eurostar travel times from london

Top Eurostar Destinations from London

Top Cities and a Suggested Itinerary for Northern Europe

Eurostar is the high-speed rail link connecting London to Paris, Brussels and beyond. The convenient city center train stations mean that travel time is far shorter than by plane, when you consider check-in times, getting your luggage and transferring from the airports). In fact, Eurostar carries more passengers than all of the airlines combined on both routes out of London.

Why Take the Eurostar?

London is usually the shortest path from the U.S. to a major airport in Europe, and often the most inexpensive choice for non-stop flights. It's natural to start your vacation in London, and when you're through visiting, Eurostar is right there at St Pancras station—and Paris just over two hours away. If you only have a short time to see Europe and want to see some of  Europe's Best Cities , Eurostar is a fast, convenient way to tour London, Paris, and cities in bordering countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

The fastest London to Paris trains take just over two hours, while the London to Brussels journey is exactly two hours long. Other travel times are listed with the relevant city, below.

And if you're tempted by Business Premier Class, you'll also get fast-lane check-in, four-course lunch or dinner service with wine and a free taxi service from your arrival point to any city destination

Suggested Itinerary

Starts in London (for as many days as you can afford), for either Lille (one day) or Paris (again, as long as you can afford) on the Eurostar. Alternatively, skip both and head straight to Brussels (two days). From there a loop takes you to Amsterdam (three days) through Antwerp (one day), then on to Cologne (one day). From Cologne, you can return to Brussels or Lille in anticipation of the return trip on the Eurostar.

Paris, France

The classic Eurostar route. It takes just over two hours to get between two of Europe's greatest cities, meaning it's possible to visit​ ​ Paris as a Day Trip from London !

• Compare Prices on Paris Hotels on TripAdvisor
• Paris Train Stations
• Skip-the-Line Louvre Tickets

Where to Next?

There are high-speed trains from Paris all over Europe. Maybe you feel like heading south to Barcelona .

Brussels (and the rest of Belgium)

TripSavvy / Gautier Houba 

On the London to Brussels route, your Eurostar ticket is good for continuing on to  any station in Belgium . Thus, if you didn't want to see Brussels, you could go on to  Ghent, Brugge ,  Damme , or anywhere else in Belgium that captures your fancy, without paying extra. 

• Brussels Travel Guide
• Compare Prices on Brussels Hotels on TripAdvisor​
• Brussels Day Trip from London

Brussels is in the heart of Europe, with high-speed trains to Paris and to Amsterdam.

Disneyland Resort

Europe's only Disneyland theme park is close to Paris.

• Buy Disneyland Resort Tickets
• Compare Prices on Hotels near Disneyland

Most visitors to Disneyland head to Paris ​afterward. There are also direct trains to Brussels.

 The first stop on the French side of the tunnel is Lille , close to the Belgian border. Lille is close to some historic World War I battlefields.

• Compare Prices on Hotels in Lille on TripAdvisor
• Tour of Lille by Convertible 2CV
• Things to Do In Lille

Where to Next?​

Belgium is the obvious next stop.

The capital of the Rhone region and good for access to the Beaujolais Vineyards . Lyon is said to have the most restaurants per capita in France.

Journey time is four-and-three-quarter hours from London.

• Lyon Travel Guide
• Compare Prices on Hotels in Lyon on TripAdvisor

To the Cote d'Azur or into Spain.

Avignon is a walled city in southern France's Provence region. Avignon is also considered the capital of the famous Cote du Rhone wine region. Avignon is reached easily by fast TGV train from Paris.

The main attractions in Avignon are the 14th century Palace of the Popes and the 12th century Avignon Bridge​ called the Saint-Benezet bridge after the young shepherd who heard divine voices instructing him to construct it. Both are UNESCO world heritage sites.

• Tour Provence from Avignon
• Read Reviews of Hotels in Avignon 

You have to change in Brussels, but the train to Amsterdam is still faster than flying when you take into account check-in times and airport transfers.

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• Compare Prices on Hotels in Amsterdam
• Skip-the-line Van Gogh Museum and Canal Tour
• Windmill Tour of Holland from Amsterdam

A direct train from London to the south coast of France? Incroyable!

 Journey time is six-and-a-half hours, with departures once per day.

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The Complete Guide to Eurostar Trains

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Table of Contents

Destinations

Club eurostar, eurostar travel classes, lounge access, eurostar recapped.

Eurostar offers high-speed train travel between the U.K., Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany. Its trains can reach 186 mph, which means a train from London to Paris takes only 2 hours and 16 minutes. Eurostar merged with Thalys — another European high-speed train company — in 2023.

Taking a Eurostar train between these five countries can be more seamless than flying because you get a solid baggage allowance and don’t need to deal with airports, liquid restrictions in your carry-on and long security lines.

Here’s what you need to know about Eurostar’s destinations, cabin classes, lounges, loyalty program, amenities and pricing.

Eurostar offers direct train service to London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Netherlands. For all other destinations, you must connect to a different train, potentially with another carrier.

The fastest train journeys are the following:

Paris to Brussels - 1 hour, 22 minutes.

London to Lille, France - 1 hour, 22 minutes.

London to Brussels - 1 hour, 53 minutes.

Brussels to Amsterdam - 1 hour, 53 minutes.

London to Paris - 2 hours, 16 minutes.

London to Rotterdam - 3 hours, 13 minutes.

Paris to Amsterdam - 3 hours, 20 minutes.

Paris to Cologne - 3 hours, 20 minutes.

London to Amsterdam - 3 hours, 52 minutes.

Depending on where you’re headed, taking the train may take less total time than flying. For example, the train from London to Paris takes 2 hours and 16 minutes, while a flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Though the train takes almost an hour longer, other factors involved with flying, including early airport arrival, travel time to/from the airport, security and boarding, make the train the faster option.

The Eurostar operates out of St. Pancras International Station, located in central London and easily accessible by several tube (underground) lines and buses. By contrast, London’s main airports, Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport, are located outside the city and can take an hour or more to get to depending on where you’re traveling from and your mode of transport.

Furthermore, Eurostar’s rules are arguably more traveler-friendly than those of airlines. On even the cheapest tickets, Eurostar allows adults to bring two pieces of luggage and one carry-on with no weight limit. Children can bring one piece of luggage and one carry-on.

You also don’t have to worry about paying for a seat or dealing with liquid restrictions. You can make fee-free changes to your ticket as many times as you like until seven days before departure. Ticket changes within seven days of departure incur a $40 fee unless you’re in Business Premier.

Club Eurostar is Eurostoar’s loyalty program and you can sign up for a free account to start earning points. You earn 1 point per $1 spent on Eurostar tickets. Train + hotel packages also earn points, albeit at a lower rate (1 point per $2).

Eurostar has four membership levels, and with each increasing level you earn more points on travel and get access to additional perks.

All levels can pool points with friends and family, use points to pay a portion of their tickets and upgrade their seats from Standard to Standard Premier/Comfort. If you’re going for elite status with Eurostar, the biggest advantages are companion vouchers, lounge access and priority benefits when traveling.

Rewards can be used for as low as 100 points on various experiences from free tickets to upgrades.

Standard cabin on the train from Amsterdam to Brussels. (Photo by Elina Geller)

Eurostar offers different travel classes, and these travel classes vary by destination. All trains offer Wi-Fi, but in my experience, the Wi-Fi has been awful, with upload and download speeds of less than 1 Mbps.

Trains to/from London

A Eurostar train to/from London offers three travel classes: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. All seats offer U.K. and EU plug sockets. You can also choose your seat when traveling on this route.

Standard: This travel class offers the lowest priced tickets and food and drinks are available for purchase.

Standard Premier: You get free magazines and a more spacious seat, along with a light meal and drinks.

Business Premier: You get the same seat as in Standard Premier, plus additional perks including three pieces of luggage, a carry-on, hot meals created by Raymond Blanc OBE served with champagne, free newspapers and magazines and a dedicated fast-track ticket gate. You also get access to Eurostar lounges and NS International lounges.

Trains between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany

Premium seats on the train from Brussels to Amsterdam. (Photo by Elina Geller)

When traveling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany, there are three travel classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium. All seats include EU plug sockets.

You also have access to Eurostar’s taxi booking service, which allows you to arrange transport to/from the train station. Unfortunately you cannot choose your seat when traveling between these destinations.

Standard : This travel class has the cheapest tickets. Food and drinks are not included but can be purchased onboard.

Comfort : You get a more spacious seat, but still need to pay for food and drinks. Comfort seats have access to premium Wi-Fi, but I found that Wi-Fi to be just as slow as in Standard class.

Premium : You have the same seat as in Comfort class and some additional perks including a gourmet cold meal served at your seat, access to Eurostar lounges and NS International lounges. 

The Eurostar amenities you receive depend on which class you travel in. You receive a complimentary meal in Premium, Standard Premier or Business Premier. Those in Business Premier (only available on London routes) receive three-course meals created in collaboration with Michelin-star chef Raymond Blanc OBE. Passengers in Premium get a meal designed by Belgian chef Frank Fol.

Passengers in other travel classes don’t receive a complimentary meal but can purchase drinks or snacks from the Eurostar Cafe.

Eurostar lounge in Brussels. (Photo by Elina Geller)

Travelers in Premium can visit the Eurostar lounge in Paris and Brussels, and NS International lounges in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Those traveling in Business Premier can use the lounge in London, Paris and Brussels.

Club Eurostar elites traveling on any fare class can access certain lounges depending on their elite status:

Avantage, Carte Blanche and Etoile members : Eurostar lounge in Brussels and Paris.

Carte Blanche and Etoile members : Eurostar lounge in London, Paris and Brussels; DB lounges in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Essen; NS International lounges in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Schiphol airport; Railteam lounges in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.

Check each lounge’s information page for opening hours. Generally, you can expect to find various seating spaces, complimentary newspapers and magazines, free Wi-Fi as well as food and drinks to enjoy.

Eurostar allows you to book tickets up to 120 days in advance, and the sooner you book the better. You’ll generally find the cheapest tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday. Since you can change your ticket fee-free as many times as you want until seven days before departure, you might as well book as soon as possible.

There are also special or discounted fares for the following groups:

Children under age 4

Kids ages 4-11

Passengers under 26 or over 60

Travelers in a group

Wheelchair passengers and companions

The availability of discounts depends on your destination, so you’ll want to check Eurostar’s page for guidance.

If you have a credit card that earns travel rewards, you’ll want to use it for this purchase since trains are part of the travel category. Here’s a sampling of cards that earn extra rewards for travel and don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

on Chase's website

• 2 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 3 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.

• 3 points per $1 on transit, including train travel.

Terms apply.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

You can pay in U.S. dollars when buying Eurostar tickets online. However, if you plan to buy anything on board the train, and you’ll be in Europe anyways, you’ll want to use a card that waives foreign transaction fees .

» Learn more: Best travel credit cards

Is it cheaper to fly or take Eurostar?

The answer to this question depends on how far in advance you purchase your ticket, your day of travel, whether you need to pay for luggage, and the difference in costs between traveling to the airport and to a Eurostar train station.

Here’s a sampling of Eurostar fares in September 2024 from London to Paris.

Here’s a selection of flights from London to Paris on the same day.

Although the cheapest flight is $13 less than the train, bag fees are not included in that price. And since Eurostar stations are generally more centrally located, your overall cost may be cheaper on the train after factoring in a rideshare or taxi to the airport.

Eurostar offers a convenient way to travel between the U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, France and Germany. If you’re deciding whether to fly or take a Eurostar, factor in the cost, travel time (including the time spent getting to and from the airport, as well as the time spent at the airport) and how many bags you're bringing as part of your decision.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

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Eurostar guide: everything you need to know before you travel

We answer the big questions from departure to arrival — and find out what it’s really like on board the eurostar.

E urostar has been whizzing travellers across northern Europe for nearly 30 years via a rail network that connects France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK. Its high-speed trains can reach 186mph, dropping to 100mph when travelling through the Channel Tunnel; and are often a more convenient option when pitted against planes. Most stations are right in the middle of the city, you don’t pay for luggage and there aren’t any liquid restrictions. Journey times vary depending on your destination, with the shortest journey being London to Lille in 1hr 22min. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the journey.

Main photo: passengers queue for the Eurostar at St Pancras station (Getty Images)

Where does the Eurostar go?

Direct trains link London to Paris , Brussels , Amsterdam and Rotterdam . You can connect in any of the European stations and travel to other destinations across France , Belgium , the Netherlands and Germany . Some of the most popular journeys include connecting at Lille for Disneyland Paris; and taking the ski train from Lille in winter. Station refurbishments in Amsterdam Centraal are due to take place for six months from June 14, 2024. This will mean limited Eurostar trains from London to Amsterdam, and no direct services from Amsterdam to London during this time. That said, it will still be possible to make return journeys to the Netherlands via Eurostar, albeit with a longer journey back to England. There will be three daily services from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The return journey from Amsterdam to London will require passengers to take a connecting service in Brussels-Midi, with a wait time that Eurostar estimates will be between 48min and 1hr 48min. When the refurbishment is complete, a new cross-channel terminal will allow for more regular, direct trains between the two cities.

• Best hotels in Paris • Best hotels in Brussels

How early should I arrive for the Eurostar?

Eurostar recommends that you get to London St Pancras around 1hr 15min before departure. This will give you enough time to clear security and passport control (for both the UK and France), and then wait in the departure lounge until the platform is announced. It’s best to stock up on food and drink in St Pancras station as the choice is limited inside the Eurostar terminal. If you’re travelling in Business Premier you can enter via a fast-track entrance so arriving an hour before will leave you with plenty of time to clear security and board the train.

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What will i need to take.

Your tickets, which can be downloaded on the Eurostar app or printed in advance at home; and your passport.

How long does the Eurostar take?

Most journeys from London to Paris take 2hr 16min but some can be as long as 2hr 37min. The Eurostar typically takes 1hr 53min to Brussels; 1hr 22min to Lille; and 3hr 52min to Amsterdam.

What’s the difference between the classes on Eurostar?

There are three classes to choose from — Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. The difference between Standard and Standard Premier is that in the latter seats are slightly bigger and you’ll get a light meal and drinks served to your seat. In Business Premier you get a three-course meal, designed by Raymond Blanc, served with a glass of champagne and other hot and cold drinks throughout the journey. You can use the Business Premier lounges with free snacks, drinks and newspapers, use the fast-track gates and your ticket has more flexibility: there are no fees to exchange or cancel.

How much luggage can you take?

There’s no limit on weight and each bag can be up to 85cm at its widest points. Passengers in Standard or Standard Premier can take two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage while those in Business Premier can take three pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage. Children can take one piece of luggage and one piece of hand luggage. You can book separate spaces for bikes. Musical instruments should be in a case up to 85cm long. There are lots of rules around sports equipment, such as skiing kit. If you’re going camping then tents need to be packed in bags or cases up to 85cm long. Here’s everything you need to know on luggage limitations.

• Ski packing list: the clothes and equipment to bring • The best ski resorts in France

Is there a café onboard?

Yes, you can buy drinks, meals and snacks in Café Métropole, which is reasonably priced. You’re also welcome to bring food and drinks with you on board.

Can you take liquids on Eurostar?

Yes, unlike on flights there’s no limit on the quantity of liquids you can take on board.

What items are not allowed on Eurostar?

Among the items prohibited on Eurostar are unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and some relics from world war sites such as historical weapons, munitions and explosive devices; plus certain inflammable substances, flick knives, gardening equipment and furniture, e-scooters and perishable items such as fish, meat and dairy products. Other items, including authorised firearms, some DIY tools and cut flowers and plants, are restricted. You can find out more about prohibited and restricted items here .

You cannot bring alcohol on board in excess of the Eurostar alcohol policy . This policy limits passengers to a few unopened bottles of alcohol to take to their destination. Alcohol consumption on board the Eurostar is limited to four bottles or cans of beer or one bottle of wine per person. Large bottles of spirits cannot be consumed on board. Passengers who want to bring back large quantities of alcohol on their return must contact a courier service.

Can children travel for free?

Children under four can travel for free if they can sit on an adult’s lap for the whole journey. If they need their own seat you’ll need to buy a child ticket. In terms of luggage, you can take one pushchair and one car seat per child for no extra cost. Café Métropole is on board and handy if your little one wants to move around during the journey. Child tickets, for those aged from four to 11, are 30 per cent cheaper in Standard and Standard Premier. Eurostar also offers discounted youth fares for those aged from 12 to 25 but these are currently not available for trips to and from London.

• How to travel with children • Ten tips for travelling with autistic and neurodiverse children • Best things to do in Paris with children

Does Eurostar have wi-fi?

Yes, there’s free wi-fi throughout the train, though the signal can be patchy because it relies on mobile data — especially when going through tunnels. Head to settings, wi-fi, select EurostarTrainsWiFi and register your details when on board.

Can dogs go on the Eurostar?

No, only guide dogs are allowed on board.

How can I get cheap Eurostar tickets?

Adult single tickets start from £39 and it’s usually a case of the earlier the better when it comes to booking, particularly if you want to travel over a weekend or on a bank holiday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to travel. Eurostar advises that you book four months in advance for the best prices. You can change your tickets for free up to seven days before departure, so if you do need to change dates, or see a cheaper price, it’s easy to amend your booking.

How far in advance can you book Eurostar?

You’ll typically be able to book Eurostar tickets up to 330 days in advance of your return travel date.

Are Eurostar tickets refundable?

It depends which class of ticket you’ve booked. Standard and Standard Premier tickets are non-refundable but you can change your ticket without an exchange fee up to seven days before the departure of your original train. You will need to pay the difference in fare. If you want to change your train within seven days of the departure date you’ll need to pay a £30 exchange fee for Standard or £40 for Standard Premier, as well as any difference in fare. This is per person, per leg of the journey and you can make any changes on the “manage your booking” section of the Eurostar site, if this is where you booked your original tickets. If you need to make a change in person or over the phone there will be a £10 service charge.

The most flexible tickets are Business Premier. If you need to cancel your journey you can get a refund up to 60 days after your planned departure, but this doesn’t include routes to the Netherlands. Standard Premier bookings and exchanges can be made over the phone or at the station.

• Best hotels in Paris for families • How to do Disneyland Paris on a budget

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Entering the station:, using the more obvious entrance, taking the northern or piccadilly lines to st pancras international:, taking the circle, hammersmith & city and metropolitan lines to st pancras international:, taking the victoria line to st pancras international:, checking in for eurostar departures:, boarding your train:, eurostar's official guides:, the smtj travel info:, please support showmethejourney, our other eurostar travel guides:.

Departing by Eurostar from London

This guide includes finding your way at St Pancras station, how to make the transfer from the Underground, plus boarding tips.

Our guide to taking the Eurostar train from St Pancras International station in London will take you through;

• how to make your way to check-in
• how to make the transfer to Eurostar departures when arriving at St Pancras by Underground
• what's good to know when checking-in
• what to be aware of when boarding the trains

When taking the Eurostar from St Pancras International you might expect Eurostar departures to be the most prominent feature of the station, but that isn't the case, so the info below should save time and confusion.

It's not particularly obvious, but this entrance on Pancras Road pictured below is by far the most convenient STREET ENTRANCE to St Pancras International if you'll be taking the Eurostar.

It is located approximately halfway along the red brick 19th century part of the station; if you will be on Euston Road by the front of the station, you'd probably assume this entrance would be located there, but it isn't. You need to head down Pancras Road, which is the road to the right of the station. Go through these arches and the Eurostar check-in desks are immediately over to the right; and if you need to join a queue to check-in, you will see it ahead of you.

Taking a taxi to Eurostar departures at St Pancras International: If you will be taking a taxi to St Pancras International, tell the driver you that will be taking the Eurostar, as it can drop you right by this entrance.

Transferring from King's Cross station:

The entrance PICTURERD ABOVE is across the street (Pancras Road) from King's Cross station. When arriving by train at platforms/tracks 0-8 in Kings Cross station, on exiting from the platform (track), turn to the right to access the main concourse, then walk straight ahead to the far side of the main concourse, its departure board will be behind you off to the right, and then follow the passage way which curves round to the right. Then use the first exit you will come to on your left and you will see this entrance across the street, this entrance is opposite The Great Northern Hotel, which is on the King Cross side of the street; all together it's a two minute walk.

The main Pancras Road entrance to St Pancras International, PICTURED BELOW, is directly opposite the main Pancras Road exit from King's Cross station.

If your train arrives at platforms/tracks 9-11 at King's Cross on exiting the platform, turn to the right and leave the station. You will then see the entrance pictured above ahead of you, but avoid using it if you want to go direct to Eurostar check-in, instead turn to the left and head down Pancras road until you come to that other entrance on the right.

Though do use that entrance pictured above. if you want to access the shops, bars and restaurants in St Pancras International before you head to Eurostar check-in.

To Eurostar departures from the Underground:

The Map of the London Underground Underground Journey Planner The underground station which serves St Pancras is named 'King's Cross St Pancras'.

When you step off the train you will see that there are 'Way Out' signs pointing the way to 'St Pancras International', but if you don't want to/need to use the lifts/elevators, our advice is to ignore these signs. Instead follow this step-by-step guide to taking the quickest route direct to Eurostar check-in, from these Underground lines.

(1) When you step on to the platform from the train, ignore the first 'Trains' sign you will see on the walls and instead follow the Way Out signs pointing the way to Euston Road (When arriving by Northern or Piccadilly line trains from central London, this exit is the 'Way Out' towards the rear of the train).

(2) At the foot of the escalator you will see then a sign pointing the way to 'Trains' - so you'll know you are heading in the right direction

(3) At the top of escalator you will enter into a busy lobby area, but on the other side of the ticket gates will be a sign pointing the way to 'St Pancras'.

(4) Exit from this lobby to the left and then turn right, following more 'St Pancras' signs You will then be in the atrium, which is above the part of the station used by the other Underground lines, at the other end of which is an entrance into the main part of St Pancras International - over to the right.

Take these lines to St Pancras International and it only takes a minute to make the transfer to Eurostar check-in. When ascending up from the platforms, you will enter the atrium in this part of the station, turn to the left and then the nearest entrance to St Pancras International is through the open doors over to the right.

Step through this entrance and you will enter 'The Arcade' at St Pancras International, pictured below.

As can be seen above, there are a lack of 'this way to Eurostar departures' signs.

So keep walking ahead and the Eurostar check-in, 'International Departures' will be over to the right, on the other side of the staircase PICTURED ABOVE.

Note how the main signs stating that this is the Eurostar 'International Departures' area are over to the right and therefore can't be seen when walking along the 'Arcade' lower level, so watch out for them.

Avoid taking the Victoria Line if possible, as there's no alternative to walking along very long passages, the transfer from stepping off the train to being at Eurostar departures will take at least five minutes. The most obvious route from the Victoria line, will take you up in to the 'Market' area of the station, where the departure board is on the left hand wall. From here you need to go ahead and then turn to the left into the main 'Arcade' area; the Eurostar departure area is on the left, towards the far end.

The location of the check-in desks: The smaller of the two entrances to St Pancras International station on Pancras Road, pictured at the top of the article, leads directly into the Eurostar check-in area. However, if you are making your way to check-in from within the station, what can be a tad disconcerting is that Eurostar check-in (the International Departures area) is hidden out of sight. Pictured below, it is located to one side of the main 'Arcade' area within the station, between some shops; under the platforms/tracks that the Eurostar trains use.

Arriving at St Pancras on non-Eurostar train services and heading to Eurostar Departures:

If you arrive at the station by East Midlands or Southeastern hi-speed trains to connect into a Eurostar, you will initially need to descend to the lower level of the station; 'The Arcade'.

If you have arrived by Thameslink trains, when exiting its part of the station go straight ahead into 'The Arcade. Once you're in this 'Arcade' the Eurostar check-in will be over to the left around half way down.

Three Things Most Worth Knowing About Checking-in for Eurostar Departures at St Pancras International

1. Eurostar is currently suggesting that Standard Class And Standard Premier ticket holders should be at the Eurostar departure area in St Pancras International 90 mins before departure; and that Business Premier ticket holders should be there 45-60mins prior to departure.

The departure gates will close 30 mins prior to departure for Standard Class And Standard Premier ticket holders; and 15 mins prior to departure for Business Premier ticket holders.

2. It is up to you to allow time to pass through check-in etc and board the train, though teams of staff will aim to ensure that you won't miss the train if time is tight.

3. At busy times check-in queues and desks are allocated to specific trains, so take care to ensure that you are joining the right line.

The waiting area for the Eurostar departures:

A difference between taking the Eurostar from St Pancras and a flight from a London airport, is that at St Pancras the quality restaurants, bars and shops are available BEFORE you check-in and not afterwards. If you won’t be in the privileged position of being able to access the Eurostar lounge, then after you have passed through check-in, the Eurostar departure hall can feel like an anti-climax; the airport equivalent is the departure gate waiting area.

This international departure hall houses food/drink counters and electronic device chargers, and chargers are otherwise hard to find anywhere else at St Pancras International, but it also tends to be feel crowded.

So to make the most of what St Pancras International offers prior to departure, aim to be at the station a minimum of two hours before your train is due to leave. In normal circumstances there is little point in making your way to check-in more than an hour prior to departure, but with many Eurostar departures close to being fully booked, the information on the Eurostar website is recommending that Standard Class And Standard Premier ticket holders should head to check-in Pancras International 90 mins before departure and that Business Premier tickets should head there 45-60mins prior to departure.

So take a look at the queues or ask the staff what they advise, when you first arrive at the station.

Once you're in the Eurostar departure hall, the specific platform/track your Eurostar will be departing from isn’t usually announced until 15 -25 mins before the departure time' hence the departure hall being crowded.

What can be easy to miss is that because Eurostar trains are long, there are two sets of walkways and lifts, which lead up from the Departure Hall towards specific groups of coaches on the train. One leads up to coaches 1 - 5, while the other leads to coaches 6 and upwards. So check the coach number on your ticket and make your way to the areas in the departure lounge nearest to the corresponding access points, to the coach in which your seat is located.

If you don’t have large items of luggage, resist joining the stampede towards the entrances to the platform, which always occurs when the specific departure platform is announced. Your seat is assigned, so you don’t have to rush to claim it.

However, if you DO have large items of luggage and will be travelling Standard class aiming to be among the first to board is a good strategy, as space on the luggage racks is limited. Stow your cases on the rack and THEN find your seat, if need be you can move your bags once everyone has boarded and the journey is underway.

The coach numbers will be displayed on the electronic panels either on or beside the door; depending on the type of train you will be taking. There will also be staff on the platform who will guide you as to where you should board.

The e300 trains only have one door per coach, but on the e320 trains some coaches have two doors. in practice passengers tend to board by the first door, so using the other door can be quicker.

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Eurostar trains from

London to amsterdam.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, london to amsterdam in 4 hours.

Eurostar runs direct trains from London to Rotterdam & Amsterdam, taking 3h30 to Rotterdam & 4 hours to Amsterdam.

The Man in Seat 61 says, "It's one of the world's busiest air routes.  Eurostar now runs London-Amsterdam trains in just 4 hours with up to 80% lower CO2 emissions than a flight.  Centre to centre with power sockets & free WiFi and (in 1st class) a meal & wine served at your seat.  It's a game-changer for London-Amsterdam."

Important update from 15 June until December 2024 :

The Eurostar terminal in Amsterdam will close for 6 months while Amsterdam Centraal is refurbished and a new larger Eurostar terminal built in one of the under-track passageways. In the London to Amsterdam direction, Eurostar trains will continue to run direct.  But in the Amsterdam to London direction, Eurostars will run Amsterdam-Brussels (with no check-in to go through in Amsterdam), you get off in Brussels and go through security & border control in the Eurostar terminal, then re-board a Eurostar from Brussels to London.  Just as they did before the Eurostar terminal in Amsterdam opened. The current terminal can only process 250 passengers for a 900-seat train, the new terminal will be able to check in up to 650 passengers.

Timetable outward (for all of 2024)

Direct trains continue to run all year in this direction.

Important:   The 08:16 from London to Amsterdam won't run from September to December 2024.

Timetable inward until 14 June 2024

Timetable inward from 15 june 2024 onwards, notes for timetable.

Weekend service often varies and often opens late for booking due to trackwork planning in the Netherlands.

Check times online at www.nsinternational.nl or eurostar.com.  There is a 30-minute minimum check-in for Eurostar .

London to Amsterdam is 585 km (363 miles).  London to Rotterdam is 515 km (320 miles).

How much does it cost ?

£51 one-way or £98 return in Standard class.

£97 one-way or £168 return in Standard Premier with a light meal & wine included.

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy tickets at www.nsinternational.nl , this can sell tickets to any Dutch station.

Option 2, buy at www.eurostar.com which can only sell to Rotterdam & Amsterdam.

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, although some dates may open later than this.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

If you book at www.nsinternational.nl you can use the Manage booking feature at eurostar.com to change seats and select new ones from a seating plan.  See Eurostar seat numbering plans & tips on choosing a seat .  The Amsterdam route is always operated by an Eurostar e320 as only e320s can operate from the UK to the Netherlands.

If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass, you can buy a Eurostar passholder ticket online as shown here .

Additional departures with change in Brussels

Taking a direct Eurostar is the fastest, most convenient and cheapest option.  However, if the times don't suit you there are additional departures by Eurostar to Brussels then either a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train (all tickets come with a seat reservation for a specific train) or the hourly Brussels-Rotterdam-Amsterdam Intercity train (tickets are good for any departure that day, no reservations, you sit where you like).

To find these additional departures with a change in Brussels, use www.nsinternational.nl or www.thetrainline.com .

Travelling from other British stations

See here for advice on add-on tickets from British station to London to connect with Eurostar .

Travelling to other Dutch station s:  Utrecht, Den Haag, Leiden, Arnhem...

You can book from London to anywhere in the Netherlands via this new service using www.nsinternational.nl .  One simple change at Rotterdam for Utrecht, Eindhoven, Den Haag, Leiden, Groningen for example.

Check in at London St Pancras

Check-in at amsterdam centraal, check-in at rotterdam centraal, what's it like on board , meals & drinks are included in standard premier & business premier.

A light breakfast or cold light meal is served in Standard Premier, included in the fare.  A cooked breakfast or hot meal is served in Business Premier, with menus designed by Eurostar's culinary director, master chef Raymond Blanc.  Examples of each are shown below.

About the journey

After leaving St Pancras the train tunnels through north London and emerges on the north bank of the Thames.  Look out for the impressive QE2 road suspension bridge on your right, carrying the M25 across the Thames.  The Eurostar then tunnels briefly under the Thames to reach Kent, speeding past Kentish woods and fields.  The Eurostar crosses the River Medway on a high viaduct, on your left is the M2 motorway bridge but over the top of that you can make out Rochester Castle and Cathedral in the distance.  On your right is the nicest view, the River Medway and its muddy banks dotted with small boats.  The train passes Ashford station non-stop over a dramatic flyover and just half an hour from London it slows slightly and enters the Channel Tunnel.  The tunnel transit takes just 20 minutes, but your phone reception and Eurostar's WiFi still work even deep under the Channel and regular Eurostar travellers hardly notice the tunnel these days.  When you burst back into daylight, you're in France.  You can just see the tower of Calais town hall on the skyline to your left as the train begins its race past the fields and villages of Northern France at 300 km/h, 186 mph.  The lights of Lille Europe station flash past (the trains is non-stop to Brussels) and shortly afterwards it enters Belgium.  The train stops at Brussels Midi for several minutes.  The Eurostar speeds through Antwerp Central non-stop and crosses into the Netherlands, where there are several wide river crossings including the Moerdijk bridge over the Hollands Diep at the mouth of the River Maas.  The train stops at Rotterdam Centraal then 40 minutes later rolls into Amsterdam Centraal , a mere stroll from Amsterdam's famous canals.

Video guide

Suggested hotels in amsterdam.

Cheapies:   There are many cheap hotels, including many near the station, but very few get outstanding reviews.  For ones that do, try the floating boat hotel AmiciA (formerly Friesland), around €45 per night 15 minutes walk from the station or the Rembrandt Hotel from €80, 10 min walk from Dam Square though 20 minutes walk from the station.

Suggested hotels in Rotterdam

The SS Rotterdam :  Easily the most original place to stay in Rotterdam is aboard the moored 1959 transatlantic liner, the SS Rotterdam .  It's a taxi ride or 50 minute walk from Rotterdam Centraal .

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Eurostar travel tips – London Paris by train [Everything you need to know]

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

A question asked by many travellers is how to travel from London to Paris by train. This article explores the various options available for travellers wishing to visit Paris from London with detailed information and Eurostar travel tips for those who wish to make the journey by train.

There are various options to complete the journey from London to Paris, including air travel, coach tours, driving or sea ferry across the English Channel (which for many years was the traditional way to cross the channel) Since the Chunnel  opened for passenger trains in November 1994 the Eurostar train service has been a preferred travel option for millions of people every year. 

If you are visiting the UK and would like to know about train travel in general you may like to read my guide to traveling the UK by train.

UK Travel Planning Podcast Episodes – London to Paris

London – departure → paris – arrival, duration of the journey, direct services from london st. pancras to the following stations, how much does a ticket on the eurostar cost, standard class eurostar ticket holders, standard premier eurostar ticket holders, business premier eurostar ticket holders, what luggage can i take on the eurostar, where is the best place to stay if i am catching an early eurostar train service, what is the procedure when i arrive at st pancras to catch my eurostar train, st pancras international station – features, paris gare du nord – features, related posts for travellers to paris, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks), eurostar from london to paris – essential  information and eurostar travel tips.

The service runs from London St Pancras International Train station (situated in North London) to Paris Gare Du Nord.

• The Eurostar train travels underneath the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel, sometimes referred to as the ‘Chunnel’.
• There are three actual tunnels, two used for passenger trains and freight trains while the third tunnel is a service tunnel.
• The Chunnel is 31 miles long (50.45km), 23.5 miles actually under the English Channel.
• Time in the tunnel is around 20 mins.
• There are up to 19 trains daily from London to Paris.
• The first train leaves Monday to Friday at 05.40 hrs.
• The first train on Saturday leaves at 06.18 hrs and on Sunday at 08:19hrs

TIP: Please note there are timetable changes throughout the year around seasonal service demands.

• The fastest journey takes 2 hours 16 minutes.
• Average journey time is 2 hours 20 minutes.
• Paris Gare Du Nord
• Paris Disneyland
• Lille (France)
• South of France
• Calais – France
• Brussels – Belgium
• Amsterdam – Netherlands 
• Rotterdam – Netherlands

Connected Service* – Change trains in Paris, Lille or Brussels for service destinations for trains to

• Netherlands

* Eurostar is now merged with THALYS with rail links to 17 cities across Europe

The cost of Eurostar train tickets are variable throughout the year and the day/time of travel. At the time of research (Feb 2023) there are considerable fluctuations in the cost for Standard and Standard Premier seats. Business Premier seats had minimum cost variations.

The cheapest prices found were travelling 7 weeks in advance. (On the official site it states advance booking can be available up to 330 days in advance of travel)

An approximate ticket cost is:

• Eurostar Standard Class – From £39 one-way (first train midweek)
• Eurostar Standard Premier – From £84 one-way (first train midweek)
• Business Premier – All journeys were £275 one-way

Tip: I noticed when checking for the cheapest prices as above that 24 hours later the prices had increased substantially. If you see a price you are happy with – don’t delay!

Information for your journey depending on your class of ticket

• Arrive as early as possible – the times given are a guide only.
• Download your train tickets for the most up-to-date recommended arrival time for your booking.

For departures from London St Pancras International to the Gare du Nord recommendation at present (Feb 2023) is to arrive at the station around 90 mins before the train’s scheduled departure. (60/75 mins for passengers who require special assist)

Standard and Standard Premier gates close 30 mins before departure at St Pancras International.

• Drinks and snacks are available from the Café Metropole on the train (or alternatively purchase snacks in the departure lounge cafes and shops before you board)
• Services consist of old and new trains.
• Free WiFi and power sockets are available.
• Baby changing facilities are available on all services though not in all coaches.
• Unlimited ticket exchanges up to 7 days prior to departure (you pay the fare difference – see t&c’s)
• Eurostar Carte Blanche, Classique and Avantage members check for membership variations.

Arrive at the station around 90 mins before the train’s scheduled departure. Ticket gates close 30 mins before departure.

• Extra space at the seats.
• Power sockets at all seats.
• Seat service of a light meal and drinks. Menu is appropriate to the day/time of travel.

Premier ticket holders should arrive at the station 45 to 60 minutes before the scheduled train departure time. The gate closes 15 minutes prior to departure.

• No exchange fees and free cancellations (see ticket t’s & c’s)
• Treats/drinks
• Magazines/newspapers.
• Dedicated fast track ticket gates
• Seat service, on board, 3-course meal. The menu is appropriate to the day/time of travel.
• Extra space at seats.

Luggage Size

All adults travelling can take two pieces of luggage (3 in Business Premier) that are:

• Up to 85cm long.
• And one small piece of hand luggage.
• No weight limit but you must be able to carry and lift your own bag safely.
• No fluid restrictions.

Children travelling on a child ticket can take 1 piece of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage.

If you are catching an early train (or arriving back in London on a late train from Paris) the best option (if you are not already in London) is to stay as close as possible to St Pancras Station. (Read my guide to using public transport in London if you are unsure about how to get to St Pancras)

We found ourselves in this situation a few years ago when we decided to pop over to Paris for my birthday and had booked the early train.

After looking at many hotels we settled on the Hotel Megaro , which is across the road from the station. We had a lovely stay (and have subsequently stayed there again) and I was particularly impressed with the staff (and the bubbly and cake they surprised me with once they knew it was my birthday!)

On subsequent visits we have stayed at the Pullman , located next to the British Library and a 4 minute walk from St Pancras International.

For other options in the area, look at our London neighbourhood guide and recommended accommodation options for all budgets.

• On arriving at the ticket gate all passengers need to:
• Scan the ticket bar code at the ticket gate bar code reader. Some paper tickets do not have a bar code, so you have to check in at one of the service desks.
• Through to security, bag checks. As you would find at an airport. Speed of this can depend on the time of the day or how early/late you are arriving at security before your train departs.
• Passport control – Speed as above.
• Though to the departure lounge, and relax before your train leaves.
• Tax-free shops available.
• Cash machines are available for Pound and Euro currency.
• Check departure boards for your train. This will show the following information
• Train ID (usually 4 digits) and departure time, should match your train ticket.
• Train boarding time and train departure platform.
• Don’t rush to board as soon as the train boarding opens, there is plenty of time.
• Board the train and find your seat. There are usually coach attendants around near the train doors who will direct you to the correct seat in your coach.
• Disabled access can be arranged – contact Eurostar staff or arrange in advance.

TIP: There is always a Eurostar staff member or two at the gates ready to help passengers with any problems. Do not be afraid to ask.

• Coaches are clearly marked to check you have the correct one, seat ranges are also clear at the door into the coach. Check your seat number and board the coach from the right end. This reduces the need to carry your luggage down the entire coach.
• Free magazines and daily newspapers are available for your use as you get on the train.
• Only sit in your designated seat prior to departure. The train may have further stopping points where more passengers will board.

• Train station is located on Pancras Road, London NW1.
• Easy links to the UK rail network at different part of the same station and adjacent Kings Cross train station with ticket offices and ticket machines, also tourist information services.
• London Underground ‘tube’ has underground station at St Pancras, easy access to Eurostar services.
• Excellent selection of coffee shops/bars and restaurants to be found at St Pancras train station, also small express supermarket shops like Marks and Spencer.
• British souvenir and beauty shops to be found in the station concourse.
• Left luggage and lost property services available.

TIP: Do not rush into through the ticket barriers into the station, if time allows, take your time to look around and enjoy the station architecture, statues and the shops.

• Quick exit off the train after arriving at the station.
• No further passport checks, exit straight off the train into the main station concourse.
• Paris Gare Du Nord station is the centre of Paris, instead of air travel where airports are around 1 hour or more outside the city.
• Easy access to bus and RER services and Paris Metro underground system.
• Ticket offices and machines for travel information and ticket purchases for Metro, RER and bus services.

GOOD TO KNOW: You can purchase a book of Paris Metro (RER and bus) tickets on board the Eurostar from the Café Metropole in books of 10 (called a carnet) prior to the Paris.  This makes life a lot easier in Paris if you are pushed for time or if you are unsure of how to buy tickets) Note that this will end in 2025!

Enjoy your trip from London to Paris!

I hope that this guide to taking the Eurostar from London to Paris answers any questions you may have about the journey.

It is a great way to travel between the 2 capitals and an easy trip to make (even if you only want to go for the day!)

If you love the idea of a day trip from London by train but don’t want to travel to France read about 12 places only a few hours by rail from London .

If you are interested in a longer train journey around the UK our 14 day itinerary for the best of Britain by rail included 3 countries and 7 of the top destinations.

If you prefer to make the trip as part of an organised tour I would recommend checking out some of the great options on Get Your Guide . You can find more information about their day trips to Paris from London via Eurostar by clicking this link.

For Eurostar bookings and ticket prices click the button below ↓

CLICK HERE FOR PRICES AND AVAILABILITY FOR LONDON TO PARIS EUROSTAR TICKETS

• TOP TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS TO PARIS

All of my top tips to making the most of your visit to Paris

• 10 THINGS NOT TO DO IN PARIS  

Learn from my mistakes and avoid doing any of these things when in Paris!

• FRENCH FOOD AND DRINK TO TRY WHEN YOU ARE IN PARIS 

This post includes a map of where you can find some of the best food in the French capital.

12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding Eurostar Between Paris and London

Riding Eurostar between Paris and London is an amazing travel experience. Not only is it a smooth and fun ride, but it can save you time and stress when compared to flying. If you’ve never ridden Eurostar before, here are some tips to help you have a better trip.

• 1 How Early Should I Arrive For The Eurostar Train
• 2 Are Passports Checked on the Eurostar Train
• 3 How Long Are You Underwater on the Eurostar
• 4 Is Eurostar Quicker Than Flying
• 5 Does the Eurostar Feel Fast
• 6 Is It Better To Fly or Take Eurostar to Paris and London
• 7 Is Eurostar Scary
• 8 Is Eurostar a Double Decker Train
• 9 Can You See Underwater on Eurostar
• 10 Does Eurostar Check Your Bags
• 11 Do You Keep Your Luggage With You On Eurostar
• 12 Are There Tables on Eurostar
• 13 Booking Train Tickets In Europe

How Early Should I Arrive For The Eurostar Train

You should arrive at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure on Eurostar. On our recent ride it took 30 minutes to get through customs and immigration on our way to London. On top of getting through these security checks, you’ll want to arrive early enough to enter the train when boarding opens, which is 20-30 minutes before the train leaves.

Are Passports Checked on the Eurostar Train

Passports are checked when riding on the Eurostar train. You passport will be checked at the Gare du Nord station in Paris before boarding the Eurostar train from Paris to London. There are separate lines for EU passport holders and all other passport holders. The check is made after you go upstairs to the London Hall.

How Long Are You Underwater on the Eurostar

The speed limit in the Channel Tunnel for trains is 160kph / 100mph. The Channel Tunnel is under the English Channel for 37.9 km or 23.5 miles, which is the worlds longest undersea tunnel. When riding the Eurostar you’ll be underwater for about 13 minutes.

Is Eurostar Quicker Than Flying

It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to go from Paris to London on Eurostar. With security and customs checks taking an additional 30 minutes, your total travel time from the city center can be 3 hours. Eurostar is quicker than flying due to airport security taking longer than train security and the location of the airports.

Does the Eurostar Feel Fast

The Eurostar does not feel fast while you are riding on it. It is a very quiet and smooth train and you’ll have trouble figuring out how fast you are going without looking at a speedometer. Even though you’ll be travelling at around 100mph through the tunnel and 160mph outside of the tunnel, it won’t feel that fast.

Is It Better To Fly or Take Eurostar to Paris and London

It is better to take Eurostar to Paris and London versus flying. When riding on Eurostar the stations are in the city center, which will save you time and money once you reach your destination. If you fly, you’ll be landing at a remote airport and need to take a train into the city. It is also a big time saver to ride Eurostar versus flying.

Is Eurostar Scary

Eurostar is not scary and will not feel different than riding any other train. Most trains go through several tunnels at some point, and the Channel Tunnel will feel just like any other tunnel, just a little longer. If you didn’t know you were underwater you wouldn’t be able to tell. Riding Eurostar should not be a frightening experience as it is a very smooth and quiet train ride.

Is Eurostar a Double Decker Train

The Eurostar is not a double decker train, it is a single level train. Seats can be purchased in 3 separate classes, but all classes are on the same level. There are no stairs to negotiate when riding on Eurostar. You’ll have a choice of sitting in the direction of travel or away from it, but there are no levels to choose from.

Can You See Underwater on Eurostar

Eurostar trains have nice picture windows at the seats that let you see outside. When you are in the underwater section of the ride you will only see the inside of the Channel Tunnel. You cannot see underwater while riding on Eurostar, so no you will also not see any fish.

Does Eurostar Check Your Bags

There is a bag check before boarding Eurostar. Since you are changing countries while on the train, your bags must pass through customs, where they will be scanned and checked. It is a much quicker check than at an airport. You’ll load all of your luggage onto the belt and it’ll be scanned in a matter of seconds.

Do You Keep Your Luggage With You On Eurostar

When riding Eurostar you’ll keep your bags with you on the train. Your bags will either go in the luggage racks at the end of the car, or in the overhead space above your seat. There is plenty of space for your bags. You’ll need to label all of your bags with your name before riding. Simply put your bags on the racks, find your seat and enjoy the ride, then grab your bags on the way off the train.

Are There Tables on Eurostar

Each train car on Eurostar will have tables. Not every seat will have a formal table though, as most just have a fold down tray from the back of the seat in front of them. If you want to sit at a table, reserve seats that face each other, as those seats have tables between them.

Booking Train Tickets In Europe

We book our train tickets in Europe using either Trainline or Rail Europe . These services offer an easier customer experience as we’ve found our credit cards work better when booking through these sites. Eurostar Tickets can be booked on either platform. In addition Rail Europe offers rail passes if you are planning a longer trip.

Eurostar is a marvel of the train world. What many once thought was impossible is now possible by travelling under the English Channel. It is certainly one of the most unique and memorable short rides on a train you can take.

No matter if you are travelling from Paris to London on Eurostar or the other way around, we hope you have an enjoyable and memorable trip!

Robert Marmion

Eurostar to London

• 4 times a day directly to London
• From € 100 return with Eurostar to London
• Reserved seat
• Travel comfortable and relaxed
• Arrive in the heart of London

You will need a valid passport to travel to the United Kingdom.

Advance Passenger Information UK

From 2 April 2024, the UK government requires all travellers to the UK to provide additional information (API) before travelling such as passport number and date of birth. Read more

Schedule Eurostar

There is a superfast direct Eurostar connection from Amsterdam to London St Pancras International 4 times a day.

Eurostar takes you from Amsterdam to London St Pancras International in 4.13 hrs, without changing trains. From Rotterdam the travel time is only 3.28 hrs. From June 2024, there is no direct Eurostar to London. You will transfer at Brussels South/Midi.

The check-in opens 90 mins before departure. Your ticket/fare determines how long in advance you should check in, this is stated at the top of your Eurostar ticket. Business Premier (1st class): no later than 15 minutes before departure from Brussels/Paris/London and no later than 20 minutes before departure from Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Lille. Standard Premier (1st class) and Standard (2nd class): no later than 30 minutes before departure at all stations.

• You can travel from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London directly, without changing trains.
• Travelling with a stopover in Brussels is still possible

All about check-in Eurostar at Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Eurostar London en Paris

Do you want to combine a visit to London with Paris ? There is a direct Eurostar connection between Paris and London almost every hour. So you can travel between the two capital cities quickly and easily.

Eurostar prices

A return tickets is cheaper than 2 one-way tickets. The price for a return ticket starts from € 100. Your seat reservation is included in the price. The sooner you book, the cheaper your ticket.

The price depends on

• The moment of booking - Early booking means lowest prices
• Travel class - 1st or 2nd class
• Flexibility - Regarding changing or cancelling bookings

Per class you pay:

Direct connection Amsterdam - London and v.v.

Connection with 1 transfer - in combination with Intercity Brussels

Eurostar tickets

Eurostar has several classes and associated ticket terms and conditions. Check out the possibilities below.

View Eurostar rates

Pre-sale period and seat reservations

Tickets for Eurostar can be booked for a travel date up to 335 days ahaed. For the time being, this only applies to boarding stations Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The sooner you book, the lower the price. Your tickets are also your seat reservations: you are therefore guarenteed a seat.

Tickets for the conncection Intercity Brussels-Eurostar, with transfer in Brussels-South/Midi, can be booked 6 months before departure.

Classes in Eurostar

When travelling with Eurostar to and from London, you can choose 3 travel classes: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. Travelling with Eurostar to final destination Brussels? Then you can only travel with Standard or Standard Premier.

Acces to the lounge

Travelers with the Standard and Business Premier fare and/ or Loyaltycard Railteam partner (including NS Business Card) have access to the NS International Lounge . You have access to the lounge in the Eurostar terminals in Brussels South and London St. Pancras International with Business Premier and/ or Loyaltycard Railteam partner (including NS Business Card).

The lounge is equipped with everything you need: drinks, snacks, comfortable chairs, free WiFi, computers and phone chargers.

On board of Eurostar

Locating your carriage.

Your carriage and seat numbers are printed on your ticket. On the platform a train composition poster or digital screen indicates where you can wait to get into the right carriage. Next to the Eurostar doors the carriage numbers are indicated, so you can always easily find your carriage. In the coach, the seat numbers are clearly indicated on the rim above the seats.

Electronic outlets

All seats have both European and British outlets. Seats in Standard and Business Premier class also have USB outlets.

Besides the luggage permitted to take on board of Eurostar (maximum of 2 medium-sized suitcases of maximum dimension 85cm, and 1 piece of carry-on luggage) it is possible to transport extra luggage with Eurostar. More information about restricted items can be found at www.eurostar.com .

Luggage offices

• Brussel Zuid, office 'Bagage', this is located between the Eurostar check-in spot and the Travel Centre, between 07:00 - 22:00 hrs, tel.: +32 22 24 88 62.
• London St. Pancras, Euro Dispatch Centre, between 07:00 - 22:00 hrs, tel.: +44 8705 850 850.
• Paris Nord, Sernam, between 07:00 - 22:00 hrs, tel.: +33 1 48 74 14 80.

Collecting Luggage

At the arrival station, luggage can be collected within 24 hours. The cost (to be paid in local currency) are:

• Suitcases, briefcases and other items of less than 30 kilo: € 20
• Large-sized luggage: Bicycles (tandems are not permitted), large musical instruments: € 30

Luggage lost or forgotten?

If you have accidentally left your luggage on a Eurostar train, you can call the following number for information: +32 2 22 48 701.

Bringing bicycles on board Eurostar

No bikes can be taken on the direct Eurostar between Amsterdam and London. However, you may take a folding bike or children's bike, as long as it is no longer than 85 cm and is transported in a protective cover that covers the entire bike. Keep in mind that your bike will be considered part of your luggage. On the Eurostar from Brussels to London, you can bring a bicycle. To do so, email [email protected].

Travellers with children

What does it cost to travel with children? Can I bring a stroller on board? May children walk about and play? For a worry-free trip, read all the practical information about travelling with children

Travellers with impaired mobility

In first class there are two spaces especially for passengers in a wheelchair. There is a special reduced ticket price for this space and one person may accompany you for the same reduced rate. Travellers with a mobility scooter may transport it free of charge on the Eurostar in the luggage compartment.

• Mobility scooter and/or wheelchair may not be longer than 100 cm or wider than 70 cm
• Scooters that run on fuel are not permitted.
• Register your trip with mobility scooter at EuroDespatch via tel.: 0044 344 822 5 822 (open daily from 08:00 to 22:00 hrs).
• The reduced ticket price is not valid for visually impaired passengers.
• No special fare applies to persons accompanying visually impaired passengers.
• There is a special fare for the companion of a mobility-impaired passenger.
• Registered guide and assistance dogs are allowed. Guide and assistance animals always travel for free on Eurostar. On arrival in or departure from the UK, you will need to show your documentation, so make sure you have it with you. A free ticket for a guide or assistance dog can be requested up to 48 hours before departure. Register your guide or assistance dog for your train journey here .

Bringing pets on board

As the UK is no longer part of the European Union, stricter customs rules apply and there is no free movement of animals to and from London.

Only registered guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed. So other animals are not. Not even in a cage.

Guide and assistance animals always travel free of charge on Eurostar. On arrival in or departure from the UK, you must show your documentation, so make sure you have it with you. A free ticket for a guide or assistance dog can be requested up to 48 hours before departure.

Register a guide or assistance dog for train travel (Dutch)

For every class, Eurostar has its own catering offer:

• and menus can be ordered up to 24 hours ahead. For special dietary needs like gluten free, diabetic etc you must order at least 48 hours ahead.
• In the class you can enjoy a menu of top-quality, created in collaboration with well-known star chef Raymond Blanc. The ingredients of the meal are sustainably grown seasonal products. Breakfast is served in the trains that depart before 11.00 hrs. That means croissants, sandwiches and pastry and a choice between a warm breakfast or cold meats, yoghurt and fruit. Warm or cold drinks are served at your seat. You can enjoy as much Lavazza coffee as you like. Lunch and dinner are three course meals; you can choose between a warm of cold main meal. In the afternoon trains from London you can enjoy afternoon tea and to London you will get a café gourmand, with different cakes en warm and cold dishes. There is a large selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages that are served at your seat. And for those who have something to celebrate: there is, of course, champagne!
• : You can get a delicious, light meal served at your seat, adjusted to the time of day. Breakfast is served before 11 hrs: croissants, sandwiches, pastry, yoghurt, fruit juice, tea or coffee with which to start your day off well. The rest of the day you can choose between two main meals plus a dessert with soft drinks, wine or beer plus tea or coffee. For children, you can choose a kid’s meal. Children’s and vegetarian menus can be ordered up to 24 hrs ahead.
• When travelling in , you can purchase warm drinks, soft drinks, snacks, meals and a sweet snack at Café Métropole, our bar carriage. You are permitted to bring your own food and drinks on board.

* Only route Brussels - London and vice versa On the route Amsterdam - Brussels and vice versa, a snack and a drink are served.

Check-in eurostar.

When travelling with Eurostar to London, you must first check-in. How does check-in work?

Transfer stations

We offer you the necessary information to help make changing trains at diverse European cities run smoothly.

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Getting a final price for a Eurostar package is just pot luck

For days now, every time I try to book, a pop-up menu adds £42

I have been trying for days to book a £520 train and hotel package to Lille in September via the Eurostar website. Each time I enter my card details and hit “continue” to pay, a pop-up window advises that the trip has increased by an extra £42. Each time I have cancelled the transaction and started again. Each day it’s still advertised at £520 on the Eurostar site, but the same price increase pops up when I try to pay. It seems Eurostar is counting on me not bothering to cancel and go through the booking process again. CB, Congleton, Cheshire

Eurostar seems to think that if it makes the right noises, customers will overlook shoddy service. “We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our customers and staff above all else,” it explained last week when asked to justify a new policy that prevents staff pushing the wheelchairs of passengers with disabilities.

Asked about this repeated last-minute price rise, it told me: “We prioritise providing a fast and seamless booking experience.” It went on to say that your experience had been a “rare occurrence” while simultaneously claiming accommodation prices, set by hotels, were “subject to frequent adjustments beyond our control”. It added that price changes during a transaction were the rarity, not price changes per se.

None of this makes sense. You say the last-minute price increase happened repeatedly over several days, so Eurostar had plenty of time to update the advertised cost. Back to Eurostar, which claims there are “many reasons” a price change is not reflected on the website.

This suggests that potential passengers must take pot luck when they book a deal. The good news? Eurostar, for what it’s worth, has promised to investigate further! Email [email protected] . Include an address and phone number. Submission and publication are subject to our terms and conditions

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Most viewed.

Eurostar’s London-Amsterdam Train Connection paused

Beginning in June 2024 📅, there will be a six-month hiatus for direct connection.

Eurostar's train service from Amsterdam to London is set for a six-month suspension starting June 2024, a shorter period than the initially feared one-year disruption. The cause: renovation works at Amsterdam's main railway station. These works at Amsterdam Centraal station will reduce the available space for post-Brexit security checks.

Why the Six-Month Suspension? 🛠️

Renovations at Amsterdam Centraal are resulting in a lack of space for passport and luggage checks for the Eurostar service to London .

The four daily connections from Amsterdam to London will be unable to conduct post-Brexit security checks. Attempts to temporarily relocate security facilities have been unsuccessful.

A new terminal, to be built during the closure, is expected to "enable many more travelers to directly travel from Amsterdam to London ".

Alternatives for Travel Between Amsterdam and London 🌍

In the absence of a direct Eurostar service, passengers are likely to opt for flights.

Those traveling to London from Amsterdam and Rotterdam during the suspension will have to switch from intercity trains to the Eurostar network in Brussels, which has a lower capacity of 160, potentially making it an impractical alternative.

The Amsterdam Centraal upgrades aim to improve comfort, safety, and connectivity for passengers.

Brexit's Impact on Train Services 🇪🇺

Earlier this year, Eurostar terminated its services from London to Disneyland Paris due to Brexit-related red tape. Since the UK departed from the European Union, stations receiving services from London have had to implement passport and baggage checks, requiring more staff, time, and space.

With the delayed implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and limited capacity at terminals across Europe, Eurostar has been scaling back its UK services.

In 2022, the operator’s peak capacity decreased by 30% due to the Brexit border checks. The suspension of train services between the Netherlands and the UK means that Eurostar's UK services will only reach Lille, Paris, and Brussels. A long-term plan aims to relocate the international terminal to Amsterdam Zuid, south of the city, by 2036 .

For those still eager to travel by train, connections with Eurostar and other cross-country train services are available in Paris or Brussels . The newly launched European Sleeper offers a service from Brussels to Amsterdam .

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Eurostar trains

Discover Europe's best destinations across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK.

Where does Eurostar go?

Exploring Europe by train is easier than ever before. Come with us to the heart of Europe's most exciting cities across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK. Forget hanging around at baggage carousels or worrying about weight limits on luggage. This is high-speed, low stress travel.

Eurostar top routes

Eurostar route map.

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London to Amsterdam trains

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Travelling with Eurostar to Paris is quick, easy and affordable – you’ll journey from city centre to city centre in as little as 3hrs 20mins.

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From comic books to Dutch masters, art nouveau style to ultra-modern, delicious chocolate truffles, hearty ales, Brussels is a city of curious contrasts.

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Bruges is a bit like stepping back in time with its medieval streets, horse-drawn carriages and cobbled squares. Romantic and charming, perfect for a weekend break.

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For a magical break from the real world, where better than the place where magic gets real? Disneyland® Paris is sure to be a hit with all the family, adults and kids alike.

London to Lille trains

At under 1 hour 30 minutes from London, Lille is the perfect place to go for a day trip, especially as the station is just a short walk from the main square and shops.

London to Rotterdam trains

With our trains direct from St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal, it takes just 3hrs 13 mins to speed from city center to city center.

London to Antwerp trains

Antwerp is an eclectic mix of high fashion and old-world charm. It’s also a world centre for the diamond trade if you’re ring shopping, or just feeling flush.

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Once one of Europe’s leading cities, Ghent still has much of its ancient charm, with narrow cobbled streets, quirky shops, friendly cafés and a packed event calendar.

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Travelling with Eurostar to Amsterdam is quick, easy and affordable – you’ll journey from city centre to city centre in as little as 3hrs 20mins.

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Paris to Schiphol trains

Travelling from Paris to Schiphol Airport is easy - you'll go from the city centre straight to the airport in 3 hours.

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Head to London in style and comfort with Eurostar. Hop on the train at Lille and, in just 1 hour 22 minutes, you’ll be arriving in the heart of London.

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Amsterdam to London trains

From Buckingham Palace to the colourful district of Camden, there are so many things to explore in the British capital.

Amsterdam to Brussels trains

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Rotterdam to London trains

Travelling from Rotterdam to London has never been easier. Go from the centre of one city to the heart of your destination direct in just 3 hours 30 minutes.

Rotterdam to Paris trains

Travelling from Rotterdam to Paris has never been easier. Go from the centre of one city to the heart of your destination direct in just 2hrs 37mins.

Schiphol to Paris trains

Travelling from Schiphol Airport to Paris is easy - you'll go from the airport to the heart of Paris in 3 hours.

Trains from Belgium

Brussels to Amsterdam trains

Travelling with Eurostar to Amsterdam is quick, easy and affordable – you’ll journey from city centre to city centre in as little as 1hr 52mins.

Brussels to London trains

Art and culture, theatre and shopping, leafy parks and riverside strolls – the only tricky bit’s deciding where to start…

Brussels to Paris trains

Travelling with Eurostar to Paris is quick, easy and affordable – you’ll journey from city centre to city centre in as little as 1hr 22mins.

Antwerp to Amsterdam trains

Discover all the reasons why you should travel on the Eurostar Antwerp to Amsterdam train.

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Travelling with Eurostar to Rotterdam is quick, easy and affordable – you’ll journey from city centre to city centre in as little as 1hr 10mins.

Antwerp to Paris trains

Travelling with Eurostar to Paris is quick, easy and affordable – you’ll journey from city centre to city centre in as little as 2hrs 02mins.

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You'll travel from city centre to city centre in under 4 hours.

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London Heathrow airport border staff to strike

LONDON - Hundreds of Border Force officers at London Heathrow, one of the world’s biggest airports, are set to go on strike in April over working conditions, a union said on April 16.

More than 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union working in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 will walk out for four days from April 29 to May 2.

The dispute centres on plans to introduce new rosters the union says will see about “250 of them forced out of their jobs at passport control”, the PCS said in a statement.

“Our members are angry and disappointed at being forced out of their jobs. While not everyone will be affected, the changes will disproportionately hit those who are disabled or have caring responsibilities,” PCS secretary-general Fran Heathcote said.

“The Home Office (interior ministry) should be doing all it can to retain experienced, trained staff – not lose them by introducing an unworkable new roster system,” she added.

The British government drafted in military personnel to check passports at airports including Heathrow in December 2022 when Border Force staff went on strike.

Heathrow is owned by a consortium led by Spanish construction giant Ferrovial.

The consortium includes sovereign wealth funds from China, Singapore and Qatar, as well as North American shareholders. AFP

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