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Overview: car trip from Antwerp to Paris
Are you ready for the next leg of your European vacation? This car trip will take you from Flemish charm to French allure as you leave the low-lying Belgian towns for the mother of cities: Paris. The Antwerp to Paris drive is also the perfect length for a travel day filled with sightseeing.
Driving the distance of 220 miles (355 km) can be done in about 3 hours and 50 minutes, so go ahead and add a stop or two to stretch your legs and deepen your appreciation for Western European culture and nature.
As the unmistakable Parisian skyline comes into view, you wonāt need to worry about navigating its tight and crowded streets as your Daytrip driver takes your right to your accommodation (nor will you need to return a car to the rental lot!). Your Parisian adventure can begin!
About Paris
Paris has drawn in great minds and influential movements for nearly a thousand years. It has wielded influence in nations and determined the outcomes of wars far beyond its borders. And while the French Empire has since retired, Paris continues to be a cultural epicenter for art, architecture, and politics.
Over two million people call Paris home today, making it among the largest European cities. Its romantic atmosphere and world-class restaurants draw in travelers looking for a taste of the good life. Discover firsthand why Paris remains an enduringly popular destination for people of all ages and backgrounds!
From Antwerp to Paris: travel tips
If itās your first trip from Antwerp to Paris, keep these travel tips in mind so you have the best time possible!
### Get an early start
Leave Antwerp early in the day so you can make the most of the daylight while you travel. With so many sightseeing stops, youāll want plenty of time to make them happen! Leaving early also means avoiding getting stuck in rush-hour traffic.
### Keep your phone battery full
You are looking at a full day of traveling, so make sure you have a charging cable and battery pack on you to keep your phone fully charged. Having screenshots of reservation confirmations and hotel addresses can cut down on your data usage and save your battery life. Donāt let a dead phone get in the way of getting your vacation photos!
How to get from Antwerp to Paris
The trip from Antwerp to Paris doesnāt have to be intimidating! We have broken down the most popular forms of transportation so you can weigh the pros and cons.
### Antwerp to Paris with a private car service
Daytrip takes the hassle out of planning your trip your way. Your English-speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel in Antwerp, help with your luggage, and get you on your way to Paris. The drive can be done in 3 hours and 50 minutes, so it's the fastest option and gives you plenty of time for sightseeing!
This stretch of Western Europe has some of the most charming towns and chateaus. Deepen your appreciation for all things French and Belgian with a stop by Chateau de Chantilly or Ghent.
As you approach Paris, you wonāt need to immediately learn public transit or stress about returning the rental car. You and your luggage will be dropped off at your accommodation in Paris and you can begin your Parisian adventure with ease!
### Antwerp to Paris by bus
Flixbus has direct buses that cost between 16 and 50 EUR per passenger. The trip takes 4.5 to 6 hours and you have multiple options per day. However, it is best practice to order your tickets ahead of time. Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage to store under the bus, so skip this option if you have multiple luggage pieces.
### Antwerp to Paris by train
All trains headed to Paris require a transfer in Brussels. The trip takes between 3 and 5 hours and tickets are anywhere from 40 to 130 EUR depending on when you book and your class of seats. It's a bit more hassle than the bus, but trains are generally more comfortable.
Things to do when you get to Paris
Paris is the kind of city you have to visit multiple times to see everything, but weāve compiled the top must-do activities for your Antwerp to Paris trip!
### Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower
Easily the most recognizable symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid attraction in Europe. If you arenāt afraid of heights and would like to see Paris from above, climb to the top! It has multiple viewing platforms and telescopes for an even more detailed view of Paris. For the shortest wait time, book your tickets in advance.
### Eat to your heartās content
French cuisine is among the most praised and decadent. Mealtime is a very important daily ritual in Paris, and it is not uncommon for retail stores and offices to shut down entirely for 1-2 hours for lunch. At restaurants, donāt try to make substitutions, as chefs are very passionate about how their dishes are prepared. Food service is also only at certain hoursāno snacking between meals at French restaurants!
For breakfast, you canāt go wrong with an espresso and croissant. For lunch, an escargots appetizer followed by Coq au Vin (chicken, wine, and mushroom stew) will hold you over until a dinner of Steak Frites and red wine. For dessert, try colorful macarons and souffles.
### Cruise the Seine River
Fall in love with Paris from the water as you cruise by the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. A sunset cruise will guarantee you a romantic atmosphere and amazing photos. Check online to see if there are special deals.
### See the greatest works of art at the Louvre
The iconic glass pyramid can only mean one thing, the worldās finest collection of art! See masterpieces from across several centuries and empires. The Venus de Milo and Da Vinciās Mona Lisa are just two of the famous artworks that grace the walls of the Louvre. Wander the many halls and find your new favorite piece of art. Definitely book your tickets ahead of time!
When is the best time to visit Paris
The best time to visit Paris is whenever you feel like it! Paris has been a popular travel destination every single day for hundreds of years, and every season brings new reasons to love the most romantic city in the world.
Paris is inland and does not have extremely hot summers or extremely cold winters, so while you should be prepared for the weather, you wonāt find any season that is a no-go for Paris. Come in the summer for long, bright days and warm weather, or for a more intimate atmosphere, visit during the holiday season to see the city lit up for the holidays.
That being said, in general, the best time to visit Paris is in the spring. The weather is pleasant, the flowers are in bloom, and there are fewer tourists so you can enjoy the attractions and renowned restaurants without the long lines.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,800+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries theyāre visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Verified reviews from 107 travelers who booked this route
Jul 20, 2023
"The trip was perfect!
Jonathan was a great driver, very helpful and polite.
We look forward to using Daytrip again soon."
Cliff T.
United States
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Antwerp to Paris
The cheapest way to get to Paris would be by bus, and tickets can be found at prices as low as 16 EUR. Take into consideration that the lower price comes with slower transportation. The trip will take between 4.5 and 6 hours.
There are currently no nonstop flights between Antwerp and Paris. Even if you were to take a connecting flight, it is not very cost or time-effective. The trip can be done by car in less than 4 hours, so stick to ground transportation for this leg of your vacation.
Yes, France and Belgium both use euros, so you wonāt have to do any money conversion during your trip from Antwerp to Paris. Paris is also very card-friendly. Keep some cash on you as some small shops and restaurants donāt take cards.
Yes, Paris is a safe place to visit. Have common sense and avoid looking like an easy target to pickpockets by keeping your bags close to you and zipped up. Avoid going to secluded places alone, and pay attention to your belongings in large crowds.
The train ride to Paris takes between 3 and 5 hours and all trains require a transfer in Brussels. When booking your departure time, take into consideration how long youāll need to transfer with your luggage and buffer some time in for delays.
Expect your ticket price to be between 40 and 130 EUR depending on how far in advance you book your ticket and if you select economy or first class seating. Some discounts apply to students, children, the disabled, and seniors.
Visit these sights on the way
Ghent
The best way to enjoy this charming Flemish city is to do as the locals do, and pull up a seat at a riverside cafe.Ā Riverfront CharmĀ
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
With its 5 bell towers and massive nave, this UNESCO World Heritage Site paved the way for the Gothic style.Ā Romanesque GrandeurĀ
Lille
The historic center of Franceās fourth largest city is all baroque buildings and gabled roofs, and home to one of Franceās finest art museums.Ā A Fine Flemish CapitalĀ
Mining History Centre Lewarde
This former mining complex is now dedicated to preserving every facet of the regionās 300 years of mining history.Ā Unearthing Local HistoryĀ
Abbaye de Vaucelles
Though only one building remains, this Cistercian abbey once had a church the size of Paris' Notre Dame.Ā Remains of a Peaceful GiantĀ
Chateau de Chantilly
This gorgeous chateau has hosted several kings, and has been preserved exactly as its last owner left it.Ā Water and WhimsyĀ