How early should I arrive for my rail Europe train?
How early should travelers arrive at the station? Rail Europe Inc. recommends arriving at the station at least 30 minutes prior to the train departure time. This allows enough time to clear any security check and board the train.
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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.
Plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart (Auto Train passengers should arrive at the station at least two hours prior to departure).
Train Etiquette and SafetyGet to the train station 30 minutes before departure so that you can find the correct platform. Some trains depart very promptly, so don't be late. Unlike air travel, there is generally no check-in or security process, you can go directly to your platform (Eurostar is one major exception).
You can bring your own food on the train (as meals are not included in Economy class), however there are also snacks, meals, and beverages available to purchase on board with cash or credit. If you're travelling with kids, ask an agent on board for the kids activity book. Want to know when it's time for your stop?
Unless you're taking the Auto Train, plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you need assistance with baggage and/or ticketing, we recommend you arrive 60 minutes early.
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.
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.
Passport checks used to be carried on the international Eurostar train, but all formalities are now carried out before boarding. At some border crossings, the train stops twice. First on one side of the border for checks and then on the other side for a second set of checks.
Though some train rides should be booked in advance, it's generally easiest to buy tickets right at the station. Advance tickets sold through national-railway websites are often easily redeemable at the station.
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.
The following items are prohibited onboard the train: non-service animals, firearms and ammunition, hover boards, corrosive or dangerous chemicals and materials, incendiaries, martial arts and self-defense items, archery equipment, devices containing propellants, sharp objects, and similar items.
About railroad faresPeak fares are charged during business rush hours on any weekday train scheduled to arrive in NYC terminals between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or depart NYC terminals between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.