Eurostar: Guide to High-Speed Rail Travel in Europe

Author's Profile Picture
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.

to Paris
to London
to Brussels
See all flights
Los Angeles
LAX
Paris
CDG
Mon, Jun 22
Mon, Jun 29
One way
42% off
From 1,161.00€679.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Paris
CDG
Fri, Jun 19
Fri, Jun 26
One way
41% off
From 1,161.00€680.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Paris
CDG
Wed, Jun 17
Wed, Jun 24
One way
40% off
From 1,161.00€697.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Paris
CDG
Thu, Jun 18
Thu, Jun 25
One way
39% off
From 1,161.00€709.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Paris
ORY
Fri, Jul 10
Wed, Jul 15
One way
28% off
From 1,161.00€833.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Paris
ORY
Fri, Jul 10
Thu, Jul 16
One way
28% off
From 1,161.00€833.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Paris
ORY
Sun, Jul 12
Fri, Jul 17
One way
28% off
From 1,161.00€833.00
Los Angeles
LAX
Paris
ORY
Sun, Jul 12
Sat, Jul 18
One way
28% off
From 1,161.00€833.00

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
🎁 Book Your Flights to London! Find the Best Stays in London! Grab Europe eSIM~
See all attractions
215735 booked
4.7/57395 reviews
Europe 5G/4G eSIM | Daily/Total | 500MB/day-total 50GB | 1-30 days | 24-hour billing | QR code
SIM card
€0.08
118627 booked
4.6/55104 reviews
Europe 4G/5G eSIM | TikTok & ChatGPT Available | Day Pass/Total Data Package | 24-Hour Billing | QR Code
SIM card
€0.08
55084 booked
4.6/55796 reviews
Global 77 Countries 4G/5G eSIM | Day Pass/Total Data Package | 24-Hour Billing | QR Code
SIM card
€1.73

Top Eurostar Routes and Travel Times

Types of Eurostar Trains | Eurostar Passengers

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

London-Paris

2h 15m

Eiffel Tower, Louvre, charming cafés

London-Brussels

2h

Grand-Place, EU Headquarters, exquisite chocolate

London-Amsterdam

4h

Canals, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House

Seasonal (e.g., Alps)

Varies

Ski slopes in winter, mountain hikes in summer

🔥Exclusive Europe Train Coupon: Get 5% OFF Now!

Book European train tickets as a new user on Trip.com App and enjoy a special 5% Off 🎁! Use our exclusive coupon to save big on your first trip in Europe!!👀

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)

How to Book Eurostar Tickets on Trip.com? | Enter Your Travel Details

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).

How to Book Eurostar Tickets on Trip.com? | Select Your Train & Class

Step 4: Enter Your Basic Info

Including your name, nationality, ID number, email, etc.

How to Book Eurostar Tickets on Trip.com? | Enter Your Basic Info

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

Eurostar’s Classes of Service | Eurostar Premier Class

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
Louvre Museum
4.7/5
3257 reviews
I really liked it. You can do it alone or with your family. But there are a lot of people and it's hard to absorb the information.
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower
4.6/5
2032 reviews
Staying at an ancient temple on a rainy day was truly enchanting. Nestled in a mountain valley, the temple was quiet and uncrowded. The raindrops pattered on the roof tiles like a melody. The old trees in the temple were lush and verdant, the rain rustling softly on their leaves. The air was moist, filled with the faint fragrance of leaves and incense. The monks were incredibly peaceful; they wouldn't pressure you to burn or buy incense. If you wanted vegetarian meals, just let them know in advance. The meals consisted of fresh seasonal vegetables, light and refreshing. After eating, you could wander around the temple, looking at the inscriptions on the old stone tablets, touching the veins of the old trees, or sitting on the steps of a side hall listening to the rain. You didn't have to think about anything; your heart was as still as water. Compared to bustling tourist attractions, this quiet ancient temple was perfect for relaxation. After spending a night there, all the restlessness in my heart had subsided. I truly loved the tranquility of the ancient temple on a rainy day.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
4.7/5
1609 reviews
Picking jujubes in late autumn was such a fun experience! The jujube trees were short, so you could easily reach them without climbing. It was fun for both the elderly and children. The jujubes were a beautiful red from the sun, sweet, crisp, and juicy – ​​absolutely delicious! You could eat as many as you wanted in the orchard without any complaints from the owner. Take-home jujubes were sold by weight, much cheaper than in the market, and they were all naturally ripened without any ripening agents. The orchard grounds were flat and smooth, without any rocks or mud pits, making it very comfortable to walk on. Basking in the late autumn sun, picking and eating jujubes, the sweet and crisp flesh filled my mouth, making my mood sweet too. I ended up with a big basketful, which I took home to dry and make into dried jujubes. They're great for enjoying slowly, whether in tea or porridge. Compared to buying ready-made ones at the market, freshly picked jujubes are truly different. Everywhere I looked, I felt the joy of harvest. This trip was definitely worthwhile.

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
Grand-Place of Brussels
4.6/5
268 reviews
The place is gorgeous! we were there after Christmas and it matches with the Christmas tree so perfectly! Visit and just enjoy the view!
Atomium
Atomium
4.3/5
138 reviews
The interior lighting and sound effects are well-coordinated, making it well worth a visit. It's near Mini Europe and a planetarium, making it suitable for families with children. However, some stairs are unavoidable, which might be tiring for younger children.
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis
3.9/5
188 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
Van Gogh Museum
4.8/5
575 reviews
Van Goh Museum worth to travel.. advice to rent the audio, better understand the masterpiece
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum
4.7/5
397 reviews
A very interesting museum: all exhibits are divided by time period. A large collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, including world-famous masterpieces such as Rembrandt van Rijn's "The Night Watch" and Jan Vermeer's "The Milkmaid"; a collection of dollhouses, porcelain, ship models, and weapons; and the Cuypers Library.
Amsterdam Canal Cruises
Amsterdam Canal Cruises
4.5/5
109 reviews
Taking a boat trip on the Amsterdam canals is a highly recommended activity.

Hotels in Popular Eurostar Destinations

See All Hotels
NO.1
9.1/102677 reviews
Holiday Inn Express LONDON HEATHROW T4 by IHG
Hotel in Hounslow
NO.2
9/1070 reviews
Maison Albar - le Vendome
Hotel in Paris
NO.3
8.8/10359 reviews
Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
Hotel in Brussels

FAQs about Eurostar

  • How early should I arrive at the Eurostar station?

    At least 45 minutes or 1 hour before departure.
  • Does Eurostar have wi-fi?

    Yes. Free wi-fi is available on board all Eurostar trains.
  • Are there power outlets at the seats on Eurostar trains?

    Yes. Every seat has power outlets (UK & European sockets).
  • Can I change or cancel my Eurostar ticket?

    It depends on your specific ticket type and the timing of your cancellation.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Lily

Lily

Travel Blogger

Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!

274 articles
Travel Insights
>>
Eurostar
aaaa