The Gare du Nord Eurostar Premier lounge is dope.
But you’d never know it if you’ve only got a Eurostar Plus ticket.
The Eurostar first-class train ticket, now called the Eurostar Premier ticket, is an experience that enhances your train journey through Europe.
Want to hang out in style at Eurostar lounges in London, Paris, and Brussels?
Wouldn’t it be awesome to eat an onboard three-course meal designed by one of Europe's best chefs?
Do you just need a little extra room to stretch your legs, a little extra luggage allowance, and a little extra time for sightseeing before you catch your train?
Then Eurostar Premier is the ticket for you.
Image credit: Eurostar International Limited
What is Eurostar Premier?
Eurostar Premier is a type of train ticket class available on Eurostar trains going to or from London. It is the most expensive class, offering more amenities than Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus class tickets.
Is Eurostar first class the same thing as Eurostar Premier?
Yes, Eurostar Premier is the Eurostar first-class option.
Do all Eurostar trains offer Eurostar Premier?
Technically, no, at least not with the name "Eurostar Premier". However, all Eurostar trains have a premium option for tickets, the equivalent of first-class on airplanes. Following Eurostar's merger with Thalys in October 2023, there are now more options than ever for getting around the major capitals of Western Europe.
Want to travel from Paris to Amsterdam on Eurostar? Now you can, all on one integrated Eurostar network. However, note that there is a slightly different offering depending on whether or not your train is travelling to and from London. If you're on routes that were formerly Thalys, for example Paris to Amsterdam, the class options are different. All the following information applies only to Eurostar routes to and from London.
Eurostar seats compared
Eurostar Standard seats
- Great for: Cheapest tickets
- Luggage: 2 x suitcases, 1 x small hand-luggage item
- Ticket changes: Unlimited up to 7 days before departure
- Food: Available for purchase onboard at Eurostar Café
Eurostar Plus seats
- Great for: More spacious seats than Eurostar Standard
- Luggage: 2 x suitcases, 1 x small hand-luggage item
- Ticket changes: Unlimited up to 7 days before departure
- Food: Small meal and beverages served at your seat
Eurostar Premier seats
- Great for: Maximum flexibility, perks, and amenities
- Luggage: 3 x suitcases, 1 x small hand-luggage item
- Ticket changes: No exchange or cancellation fees
- Food: Three-course meal served at your table
- Station lounge access: Yes, in 5 stations
- Extras: Extra-spacious seats
Image credit: Getty Images, dennisvdw. Image Location: Gare du Nord, Paris, France
What kind of food is served on Eurostar trains?
All Eurostar passengers have access to Eurostar Café regardless of ticket class. This onboard café serves everything from light snacks, like croissants and chips, to sandwiches and even alcohol. Eurostar Premier passengers also receive a special three-course meal with Champagne during their journey.
Feeling mentally stuck at the train station kiosk, unsure of which ticket to purchase? Others have wondered the same. Here are a few considerations to help sway your decision.
Is food free on first class trains?
Eurostar Premier passengers get a three-course meal included with their ticket. Eurostar Plus seats also include light snacks and beverages. Eurostar Standard ticket holders receive no food with their tickets.
Can you eat on trains in the UK and Europe?
Is it worth going first class on Eurostar or another train carrier?
First-class seats on trains are similar to first-class seats on airplanes: you’re able to enjoy more amenities for a higher price. Eurostar Premier tickets, as well as first-class tickets from other railway carriers, offer perks like meals, comfier seats, and expedited boarding, which may be worth it if you prefer an enhanced experience.
Is it worth going Eurostar Premier?
Eurostar's Premier class has many perks, one of which is access to their in-station lounges. If you are less of a sightseer and more of a laid-back traveler, it may be worth going Eurostar Premier so you can take advantage of the lounges and the many onboard amenities reserved for Premier passengers.
Can I upgrade to Premier on Eurostar?
Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade a Eurostar Standard ticket to Eurostar Premier. Although you can’t upgrade to Premier on Eurostar, you can upgrade your Eurostar Standard ticket to Eurostar Plus seats.
How do I get into a Eurostar lounge?
Your Eurostar Premier ticket is your ticket into all three Eurostar lounges in Europe. Just head to the train station prior to your departure, present your ticket, and enter the lounge.
The London lounge is in St Pancras International. The Paris lounge is in Gare du Nord. The Brussels lounge is in Brussels-Zuid/Midi. Premier ticket holders can also access NS International lounges in Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal in the Netherlands.
Should first-time travelers to Europe buy Premier train tickets?
Not necessarily. Depending on your travel plans, budget, and preference, you might prefer to save money by purchasing Standard tickets. However, if you are trying to maximize the comfort and convenience of your rail journey, a Eurostar Premier ticket lets you ride with Eurostar first-class amenities.
Honestly, though, there’s nothing quite like first-class train travel. Download the Trainline app and purchase Eurostar Premier and Eurostar Plus seats today.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Betsie Van der Meer. Image Location: London, England
