Eurostar: Guide to High-Speed Rail Travel in Europe
Eurostar has brought European travel into a new era since 1994. It connects the heart of London to lively cities like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Planning this high-speed rail travel in Europe is perfectly straightforward on Trip.com.
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What Is Eurostar?
Eurostar is the premier high-speed rail service that links the United Kingdom to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. It’s famous for city-to-city routes, eliminating costly transfers from out-of-town airports.
Choosing Eurostar means choosing:
- Efficiency: Travel from London to Paris in just 2 hours and 15 mins.
- Comfort: With spacious seating
- Sustainability: Reduce carbon footprint by over 90% compared to flying
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325428 booked
Top Eurostar Routes and Travel Times
Credit: from Sky News | Eurostar passengers
Make your direct link to continental Europe’s popular cities. A quick overview of the top routes:
Route | Approx. Duration | Destination Highlights |
2h 15m | Eiffel Tower, Louvre, charming cafés | |
2h | Grand-Place, EU Headquarters, exquisite chocolate | |
4h | Canals, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House | |
Seasonal (e.g., Alps) | Varies | Ski slopes in winter, mountain hikes in summer |
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Why Choose Eurostar Over Flying?
Choosing Eurostar lifts your entire travel experience across Europe.
Aspect | Eurostar | Flight |
City Center Access | Eurostar stations are mostly centrally located | Often requires expensive & time-consuming transfers |
Journey Time | ~2h 15m to Paris (quick to the city center) | ~1h flight + 2 more hours for transfers |
Luggage | No weight limits | Strict weight limits & fees |
Experience | Scenic & relaxing | Stressful & cramped |
How to Book Eurostar Tickets on Trip.com?
Step 1: Open Trip.com/Trip App
Click “Train” to begin your search. (click here to download Trip App)
Step 2: Enter Your Travel Details
Input your departure and destination cities, plus the number of passengers.
Step 3: Select Your Train & Class
Choose your preferred departure time and select a ticket class (Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, & Eurostar Premier).
Step 4: Enter Your Basic Info
Including your name, nationality, ID number, email, etc.
Step 5: Pay & Get Your e-Ticket
Select the payment methods. Receive a confirmation email containing your e-ticket with a QR code.
Types of Eurostar Trains
- Eurostar e320: top speed of 320 km/h; core routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam; featuring spacious carriages, free wi-fi, and power sockets
- Eurostar 300 (Class 373): original “Eurostar” trains; being gradually phased out
- Eurostar Trains to the Alps & the South of France: for seasonal routes; double-decker trains; best for longer journeys and scenic views of the Alps
Eurostar’s Classes of Service
Credit: from Trainline | Eurostar premier class
Eurostar offers 3 distinct classes to suit every travel preference and budget.
Class | Perfect for | Key Features |
Eurostar Standard | Traveler on a budget | 2 pieces of luggage + 1 hand luggage; wi-fi; power outlets; etc. |
Eurostar Plus | Travelers seeking extra comfort | 2 pieces of luggage + 1 hand luggage; adjustable seats; more legroom; food available; larger seats; wi-fi; power outlets; etc. |
Eurostar Premier | Ultimate luxury | 3 pieces of luggage + 1 hand luggage; fast track; lounge access; table seat; wi-fi; power outlets; etc. |
Insider Tips for Eurostar Travel
- Booking several weeks or months in advance, especially for peak travel seasons.
- Travel mid-week or during off-season for lower prices and quieter carriages.
- Bring your own snacks to enjoy the journey.
- You’re suggested to arrive 45-60 mins before departure.
Popular European Countries to Explore with Eurostar
Top 1: France
France is famous for its romance, culture, and cuisine. It’s popularly connected by Eurostar.
- London-Paris: ~2 hours and 15 minutes
- Visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and take a stroll on Boulevard Saint-Germain (home to Café de Flore)
- Enjoy local bistros, exquisite pastries, buttery croissants, etc.
Louvre Museum
4.7/5
3370 reviewsI finally visited the Louvre Museum, a place I'd always wanted to see in Paris.
The first thing that surprised me was its sheer size and scale. It felt less like a museum and more like walking through a palace; the building itself exuded a long history and profound grandeur.
And of course, what I was most looking forward to was seeing the **Mona Lisa**. While it was smaller than I'd imagined when I saw it in person, the sheer number of people gathered there from all over the world made its presence truly special. The realization that I was seeing the real thing was deeply moving.
Throughout the museum, I encountered works I'd only seen in textbooks and on television, such as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Seeing these works, previously only known through photographs, with my own eyes was an incredibly valuable experience.
The sheer number of works was beyond my imagination; it was impossible to see everything in one visit. Even so, simply walking through the museum and viewing the famous pieces was thoroughly enjoyable.
As one of the world's largest museums, it's a place where you can enjoy not only art but also the beauty of the building and its history.
It became one of those memorable places where I truly felt, "I've come to Paris!"
Eiffel Tower
4.6/5
1998 reviewsAbsolutely a must-visit, especially at night! The view from the top is breathtaking, you can see the entire city glowing under a sea of lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Once it lights up after sunset, the experience becomes completely different, far more spectacular and impressive than during the day.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
4.7/5
1593 reviewsWe booked our tickets a day in advance on the Notre Dame website, and they were free. Upon arrival, you just need to join the queue marked "Reserved." The cathedral is magnificent inside, with high ceilings and many colorful paintings. There was also a mass that day, where you could sit and listen to the music and prayers. It's worth visiting after its reconstruction; I think it's definitely worth the trip.
Top 2: Belgium
Belgium is known for its medieval architecture, chocolates, and beers. It’s easily accessible with Eurostar!
- London-Brussels: ~1 hour and 50 minutes
- Wander through Grand Place, try classic chocolates, and enjoy comic art scenes
- You’ll arrive right in the heart of Brussels. Best for a city walk~
Grand-Place of Brussels
4.6/5
259 reviewsThe place is gorgeous! we were there after Christmas and it matches with the Christmas tree so perfectly! Visit and just enjoy the view!
Atomium
4.2/5
136 reviewsThe design is somewhat futuristic, with a light show inside and a restaurant on the top floor, but unfortunately it was closed when I went there.
Manneken Pis
3.9/5
184 reviews🚶♂️ Manneken Pis in Brussels – Let’s go see the world’s most famous small statue! ✨
The symbol of Brussels, Belgium, is the Manneken Pis, a small statue just 61cm tall. However, its cuteness and humor make it a very popular spot that attracts tourists from all over the world! What’s more, it changes its costume for each season and event, which is also a highlight.
🌟 ① Laugh at the Manneken Pis’s humor
You’ll be surprised at how small it is, but you’ll be surprised at its humorous appearance. There are more than 1,000 costumes in the costume collection! If you’re lucky, you might even see the boy in costume?
🍫 ② Enjoy Belgian waffles and chocolate
Near Manneken Pis, there are many famous shops selling delicious waffles and Belgian chocolate. Enjoy sweet happiness by topping freshly baked waffles with chocolate and fruit!
🏛️ ③ Be moved by the beauty of the Grand Place
The Grand Place, located about a 3-minute walk from Peeing Pis, is one of the most beautiful squares in Belgium. Surrounded by Gothic buildings, the square is romantic when lit up at night!
🍺 ④ Cheers with Belgian beer
Enjoy Belgian beer at a nearby beer cafe! Enjoy the local atmosphere while tasting local beers such as Duvel and Chimay.
🖼️ ⑤ Check out the Peeing Girl and the Peeing Dog
In fact, there are sister statues and dog versions of Peeing Pis! If you also visit Jeanneke Pis (Peeing Girl) and Zinneke Pis (Peeing Dog), you will feel more complete!
🎯 💡 Travel Advice
✔️ Check out the costume changes of the little boy on the official website!
✔️ Early morning or evening is the best time to take photos
✔️ Don't miss the night illumination of the Grand Place! (It's sure to look great on Instagram!)
✨ Have a moment to smile in the city of Brussels, full of humor and history! 🚶♂️🍺❤️
Top 3: Netherlands
As one of the favorite Eurostar destinations, the Netherlands is such a wonderful place with its picturesque canals, cycling culture, and artistic heritage.
- London-Amsterdam: ~4 hours
- Visit Van Gogh Museum, ride a bike, and take in sights of the charming waterways
- You can get easy access to Schiphol Airport for further adventures in Europe~
Van Gogh Museum
4.8/5
592 reviewsYou really need to enter before 10:00 AM at the latest, and the crowds usually start to gather around noon on weekdays.
Rijksmuseum
4.7/5
387 reviewsDefinitely worth going. Spent 4 hours there and time flew by real quicky.
Amsterdam Canal Cruises
4.5/5
120 reviewsThe Amsterdam canal cruise was an excellent experience! The audio guide was very informative and allowed you to learn more about the city's history, architecture, and iconic landmarks. A wonderful way to discover Amsterdam from a different perspective. I highly recommend this activity!
Hotels in Popular Eurostar Destinations
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FAQs about Eurostar
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How early should I arrive at the Eurostar station?
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Does Eurostar have wi-fi?
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Are there power outlets at the seats on Eurostar trains?
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