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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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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 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 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 some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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 miles per dollar on all purchases, including travel.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 2 miles 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. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• 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.

A first-timer’s guide to taking the Eurostar

Sep 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Plan your train travels with this guide to the international Eurostar service © 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.

First time visiting France? Here’s what you should know

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

This article was first published May 13, 2024 and updated Sep 3, 2024.

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Everything you need to know about travelling by Eurostar

The train service which connects Britain to France offers one of the easiest ways to reach mainland Europe from the UK.

But what are the nuts and bolts of travelling by Eurostar ? 

Here we answer the top questions for holidaymakers crossing the Channel by train this summer, from planning your journey and buying tickets to the amenities on board and departure times.

Where does the Eurostar go?

Five core cities can be reached via direct train from London – two in France ( Paris and Lille ), two in the Netherlands ( Amsterdam and Rotterdam) and one in Belgium ( Brussels ).

Eurostar ( eurostar.com ) also lets travellers book trains to a range of onward destinations. The “Any Belgian Station” ticket does as its name suggests – allowing you to connect to any stop on the Belgian rail network (excluding Brussels Airport, for which an extra fee applies, but including Antwerp, Bruges and Liège) once you have arrived in Brussels.

Similarly, while you can no longer book a non-stop service from London to Disneyland Paris at Marne-la-Vallée (this option was pulled from the timetable in June 2023), the Eurostar website lets you buy a one-change (generally in Lille) ticket to the land of Mickey Mouse. Other onward destinations in France are Lyon , Avignon and Strasbourg. One-change trains to German cities Cologne, Aachen and Düsseldorf are also available.

In addition, the Eurostar Sun service dashes down to the south of France (Valence, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille ) during summer (June to August; dates vary annually) – with the caveat that trains depart from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels, but not from the UK.

However, the Eurostar Snow train does set off from London (services between December and February; again, dates change annually), bound – via Lille – for the ski resorts of the French Alps . 

To be exact, the stations at Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

How far ahead can you book?

Tickets are available six to eight months in advance of departure.

How much do Eurostar tickets cost?

The price is the same for the five core destinations. One-way tickets start at £39, whether you are travelling to Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam or Amsterdam. They can, though, be more expensive. 

Eurostar offers three price categories – Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier (to be rebranded as, respectively, Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier from Nov 4 this year). One-way fares cost from £275 a head in the upper bracket (for Paris, Lille and Brussels; Premier fares to the Netherlands start at £290).

How can I get cheap tickets?

As with airfares, booking ahead is advisable. Prices are higher if you buy at short notice.

When are the quietest and busiest times to travel?

As with air travel, departures at sociable hours are usually more popular than those at the start or the end of the day. This is also reflected in Eurostar’s pricing. 

Tickets for the early or late trains (the first train from London to Paris generally departs at 6.01am; the last of the day at 8.01pm) tend to be cheaper than those that leave at midday, or in the afternoon.

Can pets go on the Eurostar?

No. Pets are not allowed on Eurostar trains in and out of London, or Eurostar Snow and Eurostar Sun services. Guide dogs and support animals can travel (for free) on all routes. Eurostar asks that passengers contact them at least 24 hours in advance, to arrange access.

However, pets are allowed on Eurostar trains which start and terminate within mainland Europe (this does not include the Lille-Brussels legs of services in and out of London). Smaller pets (those which fit into a carrier of a maximum 45x30x25cm) can travel for free; larger dogs require their own ticket (€30 [£26] each way; these can be purchased from on-board staff).

On the journey

From where, and when, does the eurostar depart.

London St Pancras International – in central London – is the sole departure point for Eurostar trains in the UK. Trains do not currently stop at the two Kent stations that were once part of the timetable. Services halting at Ashford and Ebbsfleet International were indefinitely suspended in 2020 (though a resumption in 2025 has been vaguely mooted).

Departure numbers vary from day to day, but travellers can generally expect up to 15 direct trains a day to Paris, 10 to Brussels, eight to Lille, and four to the two Dutch cities.

How early should you arrive at the station?

Brexit, and the need for in-person passport checks, has lengthened the departure process for passengers – but you do not need to turn up at St Pancras quite as early as you would at an airport. Eurostar advises you to arrive 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

Do Eurostar trains have Wi-Fi?

Yes. For free, as part of your fare.

What is the luggage allowance on Eurostar trains?

On all Eurostar trains, there is no weight limit on luggage – but you must be able to transport your bags safely and store them in dedicated areas. Official advice suggests a bag can be no larger than 85cm long at its widest point. If travelling with bulky items, such as skis, you can book dedicated space for them.

The amount of luggage you can take on board varies. On services travelling to and from London: 

• In Standard and Standard Premier, the allowance is two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage.
• In Business Premier, the allowance is three pieces of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage
• And in all travel classes, children can take one piece of luggage and one piece of hand luggage

Can you take liquids on to a Eurostar train?

Yes. Although airport-standard security checks, including baggage screening, are in force at all Eurostar stations, there are no restrictions on carrying liquids with you on the train.

What facilities are on board?

All trains have a buffet car (branded the “Eurostar Café”).

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Eurostar rules for liquids, how long you need for security and shops at the station

Eurostar rules differ from those you're expected to follow at airports

• 09:55, 6 JUN 2023
• Updated 10:25, 6 JUN 2023

As the warmer weather creeps in, millions of Brits will be gearing up for trips abroad to bask in the sunshine with friends and family - and that means Eurostar is likely to see a higher footfall in the coming months.

But while the average traveller may be familiar with the rules of flying, the process is slightly different when travelling abroad by train. From rules surrounding liquids to how long it can take to get through security for the Eurostar , MyLondon has compiled a list of everything you need to know before embarking on your travels.

Here's all you need to know about travelling with Eurostar, from liquid limits to shops you can visit before you board your train.

READ MORE: The tiny city barely anyone thinks to visit even though it’s one of Britain’s most beautiful

Rules for liquids

Unlike airlines, there’s no limit on the volume of liquids you can carry with Eurostar. This means you can take as many toiletries as you please, and won’t have to worry about storing your liquids in a separate bag - you could even squeeze in a bottle of bubbly for the trip.

While airports often ask passengers to get rid of their coffees before boarding a plane, if you’re travelling via Eurostar and you’ve picked up a coffee at the station, you can simply pop it in a ‘special tray’ and the team will hand it back on the other side of security.

There is an onboard alcohol policy, which you can find here .

How long does security take?

If you’re travelling with Eurostar, you won’t need to check in for your journey. All you’ll need to do is scan your ticket when you arrive at the station and head to security. But while the process may require less steps than air travel, passengers will still need to arrive at the station early enough to complete border and luggage checks before their train departs.

For Eurostar, timings vary depending on the type of ticket you have and the country you’re travelling to. If you’re travelling business premier class, you typically won’t need to arrive as early as those with a standard or special assist ticket.

To be on the safe side, most passengers should aim to arrive at the station 90 minutes before departure, but specific timings for trains to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam can be found here .

London’s St Pancras International has a host of shops, including beauty and fashion retailers, and cafes for travellers to grab any last-minute bits they need before boarding the train. There’s also a currency exchange counter, a tech repair shop, and an M&S .

Other shops include:

• Accessorise
• The White Company
• Oliver Bonas
• Fortnum and Mason
• M&S Simply Food
• Holland & Barrett
• Costa Coffee
• Joe and the Juice
• Pret a Manger

A full list of shops can be found on the Eurostar website here .

See accommodation options on Booking.com . You can book UK and European trains - including cheap Eurostar tickets - on Trainline .

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Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, luggage on trains is simple.

Taking luggage on trains is simple, don't over-think it.  You take your bags into the train and put them on the rack above your seat or between the seat backs or on floor-standing racks at the car ends or in the seating area.  On local & regional trains you usually just leave bags on the floor.  There's no baggage car on most European trains.

For practical purposes there are usually no luggage limits as long as you can carry it yourself.  You don't check your bags in, nobody weighs or measures them or argues about size or weight unless you're trying to move house!  You have access to your bags during the journey and they don't end up at an airport 1,000 miles away.

Luggage limits on trains

Unlike airlines, for most practical purposes there are usually no size or weight limits or if there are, they're in the small print and pretty generous and in practice nobody weighs or measures bags unless they cause a problem.

Just remember that you have to handle your bags yourself.  Porters are a thing of the past and luggage fairies don't exist, so most people now use wheeled luggage.

Eurostar limits luggage to two large items per passenger with a maximum 85cm in any one dimension, plus a small item of hand luggage, but fortunately they're not too fussy about it in practice and won't measure your bags if they're a bit over, nor worry about an extra carrier bag or rolled-up poster or whatever.  Indeed why they ever came up with that 85cm is a mystery.  See Eurostar website baggage information page .

SNCF (French Railways) now have a formal luggage limit on their TGV InOui trains including Paris-Turin-Milan TGVs, see details here .  For Paris-Barcelona TGVs, see details here .

A handful of lo-cost trains have tight luggage limits & fees, these are the 'lo-cost' trains pretending to be budget airlines such as Ouigo in France and Ouigo & Avlo trains in Spain.  But they're the exception, not the rule.

Labelling your bags

You must label your bags when travelling on Eurostar or on any French train with at least your first name & surname - although no-one has ever noticed when I've forgotten.  On Eurostar, if you need paper luggage labels ask at the information desk in the departure lounge, but it's better to buy tags and keep them on your bags.

Is your luggage safe?

Overseas visitors often worry about the security of their bags.  Those of us who use trains all the time know that luggage theft on trains is as rare as airline baggage theft, padlocking your bags to the racks is a bit extreme.

That said, I always keep my bags where I can see them, my 15 Kg backpack-size bag fits on the overhead rack above my seat or I use a floor-standing rack close to my seat.

It should be obvious, but laptops, passports, iPhones, cameras, wallets and tickets should kept in your daypack with you, not left in your large bag on a luggage rack.  You can take your day-pack with you to the toilet or bar car, unless you're travelling with someone who can keep an eye on it for you.

Prohibited items on Eurostar

As you'd expect, firearms & explosives are prohibited on Eurostar (there are special arrangements for sending licensed sporting guns by registered luggage), but several 'normal' street-legal items are prohibited which can catch people out.  These include gas canisters (a potential fire hazard in the Channel Tunnel) and knives with a blade longer than 3" which catches out people who buy a set of Sabbatier kitchen knives in Paris.  Knives with a blade shorter than 3" are fine, for example small penknives.  E-scooters & hoverboards are not carried.

You're allowed to take your own wine or beer on board, but Eurostar may confiscate any 'excessive' alcohol, for example if you look as if you're going to cause trouble.  Transporting an unopened bottle or two of vintage wine or single-malt in your luggage should not be a problem.

Mountaineering ice axes have theoretically not been permitted on Eurostar, but in practice have not been a problem, see the traveller's report here , and I'm glad to say that a policy change in late 2013 now means that ice axes properly packed away in your luggage are now officially (as well as in practice) fine on Eurostar.

Registered baggage on Eurostar

Luggage storage at stations:  more info.

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Luggage On Eurostar: Everything You Need To Know

Planning a trip that includes a ride on a Eurostar train but you’re not sure how much luggage you’re allowed to bring? This detailed guide on Eurostar’s luggage allowance has all the information you need!

Eurostar is not really strict about their luggage allowance. Many people, myself included, have traveled on these trains for years without even being aware of a restriction for luggage size, so you should be able to bring everything from your European packing list .

Nonetheless, it’s important to be aware of the different rules that are in place, so you can’t be caught off guard. Here’s everything you need to know about the luggage allowance and rules on Eurostar trains!

Luggage Allowance on Eurostar

Eurostar has a pretty generous luggage allowance for all passengers, and let me tell you right away that they’re not too strict about enforcing their policies. If you’re not obviously struggling with your luggage or traveling with a bag that’s twice the size of their allowance, it’s highly unlikely anyone will give you a second look.

Every Eurostar passenger is allowed two pieces of luggage up to 85 cm long. Each passenger can also have one piece of hand luggage, usually a purse, a laptop bag, or a briefcase.

There’s no weight limit for luggage you can take on board Eurostar trains, but it is stated that as a passenger, you must be able to handle all your luggage on your own. In other words, don’t pack a bag that’s so heavy you can’t carry it yourself because the personnel working at trains and platforms are in no way obligated to help you bring your bags on board.

Another thing to note is that the Eurostar baggage allowance for Business Premier passengers includes up to three pieces of luggage that measure no more than 85 cm long.

Eurostar Policy on Bikes

Eurostar allows assembled bikes only on trains that run between London and Brussels. Travelers riding the train between Paris and London cannot bring an assembled bike on board. Instead, the bike must be disassembled, packed into a box, and dropped off at the luggage area before boarding.

Eurostar Policy on Musical Instruments

All passengers are allowed to bring musical instruments that are up to 85 cm long and any guitars for free. They will count towards your existing luggage allowance, so you can bring a musical instrument and an additional large suitcase if you want. It’s important to note your guitar must be packed in its case.

For instruments that are between 85 and 135 cm but are not guitars, it won’t be quite as simple. You can email Eurostar and book a dedicated space for your instrument, and you can even purchase a ticket just for the instrument. The third option is to send it via courier services, which is also your only option if you have an instrument that’s more than 135 cm long.

Eurostar Policy on Sports Equipment

Golf bags (maximum dimensions 120 x 35 x 35cm) will count toward your luggage allowance and you can take them on board any Eurostar train. Skis or a snowboard can also count toward your luggage allowance, but on trains that are traveling towards Marseille, Lyon, Avignon, and Bourg-St-Maurice, you can take them in addition to your registered luggage, so as a piece of extra luggage.

Pools, snooker cues, darts, and bats are also allowed on board trains if they are kept in protective cases. Tents and other shelter types are also allowed, so long as they don’t exceed the 85 cm luggage restriction.

Windsurfing and surfing equipment is not allowed on Eurostar trains, and the same goes for sports equipment that is considered dangerous. This includes crossbows, longbows, spears, swords, starting pistols, and some other items. If you’re traveling with any of these items, you will need to get a courier service to transport them to your destination instead.

Prohibited Items on Eurostar

Relics from any military sites you might have visited during your travels through Europe are strictly prohibited on board all Eurostar trains. This includes (but is not limited to) munition, explosive devices, historical weapons, cartridges, military shells, and even decorative shells.

Other prohibited items on Eurostar trains include unlicensed firearms, explosives, ammunition, furniture, perishables (meat, dairy, and fish products), hoverboards, e-scooters, lighter fluid, and knives. For a more detailed look into what you can and can’t bring on board Eurostar trains click here .

Fees for Excess Baggage on Eurostar

Eurostar has fees for excess and oversized baggage, and it’s generally cheaper to pay for these more than two days before your train is supposed to leave. For oversized luggage, the fee is 65 Euros if you pay it more than 48 hours before departure, but 80 Euros if you’re paying it less than 48 hours before departure.

For excess baggage (i.e. a third suitcase) that weighs a maximum of 30 kilos, you can pay 40 Euros (more than 48 Euros before departure) or 60 Euros (less than 48 Euros before departure). Sports equipment is 50 or 70 Euros, and musical instruments are 40 or 60 Euros.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strict is eurostar with luggage.

Eurostar’s rules for luggage are pretty lax, and they’re not very strict in practice either. Workers will rarely measure or weigh your bags, so you can probably get away with heavy luggage that’s a bit bigger than allowed. The only time you might get in trouble is if the personnel notices you’re struggling to carry your own luggage.

Where do you put luggage on Eurostar?

You can put away smaller suitcases in overhead racks, and larger bags should be stored in luggage racks that can be found at the end of every train car. Luggage storage on trains is not guaranteed unless you reserve a space, since the racks are filled on a first-come first-served basis.

Can you take food in luggage on Eurostar?

Yes, you can take food in your luggage on Eurostar. However, keep in mind that if you’re traveling to and from the UK, there might be certain restrictions on fresh foods that you’re allowed to bring into the country. So, make sure to consume any fresh food that you might not be permitted to enter the country with to avoid having any issues.

Are there any liquid restrictions on Eurostar?

You can bring several unopened bottles of alcohol on board Eurostar trains. Their alcohol policy states that “passengers with large quantities of alcohol must use a courier service”, but they don’t state what they consider to be a large quantity.

Eurostar limits alcohol consumption on board to make travel safe and pleasant for everyone, but they’re not very strict if you’re just transporting bottles and have no intention of drinking them on the train.

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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Updated - 6 August 2024

Staff Travel guides for holders of the Rail Staff Leisure Card

Staff travel guides for holders of the rst online leisure card, staff travel guides for holders of the staff travel card, staff travel restrictions in great britain, staff travel on eurostar, staff travel in europe, visitors to britain with fip facilities, travel irregularities, leaving railway employment.

These documents help you understand how and when you can use your Rail Staff Travel privileges.

Staff travellers must ensure priority is given to fare-paying passengers. They should, whenever possible, seek to travel on lightly-loaded services. When this is not possible and travel is undertaken on a crowded train, they should stand back to allow fare-paying passengers to obtain seats.

Those eligible to travel in first class accommodation may be asked by on-train staff to vacate their first class seat in favour of standing fare-paying passengers. Active staff are required to do so in these circumstances.

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Travelling with luggage

Luggage allowance.

Travelling with Eurostar is all about comfort and convenience. That means no last-minute panic over toiletries or trying to predict the weather. There’s no weight limit on your luggage, meaning you can bring every little essential with you. All we ask is that you’re able to transport your bags safely on and off the train and that they’re stored out of harm’s way in our dedicated areas. And don’t forget to label your luggage clearly, too.

Sometimes, life can throw a little excess baggage in your direction. That’s why we also offer services for additional luggage or oversized items . Whether you’re packing extra outfits to dazzle the locals in Paris or squeezing in your skis for the South of France, we’ve got you covered.

On our trains to and from London, each piece of luggage can be up to 85cm long at its widest point and should be clearly labelled. ‘Hand luggage’ refers to items such as backpacks, handbags, briefcases and laptop bags

• In Business Premier, you can bring three pieces of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage
• And in all travel classes, children can bring one piece of luggage and one piece of hand luggage

There's no restriction on liquids so you can take all your favourite toiletries. We do have some restrictions on alcohol .

We get it…no amount of effort will get a snowboard into a backpack. If you’re unsure about what’s allowed on board, get in touch .

Your allowance includes two items of luggage (max. 75 x 53 x 30 cm) and one item of hand luggage. Any excess luggage must be transported in a case that’s no longer than two metres, and may come with a charge of €30 per case. There’s no weight limit, but you should be able to carry all your luggage.

Practical tips

Here are a few hints to help ensure a carefree journey for you and your luggage:

Labelled luggage

All luggage on board our trains must be labelled .

Easily accessible space for your luggage

Our coaches are equipped with several areas for stowing luggage, including:

• Luggage racks above your seat
• Free space on the floor between certain seats arranged back to back
• Special luggage racks at the end of each coach for bigger items

Keep a watchful eye on your luggage

Any luggage you bring on board is your responsibility. Please ensure your bags are fully closed and keep an eye on them. Check your seating area carefully before you leave to make sure you’ve left nothing behind.

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Musical instruments

Whether you’re off to a concert or just taking your guitar on your travels, here’s everything you need to know.

Sports equipment

Whether you’re taking skis or a set of boules, here’s all you need to know.

Luggage services

Everything you need to know about our door-to-door delivery service.

Prohibited items

What you can and cannot take on board as luggage.

Lost property

Learn about the processes Eurostar has in place for lost property.

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What luggage can I take onboard?

There is no weight limit, but you must be able to carry and store your own luggage. Travelling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany You’re allowed: - One item of hand luggage - Up to two additional items (dimensions: 75x53x30cm max) Special luggage Travelling with an item that exceeds these dimensions? We try to be as accommodating as possible. Special items must be transported in a case no longer than two meters. Contact our Customer Service Centre for additional information. Please note, failure to comply will result in a charge of €30 per item or the item may not be permitted on board the train. Travelling to and from London On our trains to and from London, you’re allowed: - One item of hand luggage - Up to two additional items (up to 85cm long at its widest point) If you need to take more luggage or wish to take your bike, please contact the Eurostar Travel Services team . Prohibited items At Eurostar, we’ve seen every item imaginable. We try and be fair and flexible, but there are some things which are strictly prohibited on London routes . Please note it is the traveller’s responsibility to keep an eye on their luggage. Eurostar cannot be held liable in the event of theft or loss.

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