johnr1016

Hello all. My wife and I will be arriving at Saint Pancras International via the Eurostar on Saturday September 30th. We are considering taking another train to Cambridge but before buying the tickets I thought I’d canvas the forum to see if anyone has recent experience clearing customs at Saint Pancras and in navigating the station. Specifically, I was wondering how much time to allow to clear customs and get to the Thameslink platform. Thanks a million! JR

hetismij2

You go through passport control before boarding the train, and customs is a non event on arrival, unless you are unlucky and get picked for a spot check.

johnr1016

That's great to know. Thanks for the quick reply!

uktravelover

The Thameslink trains depart from the platforms at the north west corner of the station, exit in to the station (not out to the road) and follow the signs. There are lifts and escalators down to the platforms.

However if I remember correctly When you leave the Eurostar train, walk down the long ramp in the middle of the platform and around at the bottom to leave the Eurostar area. You'll walk through some doors where people will be waiting to meet passengers. Turn left and walk for about five minutes all the way to the end of the station, passing the Eurostar checkin area on the way. The Thameslink platforms are immediately ahead of you, through the barriers and downstairs.

johnr1016

Thank you for the detailed directions! Maybe this is one time that I won't get lost!

uktravelover

If you are booking tickets on line then make sure you book the correct London station as both St. Pancras (Platform B) and Kings Cross (various platforms) have trains to Cambridge. Some are quicker than others. Use The Trainline website. You can clearly see the options and timetables.

bilboburgler

Trainline will hit you for a small fee, nationalrail.co.uk will sort it all out for you without fee

PatrickLondon

If you get an Offpeak or Anytime ticket you aren't tied to a specific train, so needn't worry about the time from one to the other (I 'd say ten minutes, if you don't get distracted by the shops and cafés). And if memory serves, you turn right from the Eurostar area to get to the Thameslink platforms - but there's clear signposting, and this map will help:

https://stpancras.com/getting-around

johnr1016

Thanks for the link and the information regarding the Anytime ticket. I checked out the the Anytime ticket and it looks like it will work for us!

Again, thanks to all who offered advice, it's greatly appreciated!

J