My spouse and I will be staying in Lille, France, for 4 days next month and are considering a day trip to London via Eurostar, primarily to visit the National Gallery. It seems feasible, but security and customs at both ends will chip into our free time in the city. Please let me know if you've had recent experience with the train. Your suggestions and opinions will be much appreciated.
Posted by
Green Bay
20143 posts
Looking at the schedule for the Eurostar, for a midweek day in mid November, looks like you could leave about 8 am and return by 10 pm back in Lille, for $75 per person each way if you buy nonrefundable tickets now. The price will only go up the longer you wait.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11185 posts
No personal experience, but looking a train schedule and the recommendation to be at the station 90 minutes before departure, it looks like you would have about 8 hrs in London. ( https://www.eurostar.com/us-en/travel-info/your-trip/check-in )
Is that enough time to do what you plan to do?
Are you okay with 17-18 hrs from the time you leave your hotel until you return? .
Posted by
OP
Cortez, CO, USA
103 posts
Thank you, Sam and Joe. You have confirmed what I'd been thinking: The trip is doable but may not be worth the time and cost. I know that waiting to the last minute would substantially increase the cost of the train ride. If we feel particularly energetic when we get to Lille, we may reconsider the day trip, but that seems unlikely now.