Have you ever dreamt of taking the train from London to Paris underwater, but felt discouraged by the thought of having to take a plane or a ferry? Well, dream no more
Taking the train from London to Paris underwater is possible. The Channel Tunnel – known as the Chunnel, connects France and England via a high-speed rail line that runs under the English Channel. This blog post will guide you on how to take a train from London to Paris.
A step-by-step guide to taking the train from London to Paris Underwater.
Step 1: Purchase your tickets in advance. You can do this by visiting the Eurostar website. We recommend booking your tickets at least two weeks in advance, as prices increase closer to travel dates.
Step 2: Pack your bags Keep in mind that you are travelling by train, so don’t bring a lot of luggage unless you are planning a long stay. A small suitcase or duffle bag should be plenty.
Step 3: Go to the station, and check in at the Eurostar departure gates. Simply scan the barcode on your ticket or smartphone. After a security check & passport control, you can wait in the departure lounge.
Step 4: Board the train and find your seat. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. There are power sockets and USB ports on all seats. There is free Wi-Fi, as well as TV and movies to watch. If you wish, you can get a coffee or a snack breakfast while riding the train.
Step 5: You will be in the tunnel for about 20 minutes, and will arrive at Paris Gare du Nord in 2 hours 30 minutes. Then all you have to do is walk off the platform and into the heart of Paris. Turn left for escalators down to the Metro & RER or turn right for the taxi rank. You have now completed your journey by train from London to Paris underwater.
How to get Tickets and Schedules
You can book tickets for the Chunnel online or at any major train station.
Tickets are cheaper if you book them in advance, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip ahead of time.
Eurostar has High-speed and Regular trains, so you can pick the option that suits your needs best. They have Regular and High-Speed trains.
High-speed trains take about two hours from London to Paris, while Regular trains take about three hours.
The train you will take is the Eurostar e300 or e320.
This train is well known for its comfort and speed, reaching up to 186 mph.
The ride is smooth; the scenery is beautiful, and you’ll even get a meal during the journey if you upgrade your seat.
The standard cost of the High-speed train ticket is £33.03 but is more expensive during the festive seasons.
Things to take note of when buying your ticket
To make your travelling more economical, consider these tips before buying a ticket.
Look out for discounts and special offers – Train operators often discount tickets for the Chunnel So be on the lookout for news of cheaper prices which are announced online.
Purchase tickets in advance – You will find tickets purchased on the day you want to travel are more expensive than if you buy the tickets in advance. You can purchase a ticket 3 – 6 months in advance. So, remember to book in advance when possible.
Fun Facts about the Chunnel
- The Chunnel is 31.4 miles long, runs under the English Channel, and connects France and England.
- It took six years to complete, with construction beginning in 1988 and ending in 1994.
- You can’t drive through the Chunnel. But if you prefer driving, you can jump in the car and load it on a train and continue your drive at the other end of the tunnel.
- The Channel Tunnel is one of the most widely travelled tourist attractions in Europe, with over 21 million passengers travelling through the Chunnel each year.
- The fastest recorded time for the journey from London to Paris underwater by train is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
What to Expect on Board a Eurostar Train
The Chunnel is one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions, so expect it to be busy.
On board the train, you will find plenty of food and drink as well as toilet facilities.
The seats are comfortable, and there’s plenty of legroom, so you can sit back and relax during your journey.
Be sure to bring your passport; French and British authorities check passports when passengers disembark.
Travelling with Dogs
Guide and Assistance Dogs – Eurostar accepts guide and assistance dogs on board trains (subject to approval). Before you travel from London to Paris by train, you will need to book dog tickets.
Pet Dogs – You will need to get your pet dogs the appropriate vaccinations before they can travel with you.
Microchips – A microchip is also required, but it’s optional if you already have a valid Rabies vaccine or health certificate from your last vet visit.
It is crucial that you get all your dog’s documentation and vaccinations well in advance, or else they might quarantine it for four months.
Our advice on Luggage
Eurostar has no luggage weight restrictions.
But ideally, you should be able to lift and carry bags safely without fear of harm or discomfort.
We recommend customers do not wear heavy clothing as it may cause problems with balance when walking through some stations during peak times, because of elevated platform levels.
Also, If you take too much baggage, you may have to lug it on rough ground in some places. So, it is sensible to travel light.
Taking a Bicycle
It is not difficult to take a bike on the Eurostar train. You can carry a foldable bike or children’s bike on board if it is no longer than 85 cm long and is wrapped in a protective bag that covers the whole bike.
Please note that the bike will be considered as one of your items of luggage in terms of luggage allowance. We suggest you contact Eurostar Help Center for more information.
What Families Travelling on Eurostar need to know
Children under 4
If you have young children of four or less who travel with you throughout the journey, there is no cost for the children.
However, this applies only if they sit on an adult’s lap.
If you travel with two or more children under 4, you must sit one child on your lap and buy child tickets for the others.
Children between 4 and 11
Travelling with children can be stressful. But, they have special fares for 4 to 11-year-olds in Standard Class. It may still be stressful but easier on your bank account.
You can only purchase a child ticket with an adult ticket. We recommend you get in touch with the contact center if you need to book a standalone child ticket.
Children between 12 and 15
Children between 12 and 15 will need the following documents to travel on a Eurostar train.
- A Eurostar ticket
- A current valid Passport
- Eurostar unaccompanied minor form signed by a parent
They will need to keep the documents with them at all times.
16 and 17 year olds
16- and 17-year-olds can travel alone if they have all the following travel documents.
- A Eurostar ticket
- A current valid Passport
If a Family Member is Pregnant
Eurostar offers a special service for pregnant women. The service may vary significantly depending on whether Eurostar Assist provides it, or station personnel do. But the services and quality are essentially the same.
Final Thoughts
Taking the train from London to Paris is a great way to see two of Europe’s most iconic cities.
The Chunnel is a spectacular feat of engineering, and millions of people use it every year to travel between England and France.
When planning your trip, be sure to book your tickets in advance and pack your passport—you’ll need it when you arrive in Paris.
