The Eurostar is a remarkable high-speed train service that connects London with several major cities in mainland Europe, including Paris, Bruxelles, and Amsterdam. Its story began in the late 20th century, following the completion of the Channel Tunnel – a monumental engineering feat that links the United Kingdom and France beneath the English Channel. The first Eurostar trains started running in 1994, revolutionizing cross-channel travel by offering a swift, comfortable alternative to air and ferry routes.
Departures from London take place at the iconic St. Pancras International station. This station is not only architecturally stunning but also exceptionally well-connected. Whether you’re arriving by Underground, bus, taxi, or even on foot, St. Pancras is easy to reach from anywhere in central London. The station itself is fully accessible, with step-free access, lifts, and helpful staff on hand, making it a stress-free starting point for your European adventure.
When planning your Eurostar journey, it’s essential to arrive at St. Pancras International at least 75 minutes before your scheduled departure. This extra time is necessary because, unlike most domestic train services, Eurostar requires all passengers to go through airport-style security checks. You’ll also need to pass through two separate passport controls – one for UK authorities and another for the country you’re travelling to (France, as the entry point to continental Europe). These procedures are efficient but can take time, especially during busy periods.
Once you’ve cleared security and passport checks, you’ll find yourself in the Eurostar departure lounge. Here, you can relax, grab a coffee, or browse the shops while you wait for your train to be called. Boarding is straightforward, and once on board, you can settle in and look forward to a smooth, high-speed journey under the Channel and into continental Europe. The Eurostar experience is a blend of convenience, speed, and comfort, making it a favourite among seasoned travellers.
I took the Eurostar on my birthday to travel from London to Bruxelles (and from there further on via Köln to Berlin). It is quite a pleasant ride and I hope it will be an even better alternative to flights in the future. Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn are planning a direct train from London to Frankfurt which would remove at least one of the times I’m having to switch trains. This time, all trains from Bruxelles to Köln were cancelled due to an infrastructure problem, adding more than 6 hours to the complete travel time and an adventurous regional train border-crossing to the experience. My desire for eco-friendly traveling in Europe was massively punished, but I won’t give up. 😉
Eurostar
St. Pancras International
London
England
United Kingdom
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