Eurostar Travel Guide: Routes, Tips and How to Book Cheap Tickets
There’s something undeniably exciting about stepping onto the Eurostar. In just a couple of hours, London fades behind you and you’re stepping out into a whole new world — sipping an espresso in Paris, tasting fresh waffles in Brussels, or cruising along Amsterdam’s canals. It feels less like catching a train and more like unlocking a door to Europe’s most iconic cities.
For travellers who crave both adventure and ease, the Eurostar is a game-changer. No airport transfers, no long queues, and no tiny baggage limits — just a smooth ride from city centre to city centre. Better still, it’s a greener way to travel. A single Eurostar journey produces up to 90% less CO₂ than flying the same route, making it the perfect choice for eco-conscious explorers.
Since its launch in 1994, the Eurostar has carried more than 200 million passengers, connecting London with Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and seasonal destinations like the French Riviera and the Alps. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend escape, a foodie adventure, or a longer European journey, this train opens the door to endless possibilities.
In this guide, we’ll share what the Eurostar experience is really like, the destinations you can reach, practical tips to make your journey smoother, and how to find the best deals so you can make the most of every trip.
The Eurostar Experience
Travelling on the Eurostar feels refreshingly different from flying. Check-in is quick — usually just 30 to 45 minutes before departure — and security is straightforward. No removing shoes, laptops, or liquids; just a simple process that gets you from ticket to platform without the airport stress.
Ticket classes
Standard: The most affordable choice, with comfortable seating, access to the Eurostar Café for snacks and drinks, and two pieces of luggage plus hand luggage included. Perfect for budget-conscious travellers or quick city breaks.
Standard Premier: A step up with roomier seats, more legroom, and a light meal with drinks served at your seat. Ideal if you want extra comfort without splurging.
Business Premier: The premium option, offering three pieces of luggage, flexible tickets, speedy check-in, access to business lounges in London, Paris and Brussels, and a full meal designed by top chefs. Best for business travellers or those looking to make the journey part of the experience.
Onboard comfort
Spacious seating means you can actually stretch out, with options to suit different travel styles and budgets. Free WiFi is available on most routes, so you can stream, work, or plan your city break while the countryside whizzes past.
Food and drink on board
The dining car serves light bites, drinks, and snacks, though many seasoned Eurostar travellers prefer to bring their own picnic — there’s something oddly satisfying about unpacking croissants or cheese from a local London bakery and enjoying them at high speed beneath the Channel.
The journey itself
While speed is the big draw (London to Paris in 2h 16m, London to Brussels in just over 2 hours, and London to Amsterdam in around 4 hours), the journey itself is part of the charm. Watching the scenery shift from the English countryside to the fields of France, Belgium or the Netherlands is a reminder that you’re crossing borders the slow, romantic way — no cramped cabins or sterile terminals, just a sense of travel as it should be.
Destinations You Can Reach
The Eurostar may be best known for whisking travellers between London, Paris and Brussels, but its network goes further than many realise. With seamless city-centre arrivals and onward connections, it opens up a surprising number of adventures.
Paris
The most iconic route, with trains departing up to 15 times a day. In just over two hours, you’re stepping out at Gare du Nord, ready to wander Montmartre, explore the Louvre, or indulge in fresh pastries.
Brussels
A journey of just over two hours brings you into the Belgian capital, famous for its art nouveau architecture, world-class beer, and chocolate shops. From here, it’s easy to hop on connecting trains to cities like Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp.
Amsterdam
In around four hours, you can swap London’s bustle for Amsterdam’s canals. With departures a few times daily, this route has quickly become one of Eurostar’s most popular — and with good reason.
Seasonal and extended routes
Eurostar also runs direct trains to the South of France during summer, reaching destinations such as Avignon and Marseille, as well as ski trains in winter that bring snow-seekers to the French Alps. These services aren’t year-round, but they’re a brilliant option if you’re planning a seasonal adventure.
Onward connections
From Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam, Europe is your oyster. High-speed links like the TGV, Thalys, and ICE open up access to cities including Lyon, Bordeaux, Cologne and Frankfurt. For the more adventurous, Eurostar can be the first leg of a longer overland trip — think London to Barcelona by train in a single day, or connections into Europe’s growing network of night trains.
Eurostar isn’t just a way to get from A to B — it’s a springboard into some of Europe’s most exciting city breaks and beyond.
Paris, France.
How to Find the Best Deals
Eurostar tickets can vary widely in price, but with a few insider tricks, you can secure great value journeys.
Book in advance
The cheapest fares are usually released around 120–180 days before travel. Booking early often means snapping up tickets from as little as £39 (€45) one-way, especially for Paris and Brussels routes.
Travel off-peak
Fares are lower on midweek departures and at quieter times of day. If you’re flexible, travelling mid-morning or mid-afternoon can save a significant amount compared to Friday evenings or Sunday returns.
Set fare alerts
Sign up to Eurostar’s newsletter for sale announcements, or use fare alert websites and apps that notify you when prices drop. Big sales often happen in January and September, so keep an eye out if you’re planning a trip.
Consider return vs one-way
Sometimes booking a return ticket works out cheaper than two singles — but it’s worth checking both options to be sure.
Eurostar Snap (when available)
Previously, Eurostar has run promotions like Snap, where you choose a date and time window, and they assign you a train at a reduced rate. These promos aren’t always running but are worth keeping on your radar.
Mix and match with onward trains
If tickets for direct Eurostar services are high, look at splitting your journey. For example, travel to Brussels on a cheaper fare, then continue by regional train to Amsterdam or Cologne. It can take longer, but the savings are sometimes worth it.
Railcards and group discounts
Eurostar doesn’t offer railcard discounts directly, but group bookings (typically 10 or more passengers) can unlock lower fares. Students and under-26 travellers should also check for youth fares when available.
By combining a bit of forward planning with flexibility, you can often cut the cost of your Eurostar journey without compromising on comfort.
Practical Tips for Travellers
A Eurostar journey is straightforward, but a few insider tips can make things even smoother.
Baggage allowance
Unlike airlines, Eurostar has generous luggage rules. You can bring two large bags plus one piece of hand luggage without extra charges, and there are no liquid restrictions — meaning you can pack toiletries or even bring back bottles of wine and local delicacies from your trip.
Check-in times
Aim to arrive 45–60 minutes before departure, particularly during peak travel periods. Business Premier passengers benefit from a 10-minute check-in, but for most travellers, arriving a little earlier avoids stress.
Seating tips
If you prefer a quieter journey, opt for a seat in the middle of the carriage away from doors. Solo travellers might enjoy the single seats in Standard Premier, while groups should look for the face-to-face “four seats around a table” layout when booking.
Food and drink
You can buy snacks, meals and drinks from the Eurostar Café, but bringing your own is often tastier (and cheaper). Many travellers make a tradition of bringing picnic-style treats — a coffee and pastry for morning departures, or wine and cheese for evening journeys.
Power and WiFi
Most seats come with power sockets (UK and EU compatible), and free WiFi is available on board. While reliable enough for emails and browsing, streaming can sometimes be patchy, so downloading entertainment before you travel is a smart move.
Apps and digital tickets
The Eurostar app is handy for e-tickets, real-time updates, and platform information. Boarding passes can also be added to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay for convenience.
Accessibility
Eurostar stations and trains are well equipped for travellers with reduced mobility. Dedicated staff can assist with boarding, and wheelchair spaces are available on board if booked in advance.
By keeping these practicalities in mind, your journey will be seamless from the moment you check in to the moment you roll into your destination.
Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Why Choose Eurostar Over Flying
When weighing up whether to book the Eurostar or a budget flight, it helps to look beyond just ticket price. The train often wins out on time, convenience and sustainability.
Time savings
While a flight from London to Paris may only take an hour in the air, once you add travel to the airport, check-in, security, boarding and the transfer into the city, the journey often takes four to five hours in total. By comparison, Eurostar gets you from central London to central Paris in just over two hours.
Central stations
Eurostar trains depart from London St Pancras International and arrive in Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi or Amsterdam Centraal — all right in the heart of the city. No long bus rides or taxi fares from distant airports.
Sustainability
Taking the Eurostar generates up to 90% less CO₂ than flying the same route. For eco-conscious travellers, this makes it one of the most sustainable ways to hop between European capitals.
Convenience
No liquid restrictions, generous baggage allowance, and quicker check-in all mean less stress compared to air travel. Plus, you can move around freely on board and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Overall value
Budget flights sometimes appear cheaper, but once you add luggage fees, seat selection, and transfers to and from airports, the Eurostar is often comparable in cost — and far more comfortable.
For many routes, the Eurostar strikes the ideal balance of speed, sustainability and style, making it the smarter choice for short-haul European travel.
Travel Inspiration Itinerary Ideas
Beyond convenience, the Eurostar makes spontaneous getaways easy. Here are a few quick trip ideas to spark inspiration.
48 hours in Paris
Hop on a morning train from London and by lunchtime you could be wandering Montmartre or strolling along the Seine. Spend the afternoon at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, then enjoy dinner in a classic bistro. The next day, explore neighbourhoods like Le Marais before heading back in the evening — two full days of Parisian charm without the hassle of flights.
A foodie weekend in Brussels
With trains just over two hours, Brussels makes for a deliciously easy escape. Sample Belgian waffles and frites, explore the craft beer scene, and browse chocolate shops near the Grand Place. If time allows, take a short train to Bruges or Ghent for even more flavour-packed discoveries.
Amsterdam for art and nightlife
In around four hours you can swap London for Amsterdam’s canals. Spend your first day cycling between the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, then experience the city’s buzzing nightlife. The next day, relax with a canal cruise or wander the Jordaan before heading home.
Summer in the South of France
During the warmer months, Eurostar runs direct services to Avignon, Marseille and beyond. Imagine leaving London in the morning and sitting down to dinner on a sunny terrace in Provence that same evening. Perfect for longer weekend breaks or as a starting point for a Mediterranean holiday.
Winter escape to the Alps
In ski season, Eurostar offers direct trains to French resorts, including Moûtiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Skip the airports and baggage fees — simply board in London with your gear and arrive ready for the slopes.
The Eurostar isn’t just a practical way to travel; it’s a springboard to some of Europe’s best adventures, with city breaks and seasonal escapes made simple.
“The Eurostar is more than just a train — it’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore Europe. With quick check-ins, central arrivals, and a far lower carbon footprint than flying, it takes the stress out of travel while adding a touch of style. Whether you’re heading to Paris for a romantic weekend, Brussels for a foodie adventure, or Amsterdam for art and nightlife, the journey is part of the experience.
By booking smart, travelling off-peak, and making the most of Eurostar’s generous baggage rules and onboard comforts, you can enjoy seamless city-to-city connections without breaking the bank. And with seasonal routes reaching the South of France and the Alps, the possibilities go well beyond the classics.
So next time you’re planning a European getaway, skip the airport hassle and let the Eurostar be your gateway. Fast, sustainable and inspiring — it’s travel made simple.”
