eurostar from waterloo
 

I will be taking the 9am to Paris on a Saturday at the end of June. How much time do I need to check-in and is it difficult to navigate the station to find the train. I have never done this and am nervous about getting there in plenty of time to find the train. Also, am traveling tourist class with a large suitcase, will I encounter any problems? Thanks

Hi mo,

I believe that you need to arrive at least 0:30 hr ahead to go through security.

((I))

check in min of 20 minutes before your train but leave more time. It's no sweat - taken this train dozens of times. Waterloo International is an appendage of Waterloo Station and Eurostar section is clearly marked - no problems finding it once at Waterloo. Then you just put your ticket thru the automatic ticket machine and join then follow signs for your train car number (it will say something like car numbers 1-5 in this line, etc. Believe me you'll have no problems and in merry old England you can always ask someone - lots of staff standing around. There is ample room for large luggage on the train and luggage carts to navigate the check-in.

Hi, they say on the ticket that you have to be there 30min in advance, it is not a flight. If I remember well, the eurostar is well indicated on the railway station, don't worry ;-).
I'm going to London soon (from Dijon) and I'll return at 1.36 pm on the 26th.(stop at Lille not Paris and then straight to Dijon, the easiest way for me, I hate changing railway stations in a minimum time, THAT is stressful for me!)
as for your large suitcase I can't say, I'll be traveling light ((P)). I'm sure someone here will tell you.

they were fast! ;-)

If you go to this link and scroll down to the "European Train Travel" section, you'll see a picture that shows what the Eurostar signs look like:

http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Transport/Train.htm

Lots of people take large bags onto the train. They have shelves at the end of the cars for luggage.

If you are arriving at the station via a taxi, just tell the driver you want Waterloo International. You will be dropped of at the nearest door to the Eurostar check-in site. However, the signage is clear.
Eurostar recommends you arrive at least 45 minutes before departure if you are picking up tickets and 30 minutes minimum if you already have the tickets.
After you have your ticket you will use it to pass through a barrier.
Then you'll go through passport control.
You will have to clear security similar to what you do when boarding a plane. You will need to hoist your luggage onto a conveyor belt and then pluck it off at the other end.
Then you'll enter a waiting area. You will need to listen for your train number and destination to be called. Trains going to Brussels leave from the same area as do the Paris bound trains ( or at least they have the last 2 times I took the Eurostar to Paris).

There are a few places in the waiting area to get a drink or a snack to take on the train.

You will have to heave your luggage from the platform onto the train and haul it off when you arrive in Paris.
There are places at the ends of the cars to place luggage, but keep in mind that this , too is, similar to airplane travel. The luggage storage areas are first come, first served.

That was fast, Thank you all for the info. I travel alot but get nervous about making my connections, so I'm always early. I guess one hr. ahead will satisfy my nerosis for getting anywhere way to early!!

forgot to ask----will they offer refreshments on the train? Can I buy something for breakfast while traveling to Paris?

There are some food vendors inside the security waiting area. I remember a couple of sandwich shops.

Yes there is a buffet car that sells snacks and drinks or you can bring your own food on. First class tickets include a meal at your seat.
And I believe that Eurostar offers checked baggage service if you really can't cope with your luggage (a steep fee, however).

HOW MUCH IS IT TO CHECK THE BAGGAGE?

Best to allow yourself that full hour, moyah, because when we took the Eurostar from Waterloo (2 years ago) the security lines were long and slow-moving. I would think an early train to Paris on a Saturday in June would be quite crowded.

We took the EuroStar to Paris a couple of weeks ago. It was very easy to find the correct train. I agree that the :30 minute time-frame is overly optimistic, with passport and security checks. Also, if you're one of the last to board, the luggage storage spots are filled in your car and then you have to go looking in adjacent cars for free space to stash your bag. A minor inconvenience, but easily avoided if you get there a tad earlier.

Also, prepare to go through a thorough airline-type security check. Clear all the sharp stuff out of your pocket litter and put it in your baggage. The alternative is another 10 minutes or so having additional chats with various security personnel. They were very professional, but it takes up some of your time.

You all have been so helpful. I'm traveling with a "husband" and a 13 yr. old.....need I say more! I'll plan to get there early so I can board early and get the 3 pcs. of 29" luggage stored. Obviously, most of it will belong to the 13 yr old granddaughter.
I'm staying at the Marriott near Marble Arch, so if leave at 7 ish, I'll won't have to worry about rushing etc.
Thanks again.

moyah
I am so glad you posted this question. I had no idea that there was a Waterloo International or that we needed to get there so far in advance. We are now better prepared for our trip also.
Have a great trip!

PRICE OF CHECKED LUGGAGE
From Eurostar fact sheet from RailEurope: "Up to 3 additional pieces of baggage or larger items are carried as registered luggage between London and Paris/Brussels; suitcases, bags, trunks, etc up to 30 kg 12 pounds per item (about $20); sporting and collectors weapons 12 pounds; bikes 20 pounds; large musical instruments 20 pounds; registered baggage not guaranteed to be on same train but will arrive within 24 hours of registration; can be registered up to 10 days in advance or on day of travel" (Jan 2005 date of info)

moyah: Do note in PalQ's post about checked luggage not necessarily traveling with you and may take up to 24 hours to arrive.

Now - about that luggage! Three 29 inch bags is a HUGE amount of luggage. I would strongly suggest you search some of the threads on here about packing light.

Not that we will be able to convince you to cut back to the 21 or 22 inch rollaboards many of us use. But even if you could cut back to 24 and/or 26 inch bags, life will be much, MUCH easier.

Wrestling those 29 inch bags on/off trains and on/off the luggage piles at the end of the cars will NOT be fun.

BabsB, Waterloo International is just down an escalator from the main station. Very easy to find and well-signed. But if arriving by taxi, if you tell the driver Waterloo International instead of just Waterloo, he will drop you at the lower level entry, saving you the hassle of lugging your baggage down one level.