The journey from the port of La Havre to the capital Paris can be made in several ways. We know that the possibility of choice leads to doubts about which way to choose. Everyone wants to make the most of their time on the trip. And that's why today we come to you with an analysis of four options for transport from the cruise port of Le Havre to Paris, so that you can save time and choose the option for yourself with peace of mind.
The main factors we have taken into account are price, time and transport convenience. Matching the ship's schedule is also important. We wouldn't want to land in Paris with our eyes fixed on our watch and the stress of not getting back on board in time. And at the same time, we would want to spend as much time as possible in the French capital of love.
Which mode of transport will ensure that you savour every Parisian moment while remaining budget-friendly and relaxed? For those in a hurry, here's a quick overview! We'll go into more detail in the sections below.
| Cost | Time in Paris | Journey Difficulty | |
| Dedicated Cruise Bus | From €99 per person | 4-5 hours | Pick-up and drop-off at the cruise port |
| Public Train | €106 - €136 per person | 3.5-4 hours | Multi-step journey, one delay can ruin your holidays |
| Private Taxi | From €700 per group of 4 | 4.5-5.5 hours | Pick-up and drop-off at the cruise port |
| Rental Car | Around €200 per car | 4.5-5.5 hours | Pick-up and drop-off of your choice |
| Shore Excursion | From €149 per person | 4-5 hours | Pick-up and drop-off at the cruise port |
Getting to Paris from Le Havre Port by dedicated cruise bus
One of the best things about a dedicated cruise bus is that you usually travel in a small group. Plus, the bus will be waiting for you 1,000 ft/300 m from the cruise ship terminal. In addition, the way to the bus is marked with VEXPERIO signs, and our experienced staff will help you with any problems. The bus will get you to Paris in a few hours, and you'll have a comfortable, air-conditioned room to relax in before you explore the city.
How long does it take to get from Le Havre to Paris by bus?
The trip from Le Havre to Paris takes about three hours. You'll have a chance to stretch your legs and use the restroom during the journey. Once you get to Paris, you can start your tour from the Eiffel Tower, since the bus stops right nearby. This is a great place to start, as there are lots of famous sites nearby. The Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, or maybe a few Parisian cafés to try the iconic croissants and chocolate? You've got four to five hours to explore the city at your own pace.
However, if you prefer a more organized guided tour that introduces you to the history of Paris, the VEXPERIO team can help you arrange this.
The pick-up point in the city will also be located at a recognizable landmark - the Arc de Triomphe. This will make it easy to find, but be sure to be on time. The group is traveling by bus, and the ship's departure time from the port is crucial, so punctuality is important.
This bus service is designed to give you the best of both worlds: guide assistance and personal time to explore Paris. We hope you have a great tour!
How much does it cost?
You can get a great deal on a round trip from the cruise port of Le Havre to Paris for just €99 with our Early Bird offer!
Pros of a dedicated tour bus:
- easy to find the bus at the cruise ship terminal
- air conditioning
- convenience
- stop on the journey to stretch your legs
- recognizable arrival and pick-up points in Paris
- punctuality
Travelling from Le Havre Port to Paris by train
Travelling by bus is not your ideal transport option? Or maybe you'd like to experience something different - after all, you can go anywhere by bus, but not, for example, by French rail. If you are interested in travelling from Le Havre to Paris by train, we have put together all the necessary details for you.
How long does it take?
The Le Havre to Paris train service is well done, so there are a wide range of train options to choose from. However, as time is of the essence to see as much of Paris as possible, we focused on the fastest option. The train takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes, covering a route of 175 kilometres.
To get to the train station in Le Havre, you can walk about 30 minutes from the cruise terminal or book a taxi. These are easily accessible and can get you to the station in just around 10 minutes. Taxi fares range from €9 to €12 for a one-way journey.
From the moment the cruise ship arrives at Le Havre, a breathtaking day trip to Paris awaits you. Here is a practical breakdown to help you navigate and make the most of your time:
- Le Havre dock to the train station: Once docked, allow approximately 45 minutes to disembark and catch a taxi to Le Havre train station. Assume a fairly large allowance to allow for any unexpected delays or queues at the taxi rank.
- Train to Paris: If you arrive at 7:30am and depart quickly, you'll be in a good position to catch the 9:18am train, which will put you at Paris Saint-Lazare train station at 11:22am.
- The heartbeat of Paris - the Eiffel Tower: From Saint-Lazare train station, the iconic Eiffel Tower can be reached in 30 minutes by public transport or in around 15 minutes by taxi.
- Parisian exploration: The schedule provides around 3.5-4 hours to wander around the Eiffel Tower and nearby attractions. You can visit museums, walk along the banks of the Seine or eat a croissant in a cosy Parisian café and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
- On the return journey: To ensure a stress-free return, aim to start your return journey to Saint-Lazare at around 3:30 p.m. This gives a total of around 4.5 hours in Paris, taking into account the 1 hour you will spend in transit between the station and the heart of the city.
- Always be prepared: As with all travel, be aware of potential hiccups. There may be train delays or public transport problems. It is wise to keep up to date with train timetables and any service announcements so that you have enough time to get back to the terminal
Remember, while the trip may seem short, it's the quality of the experience that counts. Enjoy every Parisian moment!
A quick summary of the train trip to Paris from La Havre:
- 45 minutes to disembark
- 30 min walk/ 10 min cab to the station from the port
- 9:18 train leaves, is at Paris Saint-Lazare at 11:22 am
- 30 minutes by public transportation/ 15 minutes by cab from the train station to the Eiffel Tower
- 15:30 return train from Paris Saint-Lazare
How much does it cost to get from Le Havre terminal to Paris by train?
Taking into account all the transport costs:
- Train Tickets: Between €28 and €43 (one way). As it's a round trip, the maximum you'd spend would be €86.
- Taxi at Le Havre: Approximately €10 each way, so that's €20 for a round trip.
- Transit in Paris: Between €5 and €10 for moving between Gare St Lazare and the Eiffel Tower. Since you'll need to get back to the station as well, the maximum would be €20.
Adding all the maximum costs together: €86 (train) + €20 (taxi) + €30 (Paris transit) = €136.
If you would like to make additional savings and are confident about this journey and your own punctuality, booking train tickets three months in advance would be a good idea. Buying tickets this early results in a lower price, which usually tops out during the tourist season.
Travelling from Le Havre Cruise Port to Paris by taxi
Previous forms of transport have been public or group transport, and we know that some people value their privacy and are interested in a private form of transport. This is why we are providing a brief breakdown of the direct route from Le Havre Cruise Port to Paris by taxi.
There is no denying, the comfort of privacy means that this will be the most expensive option presented. If you're interested in the best possible price book a private taxi online before arriving at Le Havre Port.
How long does it take?
The distance between the port and Paris is around 200 kilometres and the journey time is very dependent on the specific situation on the road. It usually takes around two to three hours.
While taxis provide the ultimate in convenience straight from the ship to the heart of the city, it is a balance between cost and benefit. Those travelling in a group or looking for a direct route, without the dance of train schedules or crowded buses, may find the appeal of a taxi hard to resist.
How much does it cost?
This option should cost you between €350 and €500 one way for a group of 4, meaning if you can find a company to fill in the whole car the round trip will come to around €700 to €1000.
The private taxi option can take stops at your demand, and travel a bit faster than a bus on the highways, guaranteeing you around 1 hour more in the city of Paris.
Travelling from Le Havre Cruise Port to Paris by rental car
In addition to the cab option, it is also possible to rent a car. This probably provides the greatest independence and even transportation options in the city. However, there is no denying that it is one of the more expensive options. In addition, it requires your own effort in transportation, which can be more difficult in a foreign country. However, if you decide to rent a car, there are many options. Companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Sixt offer many types of cars. Depending on the number of passengers and luggage space.
Getting to Paris by car takes about 2.5 to 3 hours one way, depending on traffic and the route (125 miles). As for the road, the most direct route is the A13 highway, which is a toll road and the fastest way to get to Paris. If you have more time, you can consider a more scenic route through the Normandy countryside, but this will increase driving time.
How much does it cost?
As we have already mentioned, renting a car is not one of the most economical solutions. However, a lot also depends on the company and the type of rental car. Prices start from 50 to 150 euros for a one-day rental. In addition, fuel costs count: a round trip would require about 20 to 25 liters of fuel, which would cost about 30-40 euros. There are toll roads (péages) between Le Havre and Paris. Toll costs can range from 20 to 30 euros each way. It is also worth considering the prices of parking lots in Paris. They can be quite expensive, with rates ranging from 2 to 4 euros per hour in central areas.
What will you need to rent a car?
- A valid driver's license:
For EU residents - a valid driver's license from your home country will suffice.
For non-EU residents - a valid driver's license from your home country is usually sufficient, but some rental companies may also require an international driver's license (IDP). - Minimum age - at least 21 years old.
- You will need a credit card in your name to cover the rental and security deposit. Debit cards are not always accepted for deposits, although they may be accepted for the rental fee.
- Passport or ID card:
For non-EU residents - a passport is usually required as proof of identity.
For EU residents, a national ID card may suffice. - Insurance - basic insurance is usually included in the rental price.
- Rental voucher (if booked online) - if you booked the car online, bring a printed or digital copy of your confirmation or voucher.
- Driving experience - some companies require you to have a driver's license for at least a year.
Shore excursion from the port of Le Havre
A very interesting option for those who would like to make the most of their time in Paris while not having to worry about getting back to the ship on time is shore excursions. Such excursions offer the convenience of being picked up and returned directly to the port, as well as providing a guide to ensure unforgettable memories.
How long does it take?
The duration of such a tour depends on the option chosen. VEXPERIO offers three tours, differentiated in such a way that everyone can find the perfect one for themselves. We will give a brief description of each one below, but we encourage you to take a look at the full offer:
From Le Havre: Paris Guided Day Trip Shore Excursion
This tour includes making the most of your available time on a day trip to Paris. You will be picked up straight from the port and transported by comfortable bus to the city. On site, you will meet your guide for a panoramic tour of the city's main sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Notre Dame and many more.
After the tour, the bus will take you back to the port, on time for a stress-free boarding.
For more information, check out: From Le Havre: Paris Guided Day Trip Shore Excursion
From Le Havre: Paris Panoramic Shop & Dine Shore Excursion
Not everyone wants to spend a full day on an intensive city tour, which is why this tour was created. It is the ideal option for those who would like to immerse themselves in the culture of French cuisine and also spend time on the Champs Elysees. Direct transport from the port, punctual return, an experienced guide who will join you en route so you can admire the beauty of the city and listen to the history of Paris in comfort. Once there, you will have plenty of free time to enjoy a peaceful sampling of French cuisine or some souvenir shopping.
For more information, check out: From Le Havre: Paris Panoramic Shop & Dine Shore Excursion
From Le Havre: Semi-Private Paris Day Trip Shore Excursion
This option combines privacy and economy. It provides a private driver in the city and more cost-effective transport from the port- a comfortable shared bus ride. In addition, there is the option of a private guide on site, who is committed to showing you around Paris. Upon arrival, you will be transported by shared bus to the French capital and a private vehicle will be waiting for you at your disposal.
The semi-private tour provides a convenient and punctual pick-up and return to the port, while allowing you to explore the city privately. If you're interested in exploring Paris at your own pace, but don't want the stress of transport from the port to the city, we encourage you to take a look at our full offer:
From Le Havre: Semi-Private Paris Day Trip Shore Excursion
How much does a shore excursion from Le Havre to Paris Cost?
A breakdown of prices is presented below, but it is worth noting that prices are subject to change. Depending on the tour and dates, booking earlier may result in a lower price, so we encourage you to take a look at the offers.
- From Le Havre: Paris Guided Day Trip Shore Excursion : from €149.00 (special offer)
- From Le Havre: Paris Panoramic Shop & Dine Shore Excursion: from €149.00 (special offer)
- From Le Havre: Semi-Private Paris Day Trip Shore Excursion: from €626.00
Everyone is interested in tailoring their trip to their needs in order to have the best time during their trip. We hope that the article has provided you with proper information on possible transport from the port of Le Havre to Paris, as well as interesting excursion offers. We wish you a pleasant stay in Paris!
