3 days and 3 nights in Paris for under £100 (excluding spending money)

In February 2018, we traveled to Paris and stayed for 3 nights for £97 per person. As we arrived with an overnight coach we had 3 full days. This was also a last minute arrangement booked only 2 weeks before departure.

Getting there

I used GoEuro to compare the prices. I was initially looking at overnight Euroline to Paris, but the bus that was shown in GoEuro site could not be found in Euroline website and I decided not to risk it. Wonder what would’ve happened had I booked that possibly non existent coach via GoEuro website!?

We traveled with an overnight FlixBus to get to Paris and Ouibus to return back to London. I booked our coach tickets directly with Flixbus (£21.90 pp) and Ouibus (£13.25 pp). Both websites were straightforward and easy to use. Ouibus gave me the choice between £15 and €15 for a ticket. I chose euro as I have a credit card with no foreign transection fees. Could paying in pound be a better choice for someone without such credit cards? I can’t really tell…

The FlixBus coach was not a double decker and way too small and cramped for an 8 hours journey. We left London Victoria coach station at 9PM, crossed the channel by train (Euro tunnel) and arrived in Paris at 5AM the next day. 2 hours earlier than scheduled, but I guess better than 2 hours late. Both FlixBus and Ouibus arrives at/leaves from ‘Paris Barcy’, but they are in two slightly different locations.

With Flixbus, we were dropped off at the walk-in bin of a filthy dark car park with no clear signs to indicate any directions. We exited the car park and found ourselves in a park.

It is probably 10-15 minutes walk to Barcy metro station from there. If unsure, walk through the park towards the direction of Hotel Ibis styles (you should be able to see the sign once outside) or Gare de Paris Bercy station and you’re almost there.

Returning to London with Ouibus was a totally different experience. Their coach stop is located within the premises of Gare de Paris Bercy station and a lot more reassuring and convenient. Exit 2 of Barcy metro station will lead you directly to Gare de Paris Bercy. I don’t remember if this specific exit worked as an entrance also, but the main metro entrance should be within 5 minutes walking distance.

Our coach was a double decker, spacious and comfortable. In short, if you are considering traveling to Paris by coach, go with Ouibus! By the way, Ouibus e-mailed me our seat numbers 2 hours before departure which I didn’t realise till I came back to London, but it looked like everyone was sitting wherever they wanted and nobody claimed our seats.

Accommodation 

Hotel des Andelys (£124, double room, 3 nights). A room with en-suit bathroom in this location in Paris for £40 per night is really not bad at all, although their Tripadvisor reviews are quite poor overall. C didn’t seem very impressed either, but I personally didn’t mind so much. The fresh towels were provided and the bed was made everyday. Booked with booking.com.

Groupon UK often has Paris hotel offers, usually for double rooms. The rates are often higher during holiday periods, but otherwise you might get a pretty good deal.

Getting around

A single one way ticket (metro, buses etc…) is from €1.90. The pack of 10 is €14.90. Mobilis, a 1 day travel pass for zone 1-2 is €7.50. For more information go to: https://www.ratp.fr/en/titres-et-tarifs

If you will be spending lots of time at attractions and museums, a pack of 10 tickets probably will be more economical. However, Paris has a few good public bus routes that take you to famous sights, beautiful buildings and pretty small streets. Bussing around with a day pass is always a fun idea.

Related post: Budget meals in Paris