{"id":48574,"date":"2026-08-24T10:48:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T10:48:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citiestotravel.com\/traveling-to-london-by-train-information-and-tips\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T15:26:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T15:26:03","slug":"traveling-to-london-by-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.citiestotravel.com\/en\/traveling-to-london-by-train\/","title":{"rendered":"Traveling to London by Train: Information and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Travelling to London by train is one of the most popular ways to get to the British capital. But is a train journey to London really worth it? And how does travelling to London by train work?<\/p>\n

In this article, I share my experiences of travelling to London by train and tell you which trains operate, which stations you can depart from and where you can buy tickets. I also explain which travel documents you need and whether travelling by train can be cheaper for you than flying. This way, you can decide for yourself whether the train is the best choice for your city trip to London<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Is Travelling to London by Train Worth It?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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I have been visiting London for fifteen years. In the beginning, I usually travelled by plane, but since 2019 I have almost always chosen the train. I usually travel from Rotterdam or Amsterdam<\/a> to London. I have also taken the train to London from Paris several times. I did this when I combined a city trip to Paris<\/a> with a visit to London.<\/p>\n

For me, time is one of the main reasons to choose the train. You arrive at London St Pancras International, right in the heart of London. From the station, you can easily continue your journey by underground. This means you can quickly be on your way to your hotel or to well-known places such as the London Eye<\/a>, the Tower Bridge<\/a>, Piccadilly Circus<\/a> and Leicester Square<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I also find travelling by train more comfortable than flying. You have more freedom to move around and more legroom. You can get up during the journey, and there is also a bar on the train where you can buy something to eat or drink.<\/p>\n

Another major advantage for me is the way the border controls are arranged. When travelling directly to London by train, the necessary checks take place before you depart for the United Kingdom. Once you arrive at London St Pancras International, you can therefore leave the station immediately and continue your journey in London.<\/p>\n

I particularly like this because you do not first have to travel from an airport outside the city centre to London. With a flight to London, you may have to take an additional transfer, depending on which airport you arrive at.<\/p>\n

For me, travelling to London by train is definitely worth it. Especially when you are visiting London for the first time, I like the fact that you arrive so close to the city centre.<\/p>\n

My personal tip is not to look only at the price when choosing your hotel, but also at its location. A hotel in the city centre with an underground station nearby is often a little more expensive, but it can save you a lot of time and effort during your city trip. From St Pancras International, you can easily continue by underground, and from your hotel you can reach many places in London on foot or by public transport.<\/p>\n

That is also how I usually do it. I like being able to get around London easily during the day and in the evening, without constantly spending a lot of time travelling.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Which Is Cheaper for Travelling to London, the Train or the Plane?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What I have personally noticed is that a flight to London often seems cheaper at first glance than a train ticket. However, when you look at the total cost of the journey, the difference can become much smaller. Depending on your departure point, travel date and luggage, the train can ultimately cost the same or even be cheaper.<\/p>\n

With many budget airlines, only a small bag is included with the cheapest ticket. If you want to take a trolley case or larger suitcase, you have to pay extra. With Eurostar, a more generous amount of luggage is included, so you are less likely to face additional baggage charges when booking. I usually travel with a trolley case myself, and I consider this a major advantage of travelling by train.<\/p>\n

The airport you arrive at also plays an important role. When I still regularly travelled to London by plane, I usually arrived at an airport outside the city centre, such as Stansted, Luton or Gatwick. From there, you still have to travel to central London. This not only costs extra money, but also takes additional time.<\/p>\n

With Eurostar, you arrive at London St Pancras International. This means you arrive directly in London and can continue your journey from the station by underground or another form of public transport.<\/p>\n

I also find the train convenient on the day of departure. You do not have to arrive at the station as far in advance as you do at an airport. However, you should allow enough time at Eurostar for check-in, security and border controls. Exactly how much time you need can vary depending on the station and your journey.<\/p>\n

That is why, when comparing the train and the plane, I do not look only at the ticket price. I also consider luggage, transport to and from the airport, the total travel time and how convenient the journey is.<\/p>\n

When Should You Choose Which?<\/h3>\n

Choose the train<\/strong> if you are travelling with more luggage, want to travel comfortably and want to arrive directly in central London. Booking early is usually a good idea, as this gives you a better chance of finding an attractive fare.<\/p>\n

Choose the plane<\/strong> if you are travelling with little luggage, are flexible with your departure and find a cheap flight that works well from your departure point. Especially when booking at the last minute, flying can sometimes be more financially attractive.<\/p>\n

If you are travelling to London with children, it is a good idea to compare the total cost of travelling by train and plane carefully. Do not just look at the adult ticket prices, but also consider children’s fares, luggage and transport between the airport and central London. Depending on the children’s ages and the travel date, the train can be a comfortable and practical option.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Which Train Goes to London?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Eurostar is the high speed train that allows you to travel directly to London from the Netherlands, Belgium and France. But what exactly is Eurostar, and which travel classes can you choose?<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The Eurostar<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Eurostar is the high speed train that allows you to travel directly from mainland Europe to London. Part of the journey takes place through the Channel Tunnel, which connects the United Kingdom with France. The Eurostar trains can reach speeds of around 300 kilometres per hour on some sections of the route.<\/p>\n

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During the journey, you can use Wi-Fi and power sockets, and you can buy something to eat or drink. You can also choose between different travel classes, depending on how much comfort and flexibility you want during your journey.<\/p>\n

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In the following sections, I explain which travel classes you can choose with Eurostar and what the differences are.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Which Travel Classes Can You Book with Eurostar?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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At Eurostar, you can choose from three travel classes: Standard, Plus and Premier. The main differences are the level of comfort, service and ticket flexibility. For a regular city trip to London, Standard is sufficient for many travellers, while Plus and Premier are mainly interesting if you want a little more comfort or extra service during your journey.<\/p>\n

Eurostar Standard<\/h3>\n

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Eurostar Standard is the most basic travel class and a great choice for many travellers on a city trip to London. You have a comfortable seat, free Wi-Fi and a power socket at your seat. During the journey, you can buy food, snacks and drinks at the Eurostar Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

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Your luggage is also included in the price. With Eurostar Standard, you can bring two pieces of luggage and one small backpack or handbag. On trains to and from London, a piece of luggage can be a maximum of 85 centimetres long. There is no weight limit, but you must be able to lift your luggage yourself and store it in the designated areas.<\/p>\n

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Another advantage of Standard is that you can change your ticket free of charge up to one hour before departure. Different conditions apply to refunds. At the moment, you can request a refund up to seven days before departure for a fee of \u20ac25 or \u00a325. Always check the current conditions for your ticket when booking.<\/p>\n

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For my own city trips to London, I usually find Eurostar Standard sufficient. I am comfortable during the journey and make only limited use of the additional facilities on board. If you mainly want to travel to London quickly and without many extras, I would therefore look at Standard first.<\/p>\n

Eurostar Plus<\/h3>\n

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With Eurostar Plus, you get a little more comfort during the journey. The seats are more spacious and, on routes to and from London, you receive a light meal and drinks at your seat. This means you do not have to go to the Eurostar Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

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With Eurostar Plus, you can also bring two pieces of luggage and one small backpack or handbag. You also have free Wi-Fi and a power socket at your seat.<\/p>\n

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Eurostar Plus is particularly interesting if you appreciate having a little more space during the train journey and like the convenience of having a meal and drinks served at your seat. For a city trip to London, it is a good middle option if you want more comfort than Standard without immediately choosing the most expensive travel class.<\/p>\n

Eurostar Premier<\/h3>\n

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Eurostar Premier is the most comprehensive travel class offered by Eurostar. You get a more spacious seat, and meals and drinks are served at your seat. You also get access to the Eurostar Premier lounges at stations where they are available and can use priority access at the ticket gates when travelling to and from London.<\/p>\n

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The ticket also offers greater flexibility. Eurostar Premier tickets can currently be changed and refunded free of charge up to 48 hours after the original departure time. There is also a boarding guarantee for another train on the same day, subject to availability.<\/p>\n

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With Eurostar Premier, you can bring three pieces of luggage and one small backpack or handbag. This also makes this travel class interesting for travellers who are travelling with a lot of luggage.<\/p>\n

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For a regular city trip to London, I personally do not think Premier is necessary. The train journey is already comfortable in Standard. Premier becomes particularly interesting if you value flexibility, extra service and a more relaxed start to your journey.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Comparing Eurostar Travel Classes<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Feature<\/strong><\/th>\nEurostar Standard<\/strong><\/th>\nEurostar Plus<\/strong><\/th>\nEurostar Premier<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Seat<\/strong><\/td>\nComfortable<\/td>\nMore spacious<\/td>\nMore spacious<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wi-Fi<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Meal at your seat<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Eurostar Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luggage<\/strong><\/td>\n2 pieces + small hand luggage<\/td>\n2 pieces + small hand luggage<\/td>\n3 pieces + small hand luggage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lounge<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes, where available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Priority at ticket gates<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Change ticket<\/strong><\/td>\nUp to 1 hour before departure<\/td>\nUp to 1 hour before departure<\/td>\nUp to 48 hours after departure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Extra service<\/strong><\/td>\nBasic<\/td>\nExtra comfort<\/td>\nMost service and flexibility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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From Which Stations Do Trains to London Depart?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Eurostar trains travel directly to London from several stations in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. From the Netherlands, you can depart from Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal. In Belgium, the train departs from Brussels South (Bruxelles Midi), while in France you can depart from Paris Gare du Nord.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The Netherlands<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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In the Netherlands, direct Eurostar trains to London depart from two stations: Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal.<\/p>\n

As the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area, you cannot simply walk to the platform for a train to London. You must first go to the special Eurostar departure hall, the UK Terminal. There, you go through the required checks before proceeding to the platform.<\/p>\n

Amsterdam Centraal<\/h4>\n

At Amsterdam Centraal, the Eurostar UK Terminal is located inside the station. After your ticket has been checked, you enter the secure departure area. Here, you go through security and border checks before being guided to the train.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that you will not have much time to walk to the terminal just before departure. Therefore, make sure you arrive at the station well in advance and follow the signs for Eurostar to London.<\/p>\n

Rotterdam Centraal<\/h4>\n

Rotterdam Centraal also has a special UK Terminal for passengers travelling to London. From the station, follow the signs to the Eurostar departure area. The required checks take place there before you proceed to the train.<\/p>\n

One advantage of Rotterdam Centraal is that after the checks, you arrive directly at the train. You therefore do not have to walk to another platform first.<\/p>\n

Important tip<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do not wait until the last minute to check in. Access to the UK Terminal closes before departure, and you need enough time to complete all the checks. The exact recommended arrival time can vary depending on the station and journey. Therefore, always check the latest information from Eurostar before you travel.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Belgium<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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In Belgium, direct Eurostar trains to London depart from Brussels South, also known as Bruxelles Midi.<\/p>\n

Here too, you cannot walk directly to the platform for a train to London. As the United Kingdom is outside the Schengen Area, you must first go to the special Eurostar departure terminal. In Brussels South, this is called the Channel Terminal.<\/p>\n

The Channel Terminal is located on the ground floor of the station’s main hall. After your ticket has been checked and you have completed the security and border checks, you enter a secure waiting area. From there, you are directed to the Eurostar train to London.<\/p>\n

Important tip for Brussels South<\/strong><\/p>\n

Make sure you arrive at the station well in advance. You first need to complete the departure procedures before you can board the train. Access to the terminal closes before departure, and the recommended arrival time may depend on your travel class and the current situation. Therefore, always check the latest departure times and instructions from Eurostar before your journey.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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France<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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In France, direct Eurostar trains to London depart from Paris Gare du Nord. This is Paris’s main international railway station and is located in the north of the city centre.<\/p>\n

Just like in the Netherlands and Belgium, you must go through the required checks before you can board the train. As France is part of the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom is not, both French exit checks and UK border checks take place when travelling to London. Your luggage is also checked.<\/p>\n

The Eurostar departure terminal is located in a separate part of Paris Gare du Nord. At the station, follow the signs for Eurostar and London. After your ticket has been checked and you have completed the various checks, you enter the secure area of the station. From there, you can proceed to the train.<\/p>\n

Important tip for Paris Gare du Nord<\/strong><\/p>\n

Allow plenty of time before your departure. Paris Gare du Nord is a large and busy station, and when travelling to London you have to go through several checks first. Therefore, arrive at the station well in advance and follow the latest instructions from Eurostar. The recommended arrival time may depend on your travel class and the conditions on the day of departure.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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How Long Does the Train Journey to London Take?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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How long you are travelling to London by train depends on the station you depart from. The Eurostar train takes you directly from the Netherlands, Belgium or France to London St Pancras International.<\/p>\n

From Amsterdam Centraal, the train journey to London takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. From Rotterdam Centraal, the journey takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes.<\/p>\n

From Belgium, the direct train journey from Brussels South takes approximately 2 hours and 1 minute. If you travel from Paris, the train journey from Paris Gare du Nord takes approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes.<\/p>\n

The exact journey time can vary depending on the train and travel date. Therefore, always check the current timetable when booking.<\/p>\n

Keep the Time Difference in Mind<\/h3>\n

London is one hour behind the Netherlands, Belgium and France. The times on your ticket are local times. For example, if you depart from the Netherlands at 10:00 and the train journey takes approximately four hours, you will arrive at around 13:00 London time because of the time difference.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Which Documents Do You Need to Travel to London by Train?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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For a trip to the United Kingdom, visitors will generally need a valid passport. A Dutch or Belgian identity card is not sufficient for most travellers to enter the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. Before travelling, always check the latest entry requirements that apply to your nationality.<\/p>\n

UK ETA<\/h3>\n

For many travellers who visit the United Kingdom without a visa, a UK ETA is required. ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation and is a digital travel authorisation that must be applied for in advance.<\/p>\n

The ETA is digitally linked to your passport. If you need an ETA, it must be approved before you travel to the United Kingdom. This also applies to children who fall under the ETA scheme.<\/p>\n

As the rules can vary depending on your nationality and travel circumstances, it is advisable to check whether you need an ETA before travelling.<\/p>\n

I have written a separate guide about the UK ETA on citiestotravel.com. There you can read what an ETA is, who needs one and how to apply.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRead More About Applying for an ETA<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Train Ticket<\/h3>\n

You will, of course, also need a valid Eurostar ticket. You can keep your ticket digitally on your phone or, when necessary, print it out.<\/p>\n

Before departure, check that the name on your booking matches the details in your passport.<\/p>\n

Advance Passenger Information (API)<\/h3>\n

For a journey to London, you also need to add your Advance Passenger Information, or API details, to your Eurostar booking. This includes your passport details, among other information.<\/p>\n

You can add your details to your booking in advance via the Eurostar website or app. After entering your information, check that all the details have been entered correctly.<\/p>\n

Make sure that your travel documents and the information in your booking match. An error in your passport details can cause problems during check-in.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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How Does the Ticket and Passport Check Work at Eurostar?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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An international train journey to London works differently from a regular train journey. Before boarding the Eurostar, you go through ticket checks, security screening and border controls at the departure station. This means you do not have to go through UK border control again when you arrive at London St Pancras International.<\/p>\n

How Do You Check In at Eurostar?<\/h3>\n

At the departure station, follow the signs to the Eurostar UK Terminal. There, you scan your digital or printed ticket at the ticket gates. You then enter the secure area of the terminal.<\/p>\n

You then go through security screening. Your luggage is scanned and you go through the security check yourself. The rules for luggage and what you are allowed to take on board are different from those on a flight. Therefore, always check Eurostar’s current luggage rules in advance.<\/p>\n

After the security check, you go through border control. Your passport is checked before you depart for the United Kingdom. It is also checked whether you meet the requirements for entry into the United Kingdom. If you need a UK ETA for your journey, it must have been approved in advance.<\/p>\n

After completing all the checks, you enter the secure waiting area. You can wait there until boarding begins. You then proceed to the train and find your reserved seat.<\/p>\n

Be Careful with Your Digital Bank Card at the Ticket Gates<\/h3>\n

If you are travelling from Rotterdam Centraal to London, you need to scan your Eurostar ticket at the station’s ticket gates. A small problem can occur if you also have a bank card stored on your smartphone.<\/p>\n

The Dutch ticket gates can read both QR codes from train tickets and digital bank cards. When you hold your Eurostar ticket up to the scanner on your phone, the gate may in some cases recognise the bank card from Apple Pay or Google Wallet instead of the QR code on your ticket. Eurostar itself warns about this. An amount of up to \u20ac20 may then be incorrectly charged via OVpay.<\/p>\n

How to avoid problems:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Save your ticket in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.<\/strong> Eurostar recommends this if you also use digital bank cards on your phone.<\/p>\n

Print your ticket.<\/strong> This is the easiest solution if you do not want to take any risks. You then do not need to use your phone at the ticket gate.<\/p>\n

Temporarily disable contactless payments.<\/strong> On some Android phones, you can temporarily disable NFC before scanning your ticket. You can then enable NFC again afterwards.<\/p>\n

Preferably, do not use a separate PDF or screenshot of your ticket when you have bank cards stored digitally on your phone. In these situations, there is a chance that the gate will recognise your bank card instead of the QR code.<\/p>\n

If an incorrect amount is charged, payments at Dutch ticket gates are processed through OVpay. You can then request a refund through OVpay.<\/p>\n

My personal advice:<\/strong> if you are travelling with your phone, save your Eurostar ticket in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet beforehand. If you want to avoid any hassle at the station, a printed ticket is the simplest solution.<\/p>\n

Make Sure You Arrive on Time<\/h3>\n

An important difference from a regular train journey is that you cannot arrive just a few minutes before departure. You first have to go through several checks, and access to the Eurostar terminal closes before departure.<\/p>\n

How early you need to arrive varies by station and may also depend on your travel class. Therefore, always check the latest information on your ticket or with Eurostar.<\/p>\n

My advice<\/strong> is to arrive at the station a little early rather than at the last minute. Especially if you are travelling to London by Eurostar for the first time, this will make the experience much more relaxed.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Buying Eurostar Train Tickets to London<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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If you want to travel to London by train, it is usually worth booking your Eurostar ticket well in advance. Prices can increase as the departure date gets closer, and the cheapest fares may sell out.<\/p>\n

For popular travel dates, such as weekends, school holidays and public holidays, it is therefore wise not to wait too long before booking. The earlier you look, the more likely you are to have a choice of different departure times and fares.<\/p>\n

Would you like to know how much a train journey to London costs on your preferred date? Use the link below to view the available tickets, compare departure times and choose the journey that best suits your city trip.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tView and Compare Train Tickets to London<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Arrival in London by Train<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Eurostar arrives at London St Pancras International. From the station, you can easily continue your journey by underground, train, bus or taxi.<\/p>\n

Continue Your Journey by Underground<\/h3>\n

St Pancras International is located directly next to the St Pancras and King’s Cross St Pancras Underground stations. From here, several Underground lines depart to other parts of London, including the Piccadilly, Victoria and Northern lines.<\/p>\n

For most city visitors, the Underground is the easiest way to travel from St Pancras to their hotel. At the Underground gates, you can easily pay contactlessly with a bank card, credit card, smartphone or smartwatch. You tap in at the start of your journey and tap out when you leave the Underground.<\/p>\n

I almost always take the Underground to my hotel after arriving. I usually book my hotels in central London and make sure there is an Underground station nearby when booking. This means I can get to my hotel quickly after arriving and then easily explore the rest of London.<\/p>\n

King’s Cross Station<\/h3>\n

King’s Cross Station is located directly next to St Pancras International. From here, you can easily continue your journey by train to various destinations outside central London.<\/p>\n

If you are a Harry Potter fan, King’s Cross is also worth a quick visit. The station is home to Platform 9\u00be, a location made famous by the Harry Potter books and films.<\/p>\n

At the special Harry Potter photo spot, you can take a photo while appearing to disappear through the wall with a luggage trolley. There is also a member of staff who can help take the photo. Next to the photo spot, you will find a Harry Potter shop selling all kinds of merchandise.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that Platform 9\u00be is a photo spot inside King’s Cross Station. It is not a real platform where you can catch a train to a destination.<\/p>\n

Bus and Taxi<\/h3>\n

If you would rather not take the Underground, you can also continue your journey by bus from St Pancras. Several local bus services stop around the station.<\/p>\n

You will also find taxis outside the station. This can be particularly convenient if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or if your hotel is less easily accessible by Underground. Keep in mind that a traditional London Black Cab from St Pancras International can be relatively expensive. The fare is calculated using a taximeter and depends, among other things, on the distance and traffic conditions.<\/p>\n

You can also travel using services such as Uber or Bolt. If you are visiting London for the first time, I personally recommend simply taking the Underground. It is usually the easiest way to get from St Pancras to your hotel.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Practical Tips for Travelling to London by Train<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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In the past fifteen years, I have travelled to London by train several times. During these trips, I have learned what is and is not convenient. These are the five tips I would give anyone travelling to London by train for the first time.<\/p>\n

1. Book Your Train Journey in Advance<\/h3>\n

Do not wait too long to book your Eurostar ticket, especially if you want to travel to London at the weekend, during a holiday period or around a public holiday. By planning your trip early, you will usually have more choice of departure times and fares.<\/p>\n

As soon as you know your travel dates, check the available trains. Compare different departure times and also look at the return journey. Sometimes a train departing an hour earlier or later can be considerably cheaper.<\/p>\n

2. Choose Your Hotel Location Carefully<\/h3>\n

When booking your hotel, do not just look at the price, but also consider the location. A hotel that is a little further from the main attractions can be a great choice if there is an Underground station nearby.<\/p>\n

I usually book my hotel in central London and mainly make sure that I can easily reach an Underground station. This means you are not dependent on taxis and can easily get back to your hotel after a long day of sightseeing.<\/p>\n

3. Do Not Take More Luggage Than You Need<\/h3>\n

One major advantage of travelling by train is that you have more generous luggage options than with many budget flights. However, I would not travel to London with several large suitcases if you do not need to.<\/p>\n

You have to carry your luggage yourself at the station, on the train and while travelling on the Underground. Especially when travelling on the Tube in London, you quickly notice that a heavy suitcase is not always convenient.<\/p>\n

A trolley case and a small bag are usually enough for a city trip. You have everything you need with you and can move around stations and on the Underground more easily.<\/p>\n

4. Plan Your First Underground Journey in Advance<\/h3>\n

If you are visiting London for the first time, the Underground can seem quite large and complicated at first. That is why I like to check in advance how I will travel from St Pancras International to my hotel.<\/p>\n

Check which Underground line you need and at which station you have to get off. This means you do not have to keep figuring out where you need to go along the way.<\/p>\n

You can easily pay for the Underground using contactless payment with your bank card, credit card, smartphone or smartwatch. However, always use the same payment method throughout your journey.<\/p>\n

5. Keep Your First Day Relaxed<\/h3>\n

Travelling to London by train is comfortable, but after the journey you will naturally spend some time travelling to your hotel. Therefore, do not immediately plan a schedule on your first day that involves travelling from one side of London to the other.<\/p>\n

I personally prefer to go to the hotel after arriving, leave my luggage there and then explore the surrounding area. For example, you can start with an attraction or neighbourhood close to your hotel.<\/p>\n

This way, you can start your city trip in a relaxed way and still have plenty of time during the rest of your stay to discover more of London.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to London by Train<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What Happens If I Miss My Train?<\/h3>

This depends on the type of ticket you have booked. With some Eurostar tickets, you can change your journey before departure, while other tickets have stricter conditions. Under the current conditions, Standard tickets can be changed up to one hour before departure, although you may have to pay the difference in ticket price.<\/p>

If you miss your train because another train was delayed, different conditions may apply. In that case, contact Eurostar or a member of staff at the station as soon as possible.<\/p>

Always check the conditions of your ticket when booking. This way, you will know in advance what happens if you miss your scheduled train.<\/p>

What If My Train to London Is Cancelled or Delayed?<\/h3>

Fortunately, delays and cancellations do not happen very often, but they cannot be ruled out completely. During a few city trips to London, I have experienced a major power failure that temporarily stopped trains to and from London. Luckily, I did not have to travel home that day.<\/p>

If your Eurostar train is cancelled, you can generally change your journey to another train under Eurostar’s conditions. This depends on available seats. During major disruptions, you may therefore have to wait for some time before you can continue your journey.<\/p>

If you can no longer travel with Eurostar due to a cancellation, you may be entitled to a refund in certain circumstances. The exact conditions depend on the reason for the disruption and your ticket.<\/p>

You may also be entitled to compensation in the event of a delay. The amount and conditions depend on the length of the delay and the circumstances. Therefore, if you experience a significant delay, always check Eurostar’s current compensation policy.<\/p>

My advice is to allow a little extra time when planning a city trip to London, especially if you have booked a hotel that cannot be cancelled. Major disruptions do not happen often, but when travelling, there is always a small risk that things will not go exactly as planned.<\/p>

Is Travelling to London by Train Safe?<\/h3>

Yes. Travelling to London by Eurostar is generally a safe way to travel. You go through several security and border checks before departure, and the train travels directly through the Channel Tunnel to London.<\/p>

As in any major city, it is still advisable to keep an eye on your luggage and personal belongings at busy stations and on the Underground.<\/p>

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Eurostar?<\/h3>

Yes, you can bring food and drinks with you for the journey. You can also visit the Eurostar Caf\u00e9 during the journey for food, snacks and drinks.<\/p>

Taking a bottle of water and some snacks with you is therefore not a problem and can be useful during a longer train journey.<\/p>

Can I Travel to London by Train with Children?<\/h3>

Yes, Eurostar is a practical way to travel to London with children. You have more freedom to move around than on a plane, and children can get up and move around more easily during the journey.<\/p>

You also do not have to travel to an airport outside the city. You arrive at London St Pancras International, so you can quickly continue your journey by Underground after arriving.<\/p>

Make sure you bring the correct travel documents for your children and check in advance whether each child needs a UK ETA.<\/p>

Is the Train to London Also Suitable If I Am Travelling from France or Belgium?<\/h3>

Yes. Eurostar operates direct services to London from, among other places, Brussels South and Paris Gare du Nord. This means you can combine a city trip to Paris or Brussels with a visit to London.<\/p>

This can be particularly interesting if you want to visit several cities during one trip. You do not have to travel back to an airport and can travel directly from one city centre to another.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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More Travel Tips for a City Trip to London<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Are you planning your trip to London? Below you will find more articles with useful tips and practical information for your journey.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\"4-day<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDaily schedule for 4 days London\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCity trip to London: Is London a nice city?\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAttractions in London: Tips and Practical Information\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tRead more \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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These Are the Most Popular Tickets and Tours for a City Trip to London<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48573,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[88],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-londen-en"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t