Everything you need to know about driving to Disneyland Paris from the UK. I’ve put together a comprehensive driver’s checklist to help make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. From essential French driving requirements to clever ways to keep the kids entertained, here’s everything I learned along the way—plus a few handy tips I wish I’d known before setting off

Your travel options to DLP basically comprise of driving and using the Eurotunnel, flying ( and hiring a car), or taking the Eurostar. Read here to see the differences between the Eurostar and the Eurotunnel. Our choice has always been to drive, even when we were living in Yorkshire and had the 5 hour drive to the port before we started. There are many reasons why its better than flying, particularly with small children. 

So, lets check out Everything you need to know about driving to Disneyland Paris….

Driving to Disneyland

Many families who have not yet tried the drive from Calais to Paris are anxious about it. So, I thought I would write a piece to put minds at rest about and hopefully give confidence to those considering it. Here we have everything you need to know about driving to Disneyland Paris. ,

 

Why drive to Disneyland Paris?

 

Everything you need to know about driving to Disneyland Paris…. We love to drive to Disneyland Paris. Firstly, you can load your car with all you can possibly need, without worrying about baggage allowances etc. As any parent knows, this is a god send with kids, as they don’t travel light and the more of their own stuff they have around them the happier they are. Our accommodation preference when we are at Disneyland Paris is the Davy Crockett ranch, for our reasons and review on Davy Crockett, click here. There are no shuttles to and from Davy Crockett to the Disney parks, so a car is essential. 

If you happen to already be in Paris and want to hire a car to use to get the family to Disneyland then Discover Cars is an excellent search and comparison option. At Discover Cars you can search an extensive range of car hire options in Paris and indeed across the globe, ensuring you find the perfect thing for you. 

We love driving on the French roads and being able to take in the scenery without feeling rushed and harassed, as you can do when you are worrying about flight times and train departures. You can do everything in your own time, there are plenty of very nice, well equipped service stations along the route to cater for the many toilet stops and declarations of hunger from the back seats. 

Driving to Disneyland Paris usually works out considerably cheaper than flying or booking the Eurostar. 

We also really enjoy being able to detour to incorporate our grocery shop, before we arrive at Disneyland Paris. French supermarkets are fantastic. They are usually large, with masses of choice and very different sights and smells to British ones. Its also a great way for us to practice our French, but don’t worry if speaking French doesn’t interest you, almost all French people have at the very least, a basic English, so any supermarket transactions are usually very smooth. The kids absolutely love taking in all the different sights and smells, its a different, fun and educational early layer to your family holiday to Disneyland. 

 

Driving to Disneyland Paris 

The Eurotunnel

We almost always choose to go with Eurotunnel when navigating from Dover to Calais. It is fast ( 30 minutes!), easy and fun for the kids.

When booking your train slot online the system will ask for your vehicle registration so that on arrival at the terminals the computers can use their registration recognition technology to speed up check in. You don’t have to enter a vehicle reg if you don’t know which car you will be travelling in. 

If you have provided your vehicle reg then arrival at the train terminal is usually very smooth. During peak times there can be holds ups and I would certainly advise getting there in plenty of time. I usually allow an hour, which, as my husband always tells me, is over cautious.

When the computer system recognises you, it confirms the time of your train, and prints out a hanging ticket for you to hang on your interior mirror. On it is a large letter which relates to what time train you are boarding. As you drive on, you follow the lane which is displaying your letter. You will usually queue in lane for a while. At this point there are toilets reasonably nearby and drinks machines, although I’m always really nervous about going in case my lane starts to move without me! 

Boarding the Eurotunnel

When its time for you to board, traffic officers will direct you down to and onto your train. They will direct you right up to your parking spot and then instruct you to apply your handbrake and/or place the car in park.  

Its a simple process, usually very well organised and well signposted, so its clear where you are going and what you are doing at all times.

Travelling on the Eurotunnel 

The journey itself is short ( around 30 minutes ), smooth and relaxing. There are toilets on board, usually one at either end of the train, so if you’re in the middle it can be a bit of a walk! There are no refreshments available on board. You can get out and stretch your legs, have a picnic, play a game. Before you know it you’re in France. 

Can pets travel on the Eurotunnel?

Pets can travel with you on the Eurotunnel. For more information on travelling with your pets click here. 

Driving from Calais to Disneyland Paris 

How long is it from Calais to Disneyland Paris?

Its approximately a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Calais to Disneyland Paris. 

How far is it from Calais to Disneyland Paris?

Its is approximately 312km / 193 miles from Calais to Disneyland Paris. 

Sat nav instruction for the route to Disneyland Paris 

Street: Boulevard du Parc
Town: Serris/Coupvray
Department: 77700
Country: France  

Driving from Calais to Disneyland

The most important thing to remember is to, of course, drive on the right! It’s not nearly as daunting as it may seem the first time you do it. You adjust very quickly. The French motorways really are a pleasure to drive on in comparison to British ones. They are smooth, quiet and stress free. 

Directions from Calais to Disneyland Paris

The route to Disneyland Paris is straightforward.  On leaving the train terminal you follow signs for the A26 to Arras/Paris and then the A1 heading South toward Paris. Take exit 6 after Charles de Gaulle airport, onto the A104 which then takes you across to meet the A4, where you simply head North/East for Disneyland Paris.

Are there tolls on the journey from Calais to Disneyland Paris?

There will be motorway tolls to pay (look for the Péage signs). Head for the CB booth as it’s for credit/debit cards and is much easier and quicker than looking around for coins.

Check out the local roads website for up to date toll charges but in January 2025 the charge was approximatley 23 euros. 

What do I need in my car to drive in France? *

France has a list of things that you’re legally required to carry in your car at all times:

I actually picked up everything I needed in one handy package — super convenient because it came with all the essentials in one go. I used the Amazon AA EU Driver’s Kit, and I’d definitely recommend it. It’s held up well over several trips, and the only thing I’ve had to replace for future drives to France are the stickers. Easy!

What You’ll Need in Your Car for Driving in France:

• Hi-vis vests – One for every passenger, and they must be kept inside the car (not in the boot) so they’re easy to grab in an emergency.

• Breathalyser tests – Technically still required, though there’s no fine for not carrying one. Since the alcohol limit in France is lower than in the UK, some drivers choose to have them on hand just to be cautious—especially if you plan on drinking at all.

• Warning triangle – Essential for roadside emergencies.

• Headlamp beam converters – These prevent your UK headlights from dazzling drivers on the opposite side of the road.

• UK sticker – Required unless your number plate already includes the UK identifier.

*please note any of these things may rules and requirements may evolve or change over time, please use this as a rough guide, and check rules on the official government website prior to your journey.  

GOOD TO KNOW: Speed Camera Warnings Are Illegal in France

France takes speed limits very seriously — and that includes how you’re alerted to them. If your sat nav or GPS device includes speed camera warnings, make sure to turn them off before you travel, as they’re illegal to use in France.

Even just having them enabled (whether you use them or not) can land you a fine if you’re stopped by police. It’s a sneaky one that catches a lot of UK drivers out — so double-check your settings before you go!

Relax and enjoy the adventure

The most important thing to remember is to relax and enjoy the trip. Leave yourselves plenty of time so you aren’t feeling under pressure. Have a trusty sat nav ( or smart phone with google maps). 

Driving to Disneyland Paris is all part of the magical experience. We hope that this post, Everything you need to know about driving to Disneyland Paris, has been useful. 

Like our Disney dedicated facebook group to keep up to date with all things Disney – Disneyland Paris tips and advice with Family Travel with Ellie

For more Disneyland Paris tips and information to help you plan your trip, check out these articles – 

Disneyland Paris with young children 

Disneyland Paris with older children 

Disneyland Paris half board dining

Princess Character dining 

 

Why not plan a trip to Paris itself while you are there? Have a look at this great itinerary for first time visitors.  Or read this great post from Our Bucket List Lives about Disneyland Paris for young kids.  We also have a post on some of the most family friendly hotels in Paris.