What's the difference between booking it directly on Eurostar website versus Raileurope? Raileurope seems slightly more expensive but not sure if both deliver to the US versus pick-up in europe?
Thanks
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
We picked up tickets at St. Pancras and it was easy-peasy, so I am sure it would be the same at the Paris end. Just follow all the signs in the station to Eurostar and you'll find a booth for ticket pick-up. Take your printed out confirmation with you, of course. $28 will buy you a decent lunch.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Picking up your tickets at the station is simple. Just show your confirmation number and the credit card you used when booking. Allow a little additional time beyond the 30-minute check-in deadline in case there is a line at the ticket window.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Here's a comparison for the cheapest fares for 24 November. (I picked an arbitrary date.)
eurostar.com = $104 US. Pick up your ticket at Gare du Nord in Paris.
RailEurope = $109 US + $18 US for shipping and handling.
voyages-sncf.com = €66 (currently $97 US). Pick up your ticket at Gare du Nord in Paris.
No matter where you book, advance purchase tickets are cheapest.
Posted by
OP
atlanta, ga, us
53 posts
Thanx. Is picking up the ticket at Gare du Nord an easy thing or is it a hassle that it maybe worth spending an extra $28? We are travelling October 1 and the prices are exactly the same.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL, USA
264 posts
Gare du Nord isn't the only place you can stop and have your SNCF Eurostar ticket printed and you don't have to wait until the day of departure. You can stop and have your ticket printed at any rail station, or better yet at any SNCF boutique in Paris. (You can do a web search to find the closest boutique to your hotel). On my last trip I printed my TGV tickets and Corail tickets on my own computer at home. You be may be able to print your own SNCF Eurostar tickets before you leave as well. By the way Raileurope does not issue regular Eurostar nor SNCF tickets, they only issue vouchers. I found their vouchers to be a real pain!
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
Regarding the Gare du Nord request for pick up information-
I recommend that unless you speak French you consider picking up at the Eurostar office at Gare du Nord. The amount of English spoken by agents at SNCF Boutiques can vary depending upon location - and in some cases - time of day.
The Eurostar office is bilingual in Gare du Nord - upper level - follow the signs
Posted by
OP
atlanta, ga, us
53 posts
Thanks for all of the great help!
Posted by
TX
515 posts
http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/eurostar.htm
Purchased ours through the RS site...had our tickets delivered to our door in matter of days. Got some freebies with our purchase, too. Will certainly order from them again. Smooth transaction, smooth trip on the Eurostar. You will love it.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
James - You can also book your ticket on the UK version of the Eurostar website (.co.uk instead of .com). We paid £44 (currently about $81) each for our Paris to London tickets and we're picking them up at the station in Paris.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I booked mine on Eurostar and picked up in London, I did this to save money, but also I don't like carrying tickets,, just one more thing to lose. Worked out absolutely fine.
Just so you know , I found the staff at the French railways stations ( not metro, LOL) always have an english speaker at one of the kiosks to help.