A newcomer’s guide to traveling on the Eurostar

It has been 30 years since the Eurostar linked London with mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel. As an Australian residing in London, I was thrilled the first time I arrived at St Pancras “International” to catch a train to Paris.

After several journeys, including a recent weekend trip to Amsterdam with my child for a milestone birthday celebration, I’ve compiled a guide for first-time Eurostar travelers.

Here’s everything you should know if you’re traveling on the Eurostar with a Standard class ticket. To snag a deal, sign up for notifications so you’ll be among the first to learn about discounted tickets.

Which railway stations does Eurostar serve?

In London, you’ll be departing from St Pancras International, conveniently located next to King’s Cross Station. There are numerous public transport options and plenty of dining choices, whether inside the station or nearby at Coal Drops Yard (north of the station). However, south of Euston Rd, the area can feel a bit deserted after dark.

In Paris, Eurostar trains leave from Gare du Nord, situated in the 10th arrondissement. Be prepared for long queues if you need to buy tickets for onward metro travel, although you can also purchase tickets on the Eurostar itself. This area is known for pickpockets and scams, so stay vigilant—like I did, and you might end up losing a handbag after being approached by a seemingly helpful stranger.

When boarding the Eurostar from Amsterdam Centraal, the outbound platform can be a bit hidden. The station is set to undergo upgrades in 2024, so stay tuned for updates. Make sure to grab some snacks before passing through passport control. The surrounding area is bustling, so keep your wits about you, especially for trams and cyclists, who always have the right of way.

At Brussels Midi Station, you might notice an increased police presence due to heightened security measures in Europe. While the station area is generally safe, it can feel less secure after dark when there are fewer people around.

In Lille, Antwerp, and Rotterdam, the Eurostar stations are conveniently located in the city center, surrounded by shops, cafes, and attractions. Public transport is user-friendly, but these cities are also very walkable (unless you have a lot of luggage). Learn more about the London Amsterdam Rotterdam route here.

First time visiting France? Here’s what you need to know

What items are allowed on the Eurostar?

You may bring two bags measuring up to 85cm/3in (at their widest/longest point), along with one piece of hand luggage on the Eurostar. While there’s no weight limit, you should be able to lift your bags onto the train and possibly onto the overhead rack.

There is luggage storage available at the end of each carriage for larger items. Eurostar will assist with up to two pieces of luggage, provided each weighs less than 15kg and is no longer than 85cm. Remember, the maximum weight allowed on the train is 30kg. For oversized or excess baggage, be sure to reserve a dedicated space in advance through Eurostar Travel Services.

It’s advisable to keep your luggage within sight at all times. During our transit through Brussels en route to Amsterdam, announcements were made reminding passengers to watch their belongings, as thieves have been known to lighten the load on the train.

One of the greatest advantages of traveling by high-speed train instead of flying is that there are no liquid restrictions. You can bring as many liquids and bottled drinks as you wish (just note that there are no refill stations on board). If you fancy a drink, you’re allowed to carry one bottle of wine or champagne, or four cans of beer—except during certain major events, for which you’ll be notified in advance.

What additional items should I take on the Eurostar?

There are UK and European power outlets available to charge your phones and laptops, though Standard class seats don’t have USB ports. It’s a good idea to bring a book or download content to your devices ahead of time, as the wi-fi and phone signals can frequently drop.

Is food available for purchase on the Eurostar?

There is a cafe car offering snacks and light meals for Standard class passengers (Premium class travelers enjoy meals served directly to their seats, similar to an airplane service). The Eurostar menu is updated biannually, but choices are limited, making it a good idea to bring your own food, especially if you have dietary needs. You won't find a three-course meal on board.

Make sure to purchase any train supplies before going through passport control, as the options at London St Pancras International were quite busy when we traveled, while options at Paris and Amsterdam are almost nonexistent.

What items are prohibited on the Eurostar?

You can find a list of prohibited items on the Eurostar website, which includes common-sense restrictions like firearms, flammable substances, and illegal drugs. Perishable goods like meat, fish, and dairy are also banned, though I did catch a whiff of some delicious Dutch cheese in someone’s bag on our return trip!

Unfortunately, bringing a bike on board is more complicated than one might expect, especially with the growing interest in cycling and bike holidays across Europe. For full-sized bikes, you must pre-book and disassemble your bike for check-in as luggage. Folding bikes and children’s bikes can be taken on board, but they must be stored in a protective bag.

Do I need to print my Eurostar tickets?

You can print your ticket for a paper backup, but it’s also possible to scan tickets directly from the Eurostar app at the boarding gates. If your seat changes for any reason, a new paper ticket will be printed for you at the gate.

Next, proceed to border control and security, similar to the process at an international airport.

Do I need a visa in addition to my passport?

Ensure you’re informed about the necessary documents for traveling in Europe, which can differ based on nationality. Citizens of Schengen member countries can enter France with just a passport or national ID card. As the UK is not part of the Schengen area, you may require a visa to enter. Check if you need a visa for the UK in advance to avoid any issues.

In addition to your passport, starting in late 2024, biometric data (such as a facial scan or fingerprints) will be collected at European borders, which is likely to slow down the check-in process and could impact the number of passengers processed per train.

Also, from 2025, all non-EU citizens (including British citizens) will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)—a €7 visa-waiver similar to the US ESTA—to enter Europe.

Curious about your visa requirements? We provide information for France, the UK, and Belgium

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

Eurostar is an international train service that crosses EU borders, making its check-in process different from standard national rail travel. Each Eurostar-served station has a dedicated departure area for passport checks and customs. Be ready to queue, especially on weekends and holidays when wait times can be longer.

When we took the Eurostar from London to Paris, it took us about 30 minutes to complete all the checks before settling into our seats. However, since I traveled early on a Tuesday, the lines were minimal. If you're traveling on weekends or holidays, it's wise to arrive earlier to ensure you don’t miss your train. Keep in mind that the gate closes 30 minutes prior to departure.

After passing through security, you’ll find a waiting area equipped with free wi-fi and several cafes. Premier ticket holders can access the business lounges in London, Paris, and Brussels.

Do you really need to arrive 90 minutes before your Eurostar departure?

Yes, you absolutely should. While you might get lucky, there are often multiple trains from St Pancras, so lines can form quickly. Additionally, seating in the terminals is limited, so arriving on time is a smart move.

What should I do if I miss my train?

I’ve experienced this myself (or rather, I did this to myself), and Eurostar graciously rebooked our group on the next train to Paris. However, be aware that there's a significant €50 rebooking fee for missing your train and catching the next one the same day. Additionally, Eurostar will rebook you without a seat reservation on the new ticket.

On the later train, we ended up in backward-facing seats with no window views. Fortunately, the cafe carriage has large windows, so we spent most of the journey there together.

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

Starting November 4, 2024, Eurostar will be updating its travel classes. The existing Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier will be rebranded as Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, and Eurostar Premier, respectively. For detailed information on the updated travel conditions for each class, visit Eurostar's official website.

To snag the best prices, it's best to book in advance. Eurostar fares start at €44 for Standard, €80 for Plus, and €285 for Premier. Each class offers varying levels of flexibility and refund options, so choose the one that suits you best. Booking online is the most economical way, as tickets purchased at the station come with an additional €14 charge.

As someone who often changes plans, I appreciate that Eurostar allows free ticket changes up to an hour before departure for both Standard and Plus classes. You’ll need to cover the price difference if your new ticket is more expensive, but this flexibility is a major advantage over air travel. Refunds are also available for a €25 fee, as long as you request it at least 7 days before your trip.

How do you select your seats?

Seats are assigned when you book your ticket, but you can modify them online or through the app. I recommend doing this as soon as possible, since, as mentioned, some seats on the Eurostar have limited or no views. While 30 minutes of your journey is spent under the Channel, the remainder offers a chance to enjoy the changing scenery.

Many Eurostar travelers suggest packing some kitchen towels or wet wipes to clean your window—inside and out, if possible—to enhance your view during the journey.

What distinguishes Eurostar from Eurotunnel?

The Channel Tunnel, known as the longest undersea tunnel in the world, spans 50.45 km (31.5 miles) and connects the UK to the European mainland. Although both Eurostar and Eurotunnel utilize the rail tunnel, they serve different purposes. Eurostar is a high-speed passenger service linking London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and other European cities, departing from St Pancras International and arriving at Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi, and Amsterdam Centraal.

Eurotunnel operates Le Shuttle, a service designed for freight and various motor vehicles, including cars, bicycles, and trucks, connecting Folkestone to Calais. While foot passengers cannot board Le Shuttle, bicycles are permitted, and pets are welcome (unlike Eurostar, which does not allow pets). Both Eurostar and Eurotunnel traverse the Channel Tunnel in about 35 minutes.

Are there sleeper trains available from London?

You've likely come across the buzz about Europe entering a new era of train travel, with more passengers opting for this eco-friendly alternative to short flights. In 2024, sleeper train services are on the rise, introducing new overnight routes from Paris to Berlin and from Vienna to Hamburg on ÖBB's Nightjet.

There's also a European sleeper night train that links London to Prague via Eurostar, offering a comfortable journey with lovely views.

Despite the obstacles presented by Brexit, Eurostar is determined to achieve its goal of reaching 30 million passengers by 2030. The London-to-Paris train emits ten times less carbon per passenger compared to flying (22kg of CO2 versus 224kg), making rail travel a sensible choice for crossing to Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of a Eurostar ticket from London to Paris?

Standard class tickets from London to Paris start at €44. To get the best rates, it's wise to book early, as Eurostar sells tickets up to 120 days in advance. Prices tend to rise on busy days like weekends, holidays, and major events, with Tuesday and Wednesday often being the most economical days to travel. For easier access to affordable tickets, check out Eurostar's helpful lowest-fare finder page.

What destinations can I reach with Eurostar?

Eurostar offers direct trains from London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Lille, and Rotterdam. Additionally, connecting services allow travel to various destinations across France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

What is the travel time between London and Paris/Brussels on Eurostar?

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

Does Eurostar operate as a sleeper train?

Eurostar doesn't offer couchette services, but you can connect to a European sleeper night train bound for Prague.

Are you preparing for your first sleeper train adventure? Check out our essential tips