Direct Rail

Eurostar FAQ

How do I book a Eurostar ticket?

Please visit our Eurostar page and select your requirements from the drop menus

Are there facilities for disabled passengers?

All Eurostar facilities are fully accessible to people in wheelchairs, those with walking difficulties, the partially-sighted and people with hearing difficulties. Accessibility features include: Ramps for level changes, passenger conveyors and lifts Lift controls at wheelchair height Ramps with handrails and intermediate landings Ticket office desks without windows, with one position set lower for wheelchair users Tactile edges on platforms and coloured markers on pillars and other obstacles to alert the visually impaired and partially sighted to hazards Wheelchair accessible toilets

Can I get special meals?

Yes, in First Class, vegetarian, kosher, Muslim and vegan meals are available.

Can I take my car or motorbike on the Eurostar?

Eurostar transports passengers only. For vehicle accompanied transportation, you may travel by either Eurotunnel or on a cross channel ferry. For more information, or to book tickets, please visit our Eurotunnel or Ferry Tickets pages.

How do I find the cheapest Eurostar Fares?

To find the lowest fares we suggest that you: - Book well in advance (60 - 90 days for cheapest fares) - Search for very early morning fares (5-7am) or late trains (after 19.00) - Travel mid week during off peak hours (11.00 -15.00pm) - Stay for a Saturday night.

How long does the journey take?

Duration depends on the destination and departure point. Please visit our Eurostar page

How many passengers can a Eurostar train accommodate?

Each train has 18 carriages with room for 766 passengers - 560 Standard Class and 206 First Class.

*correct at time of publishing.

How much luggage can I take on the Eurostar?

Passengers may carry up to two suitcases and one item of hand luggage. There is no separate check-in for baggage on the Eurostar.

What items are not allowed to be taken on Eurostar?

A. Sharp objects such as knives, firearms, dangerous chemicals and flammable substances are not allowed on Eurostar. Passengers travelling with more than the two items of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage, or when travelling with bicycles, sporting weapons and large musical instruments, are advised to use the registered baggage service.

Can I take my bicycle on the Eurostar?

A bicycle can be carried on Eurostar provided it can be folded or dismantled to fit into a bicycle bag. It can then be carried as part of a passenger's baggage and stowed in an appropriate area in the carriage where passengers are seated.

How safe is the Eurostar?

Passenger and staff safety and security is treated as a number one priority. Eurostar is the only rail operator in the world to operate a passenger screening programme at all of its terminals. This is a requirement of the Channel Tunnel legislation.

What are the benefits of travelling 1st Class?

A three course meal, reflecting a range of international dishes, with champagne, wine, water and soft drinks served at your seat - choices include English or continental breakfast, light meals, lunch and dinner menus plus desserts and wines. Special meal requests, such as vegetarian, kosher, Muslim and vegan, are also catered for. Spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, each seat benefiting from either a slide-out table or a fixed table shared with adjacent passengers. Complimentary international newspapers are also available.

What is the check in time for the Eurostar?

Please check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Please check in at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure if you have special travel needs (e.g. you are a wheelchair user,) or if you need help getting to the train. Please approach a member of Eurostar staff for assistance. For more details please visit our rail terminals page. Please note, Ski trains may require a longer check in time.

How fast is the Eurostar train?

Eurostar trains can travel as fast as 186 mph (300 kph).

What security measures are in place?

Eurostar terminals x-ray all luggage and security screen all passengers and their hand luggage. They also have measures in place that are not visible. Eurostar works with the authorities in France, UK and Belgium to ensure its security measures meet their requirements as well as extra measures over and above what the authorities ask for

Where can I find directions to the Eurostar terminal?

We have a dedicated area on our web site for all rail terminals with full information including maps and locations. Please visit our rail terminals page for more information.

Where do I pick up my tickets?

When you have made a booking your reference number will appear on screen and you will also receive a confirmation by email. Take this with you to the terminal. Your ticket(s) will be available to collect from the self service ticket machines or the Eurostar ticket desk at your departure station. You will need to present your 8-letter Eurostar booking reference and your passport. Please note, the actual card holder must present with the physical payment card at the time of ticket collection in order for Eurostar to be able to issue tickets.