We are planning on traveling via Eurostar between London and Paris (one way). We are uncertain how crowded the trains are on this route and do not want to be unable to board because the train is full or sold out. Is this a legitimate concern? Should we buy tickets in advance via the internet, or just wait to buy them at the terminal in London. Buying them in advance is ok for us, it just somewhat limits our flexibility on travel, since we would be required to depart at a specific time. Your advise please. Thanks
Posted by
Newcastle, WA, USA
643 posts
You will certainly save money buying them in advance via the web, they have saver fares that sell out as the train fills up. Buying them at the counter would probably mean paying full fare. The seats are reserved so once you have your tickets you're on the train unless it's cancelled for some reason (like the tunnel fire that happened last Sept).
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
I suppose it depends on what time of the year you intend to travel. We did this trip last year in April. We reserved/paid for our tickets before we left Australia. We caught the 6.30am Eurostar. We travelled second class and there weren't too many spare seats. I believe many Londoners commute to Paris daily for business and would catch the 6.30am train to be in Paris at 7.50am.
Posted by
Sydney
275 posts
I travelled on the Eurostar last April on a midweek service (Monday to Thursday) after 11am. At that time it was not too crowded. It was also cheap at that time, just 67 Euros. I bought my ticket in advance from a travel agent.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
As Dave says, if you can commit to a specific date and departure time, you can save a lot of money by booking ahead. See the fare schedule at www.eurostar.com.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I noticed on the RS website (Railpasses) that some of the lower-costing Eurostar tickets can be changed once before departure date. This would allow for some flexibility in your committment at the lower rates.