For Eurostar journeys to/from London, there are passport and security checks before you board. How early you need to arrive depends on the station you're departing from and what class you're travelling in. We've laid out the recommended arrival times for each station below.
How long does Eurostar check-in take?
The check-in procedure for Eurostar train journeys takes roughly 20 minutes from start to finish, including passport and security checks. The time you need to arrive depends on which station you're leaving from and the class you're travelling in.
Eurostar check-in times at London St Pancras International
| Eurostar Standard | Eurostar Plus | Eurostar Premier | Assisted travel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? | 75 mins | 75 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins |
| How long before departure does the gate close? | 30 mins | 30 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins |
Eurostar check-in times at Paris Gare du Nord
| Eurostar Standard | Eurostar Plus | Eurostar Premier | Assisted travel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? | 75-90 mins | 75-90 mins | 45-60 mins | 60 mins |
| How long before departure does the gate close? | 30 mins | 30 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins |
Eurostar check-in times at Brussels Midi/Zuid
| Eurostar Standard | Eurostar Plus | Eurostar Premier | Assisted travel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? | 45-60 mins | 45-60 mins | 30-45 mins | 60 mins |
| How long before departure does the gate close? | 30 mins | 30 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins |
Eurostar check-in times at Amsterdam Centraal
| Eurostar Standard | Eurostar Plus | Eurostar Premier | Assisted travel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? | 75-90 mins | 75-90 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins |
| How long before departure does the gate close? | 30 mins | 30 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins |
Eurostar check-in times at Lille Europe
| Eurostar Standard | Eurostar Plus | Eurostar Premier | Assisted travel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? | 60 mins | 60 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins |
| How long before departure does the gate close? | 30 mins | 30 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins |
Eurostar check-in times at Rotterdam Centraal
| Eurostar Standard | Eurostar Plus | Eurostar Premier | Assisted travel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? | 45-60 mins | 45-60 mins | 30 mins | 60 mins |
| How long before departure does the gate close? | 30 mins | 30 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins |
How does Eurostar check-in work?
Eurostar check-in can be broken down into 4 simple steps:
- Arrive at the station and scan your ticket at the gates
- Go through baggage check - this is similar to airport security, though there are no liquids limits here!
- Passport check time - once for the country you're leaving, and again for the country you'll be arriving at
- Relax in the passenger lounge until your train is announced (usually around 20 minutes before departure)
Depending on the train's departure time, check-in can take as little as 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes at peak times. Eurostar Premier passengers must arrive at the ticket gates at least 15 minutes before departure. For Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus customers, you must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Eurostar recommends arriving earlier than this to ensure you have time for the pre-departure checks.
If you're travelling on the Eurostar ski train in the winter months, it’s advised to arrive well in advance (at least an hour ahead), especially if you’re bringing your own skiing equipment.
Where are the Eurostar check-in gates?
The Eurostar check-in gates in each station are clearly signposted, and very visible from the main concourse of the station. For Eurostar's main stations:
- At London St Pancras International, the Eurostar check-in gates can be found in the middle of the station, on the main concourse. It’s clearly signposted.
- At Paris Gare du Nord, the Eurostar check-in gates can be found on the second floor of the station, which is easily reached from the front of the station by escalators or lifts.
- Eurostar check-in at Brussels-Midi station is located near the middle of the concourse.
- At Amsterdam Centraal station, the Eurostar departures terminal is separate from the rest of the station (but only around a 3-minute walk away!). Follow signs to the 'UK Terminal'.