Fast facts and route overview

Eurostar is the only direct train between London and Paris. It runs through the Channel Tunnel from city centre to city centre. Border checks happen before you board, so you can walk out of the station when you arrive.

Good to know: Eurostar sells a sample fare of about 39 GBP on its UK site and from 44 EUR on its international site. Seat61 lists the cheapest Standard fare at about 51 GBP. Fares change by train, so check the date you want.

Ticket classes and price breakdown

Eurostar has three classes: Standard, Plus and Premier. Older guides call them Standard, Standard Plus and Premier. The current Eurostar name for the middle class is Plus.

The fares in the table are Eurostar's own sample prices. Real prices depend on the date, time and how full the train is.

Dynamic pricing: fares rise as seats sell, like airline fares. A 2024 Which? study found that Paris fares were lowest about six months ahead and rose sharply from about three months out. Fares in that study were about 68 GBP at six months and about 143 GBP one week before. Treat these figures as a guide only.

How far ahead tickets go on sale: Eurostar says standard London routes open roughly 10 to 11 months before travel. Dates can shift when engineering work affects a line. Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to be cheapest. Eurostar also runs sales, so watch its site.

• Children aged 4 to 11 get a discount on Standard and Plus. Eurostar's pages give different amounts, so check the price when you book. There is no child discount in Premier.
• Children under 4 travel free if they sit on an adult's lap.
• Youth and senior fares: Eurostar's fares page does not list them, so this guide does not give figures.
• Group fares: groups of 10 to 20 can book online. Groups of 21 or more must ask for a quote. At least 10 people must travel together on both journeys.
• Flexibility in Standard and Plus: change the date or time free of charge until 1 hour before departure. You pay any price difference and a cheaper fare is not refunded. Refunds cost 25 GBP per person per leg if requested at least 7 days before departure. Within 7 days the ticket is not refundable.
• Phone or station bookings in Standard and Plus carry a 12 GBP service fee. Missing the gate and being rebooked on a later train costs 44 GBP in Standard and Plus.

Interrail and Eurail pass holders: you need a seat reservation and cannot board with the pass alone. The Interrail site lists a reservation fee of 35 EUR in Standard and 40 EUR in Plus on this route. Booking through the Interrail reservation system adds a 2 EUR fee per person per train. A second class pass allows Standard only. A first class pass allows Standard or Plus. Seats for pass holders are limited, so book early. If they are sold out you must buy a normal ticket.

How to book with a pass: reserve the seat through the Interrail or Eurail reservation page before you travel. Then arrive at the station within the recommended time so staff can check your pass and reservation.

Timetable and journey times

Eurostar does not publish a fixed list of times on its public pages, so use the timetable on eurostar.com for exact departures. The notes below come from third-party sites and may not match this week's schedule.

Peak days to avoid: Fridays and Sunday afternoons are busy and dearer. School holidays and bank holiday weekends also sell out early. Cheaper fares are often found Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays.

Good to know: A day trip is possible. With a first train around 05:40 and a last train around 20:00, you could have a full day in Paris. Confirm the first and last times for your date before you book.

Stations and getting there

London St Pancras International is in King's Cross, next to King's Cross station. The Underground and buses connect there. The Eurostar terminal is inside the station. Eurostar passengers pass UK exit and French entry checks before the ticket gates.

Boarding in London opens roughly 60 minutes before departure, according to trade press reports in April 2026, and a shorter window of about 30 minutes has been proposed. Follow the time on your ticket and the departure board.

Paris Gare du Nord is at 18 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris. Eurostar departures are on the first-floor balcony in Hall 2. Follow the UK flag signs. Metro lines 4 and 5 and the RER B, D and E serve the station. A taxi stand is at the Cour des Taxis, Exit 7. The station has luggage lockers.

Allow at least 50 minutes for a change between Paris stations with luggage, as the Belgian railway SNCB advises.

1. Arrive at St Pancras Arrive at the time on your ticket. Eurostar recommends 75 minutes in Standard and Plus and 45 minutes in Premier.
2. Complete pre-registration if asked Non-EU travellers may be asked to use the Entry/Exit System kiosks. GOV.UK says they are in three areas of the station, before the ticket gates.
3. Scan your ticket Use the ticket on your phone or a printout at the gates. Gates close 30 minutes before departure in Standard and Plus.
4. Pass the border checks UK officers check you out of the UK and French officers check you into the Schengen area. Have your passport ready.
5. Pass the security scan Put bags through the scanner. There is no 100 ml liquid limit.
6. Wait in the departure area The platform is announced on the screens. Board when your train is called.
7. Find your coach and seat Your ticket shows the coach and seat number. Keep your bags near you or in the luggage racks.

On the train

• Seating: all seats are reserved. Plus and Premier seats are more spacious.
• Power and Wi-Fi: free Wi-Fi and plug sockets at the seat in all three classes.
• Food and drink: in Standard you can buy snacks, meals and drinks on board. In Plus a choice of two dishes and drinks is served at your seat on London routes. Premier has a chef-designed menu.
• Luggage: put larger bags in the racks at the end of the coach or above your seat. Folded pushchairs travel free in the luggage rack.
• Bikes: book bike space separately for 45 GBP each way, or 60 GBP if you book less than 48 hours ahead. On London to Paris, the bike must be taken apart and carried in a sealable bike box or bag. A folding bike up to 85 cm in a full protective bag is allowed.
• Pets: pets are not allowed on trains to and from London. Guide and assistance dogs and cats may travel if you contact Eurostar at least 24 hours before. Emotional support animals are not accepted.
• Accessibility: call Eurostar on +44 (0) 3432 186 186 before you travel. Go to the Eurostar Assist desk 60 minutes before departure. A wheelchair user fare lets you stay in your own wheelchair. One companion can travel at a reduced rate.

Passports, border checks and entry rules

Status as of 11 November 2026. This is practical information only and not legal advice. Check the official pages named below before you travel.

Border checks: from London, UK exit checks and French entry checks both take place at St Pancras before you board. From Paris, the UK and French checks take place at Gare du Nord. You can leave the station straight away when you arrive.

Children: babies and children must each have their own valid travel document. Children under 12 must travel with a person aged 16 or over. Children aged 12 to 15 may travel alone on some routes with a signed unaccompanied minor form, on trains leaving between 06:00 and 17:00.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can use a valid national ID card to enter the UK, with some conditions. Check the Eurostar travel documents page. Official pages to read: GOV.UK Entry Exit System, GOV.UK Apply for an electronic travel authorisation, GOV.UK Foreign travel advice for France, and Eurostar travel documents.

Other ways to get from London to Paris

Flights: the flight takes about 1 hour 30 minutes in the air. London airports include Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Luton and Southend. Flights land at Charles de Gaulle or Orly. Fares vary widely and low-cost fares can be close to the price of a cheap train ticket. Add the time to reach the airport, security and the trip into Paris. Allow about 5 to 7 hours door to door.

Getting to Heathrow: Heathrow Express takes about 15 minutes from Paddington. The Elizabeth line takes about 27 minutes. In Paris, RER B links Gare du Nord and Charles de Gaulle.

Coach: FlixBus runs about 6 services a day from London Victoria Coach Station to Paris Bercy. The average trip is about 8 hours. Some other coach options take up to about 10 hours. Fares start around 14 to 20 GBP but can be higher on busy dates.

Ferry plus train or coach: DFDS runs Newhaven to Dieppe. The crossing takes about 4 hours, up to 5 hours on some night sailings. You then need onward rail or coach to Paris. Check DFDS for current foot passenger fares and onward times. Dover to Calais ferries are also an option, with a coach or train on to Paris.

Driving with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle: the crossing from Folkestone to Calais takes about 35 minutes, with up to 4 departures an hour. Day Trip and Overnight fares start from 59 GBP per car one way and need a return within 2 days. Standard fares start from 124 GBP each way for an average car. Tolls on French motorways are extra. Allow about 6 to 7 hours door to door.

Paris low-emission zone: the zone covers the area inside the A86 ring road. You need a Crit'Air sticker on the windscreen. Crit'Air 0, 1 and 2 cars may enter Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 20:00. Crit'Air 3, 4 and 5 are not allowed. One report says no fines are issued until the end of 2026. Order the sticker at least 15 days before you leave.

Money-saving and first-timer tips

• Book early. Tickets open roughly 10 to 11 months ahead. Prices tend to rise sharply in the last three months.
• Be flexible on days. Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to be cheapest. Avoid Friday and Sunday afternoons.
• Compare a return with two single tickets. Seat61 reports that returns are cheaper than two singles.
• Plus can be good value if you want a meal. Plus samples from about 70 GBP include a meal served at your seat.
• Travel mid-week and outside school holidays for lower fares.
• Use free exchange. In Standard and Plus you can change the date or time free until 1 hour before departure, paying any difference.
• Pack so you can carry every bag yourself. Each bag must be up to 85 cm long. Extra bags from London cost from 35 GBP and must be pre-booked.
• Plan your onward trip from Gare du Nord. Metro lines 4 and 5 and RER B, D and E leave from the station. Allow about 50 minutes to change Paris stations with luggage.
• Book on eurostar.com. Phone and station bookings in Standard and Plus cost an extra 12 GBP.
• If your train is delayed or cancelled: for a delay of 60 to 119 minutes you can claim 25 percent of the ticket price. For 120 minutes or more you can claim 50 percent. Compensation can be taken as cash or vouchers, and vouchers pay more. For delays over 60 minutes you can also take a refund or be re-routed. Start your claim with Eurostar customer service.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the London to Paris train take?

The fastest Eurostar takes 2 hours 16 minutes. The average is about 2 hours 26 minutes.

How much does Eurostar London to Paris cost?

Standard fares start from about 44 EUR or 39 GBP one way. Plus starts from about 70 GBP and Premier from about 245 GBP. Prices rise as the train fills.

Where does the train arrive in Paris?

It arrives at Paris Gare du Nord, in the 10th arrondissement. Metro lines 4 and 5 and RER B, D and E serve the station.

How early should I check in?

Eurostar recommends arriving 75 minutes before departure in Standard and Plus and 45 minutes in Premier. Gates close 30 minutes before departure (15 minutes in Premier).

What are the luggage limits?

Standard and Plus include 2 bags plus 1 small hand item. Premier includes 3 bags plus 1 hand item. Each bag can be up to 85 cm long. There is no weight limit, but you must carry the bags yourself.

Can I take liquids on Eurostar?

Yes. There is no 100 ml limit and no liquid volume limit on board. Some alcohol restrictions apply.

Do I need a visa or passport?

You need a valid passport. UK passport holders need at least 3 months left after leaving the EU and a passport less than 10 years old. Short stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days need no visa. Visitors to the UK from Europe need a UK ETA. ETIAS is not yet running.

Can I do London to Paris as a day trip?

Yes. With a first train around 05:40 and a last train around 20:00, a day trip is possible. Check the times for your date.

Can children travel free?

Children under 4 travel free if they sit on an adult's lap. Children aged 4 to 11 pay a discounted fare in Standard and Plus.

What if the train is delayed?

For a delay of 60 to 119 minutes you can claim 25 percent of the ticket price. For 120 minutes or more you can claim 50 percent. You can also ask for a refund or re-routing.

Is Eurostar better than flying?

For most people, yes. The train is centre to centre, with no long airport security queue and no 100 ml liquid rule. Flying can be cheaper on some dates.

Sources

• Eurostar: London to Paris
• Eurostar: Check-in
• Eurostar: Luggage
• Eurostar: Travel classes
• Eurostar: Fares and fees
• Eurostar: Travel documents
• Eurostar: Rail passengers rights
• Eurostar: Paris Gare du Nord
• Eurostar: Pet travel
• Eurostar: Accessibility
• Eurostar: Bikes
• Eurostar help: How far in advance can I book
• Eurostar: Interrail pass holder fares
• Interrail: International train reservation fees
• GOV.UK: EU Entry/Exit System
• GOV.UK: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
• Seat61: London to Paris by Eurostar
• Which?: When to book the cheapest Eurostar tickets
• Rail Europe: London to Paris train
• Time Out: EES and ETIAS explained
• Inside Flyer: EU postpones ETIAS to 2027
• Jetsetter Guide: ETIAS stays offline
• Trip By Trip: St Pancras boarding window proposal
• B-Europe: Change station in Paris
• Le Shuttle (Eurotunnel)
• Le Shuttle: Standard fares and prices
• DFDS: Newhaven to Dieppe
• Omio: London to Paris
• Omio: London to Paris coach
• Heathrow Express vs the Elizabeth line
• Paris Je T'aime: Driving in Paris