Paris to London by Eurostar

Departing from Paris Gare du Nord

All Paris Eurostar services depart from Gare du Nord, one of the city's largest stations in the 10th arrondissement. The Eurostar terminal is a dedicated section of the station — look for the Eurostar signs once inside.

Arrive at least 60 minutes before your train (90 minutes on busy days). Check-in opens 90 minutes before departure and closes 30 minutes before.

Border Control at Gare du Nord

The process at Gare du Nord mirrors London St Pancras but in reverse:

1. Ticket scan — scan your e-ticket at the entrance.
2. French exit immigration — a quick passport check by French border police.
3. UK entry immigration — this is where you clear UK border control. UK Border Force officers are stationed at Gare du Nord. They'll check your passport and, if applicable, your UK ETA. This step can take longer than the French exit, especially at peak times.
4. Security screening — bags through X-ray, walk through a detector.

The Journey

The train heads north through France on the LGV Nord high-speed line at up to 300 km/h, enters the Channel Tunnel near Calais for about 35 minutes, then continues through Kent on the HS1 line before arriving at London St Pancras International.

Arriving at St Pancras

Since you cleared UK immigration in Paris, you simply walk off the train and out of the station. No further passport checks. You're in central London, right next to King's Cross station, with six Tube lines and multiple bus routes at your feet.

See our St Pancras station guide for full details on onward transport.

Booking Tips

• Fares are often slightly cheaper when booked from the French Eurostar site (eurostar.com) in euros rather than pounds.
• Early morning trains are quieter and often cheaper than the popular mid-morning departures.
• If you're returning to London after a weekend in Paris, Sunday afternoon/evening trains are the busiest and most expensive. Consider Monday morning instead if your schedule allows.