What to Know about Taking the Eurostar

Taking the Eurostar is fastest and easiest way to get from London to Paris – here is everything you need to know about the train.

If you are starting your European vacation in London, you need to know about taking the Eurostar! The Eurostar is the high speed train line that runs from London through the chunnel to Paris and Brussels. It takes just over 2 hours to get to Paris and just under two hours to get to Brussels. From Paris and Brussels, you can easily connect to trains that will take you to a wide range of destinations throughout Europe.

Last time I was in London, I decided to take a day trip to Paris. Some people where surprised when I told them that I took a day trip from London to Paris, but it worked out really well. Paris is always a good idea, right?

Here is everything you need to know about taking the Eurostar – I highly recommend it!

Prices Change

The prices for the Eurostar go up as you get closer to your travel date. If you book far in advance or find a deal you can get tickets for as low as $40 each way. If you wait until the last minute prices go to up over $200 each way.

You Need to Go Through Customs

Thanks to Brexit, you need go through customs before you get on the train. This is the case for all trains. Make sure you give yourself 45 minutes to find the correct platform, go through customs, and board the train. Make sure you bring your passport!

Seats are Assigned

Unlike the Amtrak trains in the US, you will have a specific seat assignment. Look for which carriage you are in, and for a seat assignment.

Time Zone Change

London and Paris/Brussels are on different time zones. Just a heads up! You loose and hour going to Paris or Brussels, but you get that hour back when you return to London.

The Trains Run from Centrally Located Stations

The trains run from St. Pancras Station in London, Gare du Nord in Paris, and Brussels Midi/Zuid in Brussels. These are big major stations that are connected to several tube/metro/subway lines. Once you arrive it is easy to get anywhere in the city, or you can connect to other railway lines to continue your journey to another city.

Total Journey Time

The train from London to Paris takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes – making it a do-able day trip. It takes just under 2 hours to get from London to Brussels.

Faster Than Flying

Since it takes around 2 hours to get between London and Paris or Brussels, it is definitely faster than flying. You only need to get to the train station 45 minutes early, and the train stations are right in the center of the cities making them much easier to get to than the airport. Even if you are continuing on to a city other than Paris or Brussels, you should look into taking the Eurostar. If you take the train from London to Brussels and continue on to Amsterdam the total travel time is less than 4 hours.

WiFi

There is WiFi available on the Eurostar, but it is spotty.

Have you ever taken the Eurostar? I am obsessed. We have spent a good amount of time in London and the Eurostar is the perfect way for me to spend a day exploring another city.