London to Paris by Train
Direct high-speed service · from €44
Route Overview
Travel from London to Paris by high-speed Eurostar train in as little as 2 hours and 16 minutes. Direct services run up to 16 times daily between London St Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h and passing through the Channel Tunnel beneath the English Channel.
Eurostar is the only operator on this route, running high-speed services since 1994. The journey covers 492 km by rail, including approximately 20 minutes in the Channel Tunnel. Most London–Paris services are non-stop, though some may call at Lille Europe.
Tickets start from €44 per person one way in Eurostar Standard class. Three classes of service are available: Standard, Plus (with light meal served at seat) and Premier (with lounge access, at-seat dining and boarding guarantee).
Train Operator
Eurostar
In October 2023, Eurostar and Thalys merged under the unified Eurostar brand. London–Paris services use Eurostar’s classic blue e300/e320 trains.
Direct high-speed · 300 km/h max
Departure & Arrival Stations
London St Pancras International
- King's Cross area, Central London
- King's Cross St Pancras (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria lines)
- King's Cross (mainline) and Euston (10-minute walk) for onward UK rail connections
Paris Gare du Nord
- 10th arrondissement
- Lines 4, 5 (Gare du Nord)
- RER Lines B, D, E
Classes of Service
Eurostar Standard
- Comfortable seating
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at every seat (UK + EU sockets)
- Bar-buffet car (Eurostar Café) access
Eurostar Plus
- Extra legroom and wider seats
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets (UK + EU sockets)
- Light meal and drinks served at seat
- Quieter atmosphere
Eurostar Premier
- Premium lounge access (London St Pancras + Paris Gare du Nord)
- At-seat fine dining and drinks
- Extra wide seats with maximum legroom
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets (UK + EU sockets)
- Priority check-in (45 min before departure)
- Boarding guarantee: board any other available train on day of departure
- Flexible ticket (exchangeable and refundable up to 1 hour after departure)
Tickets & Booking Tips
Starting Price
from €44 per person, one way in Eurostar Standard class. Prices typically range from €44 to €350+ depending on class, date and availability.
Book Early
Tickets are available 6 to 8 months in advance. Advance bookings typically offer the lowest fares.
Children & Youth
Children aged 4–11: approximately 30–50% discount on Standard and Plus. Eurostar offers fixed fares for under 26s. Children under 4 travel free on adult’s lap (passport still required). Max 1 infant per adult. No luggage allowance or seat.
Luggage
2 bags (max 85 cm long each) + 1 hand luggage per passenger. Premier: 3 bags + 1 hand luggage.
Good to Know
Passport & Border Controls
A valid passport is required for all passengers, including children. Juxtaposed border controls mean both UK and French passport checks happen before boarding at the departure station. On arrival, passengers simply walk off the train with no further checks.
Advance Passenger Information (API)
Since April 2024, all passengers must submit Advance Passenger Information before travelling to or from London. This includes passport details, date of birth and nationality. Tickets cannot be downloaded until API is completed. This can be done via the Eurostar app or website after booking.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Most visa-exempt travellers to the UK now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Since 25 February 2026, travellers without an ETA are not permitted to board. An ETA costs £16, is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple entries. British and Irish citizens are exempt. Apply via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK at least 3 working days before travel.
Arriving at the Station
Eurostar recommends arriving 75 minutes before departure at London St Pancras International (45 minutes for Premier passengers). At Paris Gare du Nord, the recommendation is 75–90 minutes (45–60 for Premier). These timings are significantly longer than continental Eurostar routes because of passport and security checks.
The Channel Tunnel
The Eurostar passes through the Channel Tunnel, a 50.5 km tunnel beneath the English Channel. The undersea crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. There are no views during this section, but the ride remains smooth and quiet. Do not confuse Eurostar (passenger train) with Getlink’s Le Shuttle (car-carrying service through the same tunnel).
Eurostar Merger with Thalys
In October 2023, Eurostar and Thalys merged under the unified Eurostar brand. London–Paris services were always operated by Eurostar and are unaffected by this change. You may see references to “Eurostar’s classic blue trains” (for UK routes) and “Eurostar’s red trains” (formerly Thalys, for continental routes).
Pets
Pets are not permitted on Eurostar services to and from London (assistance dogs excepted). This differs from some continental Eurostar routes where pets may be allowed.
Unaccompanied Minors
Children aged 12–15 can travel alone on Eurostar with a completed unaccompanied minor consent form, but only on trains departing between 06:00 and 17:00 local time. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
The direct Eurostar high-speed train takes as little as 2 hours and 16 minutes from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord. Most services complete the journey in 2 hours 17 to 20 minutes.
Eurostar tickets from London to Paris start from €44 per person, one way, in Standard class. Prices vary depending on travel date, time, class of service and availability. Booking in advance typically offers the lowest fares.
Yes. A valid passport is required for all passengers, including children. Passport checks take place before boarding at the departure station. Most travellers to the UK also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The Channel Tunnel is a 50.5 km tunnel beneath the English Channel, connecting the UK and France. Eurostar trains pass through it in approximately 20 minutes. The tunnel has been in service since 1994.
Eurostar recommends arriving 75 minutes before departure at London St Pancras (45 minutes for Premier passengers). At Paris Gare du Nord, arrive 75–90 minutes before departure (45–60 for Premier). These times account for passport control and security screening.
If you are travelling to the UK and are not a British or Irish citizen, you likely need an Electronic Travel Authorisation. From 25 February 2026, an ETA is enforced for boarding. It costs £16 and is valid for 2 years. Apply via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK.