One of the most popular international train service is the high-speed Eurostar service between St Pancras International Station at King's Cross in London, and Brussels-Midi/Zuid, the Eurostar acts as the UK's route into Europe, and from Brussels, passengers can catch a variety of services into the heart of Europe.
Taking just two hours and fifteen minutes from London to Paris, and with some services calling at Ebbsfleet, Ashford, Calais, and Lille en route, it is a fast option that can be taken without your feet leaving the ground. The Eurostar is also one of the cheapest ways to get across the channel, and offers a relatively luxurious alternative to flight. It is also one of the most regular services, operating up to 6 services a day from London to Brussels, as early as twenty-five past five in the morning, and as late as eight o'clock in the evening.
Standard and Standard Premier passengers should arrive at the station no later than 30mins before the train is scheduled to depart. Business Premier passengers can check-in up to 10mins before departure. The check-in process involves an airport style passport check before passing through security scanners. Passengers then enter a waiting area before boarding the train around 10-15mins before departure.
Standard Class:
The majority of Eurostar trains consist of Standard Class seating, which is perfectly comfortable. When booking tickets, passengers are able to choose which seats they would like to occupy on their journey. Standard Class seats are generally aircraft-style, with two seats next to each other (one aisle seat and one window seat). A small number of table seats (two sets of two, facing each other) are also available in Standard Class carriages.
Tip: When choosing your seats, look towards the middle of the train, as there tend to be some older Leisure Select carriages available for Standard Class passengers. These carriages have bigger seats and more spacious layouts, but are a little bit older than other parts of the train.
Standard Class passengers are able to buy food and drinks from the on-board bar, which is fairly reasonsable value, but you may wish to bring your own refreshments with you to cut costs! Power sockets are available by the side of your seat, and luggage racks are found at the end of the carraiges.
Standard Premier:
Standard Premier carriages offer bigger seats than Standard Class, with sets of two and one in each row, and a few more table seats available. Complimentary magazines are available to passengers, and a light meal and drinks are served at your seat.
Business Premier:
Business Premier carriages are pretty similar in terms of space and arrangement to Standard Premier. Business passengers are able to take advantage of the Business Premier Lounge at the station (which includes a complimentary bar and refreshments), as well as access to WiFi in the Lounges and complimentary newspapers and magazines on board. Business Premier passengers can also take advantage of a full meal served at their seat.
If you haven't taken a trip on Eurostar yet, we highly recommend it. For practicality, time saved and value.