Taking Eurostar: Your Ideal Train from London to Paris
If you’re considering taking a plane or train from London to Paris, taking the Eurostar is the best option in my opinion. This high-speed train offers a smooth, efficient and direct route between the two cities, bypassing the usual airport hassles.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or live in London like me, the Eurostar provides a refined and stress-free travel experience that allows you to arrive in Paris rested and ready.
Mr Sunny and I have taken in to Brussels and Lille for the Christmas Markets. Also, we have taken Eurostar to Paris on our way to a four day trip to Champagne.
Every time we were extremely happy with our decision. So we’ve put together a detailed guide to making the most of your Eurostar journey.
And, if you’re struggling to plan your London trip, you’ll want to have our London Travel Planner. Our 3-Day Iconic London itinerary makes it easy to decide things to do in London and how to to coordinate them! Each day ends with one of Mr Sunny’s legendary pub crawls!
Find all the tools you need in this London travel planner.
Want to avoid common mistakes? Need to know what to book ahead? Confused about what airport to choose and how to tip in London? Want to understand British culture and know how much a day out in London actually costs? Get all your London trip questions answered with this guide!
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Why Choose the Eurostar Train from London to Paris?
For many, the Eurostar is the ideal choice for travel between London and Paris. Unlike flying, this train journey allows you to skip lengthy airport security queues and tedious wait times.
The Eurostar’s station, London St Pancras International, is conveniently located in central London, making it far more accessible than airports like Heathrow or Gatwick. After a brief two-hour-and-fifteen-minute journey, you’ll arrive at Gare du Nord, situated near popular Parisian attractions and just steps away from bustling city streets.
Two see both stations, you can watch my video on choosing Eurostar over flying to Paris.
Once you arrive, your Parisian adventure can begin immediately. Border control is completed before you board in London, so you can disembark in Paris and head straight to your first destination without any additional waits.
And with your luggage always by your side, there’s no need to stand around baggage claim. These features make Eurostar my recommended mode of transportation between London and Paris.
Think about how nice it is to walk off a train and be right in the heart of what’s happening!
Advantages of Taking the Eurostar Train from London to Paris
One of Eurostar’s major advantages is punctuality, with most trains running on time. This reliability makes it a dependable option for those with tight schedules. Security checks are simpler and faster than at an airport, ensuring a smoother start to your trip.
Plus, there’s no extensive travel time to the station: located in central London, St Pancras is easy to reach by Underground, bus, or even on foot from many areas. And if you’d like a very beautiful hotel recommendation that can’t get you any closer- check out St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
Upon arrival in Paris, you’ll be at Gare du Nord, which is much closer to the city’s landmarks than Charles de Gaulle Airport, located 26 kilometres outside. This prime location lets you step straight into the heart of Parisian culture without the added journey from a distant airport.
Another benefit of taking the Eurostar is that your luggage stays with you for the entire journey. There’s no waiting at baggage claim, nor any risk of losing your belongings.
The overhead compartments may be small, but you’ll find additional storage space at the end of each carriage. This proximity to your bags also reduces stress, especially if you’re carrying valuables or essential items.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the journey, so you can stay connected, work or simply enjoy some online entertainment. Bring your charging cords, and be sure to have both UK and EU plug adapters on hand to power your devices.
The Eurostar is also blissfully quiet, with fewer requests for passengers to swap seats, ensuring a peaceful trip.
Disadvantages of Eurostar Travel
While the Eurostar offers many conveniences, there are some downsides to consider. Chief among them is the cost: Eurostar tickets can be significantly more expensive than flights if booked too late or last-minute.
To avoid these high fares, try to book as early as possible; prices generally increase closer to the travel date. Although the Eurostar can be costly, the overall convenience and time savings can make it worth the price, especially when you factor in the travel time and costs to and from each city’s airport.
In some cases, Eurostar may have limited availability during peak periods, so it’s worth planning in advance, particularly during holidays and weekends. While trains tend to be punctual, delays can still occur, so leave a little buffer time if you’re connecting to other travel plans.
Essential Tips for Eurostar Travellers taking the Train from London to Paris
To ensure a smooth Eurostar journey, consider these helpful tips:
1. Plan Your Luggage Needs: Eurostar has overhead compartments, but they may be limited in space. Choose seats near the larger luggage racks at the ends of each carriage if you have bigger bags. This way, you’ll have quicker access to your belongings when boarding and disembarking.
2. Book Early for Best Prices: Eurostar tickets can be pricey, particularly close to the travel date. Booking well in advance helps secure lower fares. If you’re flexible, consider travelling midweek for potentially better prices.
3. Arrive Early: Although Eurostar security is generally faster than airport checks, it’s still wise to arrive at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure. This extra time is particularly useful during peak travel periods when queues can be longer.
4. Bring Adapters: The Eurostar offers power outlets at each seat, but remember to pack both UK and EU plug adapters. This way, you’ll be ready to keep your devices charged, especially if you plan to work or stream content during the trip.
5. Choose a Window Seat for Scenic Views: Although part of the journey is through the Channel Tunnel, the views over the French countryside are picturesque. Leaving London, not so much!
Booking a window seat allows you to enjoy the passing landscapes, which is a unique experience compared to flying.
And if you’re interested in a DAY TRIP to Paris, be sure to watch THIS video!
It’s also on YouTube too!
What to Expect on the Eurostar Journey
Travelling by Eurostar from London to Paris takes just over two hours, offering a more relaxed and efficient experience compared to air travel.
Unlike flights, there’s no lengthy boarding process or wait for checked bags, so your time is spent enjoying the journey itself. You can settle into a comfortable seat, make use of the Wi-Fi and enjoy a snack or drink from the onboard café if you like.
Seating on Eurostar is generally spacious, with options in Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier classes. Standard is perfect for those who want an affordable and comfortable ride. For a little extra, Standard Premier provides more legroom and a light meal. Business Premier offers exclusive lounges and a gourmet meal service, ideal for those looking to travel in greater comfort and style.
The Eurostar’s route passes through beautiful regions, particularly in northern France, so there’s plenty to see if you have a window seat. Once you enter Paris, Gare du Nord station is centrally located, making it easy to reach major attractions or connect to other travel options.
Is Eurostar the Best Way to Travel Between London and Paris?
The Eurostar train from London to Paris in many ways is a seamless way to travel. It offers a range of benefits. It eliminates the hassle of airport security, takes you directly from one city centre to another and allows you to keep your luggage with you throughout the journey. For me, this eliminates a LOT of travel anxiety.
While it can be more expensive than flying, the added convenience and time savings make it a worthy investment for many travellers.
For those with tight schedules, the Eurostar’s punctuality and central location are key advantages, helping you maximise your time in both cities. Though it may not suit every budget, it remains a top recommendation for a comfortable and efficient journey between these two iconic destinations.
Final Thoughts?
Are you considering the Eurostar for your next trip from London to Paris? What’s the biggest factor influencing your choice—cost, convenience or the experience? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you’ve taken the Eurostar train from London to Paris, feel free to leave any extra tips for future travellers.
