Eurostar has now introduced 'Snap' Fares for last minute bookings both on the Cross Channel routes and the Paris to Brussels to Amsterdam routes.
These are for bookings within the following fortnight, and Eurostar allocate your departure time and seat allocation 48 hours before travel.
But for those who can be flexible London to Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam fares start at £35.
Good since they have a monopoly.
So does Amtrak.
Sounds nice, because in my experience at least, last minute Eurostar fares are ridiculous. I took the train between London and Paris (then back) last week and it was $200-$250+ each way. That's not competitive versus airfares. I only took it because I love trains and had yet to experience the Eurostar and the Chunnel.
Not to mention you still have to get to the station over an hour early to put up with airport-level security screening and then wait in a crowded 'boarding area' before the train departs. That really eats into the "trains take you directly into the city center" efficiency advantage. The trains themselves are standard intercity European type, so the there was no added value there to help justify the cost. I found it all pretty disappointing and would favor traveling by air on the route in the future.
Sorry for the rant, but just in case someone was on the fence about taking that train and this info can help.
Indeed, last-minute Eurostar fares are extraordinarily expensive. But for someone planning ahead, it's still by far the better option.
You don't have to haul yourself all the way out to any of the airports, nor back in from the other. So already, that lessens your time significantly from taking a plane.
The "airport-style screening," I find, is not as bad on Eurostar as a plane because there are no liquid restrictions - I can take whatever toiletries I want in whatever size I want and don't have to separate out liquids into a plastic baggie. Not to mention I can take a friend a bottle of Champagne without paying to check a bag.
The waiting area Is crowded, yes, but I would still rather be waiting in the heart of the city than out at Roissy.
You have to get there 45 minutes to an hour before departure, yes, but that is still less time than you have to be at an airport before an international flight.
And finally, the electric train is so much better for the environment than flying.
I am sorry you didn't enjoy your experience, but I would really encourage people to continue considering Eurostar - to me it is such a much more pleasant experience. And significantly better for our planet.
Ditto, my Eurostar experience last week was lousy since I booked it late and ended up in those horrible 4x4 facing seats with no leg room; the last minute air fare was cheaper but I would still have had to pay to go all the way to LGW, LTN for the flight to Paris; But I could walk from Gare du Nord to my hotel.
I am guessing that since you will be assigned a train and seat 48 hours in advance, you will end up on either a very early or very late train, since these are always the least crowded.
Kim-- I agree that for someone who books ahead and has properly managed expectations, the Eurostar can be the superior choice. [Don't be like me, people!] I think I simply expected more from them and was let down. Maybe I caught them on a bad day, but honestly the crowd control on both ends felt sloppy (as if they don't do this every day), and the holding area at St. Pancras was mobbed, standing room only, with poor ventilation. This was in October; what's it like in July?
And yes, it is the eco friendly option, which is all the more reason they ought to do more to incentivize riders. Capping fares so it doesn't get outrageous would be a great start. Just my opinion here.
The last time I had to buy a Eurostar ticket late I just decided to keep moving up the food chain and I bought a business class ticket. It may have spoiled me for life. It was very nice. They have nice lounges, you can get there later, etc. Now whouls I pay that every time probably not but I think the difference in fare was $50. Well worth it to me
The first train from London to Paris departs at 6 AM, meaning a 4:30 AM arrival at St. Pancras under the current 90-minute guidelines. There's no way I'd take a chance on getting stuck on that train, so the whole scheme is a no-go for me.
One doesn't need to arrive at St Pancras at 4:30 am for the 6 am train. An hour ahead is ample. And we saw people admitted onto the 6 am train when they arrived at 5:45. Not a recommendation, obviously.
