In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know to take the Eurostar from London to Paris, from the security situation to how to get oriented when you arrive.
- How to Get Tickets
- Where is the Train Station?
- The Onboard Experience
- Getting Around Paris
- London to Disneyland Paris
Step 1: Get Tickets!
Obviously, the first thing you'll need to do is get tickets for the Eurostar from London to Paris.
How much are Eurostar tickets from London to Paris?
The London to Paris train costs vary depending on when you get them. They work a lot like airplane tickets – prices are higher when demand is higher.
That means that the tickets will usually be a higher price during special occasions and holidays. You can also expect prices to be higher during the warmer months.
They also go up in price as the tickets sell, with the last few remaining tickets sold at the most expensive fares.
Here are the typical prices you can expect to pay both during peak and off-peak periods:
Eurostar from London to Paris Ticket Prices
- Off-Peak Tickets
- Standard: £47.50
- Standard Premier: £90
- Business Premier: £295
- Peak Tickets
- Standard: £79.50
- Standard Premier: £106
- Business Premier: £295
Please keep in mind that these are not static prices and that the amount you pay will largely depend on when you purchase tickets.
You'll usually find the lowest prices with early morning or late evening departures.
However, the London to Paris train price can also go up to £300+! It’s always best to book far in advance.
What are the different classes of service on the Eurostar from London to Paris?
There are three different classes of service on the Eurostar train from London to Paris – Standard, Standard Premier, and Business.
With Standard Premier and Business Premier, you’ll have a bigger seat and be served complimentary meals and drinks from dedicated attendants.
Business Premier tickets include a three-course meal and champagne; the tickets are fully refundable or changeable.
You also get to use the Business Premier Lounges, which serve complimentary alcohol, coffee, soft drinks, and a selection of snacks.
Where can I buy Eurostar tickets?
While you can buy Eurostar train tickets from London to Paris by calling their ticketing offices or in person at St Pancras Station, it is always best to buy them online.
Purchase Eurostar tickets or learn more.
You’ll see Eurostar tickets for sale on third-party websites like this, but you might also want to go directly to the source.
You don’t save any money booking with a third party (in fact, you may even pay extra fees).
In addition, real problems can occur if you need to make changes, or the train is canceled.
Dealing with a third party can add all kinds of extra stress and fees – always book direct if you can.
If you choose not to purchase tickets ahead of time online, you can also get them at the Eurostar ticket counter in St. Pancras Station.
Are there any discounts on Eurostar tickets?
You won’t usually find discounts on Eurostar tickets. However, you can sometimes find package deals that include hotel nights.
The costs can be lower than booking the train and hotel separately, which is attractive. This is probably the best way to get the cheapest train from London to Paris.
However, getting these packages does require booking through third-party sites, such as Expedia, and you might run into problems if you need to make changes.
You should weigh the savings against the potential issues you could run into.
In the past, Eurostar has offered an official discount partner called Eurostar Snap. With Snap, you could buy tickets for £25 - £45 each way.
However, you could only select “am” or “pm.” You didn’t learn your train times until the day before your train.
For instance, if you selected “am,” your train could be any time from 6 am to 11:59 am.
If you chose “pm,” your train could be any time between 12:00 pm and the last train of the night, around 23:00h (11 pm).
Step 2: Head to the Train Station
Whether you decide to get your tickets directly at the station or to purchase them online ahead of time, the next step is to make your way to the train station.
Which station does the Eurostar to Paris leave from?
Your Eurostar to Paris leaves from St Pancras Station, which is in the heart of London.
It’s just steps away from another famous station, King’s Cross. The two stations are side-by-side.
They share a London Underground Station that services them both. It’s called – you guessed it – King’s Cross St. Pancras.
Eurostar Security at St Pancras Station
It pays to be prepared in advance – here are some facts about Eurostar Security at St Pancras Station.
Eurostar Security at St Pancras is very similar to airport security, with the exception that you can bring liquids on board.
How early should I arrive for Eurostar Security at St Pancras?
The official guidance says you must arrive no later than 45-60 minutes before your train, but this can feel really tight at peak times.
Ninety minutes is usually a safer bet. Remember – arriving more than 2 hours early is usually a bad idea, as you will be placed in a ‘holding pen’ queue and not permitted to go through security.
Keep in mind that you may face long queues when you arrive, but these do usually move very quickly.
Before security, St Pancras is home to loads of great amenities, such as bars, restaurants, pubs, and fast food.
You’re also steps away from King’s Cross Station and a short walk to the Coal Drops Yard restaurant complex.
However, beyond security, you can still find the necessities, with a newsstand a few ‘grab and go’ food kiosks, and a coffee shop.
Step 3: Board the Eurostar Train
It might seem obvious, but once you've purchased tickets and gone through security at St. Pancras Station, the next step is of course to board the train before it leaves.
The Eurostar on-board experience – What’s it like?
In most cases, traveling on board a Eurostar train is a comfortable experience.
The seats are larger than standard airline seats, and you can always get up to stretch your legs. The journey really does fly by!
How long does the Eurostar take from London to Paris?
The Eurostar from London to Paris usually takes 2 hours 16 minutes, but occasional trains will take 2 hours 37 minutes.
You will know your journey duration when you select your ticket. Just make sure you account for the one-hour time difference.
Do remember that European train times use the 24-hour clock!
This can confuse you when booking and traveling, so don’t get caught out.
How long is the train underwater?
As you may know, this train travels underwater for a short time.
The underwater train from London to Paris goes through the Channel Tunnel, which runs under the English Channel for approximately 13 minutes.
How Often Does the Eurostar Run from London to Paris?
The Eurostar runs from London to Paris every hour or so, with 14 trains per day running every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Luggage storage on board the Eurostar
With Standard and Standard Premier tickets, you may bring 2 bags up to 85cm in length – there is no weight limit, but you must be able to carry your bags on your own.
You may also bring 1 piece of hand luggage. For Business Premier tickets, that allowance is increased to 3 bags up to 85cm in length, plus 1 piece of hand luggage.
Children are entitled to 1 bag up to 85cm in length, and 1 piece of hand luggage.
Remember that you won’t be ‘checking’ your bags – you will need to carry them through the station and onto the train.
There are large luggage racks at both ends of the train cars, as well as a smaller rack above the seats.
If you are worried about managing your bags, you can contact First Luggage for door-to-door baggage delivery.
Can I get food on the Eurostar from London to Paris?
If you are traveling in Standard Class, you can make your way to the dining car and buy a selection of sandwiches, hot items, snacks, coffees, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
However, if you are traveling in Standard Premier, you’ll be served a light meal and refreshments.
If you are in Business Premier, you’ll be served a 3-course meal and your choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Step 4: Arrive in Paris
The end of your trip is just as important as the beginning because you'll need to consider how you plan to get around Paris and where you can store luggage or other items.
Arriving at Gare du Nord – What you need to know
Gare du Nord is a world-class train station that includes everything you need when you first arrive to Paris.
Gare du Nord means Station of the North, or Northern Station. It is in Central Paris, and well-connected to the Metro.
Left Luggage
Bag storage is available on the lowest level of the station, below the SNCF ticket office. It is reasonably priced at around €6 for 24 hours. Follow signs within the station.
Restrooms and Showers
Follow the signs for the WC, located next to the Metro Entrance. It costs €1 to use the toilets, which are clean and well-maintained. You can also pay to take a shower
The Metro
You’ll find the Paris Metro station just underneath the main Gare du Nord concourse – follow the signs.
You can catch Line 4 or Line 5, just buy your ticket at the machine first, which you can do in English.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps
If you want to hail a taxi or pick up an Uber or Bolt, head out to the main exit/entrance, located next to Five Guys.
There, you’ll see a scrum of cars waiting to pick people up and drop them off.
Ubers and Bolts are usually on-site, so only click the button when you’re ready to go!
Are you planning a trip to Paris on the Eurostar?
Let us know if you found this guide helpful, or head to our London Travel Tips Facebook group to ask any further questions. Au Revoir, and Bon Voyage!
How to take the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris
In addition to their other services, Eurostar also offers a train from London to Disneyland Paris.
If you're mainly interested in visiting Paris to see Disneyland, this might be the best way to get there.
This train is a direct service, and it takes approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes to reach its destination.
Since this is a specialty service, prices will be a bit more expensive than with other options on our list.
You can usually expect train tickets from London to Disneyland Paris to cost at least £100.
Keep in mind that even if you just get tickets to Paris, if you plan on visiting Disneyland, you'll still need to pay for transportation back and forth between the city and this beloved amusement park.
For more details about this attraction, make sure to check out our full post covering Disneyland Paris.
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