Whether you’re off to Paris for pastries or heading to Amsterdam for canals and culture, the Eurostar is one of the easiest and most stress-free ways to travel from the UK to mainland Europe. But if you’ve never taken it before—or even if you have—there are a few things worth knowing to make your trip smoother, cheaper, and a lot less confusing.
Here’s everything you actually need to know before boarding that speedy train under the sea:
You’ll need to go through passport control.
Unlike most UK trains, Eurostar trips involve border checks—so don’t expect to rock up five minutes before departure. You’ll need to go through both UK and EU passport control, and there can be queues, especially at peak times.
Eurostar recommends arriving at least 90 minutes early, though if you’ve got a Standard Premier or Business ticket, there’s usually a fast-track option. Either way, make sure your passport’s in date and has at least six months left if you’re heading into the Schengen area.
You’re allowed more luggage than you might think.
One of the nicest perks of the Eurostar is that you don’t need to obsessively weigh your bag or cram everything into a tiny, cabin-sized case. Standard ticket holders can bring two suitcases and a small piece of hand luggage without extra fees.
There’s no weight limit, but you do need to be able to carry your own bags onto the train and lift them onto the luggage rack. Just be sensible—it’s not a removal van—and remember there’s no bag check-in service like at an airport.
You go through St Pancras International.
The Eurostar terminal is inside St Pancras International in London, and it’s clearly signposted from King’s Cross and other surrounding stations.
Once inside, you’ll find shops, cafes, and the departure area upstairs near check-in. There’s a Pret, a few gift shops, and even a champagne bar if you’re feeling fancy. But keep in mind that once you’ve gone through security, your food options become limited—so grab what you need before you scan your ticket.
It’s not just Paris anymore.
Everyone associates Eurostar with trips to Paris, but it now runs routes to Amsterdam, Brussels, and even direct ski trains in winter to the Alps. It’s a great option for city breaks or reaching mainland Europe without flying.
Check the official website for seasonal routes and any service changes, especially if you’re planning further ahead. New destinations pop up occasionally, and some—like Disneyland Paris—have dedicated services during school holidays.
There’s Wi-Fi on board (but it’s patchy).
Yes, Eurostar trains do have Wi-Fi, but it can be a bit hit and miss, especially when going through tunnels or rural French countryside. Don’t rely on it for anything too data-heavy like Zoom calls or streaming.
If you want to stay entertained, download shows, playlists or reading material before your journey. That said, it’s a comfy ride with power sockets at your seat, so if you’re catching up on emails or work, it’s still a productive journey.
Food options are available, just not gourmet.
There’s a small café bar on board every Eurostar train selling sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and drinks. It’s fine in a pinch, but the selection is basic and prices aren’t exactly cheap.
If you’re fussy or just want to save money, it’s totally fine to bring your own food and drinks on board. You can even pack a bottle of wine or beer (within reason), which is very welcome on a longer trip to Amsterdam or beyond.
Delays happen, but compensation does too.
Eurostar is generally reliable, but delays do happen, especially around strikes or weather disruptions. If your train is more than 60 minutes late, you’re usually entitled to compensation in the form of vouchers or partial refunds.
Keep your ticket reference and file a claim online. It’s not always automatic, but they are decent at honouring claims if you ask. And if you’re connecting to another train in Europe, build in buffer time to avoid missing your next leg.
Check your arrival station.
In cities like Paris and Brussels, Eurostar arrives at big, busy train stations. Gare du Nord in Paris, for example, can be a little chaotic if you’re not used to it, especially during rush hour.
Before you go, have a plan for onward travel—whether it’s a Metro ticket, walking directions, or a pre-booked taxi. These hubs are well-connected, but they can be overwhelming if you’re stepping off the train for the first time.
Tickets are cheapest if you book early.
Eurostar prices work a lot like flights—the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket. Last-minute fares can get eye-watering, so it’s best to lock in your journey as soon as you know your dates.
Sign up for fare alerts and sales if you’re flexible, and be aware that off-peak times (midweek, early mornings, or late evenings) tend to be cheaper. Fridays and Sundays are usually the most expensive days to travel.
There’s no need to print your ticket.
You don’t need to worry about printing anything for Eurostar. Tickets are digital and can be scanned from your phone at the gates. Just make sure your battery’s not about to die when you reach the barrier.
If you’d rather play it safe, you can download a PDF version or add the ticket to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay. Either way, it’s quick and easy to scan—and much less faff than most airports.
Source: MSN (Story by Diane Collins)