Eurostar London-Paris
Aug 5th, 2013, 12:36 PM
#1
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Eurostar London-Paris
My husband and I will be taking the Eurostar from London to Paris next month. Having not taken any trains previously in Europe (or in the US for a long time!); are there any tips/details we should know? We are "seniors" and a bit apprehensive about lots of stairs. How much time should we plan on to be at the station before departure, given going through customs, etc.? Is anyone available to help with luggage and finding the right car?
Any other pertinent info would be appreciated. Thanks.
Any other pertinent info would be appreciated. Thanks.
Aug 5th, 2013, 12:55 PM
#2
This should answer many questions:
http://www.seat61.com/London-to-Pari...m#.UgAQz2A0hQQ
Escalators, not stairs!
http://www.seat61.com/London-to-Pari...m#.UgAQz2A0hQQ
Escalators, not stairs!
Aug 5th, 2013, 01:23 PM
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Technically you must present yourself at least 20 mins (maybe more) before you go thru the initial turnstile or possibly be denied boarding.
St Pancras International station is also in the fare eastern part of central London so for most a longish tube ride to get there.
You will have no real problem with stairs - lifts being there to avoid them - trains are flat with the platform if I recall
Customs to Paris is a formality done on the train I believe though you do have to fill out Landing cards to hand in - anyway takes no time - unless of course you look suspect and get pulled over for some weird reason.
You can check your luggage on Eurostar for about a 20 pound per bag fee I believe but you can take trolleys right up to the train doorway and have trolleys waiting on the platform at Gare du Nord - no steps going out - flat with main station.
Check on first class fares - if not much more and at times they are not pay the extra - lots bigger seats, room to store luggage easily vs really cramped 2nd class seats and smaller luggage places - also get a complimentary meal with beverage in first class - easier boarding as 1st class gets priority boarding and there are not as many heading into the train car, etc.
For more on Eurostar trains and European trains in general check yes www.seat61.com mentioned above and www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. Check www.eurostar.com - official site for fares and booking really early - you may be too late - is imperative as tickets are sold in tiers of pricing and when one tier is exhausted the price may be bumped up to the next one (one reason at times first class may not be that much more than 2nd or Standard Class so always check both classes of fares. Easy to book on www.eurostar.com - print your own ticket or often a bit higher check out RailEurope in the U.S. - click on www.seat61.com for its commercial link to RailEurope - which also sells Eurostar fares (though it headlines them Chunnel Train fares at times!).
For best fare availability try for a mid-week day when demand is more slack but you should book NOW as dallying may mean a big jump in price. But discounted tickets are non-changeable non-refundable so be sure of your plans.
St Pancras International station is also in the fare eastern part of central London so for most a longish tube ride to get there.
You will have no real problem with stairs - lifts being there to avoid them - trains are flat with the platform if I recall
Customs to Paris is a formality done on the train I believe though you do have to fill out Landing cards to hand in - anyway takes no time - unless of course you look suspect and get pulled over for some weird reason.
You can check your luggage on Eurostar for about a 20 pound per bag fee I believe but you can take trolleys right up to the train doorway and have trolleys waiting on the platform at Gare du Nord - no steps going out - flat with main station.
Check on first class fares - if not much more and at times they are not pay the extra - lots bigger seats, room to store luggage easily vs really cramped 2nd class seats and smaller luggage places - also get a complimentary meal with beverage in first class - easier boarding as 1st class gets priority boarding and there are not as many heading into the train car, etc.
For more on Eurostar trains and European trains in general check yes www.seat61.com mentioned above and www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. Check www.eurostar.com - official site for fares and booking really early - you may be too late - is imperative as tickets are sold in tiers of pricing and when one tier is exhausted the price may be bumped up to the next one (one reason at times first class may not be that much more than 2nd or Standard Class so always check both classes of fares. Easy to book on www.eurostar.com - print your own ticket or often a bit higher check out RailEurope in the U.S. - click on www.seat61.com for its commercial link to RailEurope - which also sells Eurostar fares (though it headlines them Chunnel Train fares at times!).
For best fare availability try for a mid-week day when demand is more slack but you should book NOW as dallying may mean a big jump in price. But discounted tickets are non-changeable non-refundable so be sure of your plans.
Aug 5th, 2013, 01:36 PM
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<<St Pancras International station is also in the fare eastern part of central London so for most a longish tube ride to get there.>>
Um, the amount of time it will take to get to St Pancras is dependent upon where you will be staying, as the first factor, then upon what mode of transport you want to use.
And if you're taking the Tube to St Pancras or around London generally, here's a step-free guide that may help. You're fine for the St Pancras tube station - no stair climbing necessary.
You'll likely be better off booking on Eurostar.com than RailEurope but check both. The more info you have the more control you'll have over your choices and itinerary.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...tube-guide.pdf
Um, the amount of time it will take to get to St Pancras is dependent upon where you will be staying, as the first factor, then upon what mode of transport you want to use.
And if you're taking the Tube to St Pancras or around London generally, here's a step-free guide that may help. You're fine for the St Pancras tube station - no stair climbing necessary.
You'll likely be better off booking on Eurostar.com than RailEurope but check both. The more info you have the more control you'll have over your choices and itinerary.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...tube-guide.pdf
Aug 5th, 2013, 01:57 PM
#10
things we discovered about St. Pancras on our last visit:
1. there is a great bookshop on the concourse before you check in. if you want a book or 6, leave yourselves plenty of time.
2. unlike at every other London station, the loos on the concourse are FREE! whoopee! lovely and modern and clean too.
3. There is a champagne bar for those who like that sort of thing.
4. once you check in, in the waiting lounge you can get €s out of an ATM, buy a Paris museum pass and some transport tickets from the Paris tourist board desk in the lounge [thought not a carnet, I think] and get a rather overpriced drink or something to eat.
5. There's no rush to board - there is a moving ramp to take you up to train level when it's called, and you will have plenty of time to find your carriage and seat.
bon voyage!
1. there is a great bookshop on the concourse before you check in. if you want a book or 6, leave yourselves plenty of time.
2. unlike at every other London station, the loos on the concourse are FREE! whoopee! lovely and modern and clean too.
3. There is a champagne bar for those who like that sort of thing.
4. once you check in, in the waiting lounge you can get €s out of an ATM, buy a Paris museum pass and some transport tickets from the Paris tourist board desk in the lounge [thought not a carnet, I think] and get a rather overpriced drink or something to eat.
5. There's no rush to board - there is a moving ramp to take you up to train level when it's called, and you will have plenty of time to find your carriage and seat.
bon voyage!
Aug 5th, 2013, 02:45 PM
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We did this trip about 7 years ago... before the move to St. Pancras. We had first class tickets and at the previous station there was a special lounge with free wine for first class. At the time
my husband had a back problem and a wheel chair was provided to the train in London. Also,
there was a man waiting to help us when we got off in Paris. I don't recall anything special
about the trip itself or the food.. but it was definitely a positive experience.
my husband had a back problem and a wheel chair was provided to the train in London. Also,
there was a man waiting to help us when we got off in Paris. I don't recall anything special
about the trip itself or the food.. but it was definitely a positive experience.
Aug 5th, 2013, 04:26 PM
#12
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Thank you SO much for the information. My husband was a bit concerned as we have some mobility issues, (not enough for a wheelchair), and he is always convinced we will not have enough time! This is a 55th anniversary trip, and I am trying to make it as stress-free as possible!
We are staying near Covent Garden, and will take a taxi to St. Pancras. My confirmation also says 45 minutes, but I wanted to check if that was really enough time. The Fodor's community has come through again!
We are staying near Covent Garden, and will take a taxi to St. Pancras. My confirmation also says 45 minutes, but I wanted to check if that was really enough time. The Fodor's community has come through again!
Aug 5th, 2013, 05:54 PM
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I wouldn't leave it any less than 45 mins tbh - I use the service quite a bit and the queues at security can be both long and slow moving. Lille is the only station where you can get away with nipping on last minute, and I still wouldn't really advise it.
They have lifts and travelator ramp thingies at St P. so you can access the trains without ever having to use any stairs. I don't think you'll get help with luggage, no, it's a nice service but not the Orient Express
There are cafes before and after check in. Free wifi is everywhere. The metro tickets they sell in the lounge tend to be cartes or carnets - you can't buy just one or two. You can also get them in the buffet car along with the not very nice Waitrose food that they've just introduced. I like the supermarket, but the on-board selection is crap. If you are wanting to eat on board buy something before you get on.
They have lifts and travelator ramp thingies at St P. so you can access the trains without ever having to use any stairs. I don't think you'll get help with luggage, no, it's a nice service but not the Orient Express
There are cafes before and after check in. Free wifi is everywhere. The metro tickets they sell in the lounge tend to be cartes or carnets - you can't buy just one or two. You can also get them in the buffet car along with the not very nice Waitrose food that they've just introduced. I like the supermarket, but the on-board selection is crap. If you are wanting to eat on board buy something before you get on.
Aug 5th, 2013, 10:08 PM
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<i>St Pancras International station is also in the fare eastern part of central London so for most a longish tube ride to get there.</i>
It's in the north of the central area of London (not even the far north) and probably has the best transport links to other parts of London of any London station
It's in the north of the central area of London (not even the far north) and probably has the best transport links to other parts of London of any London station
Aug 5th, 2013, 10:28 PM
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Pace Pal's memory, you will have to get yourself and luggage up a step or two from the platform to get into the train (and certainly when you get off at the Gare du Nord). I seem to remember seeing a few porters around at St Pancras if you need help to manhandle your luggage, but from my memory they're a bit few and far between; I don't know if it's possible to make book one in advance if you need it.
Timewise, it sounds as though it would be better to allow Last April a carnet of 10 metro tickets bought in the St Pancras lounge cost £15, which is quite a mark-up on what you would pay in Paris, but saves you time and enables you to sail past any people trying to be "helpful" (=assorted panhandlers and scammers) at the Gare du Nord.
Arrival in Paris is an anti-climactic experience - just get off the train and walk out of the station. From what you say, it sounds as though you might prefer to use buses rather than metro in Paris: interactive map here:
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/cartebus.php
Timewise, it sounds as though it would be better to allow Last April a carnet of 10 metro tickets bought in the St Pancras lounge cost £15, which is quite a mark-up on what you would pay in Paris, but saves you time and enables you to sail past any people trying to be "helpful" (=assorted panhandlers and scammers) at the Gare du Nord.
Arrival in Paris is an anti-climactic experience - just get off the train and walk out of the station. From what you say, it sounds as though you might prefer to use buses rather than metro in Paris: interactive map here:
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/cartebus.php
Aug 6th, 2013, 12:18 AM
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Plenty of good advice above, but I don't think anybody addressed your point about how to find your correct carriage. Eurostar trains are extremely long (normally 18 carriages I think), so it's important to be positioned at the right place on the platform when you get on the train - otherwise you face a difficult trek manipulating your luggage through other carriages with many doors.
When your train is called from the departure lounge, be sure to take the right escalator up to your platform and section of the train (this is clearly indicated in illuminated display boards above). Once on the platform look out for the carriage numbers that are painted on the platform and move along to the right one - this may be quite a distance given the length of the train, but obviously the platform is level.
Before getting on the train, check the small grey LCD screens next to the door - these give the carriage number and the class of travel. I've always thought this signage is rather poor and hard to read, but it does give you a final confirmatory check before you step on board.
If you have large items of luggage, these need to be stowed on the luggage racks at the end of your carriage. Small/medium sized items can be stored overhead above your seat. As the Eurostar luggage shelfs are not enclosed "bins" like you find on planes, you can actually store a lot of luggage up there (assuming you can lift it or course).
When your train is called from the departure lounge, be sure to take the right escalator up to your platform and section of the train (this is clearly indicated in illuminated display boards above). Once on the platform look out for the carriage numbers that are painted on the platform and move along to the right one - this may be quite a distance given the length of the train, but obviously the platform is level.
Before getting on the train, check the small grey LCD screens next to the door - these give the carriage number and the class of travel. I've always thought this signage is rather poor and hard to read, but it does give you a final confirmatory check before you step on board.
If you have large items of luggage, these need to be stowed on the luggage racks at the end of your carriage. Small/medium sized items can be stored overhead above your seat. As the Eurostar luggage shelfs are not enclosed "bins" like you find on planes, you can actually store a lot of luggage up there (assuming you can lift it or course).
Aug 6th, 2013, 12:24 AM
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When you arrive in Paris there are some luggage carts along the track but these require one € coins--they might be equipped to take one £ coins but I haven't used one in awhile. If you want to take a taxi follow the large signs marked Taxis. The queue is out a side door to the right. It moves fast. Don't accept offers from people inside the station.
When you return to Gare du Nord, have the taxi drop you in front, which they should do anyway. Just inside the central main entrance are two elevators up to the Eurostar departure level if you prefer that to the escalators (you go up to the departure level for security clearance, passport control, a few shops and a lounge. When your train is called you go down escalators/moving ramps to the trains. There are porters but not many. Once in the lounge, the information desk mght be able to help if you would like one, depending on where your carriage is located it can be a bit of a walk but of course all flat apart from the stairs on the train.
When you return to Gare du Nord, have the taxi drop you in front, which they should do anyway. Just inside the central main entrance are two elevators up to the Eurostar departure level if you prefer that to the escalators (you go up to the departure level for security clearance, passport control, a few shops and a lounge. When your train is called you go down escalators/moving ramps to the trains. There are porters but not many. Once in the lounge, the information desk mght be able to help if you would like one, depending on where your carriage is located it can be a bit of a walk but of course all flat apart from the stairs on the train.
Aug 6th, 2013, 01:07 AM
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Gordon's post is for St Pancras, set up in Paris is the opposite but same principle applies, do not get on until you find your carriage. You will have time, there are Eurostar employees stationed along the train track.
Aug 6th, 2013, 01:21 AM
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Yes, my comments were for St Pancras departures - the way I read it, the OP is not necessarily returning to London after going to Paris.
If they are, then I would really recommend to get to Gare du Nord even earlier than for St Pancras. The queues up the escalator and in to check-in / security at Gare du Nord are legendary, and there has been little noticeable expansion / modernisation of Eurostar facilities there since operations started. For me, Gare du Nord departures is by far the weakest link in the Eurostar chain.
If they are, then I would really recommend to get to Gare du Nord even earlier than for St Pancras. The queues up the escalator and in to check-in / security at Gare du Nord are legendary, and there has been little noticeable expansion / modernisation of Eurostar facilities there since operations started. For me, Gare du Nord departures is by far the weakest link in the Eurostar chain.
