London to Paris by train is a classic European adventure. The Eurostar high-speed service offers a seamless, comfortable, and efficient journey, taking you from the heart of one city to the other in just over two hours.
Why Choose the Train from London to Paris?
For a journey between these two iconic cities, the train is often superior to flying. Here's why:
Speed and Convenience: The Eurostar takes you from London's St Pancras International to Paris's Gare du Nord in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. By the time you factor in airport transfers, security queues, and boarding, a flight often takes longer.
Central Stations: Both St Pancras and Gare du Nord are located in the heart of their respective cities, meaning you can start exploring as soon as you arrive. There's no need for expensive and time-consuming transfers to and from distant airports.
Comfort and Views: You can relax in spacious seats and enjoy the scenery as you pass through the English countryside, under the English Channel via the "Chunnel," and through the French landscape.
No Weight Limits: Unlike budget airlines, Eurostar has very generous luggage allowances.
Popular London to Paris Rail Packages
A "rail package" for this route typically bundles your Eurostar ticket with other travel essentials to simplify your trip. These packages are available through tour operators and travel agencies.
Day Trips and Short Breaks: Many operators offer packages that include a round-trip Eurostar ticket and a one or two-night hotel stay in Paris. These are perfect for a quick romantic getaway or a cultural sightseeing spree.
City-to-City Tours: Packages often combine your Eurostar fare with passes for Paris attractions (like the Louvre Museum or the Eiffel Tower) or a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, allowing you to maximize your time.
Grand European Tours: For a longer adventure, some packages use the Eurostar as a centerpiece, linking London and Paris with other major European cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, or Cologne via Europe's extensive rail network.
Eurostar offers three classes of service:
Standard: A great value option with comfortable seating and access to a café-bar.
Standard Premier: Offers more spacious seats, two-course light meals served at your seat, and a selection of magazines.
Business Premier: The ultimate in luxury and convenience, with flexible tickets, fast-track check-in, exclusive lounge access, and a three-course meal with wine served at your seat.
Who Are These Packages For?
Couples: The journey is a perfectly romantic way to begin a trip to Paris, with minimal stress and a sense of shared adventure.
Families: The train is an excellent option for traveling with children. There's no need to worry about long security lines, and kids can get up and walk around the train.
Solo Travelers: The ease of travel and the central station locations make it a safe and convenient option for exploring both cities.
Business Travelers: The Business Premier class offers a professional, quiet environment to work, with Wi-Fi and power sockets, turning travel time into productive time.
Planning Your Journey: Tickets, Logistics & Stations
The key to a smooth Eurostar trip is planning ahead.
Book in Advance: Eurostar tickets are priced dynamically, so they get more expensive as the travel date approaches. Book your seats as far in advance as possible for the best prices.
Check-in and Security: The check-in process is similar to an airport but faster. You must check in at least 30-45 minutes before departure. This includes passport control and a quick security scan.
Departure Station: In London, all Eurostar trains depart from St Pancras International. This is a beautiful, historic station with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Arrival Station: In Paris, you will arrive at Gare du Nord. The station has excellent connections to the Paris Métro and RER lines, making it easy to get to any part of the city.
Sample Itineraries: From a Day Trip to a Grand European Tour
Day Trip: A Taste of Paris
Morning: Take an early Eurostar from London.
Mid-day: Arrive in Paris. Take a hop-on, hop-off bus to see the main sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a classic Parisian bistro.
Evening: Take a late-night train back to London.
Three-Day Classic Paris Escape
Day 1: Arrive in Paris. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées.
Day 2: Visit the Louvre Museum in the morning and take a Seine River cruise in the afternoon.
Day 3: Enjoy a final Parisian breakfast, do some shopping, and take the Eurostar back to London in the afternoon.
Week-Long London-Paris-Brussels Tour
Day 1-3: Explore London's iconic sights.
Day 4: Take the Eurostar to Paris.
Day 5-6: Discover Paris's art, culture, and cuisine.
Day 7: Take a short train ride to Brussels for a taste of Belgian chocolate and beer before heading home.
FAQs and Final Tips
How far in advance should I book? It’s best to book 2-3 months in advance, especially for travel on weekends or during holidays.
What's the luggage allowance? Each passenger can bring two large pieces of luggage and one small hand luggage at no extra cost.
Do I need a passport? Yes, a valid passport is required for all passengers, even those from the EU.
Are there food and drinks on the train? Yes, there is a café-bar on board. In Standard Premier and Business Premier, meals are served at your seat.
Is there Wi-Fi? Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available on all Eurostar trains.
Are there bathrooms? Yes, restrooms are available in every carriage.
Is it safe to travel through the Channel Tunnel? Yes, the Channel Tunnel is an incredibly safe and highly-regulated transport system.
Can I travel with a pet? Eurostar does not allow pets on its standard passenger service, except for guide dogs.
What if my train is delayed? Eurostar has a compensation policy for delays, which includes partial refunds or e-vouchers for future travel.
How do I get to St Pancras Station? London St Pancras is a major transport hub connected to six Tube lines and many bus routes.
Traveling from London to Paris by rail is a convenient, charming, and memorable way to link these two world-class cities. It is a timeless experience that allows you to start your adventure the moment you board the train.