Eurostar
Europe's leading international high-speed rail operator, connecting 28 destinations across 5 countries via the Channel Tunnel
320 km/h
Free on all trains and routes
Wheelchair spaces on all trains, companion fares, Eurostar Assist service
UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany (28 destinations)
About Eurostar
Eurostar is Europe's leading international high-speed rail operator, connecting 28 destinations across the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Best known for its cross-Channel services through the Channel Tunnel linking London with Paris and Brussels, Eurostar also operates an extensive continental network following its 2023 merger with Thalys.
The fleet of 51 high-speed trains operates from iconic stations including London St Pancras International, Paris Gare du Nord, and Brussels-Midi. Three unified travel classes -- Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, and Eurostar Premier -- offer everything from affordable city-to-city travel to a full fine-dining experience with exclusive lounge access, all with free WiFi and power sockets at every seat.
Uniquely among European train operators, Eurostar requires airport-style check-in with security screening and passport control, reflecting its cross-border Channel Tunnel operations. Despite this, the service remains significantly faster than flying on key routes, with London to Paris taking just 2 hours 16 minutes city centre to city centre.
Train Types
e320 (Velaro)
Up to 320 km/h
The flagship of the Eurostar fleet with 17 trainsets, each seating 894 passengers in 16 cars. Built by Siemens, the e320 operates primarily on cross-Channel routes between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Key features: Free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, Eurostar Cafe bar, 894-seat capacity
e300
Up to 300 km/h
Eight Alstom-built trainsets seating 750 passengers each, operating cross-Channel services alongside the e320 fleet. Scheduled for replacement by the new Celestia fleet from 2031.
Key features: Free WiFi, power sockets, 750-seat capacity, cross-Channel certified
PBKA / PBA (Continental)
Up to 300 km/h
Twenty-six trainsets (17 PBKA + 9 PBA) inherited from the Thalys merger, operating continental routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Seating 371 to 399 passengers per train.
Key features: Free WiFi, power sockets, continental high-speed network coverage
Travel Classes
Eurostar Standard
A comfortable, flexible way to travel city-to-city with free WiFi, power sockets, and a generous luggage allowance.
- ✓2 bags (up to 85cm on London routes, 75cm on continental) + 1 hand luggage
- ✓No weight limit on luggage
- ✓Free WiFi on all routes
- ✓Power socket at every seat
- ✓Access to Eurostar Cafe for food and drinks
- ✓Free exchange up to 1 hour before departure
- ✓No liquid restrictions (unlike air travel)
Eurostar Plus
Extra comfort with spacious reclining seats, more legroom, and a light meal served at your seat on London routes.
- ✓2 bags (up to 85cm on London routes, 75cm on continental) + 1 hand luggage
- ✓Extra legroom with wider reclining seats
- ✓Light meal and drinks served at seat (London routes)
- ✓Faster WiFi with larger data allowance
- ✓Power socket and USB charging at every seat
- ✓Free exchange up to 1 hour before departure
Eurostar Premier
The signature Eurostar experience with exclusive lounges, priority boarding, and 3-course fine dining at your seat.
- ✓3 bags (up to 85cm on London routes, 75cm on continental) + 1 hand luggage
- ✓Exclusive lounge access (London, Paris, Brussels)
- ✓Priority lane at ticket gates
- ✓3-course fine dining served at seat (menus by top European chefs)
- ✓Fastest WiFi connection
- ✓All-day boarding guarantee
- ✓Exchange or refund free up to 2 days after departure
Popular Eurostar Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
London routes: 2 bags up to 85cm each plus 1 hand luggage (Standard/Plus) or 3 bags plus 1 hand luggage (Premier). Continental routes: 2 bags up to 75 x 53 x 30 cm plus 1 hand luggage. No weight limit on any route.
- •You must be able to carry all your luggage yourself
- •Labelling with your name is required on all luggage
- •Children (ages 4-11): 1 bag up to 85cm + 1 hand luggage
- •No restrictions on liquids (unlike air travel)
- •Excess luggage or oversized items: EUR30 per item
- •Skis and snowboards accepted in protective cases (as part of luggage allowance on Snow trains, or as 1 of 2 bags on other trains)
London to Paris: bikes must be disassembled and covered in a non-rigid cover (max 135 x 85 x 30 cm). London to Brussels: assembled or disassembled bikes accepted. Continental routes: no pre-booking needed, EUR30 per bike on the day. Folding bikes travel free as part of luggage allowance if folded dimensions are within standard limits.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
Airport-Style Check-in Required
Unlike most European trains, Eurostar requires check-in at least 30 minutes before departure (15 minutes for Premier). There is security screening and passport control at the station. Arrive 60 to 90 minutes early on busy days.
Book Up to 330 Days Ahead
Eurostar tickets can be booked up to 330 days in advance for London routes. The earlier you book, the better the fares. Snap fares may offer last-minute deals on selected trains.
Children Under 4 Travel Free
Children under 4 travel free on Eurostar without a reserved seat. Children aged 4 to 11 receive a discounted child fare.
Free Ticket Exchanges
All Eurostar tickets (Standard, Plus, and Premier) can be exchanged free of charge up to 1 hour before departure. You only pay any fare difference if the new ticket costs more.
No Liquid Restrictions
Unlike air travel, Eurostar has no restrictions on liquids in your luggage. You can bring toiletries and even a bottle of wine for the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eurostar
Eurostar Standard is the most affordable option with free WiFi, power sockets, and generous luggage. Eurostar Plus adds extra legroom, wider seats, and a light meal served at your seat on London routes. Eurostar Premier is the full premium experience with exclusive lounge access, priority boarding, 3-course fine dining, and the most flexible ticket conditions.
Yes. Free WiFi is available on all Eurostar trains across all routes. Passengers in Eurostar Plus and Premier get a faster connection with a larger data allowance.
In Standard and Plus, you can take 2 bags (up to 85cm on London routes or 75cm on continental routes) plus 1 hand luggage item. In Premier, you get 3 bags plus 1 hand luggage. There is no weight limit, but you must be able to carry everything yourself.
Yes, for all journeys to and from London. You will go through passport control and security screening at the departure station. For continental-only routes (e.g., Brussels to Amsterdam), passport requirements depend on your nationality and Schengen zone rules.
You must check in at least 30 minutes before departure (15 minutes for Eurostar Premier and Carte Blanche holders). However, Eurostar recommends arriving 60 to 90 minutes early to comfortably complete security and passport checks, especially on busy days.
On London to Paris trains, bikes must be disassembled and stored in a non-rigid cover (max 135 x 85 x 30 cm). On London to Brussels, assembled bikes are also accepted. On continental routes, no pre-booking is needed but there is a EUR30 charge. Folding bikes travel free as part of your luggage allowance.
Yes. All trains have the Eurostar Cafe selling hot and cold food, drinks, and snacks. Eurostar Plus passengers on London routes receive a light meal and drinks served at their seat. Eurostar Premier passengers enjoy a 3-course fine dining experience designed by top European chefs.
Thalys merged with Eurostar in 2023. All former Thalys routes -- including Brussels to Paris, Amsterdam to Paris, and Brussels to Cologne -- now operate under the Eurostar brand with a unified booking system, loyalty programme (Club Eurostar), and three travel classes.
Yes. All Eurostar trains have dedicated wheelchair spaces in Eurostar Plus or Premier coaches. Wheelchair users travel at the fixed Eurostar Standard fare regardless of which class they are placed in. Companions can travel at a discounted rate. Pre-book ramp assistance at least 24 hours before travel.
The undersea section of the Channel Tunnel is approximately 37 km long, and the crossing takes around 35 minutes. The entire tunnel journey (including the approach sections on land) takes about 20 to 25 minutes longer.
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