How early do you need to be for Eurostar to Paris?
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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Check-in for Eurostar journeys opens an hour and 15 minutes before departure. We recommend that you arrive at least 90 minutes prior to your train leaving so you can have a stress-free check-in.
Generally, if you'd left enough time had the delay not happened, Eurostar will re-book you onto the next available service. If you're delayed getting to the Eurostar station by something other than a train, YMMV, so it's probably best to leave more time for that.
In Paris, the train stations can be much larger and somewhat confusing. If you're unfamiliar with the station in Paris, you should arrive from 45 – 60 minutes before departure time. Just like in an airport, there are arrival and departure boards.
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.
If you miss your Eurostar service as a result of delays or cancellations to your National Rail service on your outbound journey you will be placed on the next available service to your Continental destination at no extra charge.
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.
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.
At Eurostar we set ourselves high standards of train punctuality and make every effort to get passengers to their destination on time. Our 2023 target is to ensure: 76% of trains arrive within 5 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. 86% of trains arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.
But, whichever station you're catching the Eurostar from, you'll need to make sure you've printed your tickets at least 45 minutes beforehand - this gives you time to check in and board the train. You'll also need your ID to check in.
A cut in the number of border officials means it takes nearly 30% longer to process passengers leaving St Pancras International than before Brexit and the pandemic. Also contributing to the delay is the post-Brexit requirement to stamp UK passports for outbound travel.
It's rare for the Eurostar to be delayed but of course there is no guarantee it won't be! I don't usually find the Eurostar to be delayed very often (and I use it frequently) but last month we had an hour delay after leaving Paris because there was somebody hanging around the tracks near St-Denis station.
If you miss your connecting trainThis means you'll usually be permitted to travel on the next available train free of charge if your first train is delayed. They do not entitle you to a full refund of your order. You may need to show your tickets on later services as evidence of the delay.
Unlike airlines, we don't limit the volume of liquids you can carry, so you can take all your toiletries with you, and even squeeze in a bottle of bubbly for the trip if you like. And if you've picked up a coffee at the station, just pop it in the special tray and we'll hand it back on the other side of security.
On board our direct London to Paris trainYou can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge and with no weight limits. We won't charge you for choosing your seats and there are no restrictions on liquids, so feel free to bring something bubbly for the journey.