Eurostar Train

The Eurostar is the amazingly easy-to-use train that connects London, Paris, Lille and Brussels. Comfortable seats, easy check-in and a quick trip are all reasons why you should skip the plane from London to Paris and hop on the Eurostar.

Last week, I experienced the Eurostar first hand. I started my trip in Amsterdam, then took a flight to London and then the Eurostar from London to Paris. I can’t emphasize enough how much easier Eurostar is then taking a flight.

With a flight, you have to get to the airport first, then go through lines at check-in and at security and the border control. It’s line after line and at the end of it, you’re stuck in a usually small airplane with very little space and a “fasten seatbelt” sign that keeps you from stretching your legs a little.

On the Eurostar, it is a breeze. The check-in is very easy. When you purchase a Eurostar ticket from STA Travel, you’ll get a ticket that you take to Eurostar area at the train station with plenty of agents to help check you in. You then make a quick stop at security and get your passport stamped. After that, you head to your train platform and grab your very comfortable seat and enjoy a smooth ride to your destination.

In total, it took me 10 minutes from the time I got to the train station to the time I was in my seat on the Eurostar. That’s compared to the hour-and-a-half to go through two security lines and check-in at Amsterdam Schipol. Eurostar itself recommends arriving at least 30 minutes prior to train departure. For international flights, most recommend arriving two hours prior to your flight departure.

So save some time – and money – and book a Eurostar ticket for your next trip.