How early should I show up for Eurostar?

Arrive Well in Advance for a Smooth Eurostar Experience

When planning a Eurostar journey, it’s crucial to allocate sufficient time for the arrival and departure process. To ensure a stress-free experience, Eurostar recommends arriving at London St Pancras station approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before your train’s scheduled departure.

This ample arrival time provides you with the necessary buffer for crucial steps, including:

• Security Screening: All passengers must undergo mandatory security screening, involving baggage and personal item checks, similar to airport security protocols.

• Passport Control: As you’re traveling across international borders, you’ll need to present your passport for inspection at the designated passport control area.

• Lounge Wait: Once you’ve cleared security and passport checks, you can relax in the comfortable lounges until your platform is called for boarding. This wait time varies depending on the departure time and destination.

By arriving well in advance, you mitigate the risk of any unexpected delays or queues, ensuring a seamless and timely start to your Eurostar journey. Allow yourself ample time for these essential procedures to avoid any unnecessary stress or disruption to your travel plans.