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If you’re already based in Europe, the iconic train Eurostar needs no introduction. However, if you’re only visiting the continent, you might not be too aware of this service or how fast and convenient the connection between the UK and mainland Europe is.
If you’re looking for an easy (and usually cheaper) alternative to flying in Europe, Eurostar may be just what you’re looking for. Easy access to several countries. If you’re short on time during your vacation, you can also choose to take a day trip from London to Paris using this train service.
Read on to find out more about traveling with Eurostar, including how to book tickets and how to use points and miles to save on fares. Additionally, find a detailed overview of each Eurostar fare type.
Eurostar trains travel to multiple destinations
Eurostar began operating in 1994 and is one of Europe’s most famous high-speed rail services. This train currently provides a direct service to London. Paris; Brussels; Rotterdam, Netherlands. And Amsterdam.
A further Eurostar will take you to Antwerp, Belgium. Liege, Belgium. Düsseldorf, Germany. Duisburg, Germany. Essen, Germany. and Dortmund, Germany.
In addition to operating its own trains, Eurostar also serves as a connecting rail service to other high-speed airlines and destinations such as Disneyland Paris.
Related: 7 reasons why your next family vacation should be a train trip
What types of Eurostar train tickets are available?
Eurostar fare classes are divided into three tiers. The cheapest and most affordable option is Standard, which is equivalent to airline coach or economy class.
Next up is Standard Premier, which is similar to Premium Economy. Finally, there’s Business Premier, the business class version of Eurostar.
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Fare classes are classified as follows:
| Ticket type | standard | standard premier | business premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| luggage | 2 full size bags and 1 carry-on bag | 2 full size bags and 1 carry-on bag | 3 full-sized pieces of luggage and 1 piece of carry-on luggage |
| change fee | Unlimited ticket exchanges up to 7 days before departure | Unlimited ticket exchanges up to 7 days before departure | No change fees, no cancellation fees |
| includes food and drinks | Food and drinks are available for purchase at the Eurostar Café on board. | Snacks and drink service at your seat | 3-course meal with champagne at your seat |
| Seat selection | standard seat | More spacious seats with extra legroom | More spacious seats with extra legroom |
| Check-in and security | Standard check-in and security | Standard check-in and security | Dedicated fast track ticket gate |
| Lounge access | Lounge not available | Lounge not available | Access to the lounge (if there is a lounge at the departure station) |
| Wifi | Free Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi |
When it comes to pricing, Standard and Standard Premier fares vary based on season, peak season, and destination. Business Premier’s prices, on the other hand, have remained fairly stable throughout the year. Eurostar tickets can usually be booked up to 330 days before your return date.
Generally, if you’re looking to travel beyond London, you can expect prices for one-way trips to fall within the following ranges:
| Fare type | Average ticket price (one way) |
|---|---|
| standard | 51 to 172 pounds ($65 to $219) |
| standard premier | 97 to 270 pounds ($123 to $343) |
| business premier | 325 pounds ($413) |
If you’re looking to pick up a bargain, it’s worth keeping an eye on Eurostar’s regular flash sales throughout the year. Tickets can often be purchased for around 30 British pounds (approximately $38).
How are Eurostar trains different from planes?
Compared to flying to your destination and traveling through European airports, traveling on Eurostar is much less stressful.
The most obvious difference is the security experience. It’s easier than at the airport, as you don’t have to carry liquids or large appliances. He found that he was able to get through security in less than 10 minutes when traveling on Eurostar, although lines can increase during busy periods.
Check-in is similar to airport check-in, where you must present your ticket and passport at a desk or kiosk. But London’s St Pancras International Station is currently testing biometric facial scanning, which could make check-in even faster.
Regarding lounge access, please note that the lounge is only available at Gare Saint-Pancras, Gare du Nord and Gare du Gare du Nord/Gare du Gare du Sud.
If you’re used to airline-operated business class airport lounges, you may need to lower your expectations a bit here. The lounge, although nice and comfortable, is a bit basic, so don’t expect much from the food.
Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow Airport — and how to get into them
The interior of the Eurostar is similar to most modern trains I’ve ridden at home. The difference between Standard Premier and Business Premier is nominal. Both classes offer slightly more legroom and more modern seating than standard.
What you pay for in these classes is baggage allowance and meal service. If you don’t think either of these are essential items, you may be comfortable enough with the standard.
That said, Eurostar’s in-flight meal service is much better than most planes, with menus created by the now famous Raymond Blanc. Business Premier also offers complimentary champagne and coffee.
How to book a Eurostar train with a credit card
Travel on Eurostar, whether booked directly with Eurostar or through an online travel provider, must be coded as a trip.
The following credit cards offer strong welcome bonuses, plus bonus points on travel expenses.
Related: 14 Best Travel Credit Cards
How to earn points and miles on Eurostar trains
Eurostar operates its own loyalty program called Club Eurostar. He earns 1.2 points for every British pound spent (approximately $1.27). That means you’ll earn about 1 point for every $1 you spend.
Elite members receive the following point bonuses upon booking.
- Avantage: 25%
- Carte Blanche: 50%
- Etoile: 75%
Eurostar tickets can now be booked through the Uber app, with 10% Uber credits back on Eurostar bookings and UK Rail train tickets.
Plus, earn 10% back when you buy UK National Express and Megabus bus tickets. If you want to opt out of using public transportation, the Uber app also lets you rent a car from Avis, Hertz, and other companies. Save £10 (about $12) when you book your trip.
You can also transfer 2,000 Accor Live Limitless points and receive 300 Eurostar points.
How to redeem points and miles on Eurostar trains
You can redeem 2,000 Club Eurostar points for a standard class return ticket (4,000 points for a Standard Premier ticket), but these tickets are limited. For an additional 1,000 points, you can reserve an available Standard or Standard Premier seat.
Round-trip tickets in standard class can easily cost over $200 (double that during busy seasons), making Club Eurostar points extremely valuable.
Business Premier tickets are available for 6,000 round-trip points, subject to availability (saver level seats are not offered).
A one-way upgrade from Standard to Standard Premier costs 600 points.
If you don’t want to redeem your Club Eurostar points for train travel, you can transfer 500 Eurostar points and receive 1,000 Accor points.
You can redeem Virgin points for the following Eurostar vouchers through Virgin Red:
- 2,000 points for a £10 e-voucher (approximately $12)
- 5,000 points for a £25 e-voucher (approximately $31)
- 10,000 points for £50 e-voucher (approximately $63)
- 20,000 points for £100 e-voucher (approximately $126)
We do not recommend redeeming Virgin points in this manner under any circumstances. This only gives you a redemption value of 0.5 cents each. This is only a third of the current valuation of Virgin points. Get more value from your Virgin points by redeeming them for flights with Virgin Atlantic or partner airlines like Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines.
Related: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: How to maximize and redeem points
conclusion
Eurostar’s popularity soared during the coronavirus pandemic as travelers looked for ways to get around Europe without relying on airlines. As a result, Eurostar fares can be higher compared to flights on the same route. For short journeys, such as between London and Brussels, taking Eurostar is a much faster and more relaxing experience, but for longer journeys, such as London to Amsterdam, the prices are similar is.
If you’re looking to travel within Europe and want to keep your feet on the ground, book in advance or use points to enjoy a stress-free Eurostar train experience.
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