Quick Facts
About Eurostar
Eurostar is the high-speed railway service connecting London with Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and other European cities through the Channel Tunnel beneath the English Channel. Since its inaugural journey in 1994, Eurostar has carried over 200 million passengers. The iconic e320 trains travel at speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph), making the London-Paris journey in just 2 hours 16 minutes — faster than flying when you factor in airport check-in times.
The 50.45 km Channel Tunnel, one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century, takes just 20 minutes to traverse. Eurostar departs from London St Pancras International, arriving at Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi, or Amsterdam Centraal. The service offers Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier classes, with the premium tiers including meals, champagne, and lounge access.
Eurostar has become the preferred mode of travel between London and Paris, capturing over 80% of the combined air-rail market on this route. It's also significantly more environmentally friendly — producing up to 90% less carbon per passenger than the equivalent flight.
বাংলায় পড়ুন
ইউরোস্টার হলো ইংলিশ চ্যানেলের নিচে চ্যানেল টানেলের মধ্য দিয়ে লন্ডন থেকে প্যারিস, ব্রাসেলস এবং আমস্টারডামকে সংযুক্তকারী হাই-স্পিড রেল সেবা। ৩০০ কিমি/ঘন্টা গতিতে চলে এবং লন্ডন থেকে প্যারিস মাত্র ২ ঘন্টা ১৬ মিনিটে পৌঁছে যায়।
Highlights
- London to Paris in just 2 hours 16 minutes
- Travels through the 50 km Channel Tunnel under the English Channel
- Speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph)
- 200+ million passengers carried since 1994
- 90% less carbon emissions than equivalent flights
- Direct connections to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and seasonal destinations
How to Book
Book directly at eurostar.com for the best fares. Tickets go on sale 330 days in advance. Standard class starts from £39/€44 one way when booked early.
Visit Official Booking Site →Travel Tips
- Book 3-4 months ahead for fares as low as £39 one way
- Arrive at St Pancras at least 45 minutes before departure for security and passport control
- Standard Premier includes a light meal and drinks — worth the upgrade
- Sit on the right side leaving London for views of the Kent countryside
- The Eurostar app has mobile tickets — no need to print
- Connect to Thalys and TGV at Brussels and Paris for onward European travel
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Eurostar take from London to Paris?
The fastest Eurostar service takes 2 hours 16 minutes from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Most services take around 2 hours 20-30 minutes.
Do I need a passport for Eurostar?
Yes. Since Eurostar crosses international borders, you need a valid passport. UK, EU, and many other nationals do not need a visa for short trips, but passport control takes place before boarding at St Pancras.
Is Eurostar cheaper than flying?
Often yes, especially when booked in advance. Standard fares start from £39, and you save on airport transfer costs and time. Plus, city-center to city-center travel means no expensive taxi rides from airports.
