Are you looking for the best driving to Disneyland Paris tips? In this guide we tell you why you should consider driving to Disneyland Paris, options for crossing the channel with a car and what you will need to drive to Disneyland Paris.
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Can you drive to Disneyland Paris from UK?
Yes you can definitely drive from Disneyland Paris from UK but you need to ensure that your car is equipped with everything as per French law. Keep reading for more information on how to prepare you car for Disneyland Paris.
Why Drive to Disneyland Paris
So before we consider some of the more step by step instructions of driving to Disneyland Paris, we first thought it would be worthwhile considering why you should drive to Disneyland Paris.
In my opinion there are several reasons why you may want consider driving including:
Luggage
No restrictions on luggage if you have your own car compared to those traveling on airplanes. This is much easier if you are traveling to Disneyland Paris in winter and need lots of layers or if you are planning on going to Disneyland Paris for Christmas day or plan on buying lots of souvenirs.
For more information on what to pack for Disneyland Paris and what to wear check out these costs.
Time
Also if you are traveling to Disneyland Paris with toddlers or small children you can do your journey at your own pace of time.
Cheaper
If you are traveling to Disneyland Paris on a budget then it may be cheaper to drive over flying to Disneyland Paris depending on the time of year you are traveling.
Hotels
Some Disneyland Paris hotels including the Davy Crockett Ranch, which in our option is one of the best Disneyland Paris hotels for families do not have shuttles to the park so you will need to drive to stay at this hotel.
Day Trips
There are some great day trips from Disneyland Paris that need a car however if you want to go into Paris from Disneyland Paris or do an Eiffel Tower day trip then you will want to use public transport. If you want to add some day trips to your Disneyland Paris itinerary I would recommend adding more days at Disneyland Paris to allow for this.
Best Way to Drive to Disneyland Paris
If you are driving to Disneyland Paris from the UK then there are two ways in which you can get across the English Channel with your car.
The two methods of crossing the channel are:
- the Eurotunnel and
- the ferry
Both of these options terminate in France at Calais.
Driving to Disneyland Paris via Eurotunnel
Driving to Disneyland Paris Tips
If you are looking for the quickest way to cross the English Channel with a car then you will want to go via the Eurotunnel. Usually it only takes around 30 minutes to cross the channel this way.
It is worth noting that if you are traveling via peak time i.e. traveling to Disneyland Paris in August or going to Disneyland Paris in December you may experience some queues for the Eurotunnel so allow plenty go time.
When it is time to board the Eurotunnel the staff will direct you onto your train and your parking spot on the train.
It is worth noting that there are toilets on the train, usually at the end of the train. However there are no refreshments available so if you are traveling with toddlers you may want to ensure you have plenty of the best road trip snacks for toddlers.
Once you reach France and the train has arrived at its destination staff will guide you off the train.
Driving to Disneyland Paris via Ferry
drive to Disneyland Paris
If you are looking for the cheapest way to cross the English Channel your best option is likely to be the ferry from Dover to Calais.
While the Eurotunnel usually takes around 30 minutes to cross the channel, the ferry takes around 90 minutes.
The ferry also has lots of amenities such as toilets and food and drink options which can be useful to those traveling to Disneyland Paris with kids.
However, if you have a child that gets travel sick or your are traveling to Disneyland Paris pregnant and suffer from morning sickness this might not be the best option for you.
Driving from Calais to Disneyland Paris
So now you have arrived in France, we will tell you how to drive from Calais from to Disneyland Paris.
The most important thing to remember when you are driving from Calais to Disneyland Paris is that in France you drive on the right.
The main drive to Disneyland Paris from Calais is on the A26 to Arras/Paris and the A1 South towards Paris.
You will see signs with Mickey dressed as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia as you are getting close to arriving.
How far is it from Calais to Disneyland Paris?
The journey between Calais and Disneyland Paris is around 312km / 193 miles and usually will take around 3 hours to drive between Calais and Disneyland Paris.
Are there tolls on the journey from Calais to Disneyland Paris?
One of the main downsides about driving to Disneyland Paris is that you will (if you don’t want to go on a long diversion) have to go on toll roads.
The cost of the toll roads to Disneyland Paris from Calais usually cost just under 25 Euros in each direction.
These can be paid via card or with Euros.
How much are tolls from Calais to Disneyland Paris?
The tolls from Calais to Disneyland Paris will cost 22.50 Euros each way.
How to prepare your car for driving in France?
As well as driving on the other side of the road in France compared to the UK, you also need to prepare your car for driving in France to make it legal.
For driving in France you will need some extra items including:
- first aid kit
- Reflective high vis jackets
- Warning triangle
- Headlamp beam deflectors – depending on what type of car your are driving will depend on whether you will need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually.
- A GB sticker (or ‘euro’ registration plates featuring the GB initials)
- Spare bulbs – this is a legal requirement in France.
- clean air windscreen stickers
The best way of preparing your car for driving in France is by having a European driving kit. Click here to buy a European driving kit.
If you do not comply with the French legal requirements for cars you can be hit with a fine if stopped by police.
Where do I park at Disneyland Paris?
Depending on where you are staying will depend on where you can park at Disneyland Paris. However all of the on-site Disneyland Paris hotels have parking as does the Davy Crockett Ranch and Villages des Natures.
FAQs about the drive to Disneyland Paris?
Is it worth driving to Disneyland Paris?
In our opinion Disneyland Paris is certainly worth visiting however is the drive worth it? Well I very much think that depends on you. Obviously where you are in the UK will depend on how long the drive is going to be for you, it is around 3 hours once you arrive in Calais to get to Disneyland Paris.
And really whether it is worth it depends on the time you have, whether you are on a budget and what luggage and people you are traveling with.
Can you drive and park at Disneyland Paris?
Yes you can absolutely drive and park at Disneyland Paris either at the park parking lot or at one of the hotel lots if you are staying on site.
Is it easy to drive Calais to Disneyland Paris?
Yes the drive from Calais to Disneyland Paris is relatively straight forward once you are used to driving on the opposite side of the road.
Just be sure to have money or cards ready for the toll booths.
Which is cheaper Eurotunnel or ferry?
For the tickets alone the ferry is usually cheaper than the Eurotunnel however there are offers sometimes so it is worth shopping around.
Does the Eurotunnel take you straight to Disneyland?
No the Eurotunnel does not take you straight to Disneyland. You disembark at Calais and from there it is around a three hour journey depending on traffic levels.
Have you driven to Disneyland Paris? Did you go on Eurotunnel or via ferry? We would love to hear your experiences below.