How long does Eurostar security 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.



Eurostar security and passport control typically take between 20 and 45 minutes, but you are required to arrive much earlier to account for potential peak-time queues. For Standard and Plus passengers at London St Pancras, the recommended arrival time is 75 minutes before departure, while Eurostar Premier passengers can arrive just 45 minutes prior. Unlike airport security, you do not have to remove liquids or laptops from your bags, which speeds up the process significantly. However, because you must clear both exit checks for the UK and entry checks for the Schengen Area (France/Belgium/Netherlands) before boarding, the passport control lines can occasionally become a bottleneck during holidays or weekend rushes. Once you pass through the gates and security, you wait in a departure lounge until the train is called for boarding, usually about 20 minutes before it departs.

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Using the escalators It can take a minimum of 7 minutes from stepping off the train to exiting Eurostar arrivals, so if you're making a tightly timed connection move towards the front of the train before it arrives in London.

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The security check is similar to what happens at an airport with all luggage going through the x-ray machine (so you have to be able to lift it!), and passengers walking through a metal detector.

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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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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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All passengers boarding at any station to use Eurostar trains will have their luggage scanned. It's similar to scanning at airports but with importance differences. You can take more things on a Eurostar than you can on aircraft.

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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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Yes. Train journeys are thirsty work, so we have all your food and drink needs covered. Eurostar Café offers a wide range of meals, snacks and drinks. If you are travelling in Premium, a catering service at your seat is included with your booking.

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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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Kings Cross Station and St. Pancras International are two separate stations, leading to different retailers. They're just across the road from each other.

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Using your IQOS and all e-cigarettes and vapes on Eurostar services is strictly prohibited. When at the customs security gate, your IQOS should be placed in a tray in the same way as other electronic devices such as iPads, phones and laptops to pass through the scanner.

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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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What does the Eurotunnel look like underwater? This may be a disappointing answer, but you can't actually see the sea from the Eurostar. When you go through the tunnel and look out of the window, all you can see is your reflection in the glass because it's quite dark outside.

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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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Make your journey from St Pancras International that little bit more seamless with our facial verification technology. From July 2023, SmartCheck will allow you to use the dedicated lane without scanning your ticket. You then only need your passport checked once before entering the departure lounge.

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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.

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Whether arriving at an airport, ferry port, or Eurotunnel station, British citizens arriving in France will no longer be able to use the passport control lanes reserved for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. There are also additional documents that you will need to show when you arrive at border control.

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