Dublin → London vs Dublin → Paris: Which Is Closer?

Compare: Dublin→London (463 km) vs Dublin→Paris (781 km). Dublin → London wins by 318 km (41%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.

By SnapDistance Team · Updated May 30, 2026

Dublin → London

463 km

288 miles · Flight: ~1h 5min · Drive: ~7h 31min

✓ Shorter route

Dublin → Paris

781 km

485 miles · Flight: ~1h 29min · Drive: ~12h 41min

Difference: 318 km (41%) · Flight time difference: ~24 min

Verdict

Dublin → London is the smarter pick if travel time and emissions matter most: it is 318 km (41%) shorter, saves about 24 min of flight time, and cuts roughly 81 kg of CO₂ per passenger. Choose Dublin → Paris only if the destination itself is the reason for the trip.

Quick Answer

Dublin → London is the shorter route at 463 km, which is 318 km (41%) shorter than Dublin → Paris. You would save approximately 24 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric Dublin → London Dublin → Paris
Distance (km)463781
Distance (miles)288485
Flight time~1h 5min~1h 29min
Driving time~7h 31min~12h 41min
Road distance (est.)~602 km~1,015 km
Drivable?YesYes
Cross-continentalNoNo
Initial bearing114° (ESE)126° (SE)
Time-zone shiftNoneNone
CO₂ – flight (per pax)~118 kg~199 kg
CO₂ – driving (per car)~103 kg~174 kg
Fuel cost (est.)~$60 USD~$102 USD

Carbon Footprint Comparison

Flying from Dublin to London produces roughly 118 kg of CO₂ per passenger, based on the ICAO/EEA short-haul emission factor of ~0.255 kg per passenger-km. The Dublin → Paris flight emits about 199 kg. Choosing the shorter route saves approximately 81 kg of CO₂ per traveler — equivalent to 4 typical tree-years of carbon sequestration. For comparison, driving emits roughly 103 kg and 174 kg per car respectively — meaningful only when the car carries multiple passengers.

Route Comparison Analysis

The Dublin to London route covers 463 km (288 miles), staying within Europe. Dublin (population: 554,554) is located in Leinster, Ireland, while London (population: 8,982,000) is in England, United Kingdom.

The Dublin to Paris route covers 781 km (485 miles), remaining within Europe. Dublin (population: 554,554) is in Leinster, Ireland, and Paris (population: 2,161,000) is in Île-de-France, France.

Travel Time Breakdown

Flying from Dublin to London takes approximately 1h 5min, while Dublin to Paris takes 1h 29min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 7h 31min for the first route and 12h 41min for the second.

Since both routes depart from Dublin, this comparison is especially useful for travelers deciding between London and Paris as a destination.

Practical Considerations

The 318 km difference between these routes is substantial and will significantly impact travel time and cost.

Both routes are drivable, with road distances of approximately 602 km and 1,015 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 413 km of driving.

Destination Overview

London (United Kingdom) has a population of 8,982,000 and is located in the England region of Europe. As a major metropolis, it offers extensive international connections and diverse attractions.

Paris (France) has a population of 2,161,000 and is situated in Île-de-France, Europe. This city serves as an important regional hub with solid connectivity.

When to Choose Each Route

Pick Dublin → London when…

Choose this route if your priority is reaching London (United Kingdom) — a city of 8,982,000 in the England region of Europe. It is also the shorter option at 463 km, which translates to a 24 min flight-time saving and roughly 81 kg less CO₂ per passenger versus the alternative. Driving is realistic at this distance, with an estimated 602 km of road and a fuel cost band around $60 USD. The initial bearing is 114° (ESE), so a great-circle flight leaves Dublin heading roughly ESE.

Pick Dublin → Paris when…

This route is the right call if you are heading to Paris (France) — a city of 2,161,000 in the Île-de-France region of Europe. Even though it is the longer route at 781 km, it remains the obvious pick when Paris is the actual destination, when departure schedules from Dublin are more convenient, or when fares undercut the alternative. Driving is feasible — expect roughly 1,015 km of road and a fuel cost in the $102 USD range. Departing Dublin, the great-circle bearing toward Paris is 126° (SE).

Bearings, Time Zones & Geography

Dublin (53.35°, -6.26°) and London (51.51°, -0.13°) sit in the same approximate time zone. Dublin (53.35°, -6.26°) and Paris (48.86°, 2.35°) share an approximate time zone. Both routes have manageable time-zone shifts, so jet lag should not be a major factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is closer: London or Paris?

London is closer at 463 km, which is 318 km (41%) shorter.

How far is Dublin to London?

463 km (288 miles). Flight: ~1h 5min.

How far is Dublin to Paris?

781 km (485 miles). Flight: ~1h 29min.

Is it faster to fly to London or Paris?

Flying to London is faster at ~1h 5min, saving about 24 min compared to Paris.

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How We Calculate Distance

All distances on SnapDistance are calculated using the Haversine formula, which determines the great-circle distance between two points on Earth's surface. This gives the shortest possible distance over the globe, which is the measurement used for aviation and navigation. Actual travel distances by road or rail are typically 20-40% longer due to terrain, borders, and infrastructure routing. Flight times assume 800 km/h cruising speed with 30 minutes for takeoff and landing. Driving estimates use 80 km/h average speed with a 30% road distance factor.

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📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.