See Also
If you’re taking the train between London and Paris then you’re taking Eurostar. We did the return trip recently and loved it. The train departs from St Pancras station in London, goes through the Chunnel, and arrives at Gare du Nord station in Paris. The train trip from London to Paris takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Some tips for taking a Eurostar train:
- Buy tickets early. There are a limited number of the cheapest seats and once they’re gone you have to buy the more expensive Premier and Business Premier tickets.
- Bring food and snacks. Trains do have dinning cars but if you want specific food or treats be sure to grab them before boarding.
- Don’t be late. Trains leave exactly on time so arrive at the station early. You’ll need to go through border patrol before getting on the train and this can take more than a few minutes if there’s a line.
Eurostar also does these routes:
- London to Brussels
- London to DisneyLand Paris
- London to (Paris) to Avignon
- London to the French Alps (Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne, or Bourg-St-Maurice)
- There are also connecting trains to all over Europe (more info here on destinations)
The Eurostar terminal is located at St. Pancras station in London – follow the signs from the tube stop to get to the international trains
So easy a child can do it. If you booked in advance you grab your tickets from one of the many ticket kiosks at St Pancras station in London.
You enter your reservation code and then print the tickets. An attendant is there if you need help.
If you need further assistance or didn't buy your tickets in advance there is a fully staffed and very helpful ticket office.
After passing through border control you find your train on the departures sign and wait for the boarding announcement.
People boarding the train in London.
On the train platform looking for our coach.
The train coaches are marked on the platform and on the train itself.
In Paris the drill is pretty much the same. Take the metro to the Gare du Nord subway stop and then read the signs to find the Eurostar departures.
One important note: even though this board shows the departure for London you need to get to the Eurostar lounge to go through border patrol and board the train.
Which is up these stairs just a short distance from the general train area.
Where you'll find the e-ticketing kiosk and the main ticket office.
Then fill out some paperwork (which takes about 3 minutes per person), through border patrol (there can be a line), and onto your train back to London.
Great to have this journey from the point of view of a parent. It’s a wonder anyone flies this route
I wrote a guide to all things Eurostar over on the Loco2 blog: http://loco2.com/blog/2012/11/london-paris-trains-eurostar-explained/