If you're looking for details on Eurostar check-in, you've come to the right place. From gate information to check-in times and procedures, find out all you need to know before you head to the station. Be in the know, on time and stay on track with Trainline.
How long does the Eurostar check-in take?
The check-in procedure for Eurostar train journeys takes roughly 20 minutes from start to finish, and depending on the class you're travelling in, it's recommended that you arrive at least 90 minutes before your Eurostar train leaves.
The Eurostar check-in process is the same at each Eurostar station across Europe so regular passengers will enjoy a similarly smooth onboarding routine no matter where they travel from.
Eurostar check-in times at London St Pancras International
| Standard | Plus | Premier | Special assistance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? | 90 mins | 90 mins | 45-60 mins | 60-75 mins |
| How long before departure does the gate close? | 30 mins | 30 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins |
How does Eurostar check-in work?
Once you've scanned your ticket at the gates, you'll join the baggage check, identical to what you have at an airport. After that, you'll enter a line for passport inspections.
For EU passengers, there are also electronic gates which you can use if you have an e-passport. We recommend using these as it speeds up the check-in process.
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 can check in as late as 15 minutes before departure. For Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus customers, check-in must be started at least 30 minutes before departure.
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) 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. 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 and there are many help desks to help you in case you are lost.
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. At Marne-la-Vallée—Chessy, the Eurostar station for Disneyland Paris, there is no passport control. However, you will be required to go through passport control once you get back to the UK.
Eurostar check-in at Brussels-Midi station is very easy to find and is located next to platform 5 on the very wide and easy to use platform concourse. You are required to check-in here for both services leaving Brussels.