Eurostar London to Paris: Everything You Need to Know!

I remember sitting in my high school French class, listening to the teacher talk about the Eurostar London to Paris route and imagining the day when I would get to explore both cities and ride this amazing high-speed train that goes underwater between two countries.

Cut to a few years ago, and I was temporarily living in London and on my way to Paris to celebrate my birthday with my (now ex) boyfriend.

It was so exciting arriving at London’s gorgeous St. Pancras station.

Within an hour, I was sitting comfortably, speeding through the British countryside on the iconic Eurostar.

High-speed train travel in Europe is always a highlight for me as an American, and riding through the chunnel on this trip made it my favorite ride yet.

The entire ride flew by, as did my romantic birthday weekend in Paris.

But I can still remember being shocked when I arrived at Gare du Nord an hour early and almost missed my train because the security line was massive.

So don’t make the same mistake I did, and learn from my now many experiences on the Eurostar below, or head over to my YouTube channel to ride along with me between London and Paris.

Booking Eurostar Tickets

Early booking guarantees cheap Eurostar tickets, unless you are lucky enough to find a sale.

Fares rise as the travel date approaches, so it’s helpful for your wallet to plan.

Aim to buy tickets 2–3 months in advance for cheaper options.

During this period, one-way flights could cost between £55 and £57, significantly cheaper than last-minute options, which often exceed £200.

Booking your Eurostar ticket from London to Paris is straightforward. Start by visiting the official Eurostar website; you might find cheap tickets there.

If you haven’t set your plans, opt for flexible tickets when searching for tickets.

Flexibility lets you alter travel dates without hefty fees. For the most cost-effective options, use tools like the Trainline app, which highlights budget-friendly tickets.

I’ve been using this app for years to book train tickets all over Europe. It’s so handy!

Eurostar offers three main classes: Standard Class, Standard Premier, and Business Premier.

Standard Class provides basic comfort, while Standard Premier adds more space.

For luxury, opt for Business Premier, which includes faster check-in and meals.

Before You Board

Check-In Process

At St. Pancras International Station, you’ll find the Eurostar terminal where your journey to Paris begins.

You must check in at least 30 minutes before your train departs. During check-in, go through both passport control and security.

So you’ll want to make sure your travel documents are accessible, and be prepared for luggage inspection.

There are separate queues for EU and non-EU passport holders.

Leave plenty of time to navigate through ticket gates and the station’s amenities like M&S Market for train snacks.

And in case you’re wondering, yes there is free wifi inside the station.

Luggage Guidelines

Eurostar’s hand luggage allowance is typically two bags per person, including a piece of small hand luggage, without weight restrictions.

However, it’s important your bags fit on the luggage racks. Passengers must check any luggage that they cannot carry on board.

The best part is there’s no liquid restrictions here. So bring everything you want!

Onboard Experience

Seating Classes

Eurostar Trains provide different seating classes to cater to your needs and preferences.

The Standard Class offers practicality and comfort with ample legroom and access to the Eurostar Café for snacks and beverages.

For more luxury, Standard Premier provides spacious seating and a light meal served at your seat.

The highest tier, Business Premier, is ideal for those seeking premium comfort, with meals designed by a Michelin-Starred Chef, and flexible ticket options.

I’ve been on three times now and always done standard class because of budget, which honestly isn’t bad at all, especially if you grab a few cans of G&T from M&S at the station.

Amenities and Services

The good news is no matter which class seat you book, you’ll benefit from some great amenities.

All passengers get free Wi-Fi, though fair warning it isn’t always the strongest signal, so download your entertainment before you board.

Plus, every seat, regardless of class, has power and plug sockets(UK + EU), so you can keep your devices charged.

And, if you went all out, the Business Premier option includes access to exclusive lounges for working or relaxation before departure, as well as food and beverage options.

Arriving in Paris

Paris Gare du Nord

Paris Gare du Nord is one of the busiest train stations in Europe, and one of my favorite ones to travel to.

I’ve passed through this station easily a dozen times over the last few years, between Eurostar rides and TGV rides to places like Lille.

When you arrive in Paris, you’ll find yourself in an architectural marvel bustling with activity.

For added convenience, luggage services and currency exchanges are readily available.

There’s a bunch of restaurants and cafes within walking distance, and it’s super easy to grab an Uber if you want a quick ride to your hotel.

Traveling Within Paris

Paris is easy to navigate; the signs, maps, lines, and stops are all color-coded.

Getting from Gare du Nord to the city center is easy with the Paris Métro.

Major landmarks and districts are easily accessible because of the city’s evenly spaced stations.

The Infamous Channel Tunnel

When preparing to travel from London to Paris via the Channel Tunnel, often referred to as the Chunnel, it’s essential to consider several key points.

Check-in procedures require your attention as well; arrive at the station with ample time for customs and security checks.

The journey under the English Channel is brief, but significant because of the Chunnel’s status as the world’s longest undersea tunnel.

You should expect to spend approximately 13 minutes underwater during the transit.

Additional Travel Options

Eurostar from London to Other Destinations

Besides its London-Paris route, the Eurostar serves various other European cities.

London to Amsterdam, for example, is a popular route.

Train tickets to Amsterdam are available through the same service that offers your London to Paris journey, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Ticket Options: Vary from Standard to Business Premier to suit your comfort and budget.

Destinations: Besides Paris, direct services to Brussels, Lille, and the Netherlands.

Journey Times: London to Amsterdam can take approximately 4 hours.

Alternative Modes of Transportation

While trains are my favorite option, there are other ways to travel. You can book cheap bus tickets or look into flights, which may save you time.

If you prefer privacy or a more leisurely pace, renting a car is also a fun way to add a road trip to your itinerary.

Each mode has its own set of costs and travel times that may influence your decision.

Buses: Usually more affordable; longer journey times compared to trains and flights.

Flights: Quicker but may be more expensive; check for deals.

Cars: Flexible schedules and routes; rental or ride-sharing options are available.

Understanding Time Differences

Just a small heads up, that there’s a one hour time difference between London and Paris, with Paris being one hour ahead.

It’s a tiny detail, but knowing about this can be crucial when planning your itinerary, since it can affect meeting times and reservations upon arrival.

FAQs

How long does the Eurostar journey take from London to Paris?

The Eurostar journey typically takes just 2 hours and 16 minutes to whisk you from London to Paris in style.

What is the cost to travel by Eurostar between London to Paris?

Prices for a Standard class ticket start around €44.

If you can,book in advance can help secure the best rates.

Typically, costs increase closer to your travel date and during peak periods.

Is traveling by Eurostar to Paris less expensive than flying?

Travel costs can vary; however, when you factor in transportation to and from airports that are on the outskirts of the city, the Eurostar can be a very cost-effective and time-saving option.

Personally, I prefer it over flying. It’s a way more relaxed experiance, and I love that the liquid rules don’t apply to your luggage, which makes packing a breeze!

Are there direct Eurostar services from London to Paris?

Yes, there are direct Eurostar trains running from London’s St. Pancras International to Paris’ Gare du Nord.

I’ve taken them a few times over the years, and they’re always a hassle-free and easy non-stop journey between countries.

What amenities are provided on the Eurostar between London to Paris?

Eurostar trains have a few amenities on board, including onboard Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, charging near seats, food, and beverages.

However, feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks on board. As a solo traveler, I’m partial to this so I can stay near my luggage at all times.

You can grab any last minute supplies at the M&S Market inside the station. The G&T’s in a can are a great choice. I’ve also seen groups of people drinking wine or champagne together.

Anything goes as long as you aren’t rowdy and keep it classy.

For the ultimate experience, you can book a premium ticket with services, including more spacious seating and at-seat fine dining and drinks served by your dedicated on-board team for a more relaxing experience.