easyTransBook
العربية
Transport guide

High-speed train · UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany

Eurostar

Eurostar runs high-speed trains under the Channel between London and mainland Europe. Since the merger with Thalys, it also runs the Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam–Cologne trains. It takes you city centre to city centre, which often beats flying for families with luggage.

Official website
London–Parisabout 2h16
London–Amsterdamabout 3h52
Paris–Brusselsabout 1h22 (former Thalys route)
Paris–Amsterdam / Paris–Cologneabout 3h20 each
Other citiesLille, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Liège, Aachen, Cologne, Bruges, Disneyland Paris
ClassesEurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, Eurostar Premier
Example fareParis–Amsterdam about €35 booked early, up to about €149 flexible on the day; prices change
Seat reservationIncluded and compulsory on every ticket

Routes and stations

From London St Pancras, Eurostar runs to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. London–Paris takes about 2 hours 16 minutes and London–Lille under 1 hour 30 minutes.

The former Thalys trains now run under the Eurostar name between Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Liège, Aachen and Cologne. Cologne–London takes about 5.5 hours with a change in Brussels.

Tickets and fares

Fares rise as seats sell, so booking early saves money. On the Paris–Amsterdam route, fares start around €35 months ahead and can reach about €149 for a flexible ticket on the day.

Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus can be changed free up to 1 hour before departure (you pay any fare difference). Refunds are possible up to 7 days before departure for a fee of €/£25. Eurostar Premier can be changed free up to 2 days after departure and includes a boarding guarantee. Eurostar Snap tickets cannot be changed or refunded.

How to book

Book on eurostar.com or the Eurostar app. Tickets for London need passport details (advance passenger information) before the ticket is issued.

Booking usually opens about 4 to 6 months ahead. Trips across the December timetable change may open later.

Tips for travellers

London routes have airport-style security and passport checks. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure. At St Pancras, ticket gates close 30 minutes before departure.

On London routes, adults in Standard and Plus may bring 2 bags up to 85 cm long plus a small handbag or daypack. Premier allows 3 bags. Children under 12 get 1 bag plus a hand item. A folded pushchair travels free. There are no liquid limits.

On routes without London, arrive about 20 minutes early. Boarding closes 5 minutes before departure. Each bag must carry a name label, and you may take 2 large items up to 75 x 53 x 30 cm.

Plus serves a light meal at your seat on London routes. Premier serves a full meal and gives lounge access. Standard passengers buy food on board.

Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.

Popular routes

London → ParisParis → AmsterdamParis → BrusselsLondon → BrusselsLondon → Amsterdam

More transport guides

FlixBusBlaBlaCar carpoolingBlaBlaCar BusOUIGOEurail Pass

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive for Eurostar in London?

Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure. Ticket gates at St Pancras close 30 minutes before the train leaves.

How many suitcases can I take on Eurostar?

On London routes, 2 bags up to 85 cm plus a small hand item in Standard and Plus, and 3 bags in Premier. Children under 12 get 1 bag.

Is Thalys still running?

The Thalys trains still run, but under the Eurostar brand, linking Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne.

Can I change my Eurostar ticket?

Standard and Plus tickets can be changed free up to 1 hour before departure, paying any fare difference. Snap tickets cannot be changed.

Is food included on Eurostar?

Only in Plus (a light meal on London routes) and Premier. In Standard you buy food on board.

Sources: help.eurostar.com · eurostar.com · eurostar.com · b-europe.com · int.bahn.de · seat61.com