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Are there metal detectors on Eurostar?

Eurostar has a metal detector in addition to the x-ray machine for bags, while AVE just has the bag scan, but the situation is fairly similar overall.



Yes, there are metal detectors on the Eurostar. Security for the Eurostar is much more similar to airport security than it is to standard domestic train travel. Before boarding at stations like London St. Pancras, Paris Gare du Nord, or Brussels-Midi, every passenger must pass through a security checkpoint. This involves placing bags, coats, and belts through an X-ray machine while the passenger walks through a metal detector. In 2026, these checks are mandatory because the Eurostar travels through the Channel Tunnel, which is a high-security international border. However, the process is generally faster than at an airport because there are no restrictions on liquids; you can bring your own drinks and toiletries of any size through security. You will also go through a passport control check (Customs and Immigration) immediately after the security screening, as you are "clearing the border" before you even step onto the train.

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Please make sure that you don't go over the luggage allowance and that you don't bring anything which is prohibited. There are no weight restrictions, as long as you can safely lift and carry your luggage by yourself. If you have a pacemaker, please inform the security team before going through the metal detector.

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With Eurostar, border and luggage checks take place before departure, so we ask our passengers to arrive at the station early enough to complete them. These timings are just for guidance and can sometimes change.

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More prohibited items Unlicensed firearms, including replicas and de-activated firearms. Imitation or toy guns that have the appearance of a genuine weapon. Ammunition of any calibre and in any quantity.

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No smoking of any kind is allowed on board. This includes vaping, cigarettes or any type of e-cigarettes.

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There are usually sniffer dogs (with handlers) milling about. They're quite friendly but alert to dangerous substances and drugs so don't even think about it.

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On Eurostar there's no weight limit for your luggage, but you must be able to carry and lift your bags safely on your own, as there is no porter service at the station and our teams are unfortunately unable to help with luggage. Each bag can be up to 85cm long at its widest point and should be clearly labelled.

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Check that you have a clear page in your passport, as it will need to be stamped with your travel date when you're travelling to and from the EU.

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Can I take food on board? Absolutely. You can bring your own food on European and London routes. And unlike in the sky, we won't restrict you with stifling rules on liquids.

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Usually, you just hop on the train… no security checks or bag searches. They do random bag checks sometimes, but they don't make everything go through security like at the airport.

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Nope. There are no metal detecters so you don't have to worry about that! :) Helpful?

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Nope. There are no metal detecters so you don't have to worry about that! :) Helpful?

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How long does the Eurostar check-in take? The check-in procedure for Eurostar train journeys takes roughly 20 minutes from start to finish, and depending on the class you're travelling in, it's recommended that you arrive at least 90 minutes before your Eurostar train leaves.

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If possible, try to secure the bag with a lock or cable tie so that it cannot easily be taken away from you. Additionally, if there is space available for storage above or below the seat, use it!

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Luggage on the Eurostar Passengers with an adult ticket can take a maximum of two bags (up to 85cm long) including rucksacks, suitcases or ski equipment and one small item of hand luggage.

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Eurostar is not registered as a carrier of pets and therefore, we're unfortunately unable to make any exceptions. We do, however, allow guide and assistance dogs to travel with their owners and request that customers contact us at least 48 hours in advance of travel to make a request.

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Alcohol and tobacco There are limits on how much tobacco you can bring into the UK for personal use or as a gift without paying tax and duty charges. The duty-free tobacco allowance for customers aged 17 or over is: 200 cigarettes or. 100 cigarillos or.

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We have UK and European power sockets available at every seat on our trains. We also have USB sockets available in Business Premier and Standard Premier. Click here to find out more about the Eurostar app.

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