I need transportation from the Regina hotel in Paris(across the street from Louvre Museum)to the Gare du Nord train station for the Eurostar to London. I read many reviews claiming the Gare du Nord is dangerous and the employees won't help tourists. So, 2 questions: Is the station really that scary? And, please recommend the best transportation to get to the station for 3 adult females. One review said the Eurostar Lounge is the worst and most crowded he has encountered so not to wait in there for the train. Really? Thank you for your advice and help.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Triplicate post
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you're packing light and can easily schlepp your bags, there are two logical routes on the Metro: 1. Take Metro line 1 from Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre to Chatelet. Transfer to Metro line 4 and take it to Gare du Nord. 2. Take Metro line 7 from Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre to Gare de l'Est. Walk to Gare du Nord. If you wear money belts, keep an eye on your bags, and use common sense, you'll do fine at Gare du Nord (or any train station). I haven't ridden the Eurostar since 2002 so I can't comment on the current state of the lounge. See this page on the parisbytrain site for a detailed description (including photos) of Gare du Nord.
Posted by
OP
Usa
8 posts
Thank you so much, Tim!
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2001 posts
With 3 of you, I'd just get a cab. When I took the Eurostar in 2011 there were 3 of us and we got a cab from the 7th eme and it was reasonable for each of us and less hassle. I don't remember anything terrible about the station. There were high tables for you to fill outboarding cards and you go through security similar to flying and I don't remember the lounge being that crowded and the train was full.
Posted by
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
503 posts
Hello Cheryl, Gare du Nord isn't any more dangerous than any other train station - as the others have posted you can get there via Metro or a cab - cab will be quicker and with 3 of you shouldn't cost much. If the reviewer thinks the Eurostar lounge at Gare du Nord is the worst, clearly that person hasn't traveled much!! The lounge isn't huge and yes, it can get a bit crowded but that is true of airline waiting areas as well! I was through there last year - typical airport shops upstairs outside the lounge. Quick tip: if you are planning on taking sandwiches on the train, wait until you get upstairs at Gare Du Nord - there is a Paul there - the sandwiches are significantly better than what is available downstairs in the train station!
Posted by
OP
Usa
8 posts
Hi Laurie and Nancy, very helpful advice! And the sandwich tip too. Thank you so much!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Even better would be to buy sandwiches at a better quality bakery not at the station and bring them with you. Paul isn't very good imo.
Posted by
Jasper
162 posts
Cheryl,
Every major train station is alike in that it is a busy, bustling terminal that services thousands of people daily mostly without incident. Don't be afraid, just follow the smart travel hints you find here and on every other travel blog, and you will be fine. Travel is an adventure. Enjoy!