Current Eurostar Experience?

I wouldn't try it with any less. It's a rather expensive problem if you don't get checked in in time.

Keep in mind that one of the advantages of Eurostar is something that takes longer prior to boarding. That is, when departing either London or Paris, you go through both emigration from your departing country and immigration to your arriving country at the train station where you depart.

This is great when you arrive, because you just walk off the train as you have already done the immigration process at the other end. But it means that it takes longer at your departure point.

Short answer: yes.

When you get there, go right through, don’t look at the times they are showing. Walk all the way to the back where you will either go through Gate A or B depending in which car you are in. There are seats back there too. When we went from Paris to London the line was very short. We had a 4:15 time. They start boarding about 30 minutes ahead.

I also just went Paris to London last week as well, but went mid-day. I was alarmed when I got there about 2.5 hours ahead and the line to process the previous train went all the way back down the mezzanine to the escalators. The part where you go thru passport control is behind walls so you can’t even see that part. Anyway, as soon as they opened my train for processing, about 2 hours ahead, I lined up and went through. I did go all the way to the back area. My seat boarded from Gate A so just hung there.

If I were doing it again, I would definitely go 90-120 minutes ahead. However I’m always early. I prefer to twiddle my thumbs than stress about not making it.

BTW, the toilet in the GdN Eurostar lounge is at the very far end and is one flight of STAIRS down. Since I’m a solo traveler I had to haul my case down and back up just for a quick pee.

Pam, we got there about 3 hours early and just got in line and went through. Didn’t wait for our time. No one stopped us. As soon as the prior train boarded, seats opened up and we just sat and waited.

I think that 90, even for an early train is the absolute minimum these days.

I have an acquaintance living in London who says he now usually flies rather than taking the Eurostar, because the train takes so much extra time if you want to be sure you aren't left behind.

These answers are good to see. I downloaded the Eurostar app and it says to arrive only 45-60 minutes before my train. Anyone know the reason that is so much different? I got an email saying they'd keep it updated with the "correct" arrival time, maybe it'll increase a few days before.

I think it's Brexit. I understand they aren't even selling all the seats on the trains, yet they are still having trouble processing passengers fast enough.