United States(Prices In USD)Eurostar
Frequently Asked Questions About the Eurostar
- What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on the Eurostar (London to Paris or Brussels)?
Eurostar offers 3 classes of service 2 for 1st class and 1 for 2nd class.
Business Premier which offers priority express check-in at the terminals, a dedicated ticket desk for check in, access to the Eurostar Executive lounges, spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, wifi access at the terminals, a dedicated coach for business travelers, complimentary newspapers, 3-course meal with refreshments at your seat.
Standard Premier offers spacious reclining seats with generous legroom, complimentary newspapers, and light cold meal with refreshments at your seat.
Standard class (2nd class) offers generous legroom and access to a bar-buffet car where a selection of food and beverages are available for purchase.
- Is Eurostar included with my rail pass?
No, travel on Eurostar requires a separate ticket. However, many rail passes include discounted rates for the Eurostar called a Passholder fare. To see a list of passes that allow these fares select “details” when viewing fares with a pass.
- What is an ABS fare?
An ABS fare stands for "All Belgium Stations" and is a train ticket that will take you to any connecting city in Belgium within 24 hours of the date and time that you arrived in Brussels for no additional charge. The ABS fare is an "all in one" ticket and is less expensive than buying separate tickets. ABS fares are not valid on Thalys trains. - How do I book Eurostar through Rail Europe and/or on a GDS?
Bookings can be made:
- Online at agent.raileurope.com
- By phone at 1-800-EUROSTAR
- Through all GDS systems (Amadeus, Sabre, Apollo, Worldspan) using IATA designator code 9F and printed on neutral ticket stock with ARC accounting code 814.
Agents can also issue e-tickets for Eurostar through agent.raileurope.com, by phone at 1-800-EUROSTAR and on the GDS systems (except Worldspan).
- How do I purchase an ABS fare?
ABS fares are available from/to your final destination in Belgium. Please enter the city of departure and city of arrival. Your search results will available ABS fares. These fares will include a Eurostar ticket and a free connecting journey. - How often does Eurostar run?
From London to Paris and vice versa, Eurostar offers frequent service: every 30 minutes during peak hours and approximately once per hour during non-peak time. During the peak summer season, up to 24 trains run daily to Paris.
From London to Brussels and vice versa, service is offered approximately every 2 hours. During the peak summer season, up to 10 trains can run daily to Brussels.
During ski season, there are 2 trains each week to the French Alps.
During summer, Eurostar offers daily service to Disneyland Paris.
During winter, there is 1 train a week.
- What are the meal options on Eurostar ?
Compete list of special meals offered by Eurostar :
Kosher - 48 hours notice
Child - 24 hours notice
Vegetarian - 24 hours notice
Vegan - 48 hours notice
Gluten Free - 48 hours notice
Diabetic - 48 hours notice
Low fat - 48 hours notice
Low salt - 48 hours notice
Email address: Catering@lwo.momentumservices.com
To fill out & submit the form online - click here
Disclaimer: Eurostar cannot guarantee to be able to meet all special dietary requirements and will advise if this is the case.
- How do I request a special meal on my Eurostar trip?
To receive a special meal you must fill out this form and either email or fax it to Eurostar.
- How many pieces of luggage are we permitted to carry on Eurostar?
Each traveler is allowed 2 pieces of luggage and 1 carry-on bag.
- How old do you have to be to qualify for Senior Fare on Eurostar?
A traveler qualifies for Senior Fares at age 60 and over.
- What is the Eurostar Ski Train?
The Eurostar Ski Train offers seasonal service to the French Alps. Trains run mid-December through mid-April. Trains from London depart on Saturdays at 10:00am. Train from the Alps depart on Saturdays at 10:45am or 11:09pm for overnight service.Eurostar ski destinations include Bourg St. Maurice, Aime La Plagne and Moutier S. Salins. Travel times range from 7 to 8.5 hours.
Travelers taking the Ski Train are allowed to bring an extra piece of luggage, such as skis or snowboards, on the train. This allows travelers to take a total of 3 pieces of luggage, plus 1 piece of hand luggage.
- On Eurostar, what are the differences between the Business Premier, Standard Premier, and Standard Classes of service?
Business Premier class is dedicated to serving the business traveler with its superior service. Business travelers can expect a nonsmoking car, fast lane check-in, use of the Executive Lounges, breakfast or a 3-course lunch or dinner with choice of entrée and wine, complimentary drink, newspapers, Wifi access in the terminal and lap top sockets on board the train.
Standard Premier tickets provide complimentary food, beverages, and newspapers while you relax in your reclining seat.
Standard Class offers comfort, convenience, and value. Enjoy the bar car, or purchase snacks and refreshments from the trolley cart when it comes to your seat.
- When are meals served on Eurostar?
Breakfast is served before 11:00 a.m.; lunch is served between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00pm A snack is served between 2:00pm and 4:30pm Dinner is served after 4:30pm
- What is the refund and exchange policy for a Business Premier, Standard Premier, Standard, Youth, Pass holder or Senior Fare on Eurostar?
Business Premier Fare is an unrestricted ticket. It is fully exchangeable and refundable.*
Standard Premier Fully Flexible Fare is fully exchangeable and refundable.*
Standard Premier Semi-Flexible Fare is exchangeable for a fee and is partially refundable.*
Standard Premier Non-Flexible Fare is non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Standard Fully Flexible Fare is fully exchangeable and refundable. Standard Semi-Flexible Fare is exchangeable for a fee and is partially refundable.*
Standard Non-Flexible Fare is non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Youth Fare (for travelers up to the age of 26) is non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
Pass holder Fare (issued in conjunction with an appropriate rail pass) is exchangeable once before the original departure date and is non-refundable.
Senior Fare (for travelers 60 years of age and over) is non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
*All exchanges and refunds must be received and processed by Rail Europe no later than 60 days after the original train's departure date.
- What is the Eurostar Disney Train?
The Eurostar Disney train runs daily between London and Marne-la-Vallee. The train goes from London in the morning to Marne-la-Vallee, and returns in the evening to Paris. The train has Leisure/Standard Premier and Standard class seats available and offers a Disney pack for families with children under 7, available at the Disney Express Counter.
- What is the Channel Tunnel?
The Channel Tunnel (also known as “The Chunnel”) consists of 3 interconnecting tubes: a rail track for travel in each direction and one service tunnel. The length of the tunnel is 31 miles long, but only 23 miles are underwater. The average depth is 150 feet under the seabed. The Eurostar only spends 20 minutes of its journey in the tunnel.
- What is the minimum time allowed for check-in on Eurostar?
The minimum check-in time for travelers with Business Premier tickets is 20 minutes. For travelers boarding ski trains, and travelers holding regular tickets, check-in time is 45 minutes.
- Can a traveler take a car on Eurostar?
No, Eurostar does not transport cars. You can transport your car on Le Shuttle, which carries cars through the Channel Tunnel. For reservations with Le Shuttle, please call 08705 35 35 35 or at www.eurotunnel.com.
- Does Eurostar offer any special travel accommodations for disabled travelers?
Yes, the following is available:
- 2 wheelchair spaces per train (on coaches 9 & 10)
- Allowance for guide dogs:
- Please note that no pet or animal of any sort (except guide dogs) may be taken on Eurostar services. There are special discounted fares for a companion while the disabled traveler pays the regular fare. After confirming the space for the disabled traveler, adjacent seating space will need to be booked for the guide dog (free of charge). Guide dogs must comply with existing Pet Travel Scheme regulations (must have a microchip, an official entry/re-entry certificate, certification of treatment against ticks and tapeworm, pet travel scheme declaration for completion by person bringing guide dog into England).
- If I am exchanging my tickets in Europe will I be charged any additional fees?
If you purchased an exchangeable ticket, you will not be charged a fee in France or Belgium. Tickets exchanged in Britain will be assessed of £3 fee for credit card transactions of £30.00 or more. Travelers have the option to use debit cards or cash at no additional cost.
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How do I file a request to receive reimbursement through the Rail Protection Plan™ if there has been loss or theft?
- Pass/ticket holders must file a police report within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.
- Pass/ticket holders may purchase a replacement rail pass or rail tickets in order to continue with his/her travel plans.
- Upon return to North America, pass/tickets holder must submit the traveler request form to Rail Europe within thirty (30) days including a police report, replacement passes or tickets purchased abroad, Rail Protection voucher, airline tickets from North America to Europe and return. A brief explanation of the situation is also necessary to better evaluate the traveler request form.
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Do you offer discounts on tickets?
Ticket discounts are based on advance purchase, availability, and certain restrictions. Everyone is eligible to receive discounted fares by purchasing an Economy or Comfort class ticket in advance. Youth and seniors can enjoy specific discounts as well. Discounted tickets are available for youth (under 26 of age), seniors (age 60 and over) and children (generally ages 4-11) but should be verified with each product.
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How far in advance can I buy my ticket?
Tickets can be purchased 60 to 120 days in advance depending on the route, or as little as 2 days prior to your departure from the USA, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico or Canada. The variance in how far out you can buy your tickets is dependent upon each of the individual railroads' own scheduling policies for making their tickets available for sales.
All passes and tickets can be purchased directly from Rail Europe on the phone or web or through a travel agent. For the best deals purchase your tickets two months in advance. Similarly, during peak season advance purchase will ensure your seat on the train(s).
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Can I get off the train and get back on later using my ticket?
Most tickets do not permit the traveler to hop on or off the train. If you are looking for more freedom, a rail pass would be the best choice.
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