Taking The Eurostar: A Guide

Taking the Eurostar is in many ways not like taking a regular train in the UK. Here’s a full guide for a business traveller to make sure you are prepared for your trip:

Before The Journey

Book nice and early (or put in a Booking Request and we’ll book for you) so you get the best price and availability. There are no weight limits on your luggage but you should still be able to lift it yourself. Most of the prohibited items are obvious (fireworks, explosives, weapons, firelighters, inflammable substances, etc.). Relics from World War sites are also banned (e.g., bullet casings) with no exceptions. You can find the full list HERE. In Standard & Standard Premier, adults can bring 2 pieces of luggage and 1 hand luggage. In Business Premier, adults can bring 3 pieces of luggage and 1 hand luggage.

Business Premier ticket holders get access to the Business Premier Lounge, a 3-course meal onboard, extra space seats, and fast track gates. It’s significantly more expensive though.

The Station

You should check-in at least 45 minutes before departure and in person. Have your ticket printed or your app downloaded before arriving. Scan each person’s ticket barcode individually as you may lose your seat if not scanned.

The train departs from London at St Pancras International. Much like a plane, your luggage and passports will be checked before you board. It’s best to wear comfortable shoes as the trains carry up to 900 passengers, so you can expect to have to queue.

Onboard The Eurostar

You’ll only actually be in the tunnel (under the Channel) around 20 minutes. Journey times from London range from 1 hour and 22 minutes to 4 hours and 9 minutes depending on what station you are getting off at. Paris Gare du Nord is 2 hours and 16 minutes.

You can even purchase a book of Paris Metro tickets at the onboard Café Metropole. While you can buy dinner at the café, it might be cheaper to buy it in the station (past security) and bring it onboard.

Your Destination

The Eurostar stops at Paris Gare du Nord, Lille Europe, Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy (Disneyland Paris), Brussels Midi/Zuid, Amsterdam Centraal, and Rotterdam Centraal. In the winter, it also visits Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Mautiers Salins Brides les Bains in the French Alps. Your passport may be checked again on arrival by Border Control. Most of the stations are in cities and have plenty of connecting routes to get you to your final destination.

Check the Eurostar site close to your journey as it regularly has offers on restaurants and museums where you just have to show your Eurostar ticket and passport.