canals, and cathedral in Alsace region.
Bordeaux – Elegant port city famous for its wine industry.
Corsica – Rugged Mediterranean island with a historic port city.
Nice – Lively seaside town with long pebble beaches.
Lille – Hip student city with Flemish-style buildings.

Excited to visit France? Why not apply for a France Visa from UK? It’s simple & convenient. Head over to Visas France to get started!

French Phrases to Know

Learning a few French phrases and words can help you interact easily for your basic needs:

Bonjour (Hello)
Au revoir (Goodbye)
S’ilvousplaît (Please)
Merci (Thank you)
Parlez-vousanglais ? (Do you speak English?)
Oùsont les toilettes ? (Where is the bathroom?)
Je ne comprends pas (I don’t understand)
L’additions’ilvousplaît (Can we get the bill please?)
Une bière/vin s’ilvousplaît (A beer/wine please)

Having a French phrasebook or offline translation app handy helps overcome any language barriers. Now, all you need is a France Schengen Visa UK. Head over to Visas France and apply France Visa from UK today!

Visit Italy From London UK

How to Apply France Visa from UK Quickly?

Planning a holiday in France but unsure about the visa application process from the UK? This guide will walk you through the steps to get your France tourist visa quickly and easily.

1). Determine Visa Type

The first step is to identify the right visa type based on the purpose and duration of your France visit. The main options are:

Schengen Visa – For tourism or business visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Long Stay Visa – For longer stays over 90 days for purposes like study, work, etc.

For a regular holiday, the Tourist France Visaor France Schengen Visais what you need.

2). Gather Crucial France Visa Documents

Once visa type is confirmed, collate all required documents:

Valid passport
Recent passport-size photos
Travel medical insurance
Flight reservations
Proof of Accommodation bookings
Financial statements – Proof of Income
Cover letter stating trip purpose

Having complete documentation speeds up the application process.

3). Fill Online Visa Application

Next, complete the Schengen visa application form online. Provide accurate details and upload scanned copies of your documents.Double check all information before submission.

4). Our Experts Will Book the France Visa Appointment for You

With Visa France’s professional France Visa Services, you can seamlessly book an appointment. Once you done filling the online application, our experts will take care of the appointment booking for you!

5). Attend Biometrics/Documentation Appointment

You will then be asked to visit the visa application center for biometrics registration. This involves providing fingerprints and getting your photo taken.

6). Get France Visa & Passport via Mail

Once the authorities process your France Schengen Visa, they will ship it along with your passport via mail. You should get your France Visa in under 10-15 days.

Safety Tips While Travelling to France from UK

Keep these basic safety precautions in mind:

Keep your passport, money, phone secure in an anti-theft bag or pocket.
Research which areas to avoid especially when out late at night or alone.
Don’t leave luggage unattended in public areas and on transport.
Buy a local France SIM card and keep emergency numbers handy.
Keep copies of important documents in your email or cloud storage as backup.
Check your accommodation’s security practices before booking.
Purchase suitable travel insurance covering health, luggage, delays.

By taking simple care and following your intuition, you can have a smooth trip. Don’t let anxiety ruin the joy of exploring a new place and making great memories. Oh yes – Don’t forget to apply France Schengen Visa for you and your loved ones!

Conclusion

Travel to France from the UK without flying is easy and enjoyable. Trains, buses and ferries all connect the two countries directly. Choosing the right option based on your budget, destination, and interests will ensure a great trip. France offers incredible diversity – historical cities, seaside villages, mountains and art museums for unforgettable experiences. Use this guide to plan your perfect non-stop holiday. And ensure that you apply for a Visa for France in advance for a worry-free trip!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to travel from London to Paris by Eurostar?

It takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to travel from London to Paris by Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel. The High Speed 1 route lets you reach Paris in record time.

What is the cheapest way to travel from UK to France?

The cheapest way to travel from UK to France is by coach or bus. Eurolines and Flixbus offer budget tickets for overnight journeys from London to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and other cities.

How early should I book Eurostar tickets to get the best deal?

It’s advisable to book Eurostar tickets at least 3-4 months in advance to find the lowest fares. The cheapest tickets get sold out quickly for popular routes. Being flexible with your travel dates also helps get good deals.

What are the luggage restrictions on Eurostar trains?

The Eurostar luggage allowance is 2 bags per passenger with maximum dimensions of 85cm x 56cm x 25cm each. One additional smaller bag like a handbag or laptop case is also permitted. There are no weight restrictions.

Is there a ferry from UK to Paris?

No, there are currently no direct ferries from UK to Paris. However, you can take a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk in France and then take a train or bus to Paris which is around 3-4 hours away.