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

Compare: Paris→London (344 km) vs Paris→Berlin (877 km). Paris → London wins by 533 km (61%). Side-by-side with flight & drive times.

By SnapDistance Team · Updated April 21, 2026

Paris → London

344 km

214 miles · Flight: ~56 min · Drive: ~5h 35min

✓ Shorter route

Paris → Berlin

877 km

545 miles · Flight: ~1h 36min · Drive: ~14h 15min

Difference: 533 km (61%) · Flight time difference: ~40 min

Verdict

Paris → London is the smarter pick if travel time and emissions matter most: it is 533 km (61%) shorter, saves about 40 min of flight time, and cuts roughly 136 kg of CO₂ per passenger. Choose Paris → Berlin only if the destination itself is the reason for the trip.

Quick Answer

Paris → London is the shorter route at 344 km, which is 533 km (61%) shorter than Paris → Berlin. You would save approximately 40 min in flight time by choosing the shorter route.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric Paris → London Paris → Berlin
Distance (km)344877
Distance (miles)214545
Flight time~56 min~1h 36min
Driving time~5h 35min~14h 15min
Road distance (est.)~447 km~1,140 km
Drivable?YesYes
Cross-continentalNoNo
Initial bearing330° (NNW)58° (ENE)
Time-zone shiftNone+1h
CO₂ – flight (per pax)~88 kg~224 kg
CO₂ – driving (per car)~76 kg~195 kg
Fuel cost (est.)~$45 USD~$114 USD

Carbon Footprint Comparison

Flying from Paris to London produces roughly 88 kg of CO₂ per passenger, based on the ICAO/EEA short-haul emission factor of ~0.255 kg per passenger-km. The Paris → Berlin flight emits about 224 kg. Choosing the shorter route saves approximately 136 kg of CO₂ per traveler — equivalent to 6 typical tree-years of carbon sequestration. For comparison, driving emits roughly 76 kg and 195 kg per car respectively — meaningful only when the car carries multiple passengers.

Route Comparison Analysis

The Paris to London route covers 344 km (214 miles), staying within Europe. Paris (population: 2,161,000) is located in Île-de-France, France, while London (population: 8,982,000) is in England, United Kingdom.

The Paris to Berlin route covers 877 km (545 miles), remaining within Europe. Paris (population: 2,161,000) is in Île-de-France, France, and Berlin (population: 3,644,826) is in Brandenburg, Germany.

Travel Time Breakdown

Flying from Paris to London takes approximately 56 min, while Paris to Berlin takes 1h 36min. If driving is an option, expect roughly 5h 35min for the first route and 14h 15min for the second.

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

Practical Considerations

The 533 km difference between these routes is substantial and will significantly impact travel time and cost.

Both routes are drivable, with road distances of approximately 447 km and 1,140 km respectively. For road trips, the shorter route saves roughly 693 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.

Berlin (Germany) has a population of 3,644,826 and is situated in Brandenburg, Europe. This city serves as an important regional hub with solid connectivity.

When to Choose Each Route

Pick Paris → 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 344 km, which translates to a 40 min flight-time saving and roughly 136 kg less CO₂ per passenger versus the alternative. Driving is realistic at this distance, with an estimated 447 km of road and a fuel cost band around $45 USD. The initial bearing is 330° (NNW), so a great-circle flight leaves Paris heading roughly NNW.

Pick Paris → Berlin when…

This route is the right call if you are heading to Berlin (Germany) — a city of 3,644,826 in the Brandenburg region of Europe. Even though it is the longer route at 877 km, it remains the obvious pick when Berlin is the actual destination, when departure schedules from Paris are more convenient, or when fares undercut the alternative. Driving is feasible — expect roughly 1,140 km of road and a fuel cost in the $114 USD range. Departing Paris, the great-circle bearing toward Berlin is 58° (ENE).

Bearings, Time Zones & Geography

Paris (48.86°, 2.35°) and London (51.51°, -0.13°) sit in the same approximate time zone. Paris (48.86°, 2.35°) and Berlin (52.52°, 13.40°) have a +1-hour offset. Both routes have manageable time-zone shifts, so jet lag should not be a major factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is closer: London or Berlin?

London is closer at 344 km, which is 533 km (61%) shorter.

How far is Paris to London?

344 km (214 miles). Flight: ~56 min.

How far is Paris to Berlin?

877 km (545 miles). Flight: ~1h 36min.

Is it faster to fly to London or Berlin?

Flying to London is faster at ~56 min, saving about 40 min compared to Berlin.

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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: April 21, 2026.