Planning an epic European adventure? Well, guess what? We've got a handy tip that'll make your journey more of a breeze: travel by train!
The Eurostar train can take you from London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam quickly and easily. In fact, you can go from London to Paris or Brussels in just two hours! Sure, flights seem to be faster, but who wants to spend extra time at the airport? The Eurostar check-in and security are super speedy, taking only around 30 minutes or so.
The best part? You'll be disembarking at centrally located stations, so no more paying for expensive taxis or additional trains to reach your destination. Plus, there aren't any food restrictions on the Eurostar, so feel free to bring your packed lunch, snacks, and flasks with coffee and tea. Trust us, it's much better than airport food!
And the cherry on top? The Eurostar has no luggage restrictions! That's right, you can bring up to three bags without checking them in, and there's no chance of losing your luggage.
So, get ready for an amazing adventure without the hassle of airports. Hop on a Eurostar train, and let's go explore Europe together!
What is the Eurostar?
The Eurostar is a high-speed passenger train system linking London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, and started operations in 1994. It goes through the Channel Tunnel at speeds up to 300km/h or 186 mph. Pretty impressive, eh?
Eurostar train stations
The Eurostar’s train stations are located in some of the most exciting cities in Europe!
In London, you'll board at St. Pancras International (famously known as Kings Cross), while in Paris, you'll arrive at the famous Gare du Nord. Brussels Midi is the station to look out for in Belgium, and in the Netherlands, you'll get off at Amsterdam Centraal.
Here's some great news: depending on the service and season, there are other stops along the way that you might be able to hop on or off. These include Lille Europe in France, Rotterdam Centraal in the Netherlands, and even Marne-la-Vallée in Chessy, France, where many people go to visit Disneyland® Paris!
How long is the ride from London to Paris on the Eurostar?
If you're headed from London to Paris, you're in luck! The Eurostar train runs every hour, every day of the week (except Christmas Day) from London's St. Pancras station to Paris' Gare du Nord. The trip covers a distance of 491.8 km or 305 miles and usually takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes (the fastest recorded journey time).
Before heading over to the city of love, you might want to explore some of the 20 of the best attractions in London:
In just over two hours or so, you’ll arrive in Paris, where you can check out Paris’ 18 best sites and stops!
How long is the ride from London to Brussels on the Eurostar?
The Eurostar runs every few hours from London to Brussels, with a distance of 373 km or 232 miles. The trip usually takes around 2 hours, but the fastest journey was completed in just 1 hour and 48 minutes!
How long is the ride from London to Amsterdam on the Eurostar?
The direct service from London was launched in 2018, and it takes 3 hours and 52 minutes to reach Rotterdam. However, note that on the return trip from Amsterdam to London, you'll need to change trains in Brussels for security and passport control.
Where to buy Eurostar train tickets in Australia
Ready to experience the magic of the Eurostar? Booking your tickets in advance is the way to go, and you can even do it all the way from Australia!
We recommend booking your Eurostar tickets through Klook for a quick and easy process. Plus, with seat reservations in advance, you can skip the lines at the train stations (convenient, right?).
Booking as early as 3-6 months in advance is a fantastic way to save some cash. So, if you're eyeing a popular route like London to Paris, trips tend to be cheaper for early bookers.
Are Eurostar seats assigned?
If you have a Eurail Global Pass, you're in luck! You can easily reserve seats on the Eurostar and enjoy a stress-free journey.
Keep in mind that reserving your seat on high-speed trains, like the Eurostar, is mandatory. But don't worry, it's a breeze to do so on the Eurostar by visiting https://www.interrail.eu/en/book-reservations#/ or by using the Rail Planner App.
Can I bring luggage on a Eurostar train?
When it comes to bringing your luggage on the Eurostar, there are no weight restrictions! You can bring two suitcases and a small hand-carry luggage without any worries. However, remember that you should be able to carry and lift your bags safely on your own. Each bag can also be up to 85cm long at its widest point.
What documents do I need to board a Eurostar train?
Here are the documents you need to bring with you to board the train:
- Your passport (and visa, if applicable, depending on your passport)
- If you're a citizen of an EEA country or Switzerland, you can bring your national ID card instead
When travelling to or from London, there are a few checkpoints you'll need to go through, including the ticket gates, passport control, and security. To be on the safe side, we recommend arriving at the station 45-60 minutes before departure.
Travelling through Europe by train is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the continent, and the Eurostar train makes it easier than ever to visit some of the most iconic cities. With fast and convenient travel times, central station locations, no food or luggage restrictions, and easy check-in and security procedures, the Eurostar is the perfect way to embark on a hassle-free adventure!
Written by: Rohana Monzon