eurostar

Connecting London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam downtown to downtown through the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar is the smarter, greener way to cross the Channel, with a carbon footprint significantly lower than the equivalent flight. At just 2 hours and 16 minutes, the London to Paris service offers a competitive alternative to flying, and beyond its flagship routes, Eurostar also runs seasonal snow trains to the French Alps with connections into the high-speed network across Europe. For live schedules, competitive prices and instant confirmation, book your Eurostar tickets on Trip.com.

Eurostar route map

  • United Kingdom

  • France

  • Belgium

  • The Netherlands

  • Germany

Departing from the heart of London at St Pancras International and crossing beneath the English Channel to reach Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and beyond, Eurostar connects city center to city center with no airport check-in queues and significantly lower carbon emissions than flying, making it a great choice for business travelers, families, and anyone who'd rather swap the airport stress for a window seat with a view.

United Kingdom

Eurostar cross-channel routes (Travel between UK & EU)

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One-Stop Check-in Process

One-Stop Check-in Process

Unlike flying, Eurostar completes all security and border controls at your departure station. So, whether you're boarding in London, Brussels, Paris, or Amsterdam, you clear both countries' checks before stepping onto the train and arrive at your destination with no further passport controls or customs to clear.

Check-in times vary by station, but as a rule you should be through security at least 75-90 minutes before departure. Passengers traveling to London via Brussels should allow more time – UK border pre-clearance at Brussels Midi is mandatory and can take longer during busy periods. Non-EU nationals should also factor in additional time for EES biometric registration on their first entry into the Schengen Area.

Eurostar continental routes

Valid identification document

Valid identification document

If you're traveling between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany on Eurostar's continental network, there are no routine border controls. All four countries are located within the Schengen Area, meaning no passport control or border checks apply between them. That said, it's always worth traveling with a passport or valid national identity card. Transport authorities conduct random spot checks on cross-border services from time to time, and carrying a recognized form of identification ensures your journey won't be interrupted. Ticket checks take place on board, so keep your booking confirmation or e-ticket accessible throughout.

Boarding Process

Boarding Process

Unlike the cross-Channel service to and from the UK, Eurostar's continental routes involve no routine passport checks, and boarding is as straightforward as any other high-speed train in Europe. You’re recommended to be at the station at least 20 minutes before departure, checking the departure boards for your platform before simply presenting your ticket or e-ticket at the gate to board directly with no separate check-in process required.

How to book Eurostar tickets on Trip.com

Select departure and arrival stations

STEP 01

Select departure and arrival stations

Choose your origin and destination from the available Eurostar stations.

Select departure date

STEP 02

Select departure date

Select your preferred outbound travel date to check prices and availability.

Select return date (if applicable)

STEP 03

Select return date (if applicable)

If you're booking a round trip, select the date you wish to return on.

Choose Eurostar train and seat class

STEP 04

Choose Eurostar train and seat class

Select the most suitable Eurostar train from the list and your desired seat class.

Enter information

STEP 05

Enter information

Complete passenger and contact information.

 Choose payment method

STEP 06

Choose payment method

Multiple payment methods are available - select your preferred method.

Eurostar seat classes

  • Eurostar Standard
    Eurostar Standard
    • icon2 pieces of luggage + 1 small daypack
    • iconBuy drinks, meals and snacks on board
    • iconFree onboard wifi
    • iconUK & EU plug sockets
    • iconFlexible exchange and refund options available
  • Eurostar Plus class carriage
    Eurostar Plus
    • iconA delicious light meal and drinks served at seat (London routes only)
    • iconExtra spacious seats
    • icon2 pieces of luggage + 1 small daypack
    • iconFree onboard wifi
    • iconUK & EU plug sockets
    • iconFlexible exchange and refund options available
  • Eurostar Premier class carriage
    Eurostar Premier
    • iconSame-day boarding guarantee
    • iconExclusive lounge access in London, Paris and Brussels
    • iconPriority ticket gates (London routes only)
    • iconAt-seat fine dining and drinks served by your dedicated on board team
    • icon3 pieces of luggage + 1 small daypack
    • iconExtra spacious seats
    • iconFree onboard wifi
    • iconUK & EU plug sockets
    • iconFee-free exchange and refund up to 48 hours post-departure

Eurostar onboard rules and policies

Eurostar luggage policy: no weight limit

Standard and Plus passengers may bring 2 pieces of luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage, while Premier passengers are entitled to 3 pieces plus hand luggage. Children may bring 1 piece plus hand luggage in any class. Pushchairs and prams can be brought on board without counting toward your allowance.

Discover more about luggage here.

Size limits vary by route: on cross-Channel services to and from London, each piece must be no longer than 85cm; on all other routes, the limit is 75cm. There is no weight limit on any Eurostar service, provided you can manage your luggage safely and stow it in the designated areas.

Extra luggage can be added if needed. On London routes, additional items must be pre-booked via Manage Your Booking at least 48 hours in advance, at €35 per item. On continental routes, extra items can be paid for at the station on the day for €30 each.

Traveling with bikes

Cyclists traveling to or from London must pre-book a dedicated bike space via Manage Your Booking. Disassembled bikes (max 165 x 90 x 36cm, stored in a box or bag) start from €45 when booked at least 48 hours in advance. Fully assembled bikes are accepted on London–Brussels services only and must also be pre-booked.

On continental routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, pre-booking is not required. Bikes must be disassembled with both wheels removed and covered by a non-rigid case (max 135 x 85 x 30cm), charged at €30 on the day of travel.

Traveling with pets

Pets are not permitted on Eurostar services to and from London, between Brussels and Lille, or on Snow services. Guide and assistance animals are exempt, though you will need to contact Eurostar at least 24 hours in advance.

Pets are welcome on all other routes between Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Small animals under 6kg travel free of charge in a carrier (max 45 x 30 x 25cm), while larger dogs must be leashed and muzzled and require a €30 ticket. Dogs are not permitted on seats and must remain on your lap or on the floor. Dangerous dogs, wild animals, and birds are not permitted on any service.

Traveling with children

Children traveling on Eurostar, including babies, must hold their own valid travel document. On cross-Channel routes, this means a passport. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or over for the duration of the journey, or travel as an unaccompanied minor with the required paperwork.

Under 4: Children under 4 travel free of charge and sit on an adult's lap. No reserved seat is required.

Aged 4 to 11: A child ticket at a reduced fare is required. Children in this age group travel in their own reserved seat and are entitled to one piece of luggage and one item of hand luggage.

FAQs about Eurostar trains and tickets

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

    Allow more time than you might expect, as all border checks happen at departure, and gates close 30 minutes before the train leaves (or 15 minutes for Premier).

    • From London and Paris: Standard and Plus passengers should arrive 75-90 minutes before departure; Premier passengers 45–60 minutes.
    • Brussels is more relaxed: 45-60 minutes for Standard and Plus and 30-45 minutes for Premier.
    • From Amsterdam: allow 75-90 minutes for Standard and Plus, or 30 minutes for Premier.
  • Can I bring food on Eurostar?

    Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and soft drinks on board. Eurostar has a buffet car and trolley service for snacks and meals, while Premier passengers receive a full at-seat dining service. Please note, it is not permitted to consume alcohol you've brought yourself, though you can buy it on board.

  • Is Eurostar faster than flying?

    Yes, Eurostar services from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord take as little as 2 hours 16 minutes, city center to city center. A direct flight covers the same distance in less time in the air, but once you factor in airport transfers, security, and baggage collection, the door-to-door journey typically runs to four hours or more. Eurostar is also significantly greener.

    See our Eurostar vs flying comparison.

  • Where does Eurostar leave from in London?

    All Eurostar services depart from London St Pancras International, reachable by National Rail services and six Underground lines to King's Cross just next door.

    For early departures, check the earliest Eurostar trains from London.

  • Does Eurostar go direct to Paris?

    Yes, Eurostar runs direct services from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, with no changes required, getting there in as little as 2 hours and 16 minutes.

  • Does Eurostar still go to Disneyland Paris?

    Direct Eurostar services to Disneyland Paris are no longer running, but it's still an easy journey, however. Just take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, then the RER B one stop south to Châtelet–Les Halles and change onto the RER A direct to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy, which is right at the park entrance. The transfer to Disneyland Paris from Gare du Nord takes around 45-50 minutes in total.

FAQs about Eurostar deals and discounts

  • How to get a discount on Eurostar?

    Eurostar's lowest fares are released well in advance and sell out quickly, with prices rising as the departure date approaches, so book as early as you can. Find the best time to book Eurostar tickets. You can also save with Eurostar Snap (see below), and check Trip.com's blog for the latest Eurostar deals and tips on finding the best fares for your route.
  • Is there a senior discount on Eurostar?

    Yes, on European routes. Passengers aged 60 and over can get 10% off the adult ticket price on services between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, on select trains and subject to availability. You can find current offers on Eurostar's senior fares page. Senior fares are not available on journeys to or from London. UK Railcards aren't valid on Eurostar; see railcards on Eurostar for details.
  • What is Eurostar Snap?

    Eurostar Snap offers up to 50% off Standard class fares for last-minute travel. Choose your date and time slot; Eurostar assigns your exact train at least 48 hours before departure. Tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and non-cancellable, with no seat selection and no bikes. Bookable up to 14 days before travel. To be sure to get the train you want, book ahead on Trip.com to secure the lowest available fares.

FAQs about Booking Eurostar with Trip.com

  • Can I use Trip.com for Eurostar?

    Yes. Trip.com is an official authorized Eurostar partner, so you can search, compare, and book Eurostar tickets directly on the platform at the same prices and with the same availability as booking through Eurostar.

  • Why should I book my Eurostar tickets on Trip.com?

    Trip.com lets you plan your whole trip in one place: Eurostar tickets, hotels, and connecting travel all in a single booking. The platform is available in multiple languages with 24/7 customer support, so help is always on hand if you have any questions.

  • How do I get my Eurostar tickets from Trip.com?

    Your Eurostar tickets are delivered as e-tickets to the e-mail address provided at checkout. Simply show the ticket on your phone, or print it out, no ticket office collection required.