The Eurostar Gare du Nord Business Premier lounge is dope.
But you’d never know it if you’ve only got a Standard Premier Eurostar ticket.
The Eurostar first-class train ticket, known as the Eurostar Business 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 a Michelin-starred chef?
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 Business Premier is the ticket for you.
Do all Eurostar trains offer Business Premier?
Technically, no, at least not with the name "Business 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.
Let’s get down to business (class): Eurostar Business Premier
Eurostar Business Premier explained: everything you need to know about this first-class experience (and if it’s worth the price). First, let’s compare all three Eurostar seats.
Eurostar Standard Class seats
Eurostar Standard Class 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 Café Métropole
Eurostar Standard Premier seats
Great for: More spacious seats than Standard Class
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 Business 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 with Champagne
Station lounge access: Yes, in 5 stations
Extras: Extra-spacious seats and a fast-track queue to board
Image credit: Getty Images
What is Eurostar Business Premier?
Business 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 Standard and Standard Premier class tickets.
Is Eurostar first class the same thing as Business Premier?
Yes, Eurostar Business Premier is the Eurostar first-class option.
What kind of food is served on Eurostar trains?
All Eurostar passengers have access to Café Métropole regardless of ticket class. This onboard café serves everything from light snacks, like croissants and chips, to sandwiches and even alcohol. Eurostar Business 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 Business Premier passengers get a three-course meal included with their ticket. Eurostar Standard Premier seats also receive light snacks and beverages included in their tickets. Eurostar Standard ticket holders receive no food with their tickets.
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 first-class 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 business class on Eurostar?
Business class on Eurostar 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 business class on Eurostar so you can take advantage of the lounges and the many onboard amenities reserved for Business Premier passengers.
Image credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Gare du Nord, Paris, France
Can I upgrade to business class on Eurostar?
Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade a Standard ticket to Eurostar Business Premier. Although you can’t upgrade to business class on Eurostar, you can upgrade your Eurostar Standard ticket to Standard Premier seats.
How do I get into a Eurostar lounge?
Your Eurostar first-class ticket is your ticket into all three Eurostar Business Premier 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. Business Premier ticket holders can also access NS International lounges in Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal in the Netherlands.
Should first-time travelers to Europe purchase business class train tickets?
Not necessarily. Depending on your travel plans, budget, and preference, you might prefer to save money by purchasing standard class tickets. However, if you are trying to maximize the comfort and convenience of your rail journey, a Eurostar Business 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 Business Premier and Eurostar Standard Premier seats today.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Betsie Van der Meer. Image Location: London, England