Do you really need to be 90 minutes early for Eurostar?

Do you really need to be 90 minutes early for Eurostar? The check-in procedure for Eurostar train journeys takes roughly 20 minutes from start to finish, and depending on the class you're travelling in, it's recommended that you arrive at least 90 minutes before your Eurostar train leaves.

What is the shortest trip on the Eurostar?

These are the best destinations for adventure and ski enthusiasts. Moreover, Eurostar's shortest route is between London and Lille. It takes about an hour and 22 minutes to travel between these two beautiful tourist destinations.

Do Eurostar tickets get more expensive closer to the date?

Book early to get the best prices Don't worry if you're still deciding on the exact dates. With Eurostar, you can book tickets up to 120 days in advance and the earlier you book, the better value the fares.

Is it better to fly to Paris or get the Eurostar?

I've taken both the Eurostar train and flown to Paris from London several times. While it can cost more, I prefer traveling by Eurostar, which is much better for the environment. Eurostar is rarely delayed and the check-in process is way less stressful than at airports.

Is Eurostar usually on time?

It's rare for the Eurostar to be delayed but of course there is no guarantee it won't be! I don't usually find the Eurostar to be delayed very often (and I use it frequently) but last month we had an hour delay after leaving Paris because there was somebody hanging around the tracks near St-Denis station.

Can I get the next train if I miss Eurostar?

If you miss your Eurostar service as a result of delays or cancellations to your National Rail service on your outbound journey you will be placed on the next available service to your Continental destination at no extra charge.

Do Eurostar tickets get cheaper closer to departure?

Fares from London to Paris or Brussels start at £52 one-way or £78 return. Standard Premier (1st class) fares start at £115 one-way, £199 return. Fares work like air fares. Prices increase as departure date approaches and the cheaper seats sell out, so book early.

How reliable is Eurostar?

Sometimes but not often. It is usually reliable BUT I've had two occasions where I was significantly delayed. On one occasion a train ahead of mine derailed; because of this, the train I was on departed late, could not travel at full speed, and there was single tracking around the area of the derailment.

How often is Eurostar late?

At Eurostar we set ourselves high standards of train punctuality and make every effort to get passengers to their destination on time. Our 2023 target is to ensure: 76% of trains arrive within 5 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. 86% of trains arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.

Do you need to print Eurostar tickets?

But, whichever station you're catching the Eurostar from, you'll need to make sure you've printed your tickets at least 45 minutes beforehand - this gives you time to check in and board the train. You'll also need your ID to check in.

Can I bring food on Eurostar?

Can I take food on board? Absolutely. You can bring your own food on European and London routes. And unlike in the sky, we won't restrict you with stifling rules on liquids.

Is it worth upgrading to standard Premier on the Eurostar?

The main difference between standard and Standard Premier is the food, closely followed by the views and extra legroom. If you want a more luxurious experience, or even if you're travelling solo and prefer a single seating arrangement, Standard Premier is well worth the upgrade.

What happens if you are late for Eurostar?

Generally, if you'd left enough time had the delay not happened, Eurostar will re-book you onto the next available service. If you're delayed getting to the Eurostar station by something other than a train, YMMV, so it's probably best to leave more time for that.

Why are the Eurostar queues so long?

A cut in the number of border officials means it takes nearly 30% longer to process passengers leaving St Pancras International than before Brexit and the pandemic. Also contributing to the delay is the post-Brexit requirement to stamp UK passports for outbound travel.

Why is Eurostar so expensive?

It depends which trains and what times you are looking at - Eurostar is very expensive in times of high demand because the cheap tickets get snapped up but can be relatively affordable if you choose less popular times. Sad Sprinter said: I kind of wish it was nationalised and subsidised to have cheaper fares.

Do you get a refund if Eurostar is delayed?

If your train has been cancelled or announced as delayed before departure by more than 6o minutes, you can reschedule your trip for another date or swap your ticket for an e-voucher, which you can use to rebook later in the year or claim a cash refund.

How long do you need to be at Eurostar before your train?

For stress-free boarding, we recommend that you arrive in the station 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your train.

Do they check your passport on the Eurostar?

Your passport will be checked by UKBA security staff before being checked by French passport control. This will only take a few minutes.

Is there WIFI on Eurostar?

Our trains have free wi-fi throughout. To connect, choose EurostarTrainsWiFi then go to register.onboard.eurostar.com to get started.

How strict are Eurostar with luggage?

On Eurostar there's no weight limit for your luggage, but you must be able to carry and lift your bags safely on your own, as there is no porter service at the station and our teams are unfortunately unable to help with luggage. Each bag can be up to 85cm long at its widest point and should be clearly labelled.