The year is 1872, and Mr. Phileas Fogg is leading his usual quiet life. He likes to do everything in the same way each day and has not left London for many years.

His friends are therefore very surprised when he makes a bet with them that he can travel round the world in eighty days. He sets off immediately with his servant, Passepartout, and at first all goes well. But then there are transport problems and delays, and Fix, the detective, is determined to stop Fogg. As the journey continues the race against time becomes harder and harder.