harrowgirl

How early do we need to arrive at Waterloo for our train from London to Paris?

PalQ

Minimum 30 or 35 minutes, whatever is printed clearly on your ticket or ticket jacket - airport type security no doubt intensified after 7-7-05. Waterloo is a large busy station - Waterloo International - Eurostar departures clearly marked and on one end of station towards the Thames. Within 30 mins you in theory could miss your train - never heard of what happens if you get there say 15 mins before, probably could board if no lines but they won't hold the train up.

Worktowander

There are some airport-style shopping opportunities after you go through security, if that makes the possible wait more palatable.

BTilke

Unless you hold a true business class ticket or are a Carte Blanche holder, they will NOT let you in if you arrive 15 minutes before the train. In all but the most unusual cases, they stick to their time cutoffs.
IF you have your ticket in hand, then arrive 30 minutes before hand. If you have only a confirmation and need to print out your ticket from the kiosks in the ticket area, then arrive 45 minutes ahead of time (and remember, you MUST have your credit card you used to buy the ticket and bring your confirmation with you to show the Waterloo security (different from Eurostar security) to enter the Eurostar departure area.
If you are catching one of the popular morning trains, be prepared for bottlenecks at check-in and security. And you can't bring any open drinks (i.e., lattes, sodas, etc.) with you past check in. Inside there are a few snack bars (a bagel place, etc.), a bookstore, magazine shop and so on. If you have a first business class ticket, you can use the first class lounge, which has drinks, snacks, internet terminals and massage chairs.
FYI, you can also buy a Paris metro/bus day pass in the Eurostar waiting area in London.

goldwynn

Great info.......now what can one expect to find in the Gare du Nord Eurostar departure area if you are doing the reverse Paris to London travel?

Currency change to British Pounds perhaps, London bus passes, food court......etc. Who is in the know?

Perhaps BTilke ..........?

PalQ

Paris Gare du Nord check-in about the same facility wise though more cramped than in London - but about the same as BTike described for London. Not sure about London TravelCards or bus passes but can easily get them at Waterloo arrival at info desk there.

BTilke

Agree with PalQ about the Eurostar post-checkin waiting area being more crowded than Waterloo; fewer services as well. There are some cafes directly across the street from the Gare du Nord if you want a quick drink before the train. Don't know about buying London travelcards at Gare du Nord but can say that the rates at their currency exchange are terrible (my mother insisted on changing some money there). Right after you exit the Eurostar area at Waterloo you will find several ATMs. Lines aren't usually too bad. If you just want some change to get you started you could always buy something in Eurostar's bar car, pay with a 20 euro note and ask for the change in pounds.

Patrick

BTilke, that sounds good, but when I tried to pay with a 20 pound note and get change in euro since we were headed to France, they said no, they'd only give change in the same currency as I paid as they keep them separate.

I've heard others suggest what you said, so maybe I just got a grumpy barman.

111op

Re facilities in Gare du Nord after checkin -- I was surprised to find a branch of Hediard (I bought a cheap bottle of wine there) and a branch of Paul (the famed bakery) (I bought a chocolate croissant).

PalQ

I have bought stuff from the buffet on eurostar and got change in other currency - but that may not always be the policy. Like BTike says in his excellent advice ATMs are easily available at Eurostar arrivals hall in Waterloo. If you have left over Euros i say more than a few shops in London advertising that they 'accept euros' - some pay phones did as well. Too bad Brits don't join the euro. What a pain!

BTilke

About 10 days ago, on the train back from Brussels, I was able to get British change for my Euro 20. Maybe it depends on the mood of the bar staff and how much change they have on hand at any given time.

goldwynn

Thanks everyone for the info on Gare Du Nord and have made a check for an ATM for Barclays at Waterloo and notice there is one at the Underground Station. I want to use Barclays as my bank has an alliance with them and there is no charge for me to use.

And harrowgirl.....sorry for using your post to ask my question but felt it was still legit as your wording on the inital post would apply.