Is the Eurostar cheaper the further out you buy? We will be in London January 10-16 and were thinking of a day trip to Paris. At the moment, tickets up to Jan 8th or so are a lot more expensive than after, for example, $214 RT v $105. Is that due to advance purchase discounts or holiday season busyness or something else? I'd rather wait to decide whether to visit Paris.
Thanks
Like most airlines, they'll allot a certain number of "discount" tickets....once they're gone, they're gone.
Any guess if tickets would be available that week? Do discount tickets usually sell out weeks in advance?
You will certainly be able to buy a ticket after you arrive in London, but you will not get a discount fare. Those seats sell out weeks--or even months--in advance.
Cheap tickets are cheapest when purchased 89 days out, online, travel on tues weds or thurs, non peak hours. I paid 45 euros return doing it that way . If you really play around on the site you will see what a difference can be made by date, day, time and how far out you book.
Buying last minute tickets while there is usaully scary expensive. I was in London 3 or 4 yrs ago and thought about taking a daytrip to Paris, only could find fares for about 300 return, and I was staying with English friends who couldn't find me a better deal either( I think sometimes locals can get better deals)
Richard -
I agree with the last post. I travel frequently on Eurostar between Paris and London. Typically, the fares are much like airline tickets. Only a certain number of seats are allocated at lower rates. How to get these rates would include the following - do not travel during typical business travel days and times - Eurostar train is a main means of transport for the business traveller. So forget Monday morning and Friday evening for example. If you go to www.eurostar.com - you can play with dates and times on the schedule and begin to see the trends. You should purchase no later than 3 weeks out - this is when the tickets tend to jump.
Also - just a note about time zones - there is a one hour time difference - it is best to keep that in mind when you are debating your trip.
Lastly - I would not waste the extra money for First or Business Premier - the food is not worth the additional fee. Second class is roomy and comfortable - buy a picnic for yourselves and enjoy.
