I'm going to be traveling from Strasbourg to London in August and I plan to take a train. (I checked the dates for the Olympics and my date is after the Olympics are over.) I can see that the route has two segments: Strasbourg to Paris, change train stations for a different train between Paris and London. I'm thinking of booking this on Rail Europe. I guess my question is if I should use Rail Europe or if there is a different option for booking the train(s) between these two places?
Thanks.
Julie
The best advice on how to buy tickets is from the man in seat 61
https://www.seat61.com/France.htm#london-to-strasbourg-by-train
easiest is via Lille rather than Paris
The trains from Strasbourg to Lille Europe go via CDG, thus avoiding the station transfer in Paris, although not as frequent as trains to Paris Est. Often these trains are not bookable until 60 days in advance. Look at all the options at https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv. You could buy there, but credit card approval process often leads Americans to use https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us
We did this same route. I reserved our tickets on the SNCF website from Strasbourg to Paris and then went to the Eurostar website for Paris to London. Both websites worked well for us. I googled how to get between the train stations in Paris and found detailed instructions. We had time so we walked with no difficulty and I believe it was only 15 minutes or so. It was an easy transfer.
Whatever you do, avoid Rail Europe!
You can do it with a change in Paris, but the option via Lille is better in my opinion. In Paris you have the change stations, the train from Strasbourg arrives at Gare de l'Est and the train to London leaves from Gare du Nord. They are within walking distance of each other so not a big issue, but Lille is easier.
Just for context, RailEurope is a travel agency. Always buy from the train company itself which others have referred to upthread.
I also recommend downloading the apps for the various train companies (SNCF for the French Train system and Eurostar for the Paris or Lille to London train.) so you have your tickets there.
Give yourself plenty of time changing stations from Gare d l'est to Gare du Nord. You will go through security & passport check in Paris. So you can walk off the train in London & go to your destination. I believe Eurostar asks for 90 minutes prior & business class is about 60 minutes before
Remember some number of fans, Olympians & support staff may do some sightseeing after the closing ceremonies. And the ParaOlympics are Aug 28-Sept 08
Watch some YouTube videos about train travel in Europe such as Simply Railway. You'll be taking the Eurostar through the Chunnel.