If you’re planning your European adventure, here’s a transportation tip that will surely make your trip a breeze: travel Europe by train!
Have an easy, breezy trip to Europe’s top cities with the Eurostar! Photo Credit: @eurostar on Instagram
The Eurostar train can take you to many destinations — there’s a Eurostar London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, all with quick and easy travel time. In fact, you can travel 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 about 30 minutes.
So, get ready for an amazing adventure without the hassle of airports. Travel Europe by train, and let's go explore Europe together!
Save $10 every time you travel with Europe direct trains using code EUROTRAIN10!
What is the Eurostar?
The Eurostar traverses the sea through the Channel Tunnel to arrive at its destinations. Credits: @ingridvanmeldert on Instagram
Established in 1994, the Eurostar is a high-speed passenger train system linking London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. It goes through the Channel Tunnel at speeds up to 300 km/h or 186 mph. Pretty impressive, eh?
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!
The Eurostar also 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. This might just be your best way to travel Europe!
Eurostar train stations
Start your journey at London’s St. Pancras International, a.k.a. Kings Cross! Credits: @d.and.s.travelling on Instagram
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. Brussel Gare Du 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?
The Gare du Nord has a famous eye-catching exterior! Credits: @maharajah8 on Instagram
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 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!
You can also check out this list of day trips from Paris if you feel like adding more to your Paris adventure!
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?
Thanks to the direct service, you’ll be at Amsterdam Centraal in no time! Credits: @eurasiatransportexplorer on Instagram
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
Make sure to book your Eurostar tickets in advance! Credits: @trainsenvoyage on Instagram
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 wherever you are!
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 (very 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, go for it! Trips tend to be cheaper for early bookers.
Are Eurostar seats assigned?
Photo Credit: Winston Tjia on Unsplash
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 Interrail Eurail website or by using the Rail Planner app.
Can I bring luggage on a Eurostar train?
Take the whole family on a cross-European journey on the Eurostar! Credits: @riveralcrystal on Instagram
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 85 cm 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 as you travel Europe by 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 traveling 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.
The best way to go is really to travel Europe by train 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 perfect to embark on a hassle-free adventure!
Written by: Rohana Monzon
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