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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 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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...

Everything you need to know about booking Eurostar train travel across Europe

If you're already based in Europe, the iconic Eurostar train likely needs no introduction; if you're only visiting the continent, however, you may not be quite aware of the service or how speedy and convenient its connectivity is between the U.K. and mainland Europe.

If you're looking for an easy (and typically cheaper) alternative to flying in Europe , then Eurostar might be just what you're looking for. It provides easy access to several countries — if you're short on time during your vacation, you could opt to take a daytrip from London to Paris using this train service.

Keep reading to find out more about traveling on Eurostar, including how to book tickets and save on fares by using your points and miles . Plus, check out our in-depth overview of each fare type on the Eurostar .

Eurostar trains travel to several destinations

Eurostar began operating in 1994 and is one of Europe's most well-known high-speed train services. The train currently offers direct service to London; Paris; Brussels; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Amsterdam.

Further connecting Eurostar services will take you to Antwerp, Belgium; Liege, Belgium; Dusseldorf, Germany; Duisburg, Germany; Essen, Germany; and Dortmund, Germany.

In addition to operating its own trains, Eurostar serves as a connecting rail service for other high-speed carriers to destinations like Disneyland Paris.

Related: 7 reasons why your next family vacation should be a train trip

What are the different ticket types for Eurostar trains?

The fare classes on Eurostar come in three tiers. The lowest and most affordable is Standard, which is the equivalent of coach or economy class with an airline.

Next up is Standard Premier, which is akin to premium economy. Finally, there's Business Premier, which is Eurostar's version of business class.

The fare classes are broken down as follows:

With regards to pricing, the cost of fares in Standard and Standard Premier fluctuates based on seasonality, peak periods and destination. Business Premier, on the other hand, remains fairly consistent year-round in terms of pricing. Eurostar tickets can usually be booked up to 330 days before your return travel date.

Generally speaking, if you're considering a trip from London onward, you can expect prices to fall somewhere within the following margins for a one-way trip:

If you're looking to snag a bargain, it's worth keeping your eye out for flash sales, which Eurostar regularly runs throughout the year, often with tickets for as little as 30 British pounds (around $38).

How do Eurostar trains compare to flying?

Compared to flying to your destination and transiting through European airports, traveling via Eurostar is much more low-stress.

The most obvious difference is the security experience, which, compared to that at an airport, is effortless, with no removal of liquids or large electric items. Although queues can mount up during busy periods, we've found that we're through security in under 10 minutes when we travel with Eurostar.

Check-in is similar to airport check-in in that you must show your ticket and passport at a desk or kiosk. London's St. Pancras International Station , however, is currently testing biometric face scans , which may make checking in even faster.

Regarding lounge access, it's worth noting lounges are only available at the St. Pancras, Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Midi/Zuid stations.

If you're used to airline-run business-class airport lounges, you may need to lower your expectations somewhat here. Although comfortable and pleasant, the lounges are somewhat basic — don't expect too much in the way of food.

Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside

On board the Eurostar, it's like most modern trains you may have taken at home. The differences between Standard Premier and Business Premier are nominal. You'll get slightly more legroom and a slightly more modern seat in both classes than in Standard.

What you're paying for in these classes is the luggage allowance and food service. If you don't deem either of those things a huge must-have, you'll be more than comfortable in Standard.

That said, the food service on the Eurostar is much better than on most airplanes and currently features a menu designed by the renowned Raymond Blanc. Champagne and coffee services are also served free of charge in Business Premier.

How to book the Eurostar train with credit cards

Travel on Eurostar, booked directly with Eurostar or through an online travel provider, should be coded as travel.

The following credit cards offer bonus points for travel expenses, along with strong welcome bonuses:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card : Earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 2 points on all other travel purchases.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve : Earn 3 points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases, including travel.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases, including travel.
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Earn 3% cash back on transit, including taxis, parking, tolls, trains and buses.
• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ): Earn 2% on every purchase, with 1% cash back when you buy and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Related: 14 best travel credit cards

How to earn points and miles for Eurostar trains

Eurostar operates its own loyalty program named Club Eurostar. For every British pound spent (about $1.27), you will earn 1.2 points. This means you earn around 1 point per $1 spent.

Elite members receive the following points bonuses when booking:

• Avantage: 25%
• Carte Blanche: 50%
• Etoile: 75%

Eurostar tickets can now be booked through the Uber app , and you will earn 10% back in Uber credits on Eurostar bookings and National Rail train tickets in the U.K.

Additionally, you can earn 10% back when you purchase your coach tickets with the following U.K. operators: National Express and Megabus. If you decide to opt out of taking public transit, you can also hire a car from Avis, Hertz and other companies in your Uber app. When you book your trip, you'll receive £10 off (about $12).

You can also transfer 2,000 Accor Live Limitless points and receive 300 Eurostar points.

How to redeem points and miles for Eurostar trains

You can redeem 2,000 Club Eurostar points for a round-trip ticket in Standard class (or 4,000 points for a Standard Premier ticket), though these tickets are limited. For 1,000 more points, you can book any Standard or Standard Premier seats available.

A round-trip ticket can easily cost over $200 in Standard class (and double this at peak periods), making Club Eurostar points very valuable.

Business Premier tickets are available for 6,000 points round-trip for any available seat (saver-level space is not offered).

A one-way upgrade from Standard to Standard Premier is 600 points.

If you don't wish to redeem Club Eurostar points for train travel, you can transfer 500 Eurostar points and receive 1,000 Accor points .

You can redeem Virgin points through Virgin Red for the following Eurostar vouchers:

• 2,000 points for a 10-pound E-Voucher (about $12)
• 5,000 points for a 25-pound E-Voucher (about $31)
• 10,000 points for a 50-pound E-Voucher (about $63)
• 20,000 points for a 100-pound E-Voucher (about $126)

We would not recommend redeeming Virgin points in this way under any circumstances, as this will only give you a redemption value of 0.5 cents each, which is only one-third of our current valuation of Virgin points . You can obtain far more value from your Virgin points by redeeming through flights on Virgin Atlantic or partner airlines like Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines.

Related: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: How to earn and redeem points for maximum value

Bottom line

Eurostar's popularity boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic as travelers looked for ways to move around Europe without relying on airlines. As a result, Eurostar fares can be more expensive compared to flights with the same route. For short journeys like between London and Brussels, taking Eurostar is a much quicker and more relaxing experience, while on longer journeys like London to Amsterdam, the price can be similar.

If you want to travel within Europe and like the idea of keeping your feet on the ground, book in advance or redeem points and enjoy the stress-free Eurostar rail experience.

Accessibility Links

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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What You Need to Know about Eurostar Trains

If you’d like to learn about Europe’s own connected train system, Eurostar, you’ve come to the right place.

Who doesn’t enjoy a fun train  journey . Going through the countryside while you sit back and take in the views beats driving any day of the week. What’s not to like about having no risk of traffic or concentrating hard on what other drivers close to you are doing while enjoying a beer or wine with your meal onboard? If you’d like to learn about  Europe’s  own connected train system, Eurostar, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more!

What Are the Main Eurostar Routes?

The great capital cities of Paris, London, Brussels, and Amsterdam are the main Eurostar destinations, with trains running seven days a week, every day except for Christmas. They run from St. Pancras International, Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi, and  Amsterdam  Central stations, respectively. Depending on the season and service, other main stops include Lille, Calais, Lyon, Marseille, Avignon, Marne-la-Vallee, and Rotterdam.

Are There Any Other UK Eurostar Stations?

The Eurostar also goes from Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International in Kent. Not all the services stop here but there are car parks if you wish to drive or avoid Central London.

How Far in Advance Should I Book My Eurostar Tickets?

The good news is, that compared with a lot of other train companies, you can book a Eurostar ticket 180 days in advance, with cheap tickets being released at times throughout the year at sporadic moments.

How Can I Get My Ticket?

You have to print out your Eurostar ticket. So the easiest method is just to print your ticket at home. If you don’t have a printer, you can collect your ticket at the Eurostar station using the collection reference in your booking confirmation. If you’ve booked a series of connections to or from your Eurostar destinations, it’s always best to print them out at your house. Eurostar machines do not cater to all onward tickets.

Do You Need a Passport?

In order to use the Eurostar trains you will need a passport. A smart thing to consider is an ePassport since they allow you to directly go through the electronic gates, which are much quicker.

To learn more about this incredible train system, call AESU today!

Explore the World with AESU!

Are you ready to plan the adventure of a lifetime? AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.

Experience an exhilarating adventure! A few 2024 dates are still available at  www.aesu.com . Check out our most popular trips: the  Euro Focus  and  Great Escape  tours! If you have any questions or want help booking your next adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website. Follow AESU on  Facebook ,  X (formerly known as Twitter) ,  Instagram ,  LinkedIn , and  Pinterest .

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Categories: Europe | Tags: Eurostar , Eurostar train , and trains This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 at 11:32 am . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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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

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Who Takes the Eurostar? Almost No One, as the Pandemic Fuels a Rail Crisis

A plunge in ridership at the international high-speed train mirrors wider troubles gripping Europe’s railway industry.

By Liz Alderman

PARIS — Earlier this month, David-Alexander Leduc rolled his suitcase down a nearly empty platform at the Gare du Nord train station and scanned his ticket at the turnstile to board the sole Eurostar leaving that day for London.

Mr. Leduc used to shuttle regularly for business on one of at least 17 high-speed Eurostar trains that ran back and forth daily, morning to night, through the underwater Channel Tunnel linking Britain and France.

He was lucky there was a train to take.

“It’s constraining,” said Mr. Leduc, who lives in London and has cut back hopping over to France to meet clients as a plunge in ridership from national quarantines forces Eurostar to slash services. “But you have to adapt.”

On Monday, a bad year for Eurostar suddenly turned worse. All service from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam was suspended for at least 48 hours, as governments on the continent banned travelers from Britain , a precaution as health officials try to control a new variant of coronavirus sweeping across parts of England. Trains will continue operating from Paris to London, the company said.

Eurostar, the sleek and speedy mode of travel that ties London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and other cities, is a shadow of itself, crippled by the pandemic. Its ridership has all but vanished, and its finances are threatened. More than 90 percent of its employees have been furloughed, one of its union said.

Its woes reflect a struggle for survival playing out across the European train industry, as the pandemic continues to upend the business of transportation. Like Europe ’s airlines, the railway sector is facing its worst crisis in modern history.

Ridership has slumped 70 to 90 percent amid lockdowns and social-distancing requirements, pushing the industry toward a staggering €22 billion in losses this year, around the same expected for European airlines, according to CER , a Brussels-based trade group representing passenger and freight train operators. Thousands of trains have been mothballed, and tens of thousands of workers are on government-subsidized furloughs.

“It’s a totally extraordinary situation,” said Libor Lochman, CER’s executive director. “There is no comparison for it, and it can and will lead to the bankruptcy of a number of companies, unless there is the political will to prevent it,” he said.

With more than nine billion passengers and 1.6 billion tons of freight carried on tracks stretching from Spain to Sweden, Europe’s trains are as vital as planesfor whisking people and goods across the continent.

But even after the pandemic, analysts say work-from-home practices, online socializing and the rise of internet shopping will have a lasting impact on rail travel of all types, leaving privately owned companies like Eurostar and state railways including DeutscheBahn in Germany and SNCF of France, Eurostar’s biggest shareholder, struggling to survive.

The European Union needs the industry to remain viable: It has made rail transport a centerpiece of the European Green Deal , a landmark environmental policy that aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The plan includes doubling high-speed rail and freight traffic, and expanding electric-powered trains and tracks to slash carbon emissions.

Eurostar, which employs 3,000 people and has its headquarters in London, has appealed to the British and French governments, citing its role as a low-carbon mode of travel, after the aviation industry and public rail received billions in financial support.

“There is a risk that this iconic service could be left to fail,” Eurostar’s chief executive, Jacques Damas, wrote in an op-ed article.

As an independent train operator, the company isn’t eligible for direct aid in Britain, but it is pressing on other fronts. Eurostar is seeking relief from British business taxes, and especially the steep tolls it pays for using train tracks in Britain, which Mr. Lochman said can sometimes cost several hundred euros per mile.

State railways are getting billions in support. SNCF, which faces losses of up to €5 billion, with only a fraction of its high-speed TGV trains currently running, received a €4 billion capital injection from the French government last Tuesday. DeutscheBahn’s expected losses of €5.6 billion this year will be offset by up to €4 billion in rail support from the German government.

Privately held operators that rely on shareholders and customer receipts face higher hurdles. Start-up low-cost train companies, including Flixtrain in Germany, have cut service and face financial strain. Leo Express, a competitor in the Czech Republic, filed for bankruptcy in October.

Eurostar is the biggest and most well known of the bunch. Owned by a consortium including SNCF, which holds a 55 percent stake, as well as investment firms and the National Railway Company of Belgium, it was already bracing for a potential hit to business from Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, which officially takes effect on Jan. 1.

Pandemic restrictions have dealt it a swifter blow. After record profit in 2019, when 11 million people crowded onto its trains, Eurostar said it was now “fighting for its survival” after a “total collapse in demand” for international rail travel.

Passenger numbers have plunged 95 percent since March. Revenue fell by €340 million in the first half, down 61 percent from a year ago. From a peak of running more than 60 trains a day, Eurostar cut service to one daily round-trip between London and Paris, and one on its London-Brussels and Amsterdam routes.

Until this week, Eurostar was temporarily adding more daily trains ahead of the Christmas holidays, with plans to return to a reduced schedule in January.

The suspension of service out of London will depend on whether European governments agree to accept British travelers. “We are waiting further detail from the governments on restrictions beyond this initial 48 hour period,” the company said Monday.

Eurostar recently secured more than 200 million British pounds in financing from its shareholders, but the money is finite. A spokeswoman said the outlook for 2021 “continues to be significantly lower passenger numbers and loss of revenue than can sustain our business.”

Unions, which typically fight management, are aligned with Eurostar executives in pushing for government help.

“Until Covid broke, we had a business that was on the up and up,” said Mick Lynch, a representative of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, which represents Eurostar’s employees in Britain. “Now, we are looking at 5 percent of previous revenue and passengers on a good day,” he said. “No business can operate on that,” he said.

Even after a vaccine is rolled out, Europe’s major rail companies face a precarious transition period. A full turnaround for passenger railway operators is unlikely before 2023 or 2024, and even that will depend on government support, said Maria Leenen, a founder of SCI Verkehr , a Hamburg-based rail industry consultancy.

As the industry maps out a post-pandemic recovery, analysts say it will need to inspire new loyalty in riders, in part by promoting trains as an ecological way to travel as Europe moves toward a greener future.

Companies are also reviewing pricing models that worked fine when business executives and selfie-taking tourists swarmed to Europe’s capitals, but are less viable as a pandemic-induced recession cuts into consumers’ spending power.

With fewer trains, ticket prices have been climbing to sometimes astronomical levels that have sent even environmentally conscious commuters searching for airplane flights that are up to 75 percent cheaper.

Mr. Leduc, an industrial consultant for British and French start-ups, paid about 400 euros (about $485) for his round-trip ticket, about double the normal fare. He said he paid it because the trip was for business. But as he plans holiday travel back to France with his wife and daughter, he is mulling whether to take easyJet, a discount airline, after realizing that train tickets for his family could cost nearly €1,000.

“If Eurostar prices stay in the stratosphere, I won’t hesitate to start taking the plane, even if it’s more tiring, longer and more polluting,” he said.

Even when quarantines are lifted, people may not use trains as frequently, including lucrative business travelers who thought nothing of hopping on the Eurostar to Paris for a meeting, then returning to dine in Soho that evening. Some riders will have ditched the train for cars. In metropolitan areas, commuters may turn increasingly to bicycles for short-distance travel.

Still, the pandemic is unlikely to wipe out Europe’s love affair with trains. People will probably gravitate back to their old mobility behavior as the pandemic fades, said Ms. Leenen of SCI Verkehr.

“But the trains will just be a little less full,” she said.

Antonella Francini contributed reporting from Paris.

Liz Alderman is the Paris-based chief European business correspondent, covering economic and inequality challenges around Europe. She was previously an assistant business editor, and spent five years as the business editor of what was The International Herald Tribune. More about Liz Alderman

Eurostar tips: How to enhance the travel experience

Providing convenient and fantastic links from the UK to the continent, Eurostar is a great alternative to flying to mainland Europe. Here, we take a look at some Eurostar tips on how to enhance the travel experience.

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ARE TRAIN JOURNEYS THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL?

I love a good train journey. Whizzing through the countryside while you sit back, relax and take in the views, beats driving hands down. No risk of traffic along the way. No need to concentrate hard on what the other drivers are doing around you. A beer or wine with your onboard meal. What’s not to like?

It’s fair to say that the UK railway network has had its fair share of issues over the past few years. Increasing prices year on year, overcrowded trains, strikes and cancellations, all of which have made train travel that little less appealing. On top of that, it’s generally cheaper to fly between UK airports than it is to travel across the country by train. A quick internet search tells me that the cheapest train ticket from Manchester to London would cost £104.00 return, where a British Airways return flight for the same dates would cost £77.00. There are deals to be had of course, but in general I don’t take the train as much as I used to for longer journeys. Which is a real shame.

THE RAILWAYS OF EUROPE AND FURTHER AFIELD

I love having the opportunity to use trains in certain situations. I’ve taken many train journeys in Europe. The trains are comfortable and efficient, and most of all – the ticket prices are significantly cheaper than of those in the UK. I’d love to experience an overnight sleeper train experience, which hasn’t quite happened yet. There are also some scenic railway journeys on my wish list, such as the Jungfrau Express in Switzerland. Other scenic journeys such as the Rocky Mountaineer or the Belmond Royal Scotsman, may be a longer wait due to their high end  pricing.

For now though, my favourite railway journey is on the Eurostar from London to mainland Europe. Having been on Eurostar a few times now – to Paris, Disneyland Paris, Bruges and most recently Lille, I really enjoy the experience.  That said, there are ways to make the travel experience so much better with a little bit of thought, so here are my Eurostar tips on how to enhance  the travel experience.

From overnight stays the night before, to railway station experiences and decisions about onboard travel classes, depending on budget, there are a number of things that can make the Eurostar journey just a little bit more special.

EUROSTAR TIPS – THE RAILWAY STATION EXPERIENCE

What better way to start a trip than from one of the most spectacular buildings and stations in London. St. Pancras Railway Station and its magnificent red bricked fascia, now home to the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, is my favourite building in the whole city. The curve of the building, the intricate details and beautiful gothic towers – it’s like something from a fairy tale. We stayed there once – saved up and splashed out for an overnight stay and it was absolutely wonderful. Even if you choose not to stay over, or have a journey later in the day, be sure to make your way to the station in plenty of time to enjoy exploring and admiring the building, before you have to check in.

The fascia of the the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel and railway station

READ ABOUT OUR STAY AT THE ST. PANCRAS RENAISSANCE HOTEL

The station interior is as impressive as the fascia with a large singe span arched roof constructed of a wrought iron framework and glass. Walking in from the hotel ground floor level into the upper concourse gives a great overview of the station interior and the beauty of the Barlow Shed, which houses the Eurostar terminal and main concourse.

Arched roof the the Barlow Shed

THE ART AND SCULPTURES OF ST. PANCRAS | Take a wander around the concourse and admire the details that have been added since the station was re-opened as  St. Pancras International  by the Queen in November 2007. One of the main features of the Grand Terrace is a large bronze statue, The Meeting Place. It features a couple locked in an embrace. It’s romantic and beautiful, although looking in closer detail around the pedestal of the statue, there is a slightly less romantic and amusing insight into typical modern day human behaviour. Above the statue, the Dent Clock sits on the apex of Barlow Shed. A more recent addition to this area of the station is Tracey Emin’s light sculpture – the words ‘ I want my time with you ’ in neon pink high above the platforms. Finally, take a couple of minutes to search out the statue of John Betjeman – the man responsible for saving the station and hotel building from demolition in the 1960’s. Thank the lord for John Betjeman.

The Grand Terrace

The Meeting Place pedestal detail

BREAKFAST AT ST. PANCRAS | If your super early, there are plenty of breakfast options around the upper concourse. There are also plenty on the lower concourse too, but from experience, it’s always more crowded down there given this is the location of the departure gates for all national and international trains. Carluccio’s is a popular spot, but if you want something a little more fancy then head to the  Booking Office  within the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel – a cathedral like space that’s comfortable and stylish. If you like stylish, then you can also head further down the concourse to  Searcy’s Brasserie .

CHAMPAGNE TIME | At this point be careful to keep an eye on the time and do not miss the opportunity to stop off at the  St. Pancras Champagne Bar  out on the concourse. I state this clearly, because we had great ideas of doing this before our trip to Bruges, but breakfast took way longer than planned and we missed out. The St. Pancras Champagne Bar is the longest champagne bar in Europe and is located right next to the Eurostar platforms, with panoramic views of the station. There is a large selection of champagnes and sparkling wines, including a wide selection by the glass. If you’ve got time for a couple of glasses each, you may as well just splash out on a bottle. You’re worth it.

Searcy’s Champagne Bar

This is another point in time to be careful. It’s lovely in the champagne bar. They have ‘Press for Champagne’ buttons at the table so you could get completely carried away, but remember to allow plenty of time to check in for your Eurostar train and get through security. Check in closes 30 minutes before departure (unless you are travelling Business Premier), but on peak periods it can take a while to get through security. Leave plenty of time – remember the whole idea of these Eurostar tips are to eliminate the stresses of travel.

‘Press for Champagne’ – best button ever

DEPARTURE LOUNGE | International Departures are on the lower concourse of the station and once through security the departure lounge offers some facilities for passengers, if you’ve allowed yourself time to hang around. There is a bar, a small duty free shop, a Pret and a WH Smith, as well as toilets. If you are travelling Business Class then there is also a Business Lounge that looks lovely. There’s a considerable amount of seating, but if there happens to be a few trains leaving in close proximity you may be looking for some floor space, or wanting to use your suitcase as a chair.

Once it’s time to board, head to the correct gate and up the escalators to the platforms.

EUROSTAR TIPS – THE ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

On-board the Eurostar trains there are three travel classes – Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. Here’s a little run down on the what’s included in each class of ticket, information taken from the Eurostar website.

Standard Class

• Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure.
• Seat reservations included.
• Snacks, drinks and meals available from the buffet car.
• Two pieces of luggage and one small piece of hand luggage.
• 2 for 1 entry to galleries and museums at the chosen destination.

Standard Premier

• Spacious coaches and more comfortable seats.
• Light meal including drinks served at your seat.

Business Premier

• Use of the Business Premier gate which closes 10 minutes before departure.
• Three course meal served at your seat, menu designed with Raymond Blanc.
• Access to business lounges at Eurostar stations.
• Three pieces of luggage and one small piece of hand luggage.
• Free cancellations and unlimited exchanges up to 60 days after departure.

For most of my Eurostar journeys I have travelled in Standard Class, mainly due to the fact that being generally such a short journey, I didn’t see the value in upgrading. However, on our most recent trip I agreed to an upgrade to Standard Premier, outbound only.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE EUROSTAR ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

STANDARD PREMIER | My first impression of the Standard Premier carriage was that it was really spacious. Whereby the Standard class carriages have two rows of seats either side of the aisle, the Standard Premier (and Business Premier) have rows of two seats to one side, and single seats to the other, creating a lot more space. With a mix of twos and fours (with tables) to one side, and the single two seaters with table opposite, the aisle is wide and the seats have a significant amount of legroom.

The Standard Premier carriage on Eurostar

Table for two in Eurostar’s Standard Premier carriage

As we were on a lunchtime train outbound, our meal served at the seat was an airline style tray which included a cold chicken salad, bread roll, and dessert. There were also other options available. This was accompanied by wine, beer or a soft drink and followed up with tea, coffee or more booze if this was your preference. The food was tasty and the service was friendly and efficient.

Typical Standard Premier lunchtime meal tray

STANDARD | The return journey from Lille was in Standard Class. Perhaps I regretted this a little bit after spending a couple of hours in the cold and draughty Lille International station before being called through to the departure lounge. In all fairness the standard class carriage is perfectly comfortable, although compared to the Standard Premier is does feel rather cramped and there is far less legroom.

Eurostar’s Standard Class carriage

The downside of Standard Class is the lack of at seat service. The buffet cars – Café Metropole are situated towards the centre of the (very long) Eurostar trains and have a selection of hot and cold sandwiches and snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks. My top tip here is to get there early, as my visit was fairly unsuccessful with a limited variety of food available. It’s also worth noting that Eurostar trains travel at quite a speed (up to 186 mph) so it’s quite a challenge wandering through a number of carriages with steaming hot drinks with the trains rocking back and forth.

There is plenty of luggage space on the trains at the ends of the carriages, and overhead at the seats. You’ll be unlucky to struggle to find space for your items. We boarded our return train in Lille, which was already quite full and we had no problems. All seats have power points available, with a mix of UK three pin and European two pin plugs.

EUROSTAR TIPS – HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Eurostar have regular seat sales – there barely seems to be a time when you can’t get some kind of reduced ticket prices. Currently, the cheapest deal to Paris one way is £39.00, which I think is an absolute bargain. We booked a trip to Lille back in September 2018 and the return journey per person was £112.00, travelling outbound in Standard Premier and inbound in Standard. Doing a quick search in November 2023 for a randomly selected weekday in January, the cheapest one way ticket to Lille from St. Pancras is £39.00 in Standard, £84.00 in Standard Premier and £275.00 in Business Premier.

Have you ever travelled Eurostar and how was your experience? Leave a comment in the box below.

BOOK TICKETS ON THE EUROSTAR WEBSITE

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Thanks Dylan for your little blog about the Eurostar and experiences. I to have used it many times across to Brussels and if you buy the right ticket you can travel from there on the Belgium trains to another destination so I’ve gone from London to Antwerp via Brussels. Sounds a long trip but the only way to do it on Eurostar. Although you can fly direct from London city airport to Antwerp, I don’t think it is as nice an experience as the Eurostar.

Dylan Jones

Thanks Emma. I find it a far more relaxing experience than flying in general. And there are such good deals on ticket prices too!

This looks wonderful! I took the Eurostar in 2015 but really wasn’t keen. Maybe it was the company I was with :/ I’d love to go somewhere on it again and hopefully have a better time. I love Searcys at St Pancras too! X

Maybe you need an another trip to create a better memory!

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Eurotunnel says no queues with new travel system

The boss of Eurotunnel has insisted there will not be long queues of cars at its terminals when a new EU travel system starts in October.

Brits heading to and from Europe will need to register fingerprints and a photo at the border, which has prompted warnings of delays.

Eurotunnel chief executive Yann Leriche said journeys would take five-to-seven minutes longer, but extra lanes and technology mean the process will go smoothly.

The BBC has had the first look at new machines people will need to use at Folkestone or Calais.

At the Port of Dover, Eurostar’s St Pancras terminus and Eurotunnel in Folkestone, French border police check passports as people leave the UK.

The EU’s much-delayed Entry Exit system , or EES, will replace manual passport stamping.

Citizens of countries which are outside the bloc, including the UK, will need to register their biometric information.

There have been repeated warnings of queues as a result, and calls for the EES launch to be pushed back again.

There were hopes that an app being developed by the EU could enable some of the registration to be done from home, but it is not expected to be ready for use in October.

At Eurotunnel’s Folkestone and Calais sites, we saw how the company which operates vehicle and freight shuttles across the Channel Tunnel has been preparing for the new system.

The equivalent of £70m is being spent building processing zones, where people will queue in their cars to use automatic machines.

Yann Leriche, the chief executive of Eurotunnel operator Getlink, told the BBC that travellers "will simply [get] out of their car, spend a few minutes on their kiosks, and go back to their car and continue their journey”.

He said it would take “five to seven minutes extra to get through”, but added “as we have extended the number of lanes, there will be no delay on the highway, nothing. It will happen in a very smooth manner”.

The company will recruit 140 new staff to assist passengers.

I tried out one of the prototype machines which Eurotunnel will use at its terminals.

First, it took a scan of my passport.

Next, the machine then took a photo of my face.

I was then asked to put my right hand on another scanning pad, which recorded my fingerprints.

A series of questions about my journey followed on the touchscreen, to which I had to answer "yes" or "no".

At the Port of Dover, the plan is slightly different.

Port staff will have iPads for car passengers to register their information.

Coaches will be processed off-site at the Western Docks, with e-gates or kiosks.

Monday marks 30 years since Queen Elizabeth II and President Mitterand took part in the Channel Tunnel's official opening event.

Paying passengers had to wait several months longer to take the journey on Eurostar trains.

The tunnel opened £2bn over budget. The company operating it nearly went bust at one point, but it later became profitable and the services through the tunnel have endured.

With the pandemic over and preparations under way for the introduction of EES, Getlink boss Mr Leriche wants to see an increasing number of trains going through the tunnel.

Eurostar, a separate company to Eurotunnel, runs passenger services from London St Pancras through the Channel Tunnel to Paris and beyond. Since the tunnel opened, it has been the only operator doing that.

Now, there's talk of rival operators springing up.

Mr Leriche said: "We are confident that within the next 10 years, there will be a doubling of the direct connection between London and Europe".

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30 years after the Channel Tunnel opening, Eurostar rivals have failed to launch

Could the promise of investment bring competition to the rails and drive down ticket prices .

If the ticket prices and frequency of services were on par, trains would always beat planes as the best way to cross the Channel. But while Eurostar remains the civilised alternative to UK airports, it is often more costly and has seen services from London to Disneyland Paris , Marseille, Avignon and Lyon axed since 2018.

Now the operator, which will celebrate its 30 th anniversary in November, is perhaps closer than ever to seeing competition on the rails.

I took my kids to Austria by rail – it was easy, fun and cheaper than flying

Among the named contenders are Virgin Group, Evolyn (a UK-registered, Spanish-owned firm) and Dutch start-up Heuro.

Evolyn had suggested a launch as early as next year. A €50m show of support from Getlink, which runs the Channel Tunnel, could speed up the race. The Channel tunnel itself turned 30 on Monday.

The Financial Times reports that the operator has offered the investment pot to encourage services from a Eurostar challenger.

Yann Leriche, chief executive of Getlink, told the newspaper that there were at least five companies interested in running new passenger trains between the UK and the Continent. He said that about 400 trains use the tunnel each day, but that there was capacity for 1,000.

If there’s space for more than one Eurostar rival, it could, in theory, make cross-Channel services more affordable.

As Gavin Haines wrote for i , the liberalisation of the rail network elsewhere in Europe has broken down monopolies and led to a reduction in prices.

But there are significant challenges facing new operators. One is the investment required in ordering trains that meet the tunnel’s safety rules.

Many others are revealed by Eurostar’s recent history.

The adherence to post- Brexit rules is among them. Following the end of the Brexit transition period, there are additional passport checks required for entry to the EU from the UK, and for travel from the UK, these are carried out by French passport control officers at St Pancras International.

Stamping UK passports to ensure that Britons are adhering to the 90-day rule for travel to the EU (non-EU residents cannot remain in the bloc for more than 90 out of 180 days) can increase queueing times at terminals, and not all of them have capacity to hold the extra numbers of waiting customers.

In January 2023 , it was revealed that Eurostar’s morning trains are being capped at only 550 out of 900 seats on trains from St Pancras, but also abroad; trains are leaving Amsterdam Centraal station almost three-quarters empty.

The launch of a new fast-track process for some passengers helped to alleviate congestion. However, in February this year, HS1, the owner of the lines and stations between London and the Channel tunnel, warned that planning for the introduction of new EU border rules at St Pancras was inadequate. These checks are still set to be introduced in October through the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace passport-stamping and will require the collection of non-EU travellers’ data, including a facial image and fingerprints, on the first visit to the EU after the system comes into force. The data for most non-EU passport holders will then be kept on the system for three years.

HS2 tunnel to Euston 'to be funded with £1bn of taxpayer cash' despite Sunak vow

At the time, it was said only 24 kiosks for EES checks had been allocated to St Pancras by the French Government and that 50 would be needed at peak times.

Brexit and Covid have also been blamed for the suspension of stops at Eurostar terminals in Kent and the cancellation of the operator’s direct service from London to Disneyland Paris.

Other challenges cannot be assigned to either upheaval, however. Last-minute strikes by French Eurotunnel staff scuppered the plans of thousands of travellers last Christmas. Then, on 30 December, flooding on a tunnel outside of London led Eurostar to cancel services from the UK capital, with about 30,000 customers affected.

Eurostar will remain the smoother alternative to flying to Paris for the Olympics. But could a rival soon lead to more options for rail travellers?

First comes the test of EES. Rail expert Mark Smith, who runs the rail travel website The Man in Seat 61 , suggested to i last year that there could be ways to boost capacity at St Pancras to allow for new operators. Stratford International has also been suggested as a potential terminal for new services.

With the practicalities of launching EES in October, it is hard to see a new cross-Channel rail operator selling tickets by this time next year.

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Best Eurostar destinations to visit in 2024: Top routes from London to Paris, Amsterdam and more

These are the european hotspots you can visit with just a quick trip over the channel, article bookmarked.

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Since launching in 1994, the Eurostar has carried over 200 million passengers across the UK , France , Belgium, the Netherlands , and Germany .

The famed train service whizzes travellers across the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel, completing the journey from London to its nearest stop, Lille in northern France, in just 1h 22m.

And although some of its previously popular routes, such as London-Marseille and the direct train to Disneyland Paris , have been scrapped due to a combination of Covid and Brexit red tape, the addition of routes to destinations including Amsterdam , Rotterdam and Cologne has ensured that Eurostar remains an increasingly popular and environmentally sustainable way for Brits to travel.

What was once a groundbreaking service continues to innovate, and nowadays it provides a gateway to over 100 European destinations, as well as direct travel to much-loved European cities such as Paris and Brussels, with return tickets available for as little as £78.

Below, The Independent has compiled a list of some of the best places that you can visit directly with Eurostar.

Paris, France

Journey time from london: 2h 16m.

The French capital is Eurostar’s flagship destination, with journeys from London taking just two hours and 16 minutes. In 2023, Paris remains as popular as ever, welcoming over 30 million tourists per year. Its architectural sights and attractions are among some of the most visited in Europe, from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Art lovers can visit the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay galleries – containing works such as the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s self-portrait – while many visitors will take the opportunity to explore the city’s different districts (known as arrondissements ).

Read more on Europe travel :

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Many of the main tourist attractions are located in the 1st arrondissement, though neighbourhoods such as the quaint, atmospheric Latin Quarter (5th) or historic, traditional Le Marais (4th) are also well worth exploring. For those who really want to tick off all the sites on their trip, Montmartre (and Sacre Coeur, in the 18th) and the Champs-Elysees (8th) will undoubtedly be on the list.

Best time to visit Paris

June is a month where Paris really shines. The middle of the month plays host to the end of the French Open at Roland Garros, while the weather is usually pleasantly warm and the city receives less rain than almost every other month. With average highs of 23C and average temperatures around 20C, it’s the perfect time to explore the City of Light  – though be aware that in 2024, the city will host the summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games July, August and September.

Where to stay

The beauty of visiting such a large city is that you don’t have to stay in the centre to get the best experience. Le Pigalle is located in the neighbourhood of the same name, just a mile-and-a-half away from Sacre Coeur, the Champs-Elysees and the Louvre, while its prices are far more affordable than city centre rivals.

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Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing, amsterdam, netherlands, journey time from london: 3h 50m.

The three hour and 50 minute journey to Amsterdam has quickly soared in popularity since its launch in 2018 due to its simplicity and convenience. Another city that is beloved by Brits, the Dutch capital is famous for its picturesque, gabled-house-lined streets and network of interlocking canals, all of which are resplendent when the sun shines.

From the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to the Anne Frank house, the city has plenty of cultural and historic landmarks. It is also a great size to explore on foot or by bike, whether wandering the streets of the controversial Red Light District (known as De Wallen) or more trendy neighbourhoods such as Oud-West or De Pijp.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

With a climate similar to that of the UK, Amsterdam is a European city that’s usually bearable to visit at the height of summer; July’s average temperature hovers around 18C (while average daily highs reach 23C). However, with plenty to see and do whatever the weather, it makes for a great year-round city break destination that’s just as charming in winter, autumn and spring.

Located on the grand Herengracht canal, the Ambassade Hotel is within easy walking distance of the Royal Palace, Anne Frank Museum and Rijksmuseum, and offers grand, elegant interiors in its canal-side building.

Brussels, Belgium

Journey time from london: 1h 50m.

Another historic European city, Brussels also acts as Eurostar’s Belgian hub, with connecting trains available for equally scenic cities such as Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. The journey is one of Eurostar’s shortest (at just over one hour and 50 minutes), though it’s great to spend more than just a day to the Belgian and EU capital.

The city centres around the Grand Place, a 17th-century Unesco Heritage Site adorned with Baroque and Gothic buildings that serves as the city’s central square. Museums such as The Atomium, Royal Museums of Fine Art and House of European History offer different exhibitions on Belgian and European history, arts and science, while those exploring further may come across Brussels icons including Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace or Cinquantenaire Park. When it all gets too much, sit down and sample some of the city’s famous beer, chocolate, waffles or fries.

When to visit Brussels

July and August are the warmest and driest months in Brussels, with average highs reaching 23C. However, travelling outside of school in late spring or early autumn will see accommodation and travel prices drop significantly.

With its own indoor pool, Finnish sauna and hot tub, 9Hotel Sablon is just five minutes away from Grand Place and is well-placed for exploring the city centre.

Lille, France

Journey time from london: 1h 22m.

At just one hour and 22 minutes from London, Lille is Eurostar’s nearest destination and the gateway to northern France. Another 17th-century city, Lille is characterised by its Old Town area, with red brick buildings and paved pedestrian streets centring around its own ‘Grand Place’ (named after famed general, Charles de Gaulle) and buildings such as the old Stock Exchange (known as the Vieille Bourse).

While few cities can compete with the wealth of tourist offerings in Paris , Lille has its own notable gothic cathedral (Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille) and the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, a fine arts museum containing works from artists including Goya and Picasso. You can also easily explore the city on foot, taking in its eclectic mix of Flemish, Baroque, Art Deco and modern architecture.

When to visit Lille

July is the best month to experience the northern French city, when weather is at its all-round best. Expect average highs of 23C, although this can drop as low as 14C at night.

Found on the city’s Grand Place, the Grand Hotel Bellevue is set in a Flemish building just 100 yards away from the metro. The hotel has been recently renovated and offers comfortable rooms with traditional decor and views onto the square.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Journey time from london: 3h 13m.

The Netherlands’ second city is much less visited than nearby Amsterdam but is a more modern, futuristic alternative to the historic capital. Architecture such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, the Markthal food market and even the city’s central station attest to this, as does the presence of skyscrapers and modern shopping centres in the central district. Nevertheless, the city still has several green spaces and older areas that have contributed to its contemporary identity.

First among the parks are Kralingse Bos and Het Park, where the Euromast tower provides excellent views over the city. To see where the city has preserved more of its history, head to the bustling Rotterdam Harbour – the largest seaport in Europe – and the Maritime Museum, or art and architecture museums such as the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen or the Netherlands Architecture Institute.

When to visit Rotterdam

Much like neighbouring Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s best weather comes at the height of summer when there are plenty of festivals and events on, but it’s similarly suitable to visit at any time of year thanks to its wide range of indoor activities.

Housed in a charming old building that was formerly the head office of the Holland America Line cruise operator, Hotel New York provides spacious rooms with modern interiors, two restaurants, its own terrace and extensive views over the harbour and the river.

Cologne, Germany

Journey time from london: from 4h 11m.

Cologne is the only German city that you can reach on Eurostar trains – though you stop for a connection in Brussels – and is the furthest you can get using only Eurostar. This northern city is famed for its extensive carnival celebrations, it’s Christmas markets and a vast gothic cathedral that took around 600 years to complete. In 2024, it’ll be on the radar of even more tourists after being announced as a host city for the summer’s Euro 2024 football tournament.

One of the city’s most well-known exports is its kölsch , an ale brewed in the city and served in any of the many brauhäuser (brewhouses, which are the local equivalent of pubs) that dot the streets of the old town. Once you’ve taken in the sights and tastes around the cathedral, banks of the Rhine and the botanical garden, take your tastebuds on another journey at the Schokoladen Museum (Chocolate Museum) or indulge your artistic tastes at the Ludwig Museum, home to the third largest collection of Picasso pieces in the world.

When to visit Cologne

If you can brave the cold and potential snow, a visit in December will coincide with one of Germany’s largest and best Christmas markets, while February sees one of the largest carnival celebrations on the continent. To best enjoy the beer gardens and river views, opt for May or June.

The Eden Hotel Früh am Dom offers affordable accommodation in a convenient location near the cathedral. It is part of the Früh am Dom brewhouse, one of the most renowned in the city, and offers easy access to the old town and the riverside.

Travelski Express

Journey time from london: from 8h 17m.

Although the Eurostar Ski Train has been scrapped, tour operator Travelski now provides package skiing holidays including train travel operated by Eurostar. You can visit destinations including Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d’isere, Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel, with direct trains running from St Pancras to Moutiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Trains depart on Saturday mornings, arriving in the early evening, and depart the resorts early on Sunday eight days later.

Packages offer “a broad range of accommodation options, from self-catered apartments to hotels and chalets”, and include a seven-day lift pass. The easiest resort to reach is Les Arcs; from Bourg, travellers can simply catch the funicular service up the mountain at no extra cost.

When to visit the French Alps

It is recommended to check conditions before you go (and many resorts will vary depending on altitude), but the best time to ski in the Alps is usually from January to early April, though the season can run from December to late April.

Dates and partner accommodation for 2025 is yet to be announced, but check uk.travelski.com regularly for updates.

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Eurostar pledges to power trains with 100% renewable energy by 2030

Eurostar, the high-speed rail network linking France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK, announces its goal of enabling 30 million passengers to travel sustainably while lowering carbon emissions by 2030.

Detailed in its first sustainability report, Eurostar’s sustainability strategy focuses on three main areas.

• Reducing its impact by sourcing renewable energies for its traction needs and reducing its energy requirements. For example, through its Memorandum of Understanding signed with Infrabel in February 2024 to study the installation of novel solar projects to power trains.
• Integrating circularity throughout the value chain, i.e. from production to end-of-life, to minimize waste and use resources more efficiently. For instance, every on-board dish is thoughtfully curated with sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly options in mind. These efforts have already been rewarded as Eurostar received a three-star rating from the Food Made Good Awards for its on-board catering offer.
• Attracting more passengers to its low-carbon service by continuing to develop “open hubs”, to connect Eurostar services to domestic networks or long-haul flights, for example through its air-rail partnership with KLM.

Ambition: 100% renewable energy by 2030

One of Eurostar’s primary objectives is to work with partners and regulators in its quest to power its trains using 100% renewable energy by 2030.

“This is a deliberately ambitious target, Eurostar wants to use its brand and commitment to accelerate change across the sector,” explains Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave. “To achieve our goal, we work closely together with our partners in each of our markets, we encourage regulatory support for the rapid deployment of new renewable energy projects.”

To facilitate this work, Eurostar recently joined the RE100 alliance with companies committed to sourcing 100% of their energy from renewable sources. “We’re proud to be the first rail company to join,” continues Gwendoline Cazenave. “Today, the transport sector accounts for 25% of European greenhouse gas emissions, making sustainable high-speed rail a key solution to a quarter of Europe’s climate problem”.

Ollie Wilson, Head of RE100, Climate Group: “We’re delighted to welcome Eurostar to RE100, the first rail firm to join. Eurostar is setting a global example and leading the way on renewables powering our rail networks. Eurostar now has the opportunity to draw on a global network of over 400 companies as it works towards 30 million journeys a year powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2030. We encourage other businesses in the rail sector to follow Eurostar’s lead and commit to 100% renewable electricity.”

Currently, in the Netherlands, Eurostar trains have been running on 100% wind power since 2017, and this figure has reached 40% in the UK since 2023. In Belgium, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Infrabel in February 2024 to study the installation of novel solar projects to power trains.

Eurostar takes responsibility for reducing its own emissions and environmental footprint to ensure that every one of its passengers is transported at the lowest possible environmental cost. “We’re building the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe, with a target of 30 million passengers by 2030, at the same time we’re also committed to building the mode of international transport that has the least negative impact on the planet, reducing emissions even as we grow.”

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