Quel chemin pour la Gare du Nord?
Those few French words will suit your trip to France well. You’ll likely ask "which way to Gare du Nord?" at least once as you make your way around the Paris metropolis.
Gare du Nord is one of six train stations in Paris, funneling dozens of routes throughout France and into the rest of Europe. Gare du Nord gets to toot its horn as the main Eurostar train station in Paris, giving visitors a direct connection to London with no flight required.
Get to know Gare du Nord before you travel to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrew Holt. Image Location: Gare du Nord, Paris
Everything You Need to Know About Paris Gare du Nord
Where is Gare du Nord in Paris?
Gare du Nord, officially known as Paris-Nord, is located at 18 Rue de Dunkerque in the 10th arrondissement. It’s about 2.5 miles north of the Louvre, which could be a 10-minute taxi, a 30-minute walk, or a trip on the Metro 7 line followed by a short walk.
Does the Paris metro stop at Gare du Nord?
Yes, Gare du Nord connects to metro lines 4 and 5 in Paris. Lines 2 and 7 stop close to Gare du Nord, only a few minutes away by foot.
Which train carriers leave from Gare du Nord?
Along with RER lines and metro trains, four train carriers depart and arrive at Gare du Nord: TER and TGV trains bound for Lille and northern France, Eurostar trains with destinations in Cologne, Amsterdam, Brussels, and London.
What time to arrive at Gare du Nord for Eurostar trips?
If you’re departing on a Eurostar to London, you’ll want to arrive with plenty of time to get through security. Arrive between 45 minutes and an hour prior to departure, especially if you’re traveling in the summertime when months like August host tons of passengers.
Taking the Eurostar from Paris to London means leaving the Schengen Area and will need to pass through passport control at Gare du Nord. You’ll start by making a beeline to the Eurostar check-in kiosks to enter the terminal. French police will check your passport, then the UK Border Force will do the same. Next, it’s time for the X-ray and metal detector checks, which are much more streamlined than airport security lines. No belt or shoe removal and no liquid restrictions. Walk on through and if everything’s kosher, you’re good to chill until your train arrives.
Pro tip: It’s better to arrive earlier than later, so why not make the most of your time? Upgrade your ticket to a business premium class and you’ll get access to Eurostar’s Business Premier Lounge at Gare du Nord. This spacious setting has complimentary WiFi and plenty of beverages (soft and alcoholic) to keep you content before your train arrives. Snacks and drinks are on deck, too.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Busà Photography. Image Location: Gare du Nord, Paris
What shops and cafes are in Gare du Nord?
Gare du Nord is one the largest and busiest train stations in Europe, so you’ll have far more options for food than a lone vending machine and a less-than-cheery cafe. You should first get to know PAUL, essentially the French cousin of Starbucks. Counter service means no need to stress over a coffee order making you late for your train.
If you’re a connoisseur of snacks or have a taste for a meal more filling than a croissant, Monop’ has you covered. A smaller version of the Monoprix retail chain, you’ll find a wide selection of foods, drinks, and munchies within. Plus, they’ll hook you up with cutlery at checkout if you ask nicely.
Wander around Gare du Nord and you’ll find everything from wine, chocolate, and cheese to florists and fashion outlets. With a handful of additional newsstands and concessions both before and after the security lines, you’ll have no issue finding a snack or last-minute souvenir.
The best restaurants near Gare du Nord
There’s no way you’re leaving Paris without one final French meal in the "City of Lights". You can get a Royale with cheese at the golden arches across the street from the station, but we recommend these restaurants near Gare du Nord instead:
- Marché couvert Saint-Quentin: A sprawling food market representing food stalls ranging from African and Lebanese to Asian and French butchers.
- Les Enfants Perdus: A tranquil spot by Jardin Villemin serving Boudin noir and escargots aux champignons.
- Brasserie Bellanger: take your beau to this brasserie for traditional Burgundy snails and the house-classic, Paris-Brest.
- Libertino: Because even in Paris, you can’t go wrong with tortellini alla ribollita imported from Italy.
Looking for tickets?
Download the Trainline App and let us help you find the fastest and cheapest routes in and out of Paris Gare du Nord. And see our Paris Guide for more information on things to do and places to stay in the "City of Lights".
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Johannes Mann. Image Location: Gare du Nord, Paris