How early do you need to show up for Eurostar?

Please ensure that you have enough time to go through all the extra passport and security checks before your train departs. We recommend arriving around 30 minutes before your train leaves. Don't cut it too fine, as it is no longer possible to board the train within five minutes of departure.



For a stress-free journey on the Eurostar in 2026, you should arrive at the station at least 75 to 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. Unlike standard domestic trains, the Eurostar requires you to go through both security screening and border control (passport check) before you can enter the departure lounge. For Eurostar Premier (business class) passengers, the ticket gates close 15 minutes before departure, but a 45-minute arrival is recommended. For Standard and Plus passengers, the ticket gates close strictly 30 minutes before departure. If you are departing from major hubs like London St. Pancras or Paris Gare du Nord on a peak weekend or holiday, arriving 120 minutes early is safer, as queues for the French/UK border can be significant. Additionally, from February 2026, all non-UK/EU travelers may need to factor in extra time for the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric kiosks, which can add 5–10 minutes to the check-in process for first-time visitors to the Schengen area.

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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.

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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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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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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.

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Standard & Standard Premier tickets are non-refundable, but can be changed to another time or date without any change fee, just paying any difference in fare, until a full 7 days before departure.

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How does Eurostar check-in work? Once you've scanned your ticket at the gates, you'll join the baggage check, identical to what you have at an airport. After that, you'll enter a line for passport inspections. For EU passengers, there are also electronic gates which you can use if you have an e-passport.

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Eurostar passengers require a valid passport or identity card. You will pass through UK, French, Dutch or Belgian customs depending on the journey you are undertaking.

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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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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-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.

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Quick and easy. When travelling on our trains (except to and from London), just look for your train on the departure board and head straight to the platform. For stress-free boarding, we recommend that you arrive in the station 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your train.

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Passport control is a totally separate process, and passport control only wants to see passports. On board Eurostar, staff don't check tickets (because you've already scanned yours in to get entry to the departure lounge and platforms), let alone ask names.

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Our trains have free wi-fi throughout. To connect, choose EurostarTrainsWiFi then go to register.onboard.eurostar.com to get started.

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Items containing incapacitating substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, CS gas, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable. Any quantity of inflammable substances, including empty canisters e.g. petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners.

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Think of the Eurostar train as an inter-country commuter service... so at peak commuting hours (early morning, late afternoon, early evening) it's expensive and busy.

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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.

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