Travelling from Paris to London on a direct Eurostar train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Paris to London? Look no further.
The average train time from Paris to London is 3 hours, although it takes just 2 hours and 17 minutes to travel from city centre to city centre on the fastest direct high-speed Eurostar services – it's much quicker than flying!
After checking in at Paris Gare du Nord station, step on a modern e300 or e320 Eurostar train and you’ll enjoy free WiFi, comfortable seating and power sockets at every seat, as well as an onboard café for snacks and drinks. If you’re travelling in Standard Premier or Business Class, you’ll receive a complimentary meal served at your seat too.
Does the train from Paris to London go underwater?
Yes. Trains from Paris to London do go underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel” if you prefer its nickname) is just over 50 km in length and is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world. At a maximum speed of 160 km/h in the Chunnel, it takes a Eurostar train around 35 minutes to travel through this underwater tunnel between Paris and London.
It won’t be long until you arrive into London St Pancras International station, which is well-connected to Underground lines, buses and taxis for wherever your onward destination may be.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to London with us today. Keep reading for timetables where you can view today’s train times, and an expert’s review on the Eurostar journey from France to the UK.
Paris to London by train
Eurostar trains from Paris to London
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included).
Cheap train tickets from Paris to London
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Paris to London by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Eurostar classes
Eurostar Standard Class
Eurostar Standard Class offers you great value tickets with no hidden extra costs. From free WiFi and comfy seats to a wide range of snacks and drinks available on board, there are lots of reasons to travel in Standard Class.
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Café Métropole | ✔ |
| Wider seats | ✔ |
| Generous luggage allowance | ✔ |
| Power sockets | ✔ |
Eurostar Standard Premier
In addition to all the amenities you’ll find in Standard Class, Eurostar Standard Premier also offers a complimentary meal, which is served straight to your seat.
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Complimentary meal | ✔ |
| Wider seats | ✔ |
| Generous luggage allowance | ✔ |
| Power sockets | ✔ |
Eurostar Business Premier
Fancy travelling in style? Business Premier is the travel class for you – it gives you the freedom to travel according to your schedule, to speed through Fast Track ticket gates and to relax in Eurostar’s exclusive Business Premier Lounges.
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Gourmet menu | ✔ |
| Business Premier Lounge | ✔ |
| Fast Track | ✔ |
| Wider seats | ✔ |
| Generous luggage allowance | ✔ |
| Power sockets | ✔ |
Eurostar Luggage allowance
On Eurostar there’s no weight limit for your luggage, but you should be able to carry and lift your bags safely. Each bag can be up to 85cm long and should be clearly labelled.
There's no restriction on liquids so you can take your favourite toiletries. However, there are some restrictions on alcohol.
Typically, alcohol consumption on board is limited to 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person; no large bottles of spirits are allowed. Eurostar are happy for customers to bring unopened bottles of alcohol to take on to their destination. Any passengers with large quantities of alcohol will need to contact a courier service.
Standard/Standard Premier
- 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Business Premier
- 3 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Children (for all classes)
- 1 piece of luggage up to 85cm long
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. backpack or laptop bag
Sports equipment
Golf clubs
Skis and snowboards
Watersports
Camping equipment
Sporting bats, cues, and darts
Dangerous sports equipment
Travelling with your bike on Eurostar
Unfortunately, Eurostar are currently not running their bike service. If you’d like to take a fully assembled or boxed bike on your trip, you’ll need to book a courier service.
You can still bring a folding bike or children's bike on board provided it's no longer than 85cm and is carried in a protective bag which covers the whole bike. This is to protect your bike, other people, and their luggage both at the station, on board and when going through security.
Finally, you won’t be able to travel on Eurostar with an e-scooter or hoverboard.
Food on board
Food in Standard Class
If you’re travelling in Standard Class, head to Eurostar’s onboard bar buffet Café Métropole. You can choose from a wide range of snacks, light bites, and sweet treats, as well as a selection of hot and cold drinks. Child-friendly options are also available. You’ll find Café Métropole near the middle of your train and they accept both cash and cards.
Food in Standard Premier
If you’re travelling in Standard Premier, you’ll be served a light meal and drinks to your seat.
For breakfast, you'll get to enjoy a pastry, yoghurt, and juice, with a cup of tea or coffee. For lunch and dinner, you'll get to choose from two light dishes and a dessert, with a soft drink, wine or beer, plus tea or coffee.
Standard Premier meal timetable
| Departures from London St Pancras | Departures from Paris and Brussels | |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Before 09:59 | Before 10:29 |
| Rest of the day | After 10:00 | After 10:30 |
Food in Business Premier
Eurostar’s Business Premier menus are designed with Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc, who brings over 30 years of experience to the table. Each meal is made up of gourmet dishes crafted for the time of day.
You’ll also benefit from a continuous supply of drinks throughout your journey, ranging from tea, coffee and soft drinks to beer and champagne.
Business Premier meal timetable
| Departures from London St Pancras | Departures from Paris and Brussels | |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Before 09:59 | Before 09:59 |
| Brunch | - | 10:00 - 10:29 |
| Lunch | 10:00 - 16:59 | 10:30 - 17:25 |
| Dinner | After 17:00 | After 17:30 |
Travelling with your family
Children under 4
Fares for children aged 4-11
Child facilities on board
Pregnant or travelling solo with children under 4
Unaccompanied minors (under 18)
Guide and assistance dogs
Booking your journey
Guide and assistance dogs can travel on Eurostar only if they’re with their owners (subject to approval). You’ll need to book their ticket at least 48 hours before you travel. Please call the Eurostar team on +44(0) 3432 186 186 and select English or French, followed by option 4.
If your dog has been trained by an accredited association, you’ll be asked for the name of their member organisation and the accredited association. After a quick check, Eurostar will be able to confirm your booking. Member organisations include Assistant Dogs UK, Assistance Dogs International and International Guide Dog Federation.
If your dog isn’t trained by an accredited association, you’ll need to complete an application form and provide relevant details before Eurostar can confirm your booking. You’ll need to complete the form and send it to their Special Assistance team at least 48 hours before your trip.
Travel documents
When travelling to London, you’ll need to bring your passport and Eurostar ticket. Your dog will need to have a microchip, as well as their own Eurostar ticket, a valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in a European country or Northern Ireland.
You’ll also need to bring proof that they’ve been accepted for travel with Eurostar (validated documentation, a copy of your confirmation email or your case reference number).
Please make sure your dog has the correct documents and vaccinations well in advance. Otherwise, they may be placed in quarantine for up to four months. We recommend you also check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.
Everything you need to know about Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras International stations
How to get to Paris Gare du Nord
Paris Gare du Nord station is conveniently located at the heart of the city and can be easily reached by several urban transport lines, including Paris metro, RER and local buses.
If you’re travelling by train, you can get to Paris Gare du Nord from France’s northern cities such as Lille and Calais and even neighbouring countries like Belgium, Germany and the UK.
How ahead of time do you need to arrive?
Where are Eurostar check-in gates?
How does Eurostar check-in work?
What’s on offer at Paris Gare du Nord?
Which facilities are in the Eurostar Departure Lounge?
Which facilities are in the Business Premier Lounge?
Arriving at London St Pancras International from Paris
Your Eurostar train from Paris to London will arrive right in the heart of London at the beautiful and historic London St Pancras International station.
Since all the passport checks are done before leaving France, you can step off the train and start exploring the city right away. From London St Pancras you can hop on the London Underground, take a bus or have a nice walk if you prefer discovering the city on foot.
From a wide range of shops and restaurants to London’s top museums and galleries, there are plenty of things to see and do nearby.
Using public transport in London
London Underground, commonly known as the Tube, is one of the quickest ways to travel around the city. Once you get off at London St Pancras International station, simply follow the signs to London Kings Cross underground station, where you’ll be able to choose from 6 Tube lines – the Hammersmith & City, Circle, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
Tube services usually run from 05:00 until midnight, with Night Tube services available on some lines on Friday and Saturday evenings.
London buses are one of the cheapest ways to travel around the city, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way. You can pay with an Oyster Card, Travelcard or a contactless payment card for Tube and bus journeys.
If you want to get a taxi, you can find a taxi rank on the forecourt of London St Pancras station.
Going through the Channel Tunnel
Does the train from Paris to London go underwater?
Yes. Trains from Paris to London do go underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel” if you prefer its nickname) is just over 50 km in length and is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world. At a maximum speed of 160 km/h in the Chunnel, it takes a Eurostar train around 35 minutes to travel through this underwater tunnel between Paris and London.
How long is the Chunnel from Paris to London?
The Channel tunnel is 31.3 miles (50.56 km) in length and it takes a Eurostar train approximately 35 minutes to travel its full length. In total, the fastest journey time from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras is 2 hours and 29 minutes.
Discover London
Journey details
How long does the train from Paris to London take?
The average journey time by train between Paris and London is 2 hours and 20 minutes, with around 14 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Paris and London by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris to London is 2 hours and 17 minutes.
How much does the train from Paris to London cost?
Train ticket prices from Paris to London can start from as little as €57 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Paris to London?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to London without having to change trains. There are 13 direct trains from Paris to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris to London leave?
The first train from Paris to London leaves at 07:13. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris to London leave?
The last train from Paris to London leaves at 21:13. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Paris and London by train?
Trains travelling from Paris to London cover a distance of around 212 miles (342 km) during the journey.