Are there any deals i should know about London, the Eurostar train and Paris? Want to spend 3 days in each city. Hotels, food, public transportation, sites and tours?
Posted by
Orlando
191 posts
We made a similar trip earlier this year, so I will tell you a little about how we handled transportation. For London, we purchased prepaid Oyster cards, which involve a refundable deposit and fares. As I recall, we spent 25 pounds on each card and as we left London, turned the cards in and received a full refund for our deposit and unused fares. There might be a cheaper method, but not one that is more convenient. We took the Eurostar to Paris and purchased our tickets directly from Eurostar.com before departing for London. You are given a confirmation number via email which you can use to obtain your actual ticket at the St. Pancras train station, the point of departure in London.
In Paris, we simply purchased a carnet of 10 tickets to use on the Metro or Busses. This is the simplest method that I know of.
Hope this helps, PM me if you need more details.
Posted by
Concord, N.C., USA
33 posts
(1) Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass. It allows you to skip the long lines outside most of the major museums. (2) Because some sites are closed on certain days, plan ahead so that you don't attempt to visit a museum on the wrong day.
Posted by
Beautiful Austin TX
582 posts
Only two weeks ago I bought my train tickets (Eurostar)
from London to Paris. I'm going in the fall, but people keep telling me I would get a cheaper rate if I buy way in advance. I paid $100 a round trip. Not bad!
You can buy the same ticket from Rick Steves site for $159!
I saved money. I printed my tickets from my computer.
Very easy! I'm new as a London/Paris traveler, so I like your question. I'll learn something about the metro too! I do have Rick's guide books for London and Paris, but yet have to read them. I received them not long ago. I personally think Rick Steves guide books are my travel bibles! Many will disagree, but his books have been helpful for my trips in the past years.
Tom, I will buy the Oyster card. The best card for saving money I keep hearing! Great advice Tom!
Happy Travels!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Bill,
Will you be traveling alone or with someone? If alone, then the Oyster card is the best deal for short-term transportation in London. If with someone, then buying travelcards at a National Rail station (not a Tube station) can qualify you for some good 2-for-1 deals. See here.
Whether alone or with someone, buying ten-ticket carnets works well for a short visit to Paris. If you have a traveling companion, share the tickets. For a complete list of your Paris transportation ticket and pass choices, with detailed explanations of each one, go here.