How early should I get to the station for Eurostar?

How Early to Arrive at London St Pancras for Eurostar Departures

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, it’s essential to plan your arrival at London St Pancras International Station with ample time before your Eurostar departure. The recommended arrival time is 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to the train’s scheduled departure.

This timeframe allows sufficient time to complete the necessary security checks, passport control for both the UK and France, and lounge waiting before boarding the train.

Security Checks

Upon arriving at the station, proceed to the Security Screening area. Here, you will be required to pass through security scanners and have your luggage scanned. It’s important to note that liquids over 100ml are not permitted in hand luggage.

Passport Control

After clearing security, you will need to proceed to passport control for both the UK and France. The UK passport control is located before the lounge area, while the French passport control is located just before the boarding gates.

Lounge Waiting

If you have purchased a Business Premier or Standard Premier ticket, you will have access to the lounges before boarding. The lounges offer a variety of amenities, including complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.

Boarding

Boarding for Eurostar trains typically begins around 30 minutes before departure. Once boarding is announced, proceed to your designated boarding gate and present your passport and boarding pass.

Additional Tips

• Arrive even earlier during peak hours or holiday periods.
• Allow extra time if you are traveling with a large group or have a lot of luggage.
• Consider purchasing a Business Premier ticket for priority security and boarding.
• Check the Eurostar website or app for any delays or changes in departure times.

By planning your arrival at London St Pancras International Station with ample time, you can minimize stress and ensure a comfortable and efficient Eurostar experience.