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Eurostar In brief
Eurostar is the high-speed passenger train service between London and Paris, and London and Brussels. Their trains have more capacity than a jumbo jet – 766 seats per train! Travelling at up to 300km/hr, it takes just 2h 15 to Paris, and 1h 51 to Brussels, and with 30 or more services a day, it’s easy to take a day trip.
You must book a ticket in advance to travel on Eurostar, and we recommend you check in 45 minutes before departure. If you’re a citizen of a non-EU country, you will need to complete a landing card to hand to immigration staff.
Travelling by Eurostar is a great introduction to European High Speed Rail. Once you’ve experienced the comfort and style of city to city train travel, Europe is your oyster.
The Eurostar Network:
As well as serving London, Paris, Brussels and Lille, Eurostar also offers direct, high-speed services from London to Disneyland® Resort Paris, and seasonal services to the Provencal city of Avignon and the French Alps.
| Journey | Travel time |
|---|---|
| London St Pancras – Paris Gare du Nord | 2h 15 |
| London St Pancras – Brussels Midi/Zuid | 1h 51 |
| London St Pancras – Lille | 1h 20 |
| London St Pancras - Disneyland® Resort Paris | 2h 34 |
Our Tip:
Eurostar bookings open four months prior to departure – book as early as possible for the best ticket prices. Plus, all Eurostar tickets to/from Brussels are valid for travel to/from any Belgian station at no extra cost.
Before you board
The Stations:
Eurostar’s main stations, Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi/Zuid and London St Pancras International, are all located in the centre of the city.
They have good public transport links, and also taxi ranks.
There are also plenty of shops, and WiFi access.
If you’re travelling in Business Premier, you can use the dedicated lounges in each station.
Check-in & Boarding:
We recommend you allow 45 minutes to check in (10, if you’re travelling in Business Premier). Non-EU citizens will need to fill in a landing card for immigration.
Don’t forget you’ll be carrying your own luggage, so make sure you can lift it up into the train – it’s a steep step.
There are luggage storage facilities at the end of each carriage, and in the overhead racks.
On Board
Meals reflect the time of day, ranging from hot or cold breakfasts in the morning to three-course meals from late afternoon onwards. If you have special dietary requirements, please mention them at the time of booking.
There are baby-changing facilities and disabled access on all trains.
Carriages are air-conditioned for your comfort.
| 1st Class | 2nd Class | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Premier | Standard Premier | Standard | |
| 10 minute check-in | √ | ||
| Access to the Business Lounge | √ | ||
| Spacious reclining seats with more legroom | √ | √ | |
| Power sockets at your seat | √ | √ | |
| Free newspapers and magazines | √ | √ | |
| A meal and drinks served at your seat | √ | √ | |
| Access to a bar buffet | √ | √ | √ |
| 30 minute check-in | √ | √ |
Second class on the Italian day train offers generous legroom and bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase. (on major routes)
When Premier service is offered for this train the service includes meal service and access to the TGV lounge at the train stations.
Second class on the TGV Med offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.
Second class on the Thalys offers generous legroom and a selection of drinks and snacks at your seat that are available for purchase.
Club class on the AVE offers access to the AVE lounges at the rail stations, large comfortable reclining seats, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat, and friendly staff serves you drinks and light snacks at your seat. This class of service offers tables for each seat.
Preferente class on the AVE offers access to the AVE lounges at the rail stations, large comfortable reclining seats, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat, and friendly staff serves you drinks and light snacks at your seat.
Tourist class (2nd Class) on the AVE offers generous legroom, a selection of video and audio programs at your seat and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.
For more detailed information on how to use a Eurostar self service kiosk review: How do I retrieve my e-tickets at Eurostar train stations ?
Second class on the TGV Med offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.
Second class on the Talgo Day offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.
Second class on the Artesia Day offers generous legroom and bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.
Value fare is non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
Youth Fare (for travelers under 26 years of age) is exchangeable once in Europe before departure date. It is non-refundable.
Passholder Fare (issued in conjunction with appropriate railpass) is exchangeable once in Europe. It is non-refundable.
Senior Fare (for travelers 60 years of age and over) is exchangeable once in Europe. It is non-refundable.
Business Premier which offers priority express check-in at the terminals, a dedicated ticket desk for check in, access to the Eurostar Executive lounges, spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, wifi access at the terminals, a dedicated coach for business travelers, complimentary newspapers, 3-course meal with refreshments at your seat.
Leisure Select offers spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, complimentary newspapers, and 3-course meal with refreshments at your seat.
Standard class (2nd class) offers generous legroom and access to a bar-buffet car where a selection of food and beverages are available for purchase.
Second class on the Talgo offers generous legroom, bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.
Second class on the TGV East offers ergonomic reclining seats with head and foot rests, non-smoking coaches and a restaurant car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.
Second class on the Lyria offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.
For more detailed information on how to use a French self service kiosk review: How do I retrieve my e-tickets at French train stations?
Second class on the Spanish day train offers generous legroom, bar-buffet car offering a complete selection of food and beverages for purchase and major routes have audio and video programs at your seat.
Business Premier class is dedicated to serving the business traveler with its superior service. Business travelers can expect a nonsmoking car, fast lane check-in, use of the Executive Lounges, breakfast or a 3-course lunch or dinner with choice of entrée and wine, complimentary drink, newspapers, Wifi access in the terminal and lap top sockets on board the train.
Leisure Select tickets provide complimentary food (including a 3-course dinner), beverages, and newspapers while you relax in your reclining seat.
Full Fare tickets gives you access to the Eurostar Lounge.
Standard Class offers comfort, convenience, and value. Enjoy the bar car, or purchase snacks and refreshments from the trolley cart when it comes to your seat.
