The fastest way to travel from Paris to London is through Eurostar train. There’s no need to fly, considering the time you’ll spend to get to the airport and the one you’ll spend in a queue for check-in. It is surprisingly cheap, quick, and comfortable to travel from Paris to London by train.
The only challenge is knowing how to check in and navigate your way around the station. That’s why we’ve come up with this post to explain how to check-in at the St Pancras station.
Most European trains operate a check-in system, and passengers must check-in for Eurostar train at least thirty minutes before departure. But Business Premier Passengers can still check-in ten minutes before time.
Check-in usually begins about one hour before each train departure, but sometimes it varies depending on how busy the day is. To check-in, ensure to place your ticket barcode against the scanner screen at the automatic ticket gates at the entrance of the departure lounge. Alternatively, you can use a staffed check-in desk.
After you’ve checked in your ticket, then comes an airline-like security check. An x-ray machine will scan your bags, while a metal detector will be used for you. At the security checkpoint, there’s no need to remove your belts or shoes. You only have to put your bags through the X-ray scanner and remove any metal items on you before walking through the metal detector.
In Paris and London, there’s always a document check (passport) before the security check. Passengers can choose to use the new e-passport automated gates or the regularly staffed passport kiosk. Once inside the departure lounge, you’re free to use the bar, cafe, shops, and other facilities until your train is for boarding.
There won’t be any immigration checking at your destination. Everything is done before you board from the departing station. You just walk through the station on arrival.
Check-in at London Pancras station
At St Pancras, lower-level, the check-in gates are on the lower level shopping arcade. Once you’re inside the Eurostar departure lounge, you can relax at the Cafe Nero or the bar. There’s a Eurostar information desk where you can get more travel information, a free map, and a metro pass.
If you’re with a Business Premier ticket, you can access the excellent Eurostar Business lounge with free Wi-Fi, comfortable armchairs, tea, wine, beer, juice, and snacks. The entrance to Eurostar St Pancras Business lounge is on platform 10. The six Eurostar platforms at St Pancras are directly above the departure lounge. Boarding announcements are made every 15 - 20 minutes before departure. You can use the slow-moving walkways or lifts to get to each platform. If your reservation is in cars 1-5, you can use one walkway, and if your reservation is in cars 6-18, you can use another one.
