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Eurostar vs. Flights between Paris and London

Eurostar vs. Flights between Paris and London

Old Mar 30th, 2016, 02:01 PM
  #41  
 
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As far as wondering if train is secure...our train from St.Pancras to Paris was delayed for several hours due to an unattended package left in St.Pancras train station. There was no threat and the train rhen left.
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Old Mar 30th, 2016, 03:16 PM
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Some people can get nauseous trying to view the countryside from a high speed train. IME, a fast train seldom results in scenic trips, and I'd say that the countryside from London/Paris/ London is even less than "meh" but, perhaps, I'm a bit jaded. Now there are plenty of trains that are worth taking just for the views but not the Eurostar.

If Beattles is still around, just note that convenience is the best reason in choosing train over plane if traveling from city center to city center.
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Old Mar 30th, 2016, 03:19 PM
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My husband and I loved the Eurostar. This was about 10 years ago….there was free wine in the waiting area for First Class passengers.
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Old Mar 30th, 2016, 03:33 PM
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>>Some people can get nauseous trying to view the countryside from a high speed train.
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Old Mar 30th, 2016, 03:42 PM
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I've never had the nauseous problem but, as I said, I seldom look at the " non- scenery" ( good description ) Usually reading but thanks for the rear facing seat tip in case someone does have a problem.
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Old Mar 30th, 2016, 07:37 PM
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Yes, I'm still here and am enjoying the responses immensely. (In fact, I am about to post another question about our upcoming trip, but now I'm just debating whether or not to throw an extra sentence or two in there as bait to the snarky responders, just to add a little fun to the post Thank you all very much for the information on baggage, food, scenery (or lack thereof), and the information I was seeking on convenience and perceived security. I rode the Eurostar between these two venues twenty years ago but don't remember much about it and so this has been great. I think we will definitely go that route, it seems to make the most sense, for a variety of reasons. We will be packing very light (one regular-sized backpack a piece)so the baggage issue will not be a problem and we'll just remember to bring some snacks with us. Plus, my kids' preferred mode of transportation is by train, and so this will be a treat for them (since we really don't ride trains very often). I've checked for tickets on our date and they are $65, which is more affordable than flights at this point. So I guess all that is left to do is book them. Thanks again. Un saludo.
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Old Mar 31st, 2016, 03:48 PM
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I actually enjoyed the French countryside...many little towns (though in the distance) each with its own unique church.

Just a matter of taste, I guess.

One more thing: try to get a front-facing seat.

ssander
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Old Apr 1st, 2016, 10:44 AM
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If you're worried about seating arrangements, look on this site for diagrams for each wagon: http://www.seat61.com/London-to-Pari...m#.Vv6_ePl97rc

Eurostar allows only 20 minutes for boarding and debarking. It's a good idea to head to your boarding area as soon as it appears on the overhead screen. If you have looked at the site I mentioned above, you'll know how far and fast you have to run to get to your wagon and find your seat.

When booking online, if you don't like the seats that pop up, simply cancel them and try again until you get what you want.
Go to the SNCF website to keep an eye on the calendar of prices - the date and time of day can make an enormous difference in price.

I would definitely allow an hour ahead of your departure time to get checked in. British passport control can take longer than you'd like, especially if you get behind a large group with problems.
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Old Apr 1st, 2016, 10:50 AM
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I actually enjoyed the French countryside...many little towns (though in the distance) each with its own unique church.

Just a matter of taste, I guess.>

Veteran travelers who have been to Europe a lot may think the London to Paris scenery ho-hum but for someone who has never been to Europe like sander says it can be delightful - going thru Kent first - the Garden of England - then northern France with its signature French countryside scenes - yes villages punctuated by a tall church steeple on a church on the highest hill in town.
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Old Apr 1st, 2016, 11:09 AM
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Beatles.
You have all that takes to remain here.
Welcome ....
We are all crazy, you'll make a perfect addition.
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Old Apr 1st, 2016, 09:22 PM
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Thank you for the welcome, Whathello. It's been fun to browse the posts these last few days (and much more entertaining and interesting than Facebook scrolling). It's a shame we only get to Europe every 5 years or so...but maybe I'll just continue reading this forum even after our trip. Hope you have a nice weekend!
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Old Apr 2nd, 2016, 07:07 AM
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>>going thru Kent first - the Garden of England -
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Old Apr 2nd, 2016, 07:33 AM
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It is just that the train doesn't go through the 'garden-y' bits . . .

Whatever you do don't go through someone's garden-y bits, let alone someone's allotment.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2016, 09:30 AM
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Eurostar will be less stressful for you with kids, and more interesting as you can see the countryside glide by. We have relaxed and enjoyed the ride from London to Paris.

I don't know if this is still true, but the times we have taken Eurostar, it was cheaper to buy roundtrip tickets than one-way tickets. Be sure to check that. And, tickets increase in price as the time nears. Get them as soon as you decide.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2016, 12:31 PM
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Aside from any security issues, it's my impression that the chances of having your scheduled travel disrupted by strikes is much lower on Eurostar, given how often there are strikes in the summer months.

I once had to buy last minute very expensive Eurostar tickets because my flight from Paris to London was cancelled as a result of an air traffic controller strike in France. Luckily I saw a post on Fodor's warning of the strike and was able to go to Plan B. Thanks Fodorites!

I had to go on that day because I was catching a trans-Atlantic flight out of LHR early the next morning. Had I just booked on Eurostar to begin with it would have been much less costly, although I still had to get out to the airport from St. Pancras.
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