W hen Eurostar launched its new service through the Channel Tunnel in 1994, it opened up the possibility of catching a passenger train from London and disembarking on foreign soil for the first time in history. Since then, the company has branched out with direct services now available to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Trains travel at up to 186 miles per hour on stretches of track in continental Europe and along the UK’s first high speed line, HS1 which connects St Pancras with the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone.
Classes of Travel
Eurostar
There are three classes of travel on the Eurostar. Only two of these are designed for leisure travellers. The third is used mainly by Eurostar customers who are travelling on business. Have a look below at what each class gives you.
Eurostar Standard
Eurostar
When you’re travelling in Eurostar Standard, you can bring two bags (up to 85cm long on routes to and from London or 75cm on all other routes) plus a small daypack or handbag for no extra charge, and with no weight limits. As ever, bear in mind that you will need to carry your luggage on and off trains as well as potentially lifting them into luggage racks. Seats have power sockets and the whole train has free Wi-Fi.
Eurostar Plus
Eurostar
This is Eurostar’s leisure first class option . If you upgraded your trip to first class, this is where you’ll be seated. In Eurostar Plus, you’ll have more legroom spacious and comfy reclining seats. Onboard staff are at hand to answer any questions and will offer a choice of two dishes appropriate to the time of day served at your seat, along with a range of hot and cold drinks.
Eurostar Premier
Eurostar
This is Eurostar’s business product, so not one that we often sell. It comes at a high premium but includes a more substantial meal, champagne on boarding and access to the lounges at Eurostar terminals. Tickets can be exchanged or refunded up to 2 days prior to departure and the dedicated Eurostar Premier lane means that you can check in 15 minutes before departure.
Good to Know
Eurostar
Onboard Dining
Eurostar
- There’s a bar buffet car on all trains where you can buy snacks and drinks to take back to your seat
- In Eurostar Plus (and Premier), you get a meal served to your seat, appropriate to the time of day
- Remember, you can take your own food and drink onboard if you would like to
Factbox
Eurostar
Check in : 75 minutes is recommended for St Pancras. Other stations vary. Please check on the Eurostar site for current recommendations
Assistance: Assistance is available if required (please ask us) and there are also wheelchair spaces available on the train
Luggage: Eurostar has a very generous luggage allowance and there’s no need to worry about bringing liquids
Journeys
london - paris
Whizz across to Paris in just under 2.5 hours and enjoy the sights of the City of Light. Alternatively, this is a great connecting point for the rest of France or international services to Italy, Germany and Switzerland.
london - brussels
The service to Brussels takes 2 hours. Brussels Midi station has plenty of options for coffee and food. We'd recommend hoping on a connecting train to the central station to explore the Belgian capital.
london - lille
The pretty town of Lille can be reached in less than an hour and a half. It's easy to connect from the same station to other cities in France or why not stay and explore for a night or two?
london - amsterdam and rotterdam
It's now possible to reach the Dutch capital in around 4 hours and 20 minutes on one of three daily services. You can also stop at vibrant Rotterdam, or reach Amsterdam with a change in Brussels.
