Image showing an E320 train in Eurostar livery
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Overview

Eurostar is a high-speed rail service connecting the United Kingdom with mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. Operated by Eurostar International Limited, the service links London St Pancras with Paris, Brussels, Lille, Amsterdam, and seasonal destinations in France.

Eurostar provides a fast, convenient alternative to air travel, combining city-centre to city-centre journeys with modern, comfortable onboard facilities and international standards of service.

History

Eurostar began operations in November 1994 following the opening of the Channel Tunnel, which connected Folkestone in the UK with Coquelles near Calais in France. The service was initially a joint venture between British Rail, SNCF (France), and SNCB/NMBS (Belgium).

Since launch, Eurostar has expanded its network to include Amsterdam (2018) and Lille, while modernising its fleet with Class 373 “Eurostar e300” trains and later introducing Class 374 “e320” trains for faster and higher-capacity services.

Network & Routes

Eurostar operates from London St Pancras International to several key European cities.

Highlights include:

  • London to Paris: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes on high-speed trains

  • London to Brussels: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes

  • London to Amsterdam: around 4 hours

  • Seasonal and weekend services to French ski and leisure destinations

Eurostar trains also connect with extensive high-speed networks in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, allowing onward travel to cities such as Lyon, Marseille, and Rotterdam.

Fleet & Onboard Facilities

Eurostar’s fleet currently consists of:

  • Class 373 “Eurostar e300” high-speed trains

  • Class 374 “Eurostar e320” trains for higher capacity and improved performance

Trains provide Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier classes. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, catering with at-seat meal service in premium classes, and luggage storage. Eurostar trains are designed for international travel, including border controls and customs areas on board at some stations.

Travel Information

Passengers can book Advance, Standard, Standard Premier, or Business Premier tickets. Eurostar offers flexible fares and frequent promotions, with advance booking recommended to secure the lowest fares.

Business Premier offers priority boarding, exclusive lounges, at-seat meals, and flexible ticketing for last-minute travel. Standard Premier provides a quieter environment and light meals, while Standard is cost-effective for leisure and budget travellers.

Performance & Reputation

Eurostar is widely praised for its speed, convenience, and sustainability compared with air travel. The operator has maintained a strong reputation for comfort, reliability, and punctuality, although services were significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic and border restrictions.

Future plans focus on network expansion, additional high-speed services, and upgraded rolling stock to improve energy efficiency and passenger experience.

Did You Know?

  • Eurostar travels at speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on high-speed lines.

  • The London to Paris journey takes just over 2 hours 15 minutes, city centre to city centre.

  • The service was the first to connect the UK directly with continental Europe by train via the Channel Tunnel.

Eurostar Archived Timetables

All files listed below are in compressed format and will need to be unpacked with an archiving program, we recommend 7-Zip which is completely free and can be downloaded from here.

Eurostar Network Map

Image showing the Eurostar route map circa 2018.