I’ve never been a ‘the journey is part of
the experience’ sort of person. For me it’s been more about arriving rather
than how you get there. Why take a train
when you can fly?
Rail Europe has changed that with the ultra
convenient and ultra comfortable Eurostar London to Paris train.
Granted, the actual air
journey may be quicker when you fly but add in the time travelling to and from the airport, and
the extra time required to transit the terminal, and you’ll see a different
picture.
Another bonus is that instead of travelling miles to the
outskirts, the train leaves and departs from the heart of each city offering a
memorable arrival into a bustling centre. You also see the countryside changing rapidly through the window as you speed through.
The Eurostar from London to Paris departs from St Pancras International in Kings Cross, London and arrives in Paris Gare Du Nord.
In Standard Premier the seats are wide and
comfortable and it’s easy to move around if you like. Aeroplane seat designers could learn a lot
from these train headrests –they are eminently comfortable and great to rest your
head against for a travel nap.
The afternoon snack included a cheese platter
with quinoa salad and a dessert. I enjoyed the cheese but was not quite sure
what to make of the rice pudding with lemon sauce. There’s a choice of drinks, including wine,
available.
Book your seat early and you should be able
to grab a handy table but all the seats have comfortable pull out tables and,
the traveller’s delight, a power socket. Make sure you have a power adaptor and
charging cords handy. However there is no wifi available on the train.
I did have to lift my bag into the train,
but I know exactly where it is and it will get off with me reducing the potential
for a lost suitcase.
Check in is quicker and less stressful than
airport dramas and you only need to be there about 30 minutes before your train
departs.
Do check the time difference between Paris and London. I lost an hour travelling between the cities due to daylight saving.
Taking the Eurostar from London to Paris
may not save much time but for me it certainly saves on stress and gives a more
pleasant journey.
Have you travelled between London and
Paris? What’s your favourite mode of
transport?
Bottom line: The cheapest advertised seat price I could find was 69 pounds.
Best tip: Do book early as popular times on this train are in high demand.
Disclaimer: E,d+bK travelled courtesy of Rail Europe