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Trains • United Kingdom

Eurostar

Eurostar is the largest international high-speed rail network in Western Europe. Since its merger with Thalys in 2023, it links London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Lille and Cologne via the Channel Tunnel and the cross-border LGV network.

France, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium

Eurostar: the leading international high-speed network

Eurostar inaugurated cross-Channel passenger services on 14 November 1994 between London Waterloo and Paris Gare du Nord. In October 2023, Eurostar and Thalys merged under the common Eurostar brand to cover a territory of 5 countries and 245 million inhabitants. The group is jointly owned by SNCF Voyageurs (55%), SNCB (19%) and France's CEP/CDC (21%). It runs a fleet of Siemens e320 and Alstom PBKA trainsets, supplemented by an order for 50 new trainsets from Alstom (a €2 billion contract signed in late 2024) to serve Frankfurt, Geneva and Lyon directly from London by 2030.

An ever more integrated network

Eurostar today links London to Paris in 2 h 15, to Amsterdam in 3 h 52 and to Brussels in 1 h 55. With up to 14 round trips a day on Paris-London and 8 on Brussels-Paris, the intra-European mesh has densified. Brussels-Midi has become the main hub of the network since the merger: travellers can connect Paris-London directly with Brussels-Cologne-Amsterdam there. Eurostar also serves Lille Europe (30 minutes from Brussels), Calais Frethun, Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International in England.

Eurostar classes and services

Eurostar offers three classes: Standard (from €29 on Paris-Brussels), Plus (from €46, includes a light meal and lounge access at certain stations) and Premier (from €115, three-course meal on board, private lounge, priority boarding). Onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat, and passenger information in four languages (French, English, Dutch, German) are standard. Baggage: two large bags (85 × 85 × 30 cm) + one hand bag per traveller, free of charge.

Travel guides

Eurostar

  • Londres
  • Paris
  • Bruxelles
  • Amsterdam
  • Rotterdam
  • Anvers
  • Lille
  • Cologne
  • Francfort
  • Aix-la-Chapelle
  • Liège
  • Ashford
  • Ebbsfleet
  • Disneyland Paris

Most frequent questions about Gopaxo

How early should I get to the station before my Eurostar?

Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam → London: 75 minutes before for passport control and security. London → continent: 45 minutes. For intra-EU Eurostar trips (former Thalys): 20 minutes is enough.

Do I need a passport to take the Eurostar to London?

Yes. Since Brexit, a valid passport is mandatory for all travellers (national ID cards are not accepted). Nationals of certain countries must also obtain a UK ETA online before travelling.

Can I bring a bike on the Eurostar?

Yes, via the EuroDespatch service at London St Pancras or Paris Gare du Nord. Fees: £55 for accompanied transport on your train (arrival 60 min before), or £35 for transport within 24 h. Folding bikes travel free as hand luggage.

Do children travel at a reduced fare?

Children aged 4 to 11 get a fixed Standard Child fare (from €34). Children under 4 travel free on an adult's lap (with no allocated seat).

How do I find a cheap Eurostar ticket?

The lowest fares are available when sales open (about 6 months ahead), outside English school holidays, on weekdays and during off-peak hours. On Gopaxo, compare direct Eurostar trains and connecting combinations via Brussels.

What happens if my Eurostar is delayed?

A delay of 60 to 119 minutes entitles you to a 25% refund; 120 minutes or more to 50%. In case of cancellation, you get a full refund or free rerouting on the next Eurostar.

Carriers

Start a search · Paris → LondresCarriersTravel guides