First time European traveler here. My understanding is that the railpass business does not apply to England. Is that true? I need to get from Stratford-Upon-Avon to Paris. I assume the best way to do this is to first get to London, then take the Eurostar to Paris. Any help you can provide would be appreciated (including station names).
Also, do I need to purchase my Eurostar ticket in advance? What about the other train tickets?
Thanks, Jonathan
You do need to purchase your London to Paris ticket in advance. The earlier you do so, the better chance you have of getting a discount price:
The train from Stratford-upon-Avon arrives at a different station than St Pancras. You will need to take a short Tube or taxi ride between stations.
If you are spending the night in London, I suggest that you stay at one of the many hotels near St Pancras/Kings Cross. That way you will have just a short walk to the station.
Allow at least 30 min at St Pancras before your train leaves. It takes time to check in, go thru security, passport control, etc.
Looks like the train from Stratford-Upon-Avon arrives at the Marylebone station in London. How would I catch the tube from there to get to St. Pancras International for the Eurostar.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Walk from Marylebone to the Baker Street Underground station. Take either the Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, or Circle line to King's Cross/St Pancras. Walk to St Pancras International.
Or take the Bakerloo line from the Marylebone Underground station to Baker Street and then one of the above three lines to King's Cross/St Pancras, etc.
The total time for either route will be under 20 minutes.
OK. Thanks for the helpful info! I see that for the London Tube I can buy an Oyster Card or a Travelcard. Which one? I'll be traveling with my 12-yr. old. She can get a youth Oyster card, but the application process was a bit confusing. (One place says they'll mail it to us in the U.S.; place asks us where we want to pick it up). We'll only be in London one afternoon / evening, leaving the next day for Paris.
Thanks!
Jonathan
You're welcome.
Since you are not residents of the UK, you will have to pick up your daughter's Oyster photocard in London. See here.
There are no advance purchase discount fares for Stratford-upon-Avon to London. Buy your tickets on the spot.
... But do I want an Oyster card or a Travelcard. Not sure I understand the difference.
Thanks,
Jonathan
I see that you've started a new thread specifically asking about the Oyster card and travelcard. See my answer there.
