katesu

Hi Everybody!

I am new to London and Paris.
I plan to buy a one way ticket from London to Paris, via Eurostar train.

I will be bringing along my luggage ( just 1 x 24" luggage + 1 X handcarry bag/luggage).

Please advise if there is anything which I should take note?
I am clueless if there is a checked in section at Eurostar train? Or I have to always keep an eye on my belonging and luggages?

Please help.

thank you.

regards,
katesu

Seamus

There is a luggage storage rack area at the end of each car - as you enter the train you will see it. It is self service, you do not check your bag. That means that you lift it onto and off the train yourself, as well, though if you require assistance a fellow passenger often volunteers.

In terms of security, I have seen some passengers tether their bag to the luggage rack with some sort of cable but most people do not, relying on the honesty of fellow passengers.

janisj

"<i>I am clueless if there is a checked in section at Eurostar train? </i>"

You carry you bags on to the train and place the larger one in racks at the end of the car. You can keep your carry on w/ you and place it above your seat.

"<i>Or I have to always keep an eye on my belonging and luggages?</i>"

You'll easily be able to keep track of your hand bag and/or carry next to you, but really no reason to worry about your suitcase. Everyone is getting on w/ their own bags and (most of them) getting off at the same place.

janisj

we were posting at the same time . . .

Southam

Unlike most trains, you can't just stroll aboard the Eurostar at St-Pancras. There is airport-style security so you must arrive early. The Marks and Spencer store across from the checkpoint will sell you a sandwich and drink for the journey. More station info here http://stpancras.com/

Gordon_R

If your suitcase is only 24" long, it should fit into the luggage rack above your seat. Only larger cases need to be put into the racks at the ends of the carriages.

mes2525

There are a number of places to pick up food at St. Pancras including some nice French delis. Airport type security so get there 1 hour early. St. Pancras has totally been renovated and is a real pleasure to depart from these days.

imaginaryjazz

What there is at St. Pancras is border passport check. Unless it's different from what you go through at the Paris end, you don't go through a security checkpoint with body scan, just a customs/passport station.

PatrickLondon

The drill on boarding is
(a) put your ticket on/through the machine (or show it to an agent if the machines don't work)
(b) put your luggage through the X-ray machine and collect it
(c) go through passport control
(d) wait for the boarding announcement (they may ask to see your ticket again as you make your way to the platform). Stages (a) to (c) take probably about 10 minutes at most, but they want you there a good half-hour beforehand. Bear in mind, though that services and facilities once you've checked in are not that extensive, so you might want to add on time to explore the shops before you check in. At St Pancras, it might be worth asking if you can buy a carnet of metro tickets from the information desk in the boarding lounge (I never remember if they're still doing it, but if they do, it saves a lot of time in Paris).

The trains are very long, so finding the right carriage can seem like a bit of a slog (you don't help yourself or anyone else by getting into another carriage and trying to make your way through the throng). This is the bit that takes up time.

On arrival in Paris, you just pick up your belongings and walk out of the station as if you'd come from anywhere else in France - no further checks.

katesu

thank you, everybody for your tips and guide!

I am still anxious and nervous about my 1st trip in London and Paris... =)