How to travel by Eurostar from France to England
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Traveling between France and England has never been more convenient than with Eurostar. This high-speed train offers an intelligent alternative to traditional flights, combining economy, convenience and exclusive benefits that few know about.
If you are planning a trip to Study English in England or simply want to get to know Europe better, Eurostar may be your best transport option.
Why choose Eurostar for your trip
The Eurostar train connects Paris (Gare du Nord) to central London (St. Pancras International) in just 2h15. Compared to flights, which require arriving at the airport in advance and traveling from the airport to the city center, Eurostar saves real time.
Main advantages:
- Arrival in central London, without the need for additional transportation
- Boarding just 30 minutes before departure
- Flexible luggage without weight limitation
- Immigration carried out at the station itself
- Possibility to refund taxes (tax free)
- Competitive pricing, especially in advance
Super flexible luggage: take what you want
One of the biggest advantages of Eurostar is its liberal baggage policy. Unlike airlines that charge extra fees and limit weight, you can take:
- 2 large suitcases no weight limitation
- 1 hand luggage
- Personal items such as purse, notebook, camera
This flexibility is perfect for those who are doing an exchange or need to carry more belongings. Many students who choose destinations in England take advantage of this advantage to bring more personal items at no extra cost.
Competitive prices and how to save
Prices vary according to the advance of the purchase and time of year. Tickets can cost between €39 (Standard class) and €300+ (Business Premier), but there are strategies to save:
How to get better prices:
- Buy in advance: Tickets released 4 months in advance offer better rates
- Avoid peak times: Midweek trips are cheaper
- Consider the season: Avoid holidays and high season
- Compare with flights: Including airport-center transportation costs, Eurostar is often cheaper
For those seeking cheap destinations in Europe for exchange, Eurostar can be an excellent way to connect different countries without excessive transportation costs.
Immigration done at the station: simplified process
One of the most convenient aspects of Eurostar is that the entire immigration process takes place at the departure station, not upon arrival. That means:
In Paris (Gare du Nord):
- Security check-in (similar to the airport)
- French passport control (leaving France)
- British passport control (entry into the UK)
In London:
- You just leave the station
- There are no immigration queues upon arrival
- Faster and more efficient process
This system is especially useful for Brazilians who need a visa to the United Kingdom, as all verification is done before boarding.
Tax free: recover taxes on your purchases
A little-known advantage of Eurostar is the possibility to request a tax refund (tax free) directly at the Gare du Nord. This is perfect for those who shopped in France and want to recover VAT.
How does tax free work at Gare du Nord:
Traditional method (paper)
- Save all of the store's refund forms
- After going through security, look for the “Détax” signs
- Scan the barcodes at the kiosks
- Deposit the validated forms in the station's mailbox
Digital method (application)
- Use apps like Wevat for a digitized process
- Generate barcode in the app
- Scan at kiosks after security
- Get confirmation of “validated form”
- Refund processed the next day
Tax free requirements:
- Minimum purchases of €100 per store (traditional method)
- Minimum purchases of €100 total (digital method)
- Products in sealed packaging for possible inspection
- Original receipts and invoices
Complete trip walkthrough
Before the trip
- Buy tickets in advance on the official Eurostar website
- Check essential documents for traveling
- If you shopped in France, organize tax-free documents
On the day of the trip - Gare du Nord
30 minutes before departure:
- Arrive at the station and locate the Eurostar gates
- Go through the gates with your ticket
- Safety control (similar to the airport)
- French immigration (leaving France)
- British immigration (entry into the United Kingdom)
- Tax free (if applicable): look for “Détaxe” signs after security
- Embarkation on the indicated platform
In London - St. Pancras International
- Arrival in central London
- Direct exit from the station
- Easy access to the London Underground (Tube)
Important tips for a smooth trip
Documentation:
- Valid passport (required)
- British visa (if necessary for Brazilians)
- Proofs of accommodation and travel insurance
At the station:
- Arrive 60 minutes early for tax free processes
- Bring sealed products if you are going to request a tax refund
- Save all receipts for purchases in France
Onboard comfort:
- Reclining and spacious seats
- Free WiFi throughout the trip
- Bar and restaurant service
- Sockets on every seat
Eurostar vs other transportation options
For students who choose to do exchange in England, the ease of traveling around Europe during weekends and holidays opens up incredible possibilities.
Be Easy
Do you dream of studying in England and exploring Europe smartly and affordably? Be Easy can help you plan not only your exchange but also your trips around Europe. Our team knows all the practical details to make your international experience even more enriching. Contact us and discover how to transform your dream of studying abroad into an unforgettable journey, taking advantage of all the opportunities that Europe has to offer!
