Your Guide to Eurostar Travel

It’s been 30 years since the Eurostar first connected London to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. I cannot tell you how excited I was the first time I arrived at St Pancras “International” to board a Paris-bound train.

A few trips later, including a recent long weekend in Amsterdam with my child to celebrate a milestone birthday, I have put together a first-timer’s guide to riding the Eurostar.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re traveling on a Standard class ticket. By keeping an eye on ticket releases, you can grab a bargain on Eurostar services.

What are the railway stations served by Eurostar?

In London, it’s St Pancras International, located next to King’s Cross Station. There’s plenty of public transportation and numerous places to eat and drink before you board, both inside the train station and nearby. However, the area south of Euston Rd can feel a bit quiet after dark.

In Paris, trains depart from Gare du Nord, situated in the 10th arrondissement. Be aware that queues for onward metro tickets can be long, and the area is known for pickpockets. Stay vigilant to avoid distractions that could lead to theft.

When catching the Eurostar from Amsterdam Centraal, the outbound platform can be somewhat hidden. There’s an ongoing station upgrade, so it’s wise to check in advance. Ensure you have provisions before you pass through passport control, and stay alert for trams and cyclists in the busy area surrounding the station.

At Brussels Midi Station, you might notice a police presence due to increased security measures. The station area is generally safe, but it could feel a bit empty after dark.

For cities like Lille, Antwerp, and Rotterdam, Eurostar services conveniently stop in the city center where shops, cafes, and attractions are within easy walking distance.

What can I take on the Eurostar?

You can bring two bags up to 85cm/33.5in (at their widest/longest point) plus one piece of hand luggage. While there is no weight limit, you must be able to lift your bags onto the train and potentially onto the rack above your seat.

Luggage storage is available at the end of each coach for larger items. Eurostar allows assistance with up to two items of luggage, provided they weigh less than 15kg and are no longer than 85cm. Be sure to book dedicated space in advance for excess or oversized luggage.

It’s a good idea to keep your luggage within sight at all times. While traveling, announcements will remind you to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy stations.

A significant advantage of Eurostar travel compared to flying is the absence of restrictions on liquids. You can pack as many liquids as you like, though note that there aren’t facilities to refill on board. Additionally, if you’re bringing drinks, you may have one bottle of wine or bubbly, or four cans of beer, except during major events.

What else should I bring on the Eurostar?

Eurostar Standard class seats have UK and European plug sockets for recharging devices, but USB ports are not available. Therefore, ensure to download content in advance as the Wi-Fi signal can be unreliable during the journey.

Can I buy food onboard the Eurostar?

A cafe carriage sells snacks and light meals for Standard class passengers, while Premium class travelers receive meals served at their seats. The Eurostar menu is updated twice yearly, but offerings are limited, making it advisable to bring your own food, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Options for a three-course meal are not available.

Consider purchasing supplies before passing through passport control, as options inside the terminal can be crowded, particularly during peak travel times.

What can’t I take with me on the Eurostar?

There is a list of prohibited items on Eurostar, including firearms, flammable materials, and illegal drugs. Perishable items like meat, fish, and dairy are also restricted. If you plan to travel with a bicycle, keep in mind that full-sized bikes need to be pre-booked and disassembled for check-in, while folding bikes and children’s bikes should be in protective bags.

Do I need to print my Eurostar tickets?

You can either print your ticket for a paper backup or scan it directly from the Eurostar app at the gates. If your seat is changed, a fresh paper ticket will be printed for you automatically.

This is followed by border control, similar to security checks at international airports.

Do I need a visa as well as my passport?

Keep yourself informed about the necessary travel documents, which can vary by nationality. Citizens of Schengen member countries only need a passport or national ID card for entry into France. Conversely, UK citizens may require a visa to enter other Schengen countries. Always verify visa requirements before your journey to avoid complications.

In addition to your passport, biometric data (face scans or fingerprints) may be collected at European borders starting in late 2024, likely increasing check-in times and affecting overall passenger processing.

By 2025, non-EU citizens will require an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to enter Europe, similar to the US ESTA.

What are the check-in and boarding procedures for Eurostar?

Since Eurostar is an international train service, its check-in process differs from standard rail travel within a single country. Each Eurostar station features a designated departure area for passport checks and customs, so be prepared for potential queues, particularly on weekends and holidays.

When we traveled from London to Paris, it took around 30 minutes to complete all necessary checks. During off-peak times, the queue was manageable, but it’s prudent to arrive earlier during busy periods to ensure you don’t miss your train, as the gate closes 30 minutes prior to departure.

Once you’ve cleared security, you’ll find a waiting area with free Wi-Fi and several cafes. Premium ticket holders can access the business lounge in London, Paris, and Brussels.

Do you really need to get there 90 minutes before your Eurostar train departs?

Yes, allowing ample time is crucial. While it might seem possible to arrive just in time, queues can build quickly, and seating options in terminals can be limited. Arriving on time saves you from stress and ensures a smoother travel experience.

What happens if I miss my train?

If you miss your Eurostar train, there’s a €50 rebooking fee for traveling on the next service the same day. Keep in mind that you may not get a reserved seat stuck in a later train, resulting in a different travel experience than planned.

What are the ticket pricing options and classes available on Eurostar?

Starting November 4, 2024, Eurostar will adjust its travel classes: previous categories (Standard, Standard Premier, Business Premier) will now include Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, and Eurostar Premier. To get the best prices, booking in advance is key, with fares starting from €44 for Standard and reaching €285 for Premier class tickets.

Each class offers different levels of flexibility and refundability. Eurostar permits free ticket changes up to one hour before departure in Standard and Plus classes, allowing greater flexibility compared to air travel. Refunds can also be requested for a €25 fee up to seven days before travel.

How do you choose seats?

Seats are allocated at the time of booking, but you can change them online or via the app, which is recommended to avoid potentially unpleasant seating arrangements with limited views.

What is the difference between Eurostar and Eurotunnel?

The Channel Tunnel, known as the longest undersea tunnel in the world, is a remarkable engineering feat connecting the UK to mainland Europe. Eurostar is a high-speed passenger train linking major cities such as London, Paris, and Brussels. In contrast, Eurotunnel operates the Le Shuttle service primarily designed for transporting vehicles such as cars and bicycles through the Channel Tunnel, not foot passengers.

Are there sleeper trains from London?

New sleeper train services have been emerging as more travelers embrace train travel over short-haul flights. This includes overnight rides to various European cities, providing a comfortable and scenic way to travel.

Despite challenges posed by Brexit, Eurostar continues to aspire to reach 30 million passengers by 2030. Given the significant reduction in carbon emissions associated with train travel compared to flying, Eurostar presents an appealing option for those looking to travel sustainably.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Eurostar cost from London to Paris?

Standard class ticket prices from London to Paris start at €44. Booking early is crucial for securing lower fare prices, with costs typically rising on weekends, holidays, and during major events.

Which destinations can I travel to with Eurostar?

Eurostar offers direct trains between London and Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Lille, and Rotterdam, as well as connecting services to various destinations across Europe.

How long is the journey between London and Paris/Brussels on Eurostar?

The Eurostar trip from London to Paris or Brussels takes approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes.

Is Eurostar a sleeper train?

Eurostar does not operate a sleeper train service, but connections to sleeper trains are available for longer journeys.

This article was published May 13, 2024, and updated September 3, 2024.