Paris in a Day — Yes, It’s Possible

Arc de Triomphe

A high-speed fairytale to the City of Light

Paris needs no introduction. The romance, history, food, and art make it one of the most iconic cities in the world — and thanks to high-speed trains, it’s easier than ever to visit from The Netherlands.

🚄 Traveling to Paris by Eurostar

The Eurostar high-speed train connects The Netherlands directly to Paris Gare du Nord.

Departure stations:

• Amsterdam Centraal

• Schiphol Airport

• Rotterdam Centraal

  
  

Travel time (one way):

• Amsterdam → Paris: ~3 hours 20 minutes

• Schiphol → Paris: ~3 hours

• Rotterdam → Paris: ~2 hours 40 minutes

  
  

Seats are reserved, comfortable, and spacious — think of it as flying, but without the airport stress.

Eiffel Tower

🎟️ When Should You Book?

Eurostar tickets typically become available 4–6 months in advance.

Important tip: The earlier you book, the better the price. Paris day trips are most affordable when planned ahead.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, as Eurostar often sells out.

🗓️ Sample Day Trip Schedule (Paris)

07:00 – Depart Amsterdam Centraal

10:20 – Arrive at Paris Gare du Nord

Late Morning

• Coffee and croissant

• Walk along the Seine

• Visit Notre-Dame (exterior) or the Louvre area

  
  

Lunch

• Classic Parisian bistro or café

  
  

Afternoon

• Eiffel Tower area

• Montmartre stroll

• Shopping or museum visit

  
  

19:30–20:30 – Return Eurostar

22:30–23:30 – Arrival back in The Netherlands

It’s a long but unforgettable day — perfect for travelers who want to taste Paris.

Montmartre

🌙 Option to Stay One Night in Paris

If you prefer a slower pace:

• Stay one night near the city center

• Enjoy dinner, wine, and Paris at night

• Return refreshed the next day

  
  

Highly recommended if Paris is a dream destination.

✨ Why Paris?

• World-famous landmarks

• Incredible food and culture

• High-speed, direct train access

• A true “bucket list” experience

Notre-Dame in the background

🚌 An Easy Way to Explore Paris: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

For guests who want to see as much of Paris as possible in a short amount of time, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is a fantastic option — especially if it’s your first visit to the city.

These open-top sightseeing buses follow a loop through Paris’ most famous landmarks, including:

• The Eiffel Tower

• The Louvre Museum

• Notre-Dame Cathedral

• Champs-Élysées

• Arc de Triomphe

• Montmartre

Why We Recommend It

• No need to navigate the metro system

• Stops are located at all major attractions

• You can get on and off as often as you like

• Audio guides are available in English

• A relaxed, scenic way to explore the city

  
  

How It Fits Into a Day Trip

After arriving at Paris Gare du Nord, you can:

• Walk or take a short metro ride to the nearest Hop-On Hop-Off stop

• Ride the full loop once to get an overview of the city

• Hop off at areas that interest you most

• Rejoin the route whenever you’re ready to continue

  
  

This option is especially popular for travelers who want to maximize their time without feeling rushed — perfect for a one-day Paris adventure.

💡 Tip for Day Trippers

If you’re only in Paris for one day, consider combining:

• A morning Hop-On Hop-Off bus loop

• Lunch at a café near one of the stops

• One or two key attractions

• An evening stroll before heading back to the train station

  
  

It’s an effortless way to experience the magic of Paris — even on a tight schedule.

Paris Day Trip (Eurostar + City)

🚄 Train Fare (Round Trip)

Eurostar High-Speed Train

This varies more than domestic trains, especially on popular routes:

Booking Time	Price Round-Trip (Approx.)
Early (4–6 mo before)	€80 – €150+
Mid-range (1–3 mo before)	€130 – €200+
Short notice / peak travel	€180 – €300+

Tip: Booking as early as possible not only secures a seat but gets significantly better pricing.

🍽️ Food & Drinks

Paris food can range from casual to gourmet:

• Coffee + pastry: €6 – €12

• Bistro lunch: €20 – €40

• Snack / dessert / market items: €5 – €15

Estimated daily food budget: €40 – €80

🎟️ Sightseeing & Extras (Optional)

• Eiffel Tower (entry): €20 – €30+

• Louvre Museum: €17 – €20

• Seine Cruise (optional): €15 – €25

• Metro day pass (if needed): €7 – €14

Extra budget: €0 – €100+

💡 Total Estimated Paris Day Trip Cost

€170 – €450 per person

(Depending on train fare and activities — Paris can be more expensive but equally rewarding)

Inside the Eurostar Train

💡 Quick Compare

Trip	Typical Train Cost	Daily Food	Sightseeing	Total Range
Antwerp	€40–€120	€30–€60	€0–€50	€70–€230
Paris	€80–€300	€40–€80	€0–€100+	€170–€450+

✨ Pro Travel Tips

✔ Book trains early — that’s where the biggest savings happen

✔ Pack snacks and water for the train ride

✔ Museums often have free/discounted entry for students or certain times

✔ City transport passes are worth it in Paris if you plan to ride a lot