Driving to Disneyland Paris from the UK: info and tips

8 July, 2025

Planning to drive your own car to Disneyland Paris? Great idea! Especially for families, travelling by car offers maximum flexibility: you can pack as much as you like, stop whenever it suits you, and travel comfortably with children and even pets – all without the hassle of airports or transfers. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know for a smooth and magical road trip to Paris.

Contents

• 1. Getting to France: LeShuttle or the Ferry?
• 2. Driving in France
• 3. Environmental Sticker: Do You Need One?
• 4. Parking at Disneyland Paris
• 5. On the Road: What Not to Forget
• 6. Camping Near Disneyland Paris
• Let the Magic Begin!

Summary

The quickest way to get from the UK to France is via LeShuttle (Eurotunnel), getting you across the Channel in just 35 minutes. From Calais, it’s around a 3.5-hour drive to Disneyland Paris. Driving on the right takes a little getting used to, but French roads are well signposted and in good condition. You’ll need to pay tolls along the motorways. A Crit’Air environmental sticker isn’t required for Disneyland, but you will need one if you plan to drive into central Paris. Also good to know: fuel is often cheaper in France than in the UK. Parking at Disneyland costs around €30 per day, and there are several campsites nearby with shuttle services to the park.

1. Getting to France: LeShuttle or the ferry?

Your trip to Disneyland Paris begins with crossing the Channel. The fastest and easiest option is LeShuttle (Eurotunnel), which takes you from Folkestone to Calais in about 35 minutes. The best part? You stay in your car for the entire journey – no need to carry bags or wait in queues. It’s ideal for families and pets alike, as your furry friends can stay with you in the vehicle. LeShuttle runs up to four times an hour, so you’ve got plenty of flexibility.

Want to take it easy and enjoy the sea breeze? You can also travel by ferry, with crossings from Dover to Calais taking around 90 minutes, excluding boarding and disembarking times. It’s a slower pace, but remember: most ferry operators require pets to stay in on-board kennels for the journey.

Read more about travelling with the Eurotunnel.

2. Driving in France

Once you arrive in Calais, the real adventure begins. From there, it’s roughly a three to three-and-a-half hour drive (around 320 km) to Disneyland Paris. The route is straightforward: take the A26 towards Arras, continue on the A1 towards Paris, then follow the A104 and A4 to Marne-la-Vallée.

Driving on the right
Yes, in France they drive on the right-hand side of the road. It can feel a bit strange at first, especially if you’ve just come off the train or ferry, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Be especially mindful at roundabouts and remember that priority from the right still exists in some towns and villages.

Toll roads
Toll roads are common in France, and the route to Disneyland Paris is no exception. Expect to pay around €25 in tolls for the journey from Calais. Payment can be made with cash, credit/debit card, or using a toll badge if you’re a frequent traveller.

Read more about driving in Europe.

3. Environmental sticker: do you need one?

Disneyland Paris is located outside the low-emission zones, so a Crit’Air sticker is not required if you’re just visiting the park. However, if you’re planning to drive through Paris or visit other French cities, you will need one. The sticker only costs a few euros and must be ordered in advance from the official French government website. Delivery can take several weeks, so don’t leave it too late. Once it arrives, place it in the bottom right corner of your windscreen.

4. Parking at Disneyland Paris

Parking at Disneyland is very well organised. There’s a large visitor car park just a short walk from the entrance. As of 2025, the daily parking fee is €30 for cars and €40 for campervans.

5. On the road: what not to forget

The drive from Calais to Disneyland Paris is long enough to prepare for, but short enough to do in one go, especially if you plan a couple of stops. Bring along snacks, travel games or download some films and audiobooks to keep the kids entertained. France has excellent motorway service areas where you can stop for a picnic, use the loo or just stretch your legs.

Here’s another tip: fuel in France is usually cheaper than in the UK. So if you’ve just exited the Eurotunnel, consider filling up before heading towards Paris.

6. Camping near Disneyland Paris

Staying at a campsite near Disneyland Paris can be a great alternative to a hotel. There are several family-friendly campsites in the area, some of which offer shuttle services to the park. One great option is Flower Camping International de Jablines, which is set in nature but close enough to the magic.

And did you know that Disneyland Paris has its own train station? Marne-la-Vallée, Chessy is located just steps from the park entrance, making it easy to take a train.

Let the magic begin!

All in all, driving from the UK to Disneyland Paris is a surprisingly smooth, flexible and family-friendly way to start your holiday. You’re free to choose your own route, set your own pace, and bring along everything you need, stress-free. Go for LeShuttle if you want a quick and comfortable crossing, prep well for the French roads, and you’ll be at Mickey’s doorstep in no time.

Have a magical trip!