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What is the best time to go to the Eurostar?

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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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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Unless you book well in advance, the cost of traveling to Paris on the Eurostar is more expensive than flying.

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I got lucky. To have a single seat for the two-hour journey and get a meal and drinks, the $12 upgrade definitely felt worth it. But I know that I got lucky when I booked. For most journeys, the upgrade costs at least $25. For some journeys, it's well over $50, and I'm not sure that's worth it for a two-hour journey.

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Like airlines, Eurostar uses dynamic pricing: the prevailing fare level depends on demand. For every departure, the train operator decides how many seats it wants to sell at each price level, and when the cheaper tickets sell out, the price rises.

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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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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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What if I miss my Eurostar / National Rail journey as a result of delay? 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.

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Your passport will be checked by UKBA security staff before being checked by French passport control. This will only take a few minutes.

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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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Until two years ago, passengers could just show their passports for often quick checks, but since 2021, after Britain left the European Union, British travelers in both directions have been required to get their passports stamped.

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Make it midweek Savvy travellers know that the cheapest Eurostar tickets are usually for trains on Tuesday and Wednesday. It isn't only the fare that's a bargain, the hotels are too.

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Our fast trains come with fast wi-fi. And in Comfort, you'll get wi-fi+. That means a faster connection and more data. Sit back and enjoy browsing time or catch up on work as you travel, and recharge your batteries with power sockets at each seat.

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76% of trains arrive within 5 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. 86% of trains arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. There are occasions, usually outside of our control, where trains may be delayed or disrupted.

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Any quantity of inflammable substances, including empty canisters e.g. petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners. Don't worry though, you can take nail polish and hairspray. Firelighters and lighter fuel. All flick knives, gravity knives and daggers.

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Food is permitted on any Eurostar train. There are no restrictions about which sort of food you can bring on board, but please be considerate of other passengers and don't take strong-smelling food on board. On intercapital and daytime ski trains; each traveller can take 4 bottles or cans of beer, or 1 bottle of wine.

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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.

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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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