Moving from London to Paris
Paris is the single most popular London-to-Europe removal route. The short Channel crossing and frequent removal traffic make it one of the quickest and most affordable international moves you can do - often a single day's drive from a London collection to a Paris delivery.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from London to Paris?
| Home size | Shared load | Dedicated vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | £1,200 – £2,600 | £2,100 – £3,700 |
| 2-bed | £1,800 – £3,300 | £2,800 – £4,700 |
| 3-bed | £2,900 – £5,300 | £4,400 – £7,200 |
| 4+ bed | £4,400 – £7,800 | £6,300 – £10,500 |
Prices include packing, loading, the Eurotunnel or ferry crossing, transport and delivery. Parisian access - narrow streets, no lift, restricted parking and Haussmann upper floors - is the biggest variable, so flag it during your survey.
What affects the price
- Volume - measured in cubic metres; declutter to cut the bill.
- Paris access - pedestrian zones, permit parking and walk-up apartments often need a shuttle or extra crew.
- Shared vs dedicated - a dedicated van gives a fixed date; sharing is cheaper but slower.
- Timing - August (les vacances) and end-of-month dates are busiest.
How Long Does It Take?
| Service | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| Dedicated vehicle | 1 – 3 days |
| Shared / part load | 1 – 2 weeks |
Paris is reachable in a single drive via the Eurotunnel from Folkestone or a Dover–Calais ferry.
Customs & Paperwork After Brexit
A London-to-Paris move is an EU import. You will need a valued inventory, proof of your Paris address and a long-stay visa or residence proof. Used household goods owned 6+ months can usually be imported duty- and VAT-free under Transfer of Residence relief. For the full detail see our Moving from the UK to France guide.
Best Areas in Paris for UK Movers
- Le Marais (3rd/4th) - historic, central, lively; tight access for lorries.
- Saint-Germain (6th) - classic, upmarket Left Bank.
- Batignolles (17th) - village feel, popular with families.
- Canal Saint-Martin (10th/11th) - trendy and well connected.
- Neuilly & western suburbs - greener, easier parking, family-friendly.
The Moving Process Step by Step
- Book a free video survey and get 3 itemised quotes.
- Sort your inventory, visa and proof of residence.
- Reserve parking near the Paris address if the street is restricted.
- Declutter and pack (DIY or professional).
- Collection in London and sealing.
- Crossing and road transport to Paris.
- Delivery, with unpacking if booked.
How to Save Money
- Declutter - shipping bulky furniture often costs more than rebuying in Paris.
- Choose a shared load if your dates are flexible.
- Avoid August and month-end peaks.
- Use a mover that runs regular Paris backloads.
Choosing an International Remover
Pick BAR Overseas / FIDI members with regular France routes, transit insurance and a clear written quote. Benchmark the London collection leg with our calculator.
The Route and the Crossing
London to Paris is around 290 miles door to door, and it is the shortest mainstream European removal corridor. Most removers use the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone, which takes 35 minutes and is unaffected by all but the worst weather; Dover–Calais ferries are the alternative and are sometimes cheaper for a full lorry.
Because the crossing is short and the run to Paris is a straightforward motorway journey, a dedicated vehicle can collect in London in the morning and deliver in Paris the following day. This is one of the very few European routes where that is realistic.
Paris Access: the Part That Costs Money
Paris is where London-to-Paris moves get expensive, and it is rarely the distance.
- Narrow Haussmann stairwells. Classic Parisian apartment buildings have tight spiral stairs that large furniture cannot pass. An external furniture lift (monte-meubles) is routine, not exceptional, and needs booking in advance.
- Street occupation permits. Parking a removal vehicle on a Paris street generally requires an autorisation de stationnement from the Mairie, applied for days ahead.
- The low-emission zone. Greater Paris operates a Crit'Air-based ZFE restricting older vehicles. This is your remover's responsibility, but confirm they are compliant.
- Courtyard access. Many buildings load through an inner courtyard with a height-restricted archway, which can rule out a full-size lorry and force a shuttle.
Give your remover the exact address, floor, and whether there is a lift, as early as you can. A monte-meubles booked in advance is far cheaper than a failed delivery.
Saving Money on This Route
Because transit is short and vehicles turn around quickly, the gap between shared and dedicated transport is narrower on Paris than on any other European route. If your volume is moderate, price both — a dedicated vehicle with firm dates is often surprisingly affordable here.
Price This Move
Calculate the cost of moving to Paris from your property size or your own cubic-metre figure, or read the European removals guide for how groupage, customs and transit work across the continent.