How To Catch The Eurostar From London To Paris
The Eurostar is a High-speed Train Connecting London and Paris
Jul 27, 2009
The Eurostar is one of the best options to travel between the two cities of London and Paris. Airfare from the United States to Paris is traditionally quite high, and many folks are now opting to fly into London first, and then catch the Eurostar to Paris in an effort to save on airfare.
Starting at around US $140 for a round-trip coach ticket from London to Paris (and sometimes less depending on dates of travel), travelers get to their destination in just under two hours.
How To Book Eurostar Tickets
Eurostar tickets can be booked directly from Eurostar on their website, or from a vendor such as Rail Europe. To get the best fares and schedule options, however, it is best to book with Eurostar directly - online or by phone. The online booking process is extremely easy and provides the traveler with various class seating options.
The Eurostar Travel Classes: Coach, Leisure Select and Business Premier
When booking tickets, three seating classes are offered. Coach is the most basic, and the coach cars are often located next to the cafe cars for self-service and purchase of food or drinks.
Leisure Select is more spacious, and a full meal is served at your seat - including wine or champagne. Newspapers and magazines are also available for Leisure Select passengers.
Business Premier is the most luxurious class and the most expensive. Roundtrip fares for this class can cost up to US $700 roundtrip. It does offer many perks, however, including free wi-fi in the waiting lounges and on board, optional chauffeur service, fully flexible tickets, fast-track check-in and of course, meals and beverages served at the seat.
How To Get To The Eurostar Station in London: Saint Pancras International Station
The London Eurostar station is located at Saint Pancras International Station. The metro - King's Cross Station - also serves Saint Pancras, as it is located directly below the train station. Folks can take the metro (or "tube") directly to the Eurostar by getting off at King's Cross station.
From Heathrow airport, there are three options to reach St. Pancras Station and the Eurostar:
- Take the Heathrow Express: The Heathrow Express is a special fast train that takes folks directly to central London (or vice versa) in just 15 minutes. It goes directly to Paddington Station, which is centrally located. After exiting customs, find the Heathrow Express desk and get a Heathrow Express ticket to the Paddington Station for about US $26 one-way. Travelers can also opt to get a first class ticket as well as roundtrip tickets. Fares are listed on the Heathrow Express website and can be booked online as well. Once at Paddington, folks can transfer directly to the metro, by taking the Hammersmith/Circle Line directly from Paddington Station to King's Cross station where the Eurostar is located.
- Catch the Heathrow Connect, a cheaper alternative to the Express, for about $11 one-way to central London (Paddington). The trip takes about 30 minutes.
- A yet cheaper alternative than the above trains, is to catch the metro (or "tube" as the British call it) directly from Heathrow Airport to central London and for only 4 pounds. The line to take is the Picadilly Line, directly to King's Cross. Travel time is about 45 to 50 minutes.
The important things to remember are (1) to check the London subway website a couple of days prior to departure from the United States, to determine whether there will be any engineering works or other metro delays on the Picadilly Line or Hammersmith/Circle line the date of travel; and (2) allow plenty of time between the flight's scheduled arrival at Heathrow and catching the Eurostar from central London. There are plenty of cafés and shops at St. Pancras Station so there is plenty to do while waiting on the train.
How to Get To The Eurostar Station In Paris: The Gare du Nord
The Eurostar is stationed at the Gare du Nord in Paris. Several metro lines serve the Gare du Nord, making it very accessible. Check the subway maps to determine the best route. The Gare du Nord is also accessible from Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport.
The Eurostar ticketing and check in is located upstairs at the Gare du Nord. Check-in is usually open about one hour prior to departure, and earlier arrival is strongly advised.
Things To Remember About Travel On The Eurostar
- Book a ticket only when sure of time and date of your departure, as often tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable for coach and other lower priced-tickets.
- Be sure to check the car number and seat number on your boarding card before boarding the train.
- Luggage racks are located on each end of a car - when booking the ticket, click on the seat map and choose a seat close enough to give you a view of your luggage (if you don't have a lock with you).
- The Eurostar also goes to other French cities, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.
For more information, visit the Eurostar online.
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