Travel from London to Paris with us with the Eurostar: Now heres my Comprehensive Guide and our experience ;) Eurostar is a high-speed train service connecting London with major cities in Europe, including Paris. The journey is known for its efficiency, comfort, and speed through the Channel Tunnel. Here are a few pros: • Speed and Efficiency: Eurostar takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes from London to Paris(give or take), making it faster than many flights when considering airport transit times. This part for me is the most important pro. You go through passport control to exit UK and enter France all in one go. Super easy and efficient. • City-Center to City-Center: Departures and arrivals are in the heart of London (St Pancras International) and Paris (Gare du Nord), eliminating the need for additional transfers. We took a quick commute to our accommodation from there. • Comfortable Travel: Spacious seats, enough legroom, and the ability to move around during the journey make for a very comfortable ride, especially with kids. Cons: • Cost: Eurostar tickets can be more expensive than budget flights, especially when booked close to the travel date. • Limited Departures: While there are numerous daily departures, the schedule is fixed, providing less flexibility than flights. What to Expect: • Costs: Prices vary based on factors like booking time, class of service, and travel season. Expect higher costs during peak seasons like summer and lower costs during off-peak times. We booked in September for November and the tickets cost us £418 (R9800 / $527 usd) return for all 4 of us. • Duration: The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Remember to also account for check-in and security procedures, similar to air travel. They suggest arriving 75 to 90min prior to your departure. • Visa Requirements: Check visa requirements for your nationality. Generally, citizens of the EU, EEA, and some other countries don't require a visa for short stays. Others may need a Schengen visa. As South Africans we needed a Schengen visa. When we visited France last year, we were granted a 2 year multiple entry Schengen visa which we have been using for all of our European trips thus far. Visa costs are about £70 for adults and around £35 for kids. Bear in mind the duration of visa granted may differ. • Ease of Use with Kids: • Eurostar is super kid-friendly, providing facilities such as baby-changing tables. • There's ample space for strollers, and staff is generally helpful with families especially when in queues or checking in/boarding. • Kids might also enjoy the novelty of traveling through the Channel Tunnel and the views if you travel during daylight. • Seating Arrangements: • Seats can be selected during the booking process, with options for standard, standard premier, and business premier classes. • Family-friendly carriages are available, ensuring a more relaxed environment for those traveling with children. • Cafe on Board: • Eurostar trains typically have a cafe-bar serving snacks, drinks, and light meals. • You can purchase items onboard, but bringing your own snacks is also allowed. We took along dinner for the girls just to be safe. Tips: • Book Early: Eurostar tickets are often cheaper when booked well in advance. • Flexible Tickets: Consider flexible tickets if your travel plans might change. I love the experience and in all honesty prefer it to air travel. The Eurostar offers a convenient and comfortable means of traveling from London to Paris, especially for families. While it might be a bit pricier than budget flights, the overall experience, speed, and city-center locations can make it a preferred choice for many travelers. #EurostarTravel #LondonToParis #FamilyFriendlyTravel #southafrican #livinginuk #saffasabroad #traveldiaries #travelwithus - @thedailyreev