A first-timer’s guide to taking the Eurostar

It’s been 30 years since the Eurostar first connected London to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. As an Australian living in London, I cannot tell you how excited I was the first time I arrived at St Pancras “International” to board a Paris-bound train.

A few trips later, including a recent long weekend in Amsterdam with my kid to celebrate a milestone birthday, I have put together a first-timer’s guide to riding the Eurostar.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re traveling the Eurostar on a Standard class ticket. And if you want to grab a bargain, sign up for emails to be the first to know when the cheap tickets drop.

What are the railway stations served by Eurostar?

In London, it’s St Pancras International, which is right next to King’s Cross Station. There’s plenty of public transportation and dozens of places to eat and drink before you board, whether inside the train station or nearby at Coal Drops Yard (north of the station). Heading south over beyond Euston Rd, the area has a slight ghost town feel after dark.

In Paris, the train departs from Gare du Nord, which is located in the 10th arrondissement. Queues to buy tickets for onward travel on the metro are notoriously long, but you can buy tickets on the Eurostar. Be aware it’s also a prime target for pickpockets and scam artists. Don’t be distracted or, like me, you may lose a handbag while being asked a seemingly genuine question by a stranger.

When catching the Eurostar from Amsterdam Centraal, you’ll find the outbound platform is tucked away. Although in 2024 the station is having an upgrade, so watch this space. Stock up on provisions before you go through passport control. The area around the station is busy so take normal precautions, including looking out for trams and cyclists, who have right-of-way no matter what.

At Brussels Midi Station, you may notice a police presence due to heightened security in Europe. The station area is fairly safe, but it can feel less so after dark with fewer people around.

For Lille, Antwerp and Rotterdam, both smaller cities, the stations where the Eurostar alights are located in the city center with shops, cafes and sights nearby. Public transport is easy to navigate, but these are also very walkable cities (if you're not carrying a lot of luggage). Read more about the London Amsterdam Rotterdam route here.

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What can I take on the Eurostar?

You can take two bags up to 85cm/33.5in (at their widest/ longest point), plus one piece of hand luggage on the Eurostar. There’s no weight limit, but you do need to be able to lift your bags onto the train and potentially up to the rack above your seat.

There is luggage storage space at the end of each coach for stowing larger items. Eurostar does assist you with up to two items of luggage, but only if the weight is below 15kg and the length doesn’t exceed 85cm. Keep in mind that the maximum weight accepted on the trains is 30kg. You should also book a dedicated space for excess and oversized baggage beforehand via Eurostar Travel Services.

It’s best to have your luggage within sight at all times. As we passed through Brussels on our way to Amsterdam, announcements were made to keep an eye on your belongings as thieves have been known to lighten the train’s load.

The best bit of traveling by a high-speed train compared to flying: there are no restrictions on liquids. You can take all the products and bottled water you like (note that there is nowhere to refill on board). And if you’re up for a tipple, you can take one bottle of wine or bubbly or four cans of beer on board – except for during some major events, but you’ll get notified if that’s the case.

What else should I bring on the Eurostar?

There are UK and European plug sockets to recharge phones and laptops, although there are no USB sockets with Standard class seats. BYO book or download content to your devices in advance as the wi-fi and phone signal drops out regularly.

Can I buy food onboard the Eurostar?

There is a cafe carriage selling snacks and light meals for Standard class travelers (Premium classes get a meal delivered to their seats like on a plane). The Eurostar menu changes twice a year, but the options are limited, so it’s often better to bring your own food, especially if you have dietary restrictions. A three-course meal is nowhere to be found here.

Buy your train supplies before you pass through passport control as the options inside the terminal at London St Pancras International were very busy the morning we traveled, while at Paris and Amsterdam, they’re virtually non-existent.

What can’t I take with me on the Eurostar?

There’s a list of things you cannot take on the Eurostar on the website, most of which follow common sense: firearms, flammables, illegal drugs…. Perishable items like meat, fish and dairy are also on the list, but I am sure I could smell some scrumptious Dutch cheese in somebody’s bag on our way home!

Sadly taking a bike with you is a lot harder than one would hope, given the increase in interest in cycling to get around and cycling holidays in Europe. For full-sized bikes, you need to pre-book passage and disassemble your bike to check it in as luggage. Folding bikes and children’s bikes can be brought on board with you, but they need to be in a protective bag.

Do I need to print my Eurostar tickets?

Print your ticket out if you want a paper backup, but you can scan tickets directly from the Eurostar app at the arrival gates. If your seat has changed for whatever reason, a fresh paper ticket will be printed for you at the gate.

Next, you move onto border control via security, like you do at an international airport.

Do I need a visa as well as my passport?

Make sure you are up-to-date on what documents you need for European travel, which varies by nationality. Citizens of Schengen member countries can enter France with only a passport or national ID card. UK is not a member of the Schengen area so you might need a visa to enter its territory. Check if you need a visa to the UK beforehand to avoid any complications.

As well as your passport, from late 2024 biometric information (a face scan or fingerprints) will be collected at European borders, which is expected to slow down the check-in process and may have a knock-on effect on the number of passengers that can be booked and processed per train.

Also note that from 2025, all non-EU citizens (that includes the British, obviously) will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – a €7 visa-waiver scheme like the US ESTA – to enter Europe.

Wondering about your visa situation? We have guidance for France, the UK and Belgium

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

Eurostar is an international train that crosses the EU border. That makes check-in here a bit different from your regular national hop-and-ride rail travel. Each station served by Eurostar has a departure area where passport checks and customs are done. Be prepared to queue. During the weekends and holidays standing in line to check in can take longer.

When we traveled on Eurostar from London to Paris, it took us roughly 30 minutes to get through all the checks before finally taking a seat on the train. But I had an early morning journey on Tuesday, so the queues weren’t there. If you’re traveling during weekends or holidays, it’s better to come earlier to avoid missing your train. Be aware that the gate closes 30 minutes before departure.

Once you pass through security, there’s a waiting area with free wi-fi and several cafes. Premier ticket holders can use the business lounge in London, Paris, and Brussels.

Do you really need to get there 90 minutes before your Eurostar train departs?

Yes, you really do. Cutting it fine can work out, but there are sometimes multiple trains from St Pancras, so queues can build quickly. Also, seating inside terminals is limited, so do yourself a favor and get there on time.

What happens if I miss my train?

This has happened to me (or should I say, yes, I did this to myself), and Eurostar kindly rebooked our group on the next service headed to Paris. However, there’s a hefty €50 rebooking fee for missing your train and hopping on the next one the same day. Also, Eurostar only rebooks a new ticket for you without the seat reservation.

We found ourselves in the backward-facing seats with no window views on the later train. Luckily the cafe carriage has large windows, so we congregated there for most of the journey.

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

Eurostar is changing its travel classes starting on November 4, 2024. The previous Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier will become Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, and Eurostar Premier respectively. Check out the updated travel conditions for every class on Eurostar's official website.

The best way to score the cheapest fare is to book in advance. The Eurostar prices start at €44 for Standard, €80 for Plus, and €285 for Premier. Each travel class comes with different degrees of flexibility and refundability so choose the one that works best for you. The most cost-effective way is to book online as the tickets bought at the station incur an additional €14 fee.

As a person who changes plans all the time, I like that Eurostar allows the free change of ticket up to one hour before the trip on both Standard and Plus classes. Sure, you have to pay the price difference if your next ticket is more expensive, but it gives you extra freedom that can’t be found in air travel. The refund is possible too for a €25 fee. Just do it up to 7 days before your departure date.

How do you choose seats?

You’ll be allocated seats at the time of booking, but you can change these online or via the app. I recommend you do that as soon as you can because (as mentioned) there are seats on the Eurostar with no or partial views, and while 30 minutes is under the Channel, the rest of the journey is a chance to see the changing landscape.

Some Eurostar travelers also recommend bringing some kitchen towels or wet wipes and giving your window a clean – inside and out if you can – to improve the view.

What is the difference between Eurostar and Eurotunnel?

The Channel Tunnel (aka the longest undersea tunnel in the world) is a 50.45 km (31.5 miles) marvel of engineering connecting the UK to the European continent. While both Eurostar and Eurotunnel go through the rail tunnel, these are two different carriers. Eurostar is a high-speed passenger train that connects London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and other European destinations. It departs from St Pancras International and goes to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi, and Amsterdam Centraal.

Eurotunnel is a company that operates Le Shuttle, a train service for freight and various types of motor vehicles (including cars, bikes, and trucks). It connects Folkestone to Calais. While foot passengers are not allowed on Le Shuttle, you can travel with a bicycle. Also, pets are allowed (Eurostar notoriously doesn’t allow any pets on board). Both Eurostar and Eurotunnel cross the Channel Tunnel in 35 minutes.

Are there sleeper trains from London?

You’ve probably seen the headlines about Europe’s new golden age of train travel with more passengers embracing the greener alternative to short-haul flights. In 2024 there has been an uptick in sleeper train services in Europe, with new overnight routes from Paris to Berlin and Vienna to Hamburg on ÖBB's Nightjet.

There’s also a European sleeper night train connecting London to Prague via Eurostar. It’s a good way to travel in comfort and with a view.

Despite the challenges Brexit has put in its path, Eurostar maintains its ambitions to reach 30 million passengers by 2030. Given the London-to-Paris train journey emits 10 times less carbon per passenger compared to flying (22kg of CO2 per person versus 224kg of CO2), it really does make sense to get to and from Europe by rail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Eurostar cost from London to Paris?

The prices for a Standard class ticket from London to Paris start at €44. The earlier you book the cheaper the price (Eurostar starts selling up to 120 days in advance). The tickets become more expensive on popular days like weekends, holidays and big events. Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest days to travel. Eurostar's website has a helpful lowest-fare finder page that makes searching for cheap tickets much easier.

Which destinations can I travel to with Eurostar?

Eurostar operates direct trains between London and Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Lille and Rotterdam. Connecting Eurostar services cover multiple destinations in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

How long is the journey between London and Paris/Brussels on Eurostar?

A trip from London to Paris/Brussels on Eurostar takes 1 hour 53 minutes.

Is Eurostar a sleeper train?

Eurostar doesn’t have a couchette service, but you can use it to connect to a European sleeper night train to Prague.

Planning your first journey on a sleeper train? Here are our top tips