No, Eurostar isn’t the only train to Paris, but it is the only high-speed, direct train from London to Paris that runs through the Channel Tunnel.
What countries does the Eurostar go to?
Eurostar operates direct routes from London to Paris (France), Brussels (Belgium), and Amsterdam (Netherlands) with nearly hourly departures from central London stations.
As of 2026, these are the only three cities served directly by Eurostar. (Though honestly, the network expands slowly—check seasonal schedules, because summer routes sometimes add fun stops like Disneyland Paris or Lyon.)
Is Eurostar and TGV the same?
Eurostar and TGV are not the same, but Eurostar trains are designed based on TGV technology—they’re essentially elongated TGV trains optimized for international travel, including UK platform clearance.
TGV trains run entirely within France and other countries, while Eurostar operates across borders. That means Eurostar needs extra safety features like crash-resistant carriages and more compact seating layouts. Both can hit 320 km/h (200 mph), but Eurostar has UK-specific tweaks for the smaller loading gauge.
Where does the Chunnel train stop?
The Chunnel—operated by Eurotunnel’s Le Shuttle—runs between Folkestone (Kent, UK) and Calais (Hauts-de-France, France), connecting the two countries below the English Channel.
Passenger trains like Eurostar don’t stop in the tunnel—they just pass right through. The shuttle is mainly for vehicles (cars, buses, motorcycles), but if you're on Eurostar, you’ll travel through the same tunnel on a high-speed train.
What countries can you take a train to from London?
From London, you can take direct trains to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and beyond via Eurostar and connecting services like Thalys, TGV, ICE, and Nightjet.
For route guides, booking tips, and ticket strategies, check out the Seat 61 website. You could, for example, go London → Paris → Barcelona in one continuous journey, switching trains in France.
How long are you underwater on the Eurostar?
The Eurostar spends approximately 20 minutes underwater while traveling the 37.9 km (23.5 miles) under the English Channel within the 50.45 km (31.5 mile) Channel Tunnel.
That’s more than half the tunnel’s total length submerged—it’s the longest continuous underwater section of any tunnel in the world. The rest is bored through rock under land or sea bed.
What’s the difference between Eurostar and Eurotunnel?
Eurostar and Eurotunnel are separate companies—Eurostar runs passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates the Channel Tunnel itself, owned by Getlink.
Think of it like airlines and airports: Eurostar is the train service (like Delta), and Eurotunnel is the infrastructure (like Hartsfield-Jackson). Getlink maintains the tunnel, and Eurostar pays to run its trains through it.
Does the Eurostar go underwater?
Yes, Eurostar trains go underwater—they travel through the Channel Tunnel, which runs beneath the English Channel for most of its length.
The Channel Tunnel is 50.45 km (31.5 miles) long, with 37.9 km (23.5 miles) under water—the longest underwater section of any tunnel on Earth. You won’t see the sea from your window, but you are deep below it.
How much is a Eurostar ticket?
Eurostar fares range from €52.50 for a one-way Standard class ticket to €621 for Business Premier, depending on class, route, and how far in advance you book.
| Class | One-Way (€) | Round-Trip (€) |
|---|
| Standard | 52.50 – 241 | 66 – 419 |
| Standard Premier | 132 – 310 | 228 – 539 |
| Business Premier | 352 – 358 | 564 – 621 |
Prices climb closer to departure and drop during off-peak seasons. Booking 3–6 months ahead usually gets you the best deals—especially midweek.
How much does it cost to ride the Chunnel?
A one-way Eurostar Standard ticket through the Chunnel typically costs $250–300 USD (or €230–280), depending on availability and season.
This covers your passage through the Channel Tunnel and immigration checks. If you're driving, Le Shuttle vehicle crossings start around €120 for a car and driver, plus tolls.
Does Eurostar check passports?
Yes—French Border Police check passports at London St Pancras before boarding, as the train enters the Schengen Zone.
For U.S. tourists, this is usually quick and painless. Have your passport ready, and double-check visa requirements. Boarding staff also scan tickets and IDs at the gate—so arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Is it safe to travel by train in Europe?
Yes—trains are among the safest ways to travel in Europe, with just 0.156 fatalities per billion passenger miles, according to the latest EU Railway Safety Report (2024).
Rail travel in Europe is safer than driving, and far safer than flying per mile traveled. Modern trains have advanced braking systems, strict maintenance schedules, and automated safety controls. Even derailments are extremely rare.
Where should I go for a day trip to London?
A great London day trip includes the Tower of London, South Bank with the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace—all easily reached by Tube or walking.
- Tower of London: Medieval fortress, Crown Jewels, and Beefeaters—plan ahead for the Yeoman Warder tour.
- South Bank & London Eye: Stunning Thames views, street performers, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium nearby.
- Buckingham Palace: Arrive by 10:30 AM to see the Changing of the Guard (check schedule).
- Bonus: End at a classic London pub like The George Inn or The Churchill Arms for a pint and pie.
Can you see fish on the Eurostar?
No, you can’t see fish from the Eurostar—the Channel Tunnel runs through solid rock and sand beneath the seabed.
But it *is* kind of magical: you go from London to Paris in about 2 hours 16 minutes, traveling through a tunnel deep below the sea—no motion sickness, no turbulence, just smooth high-speed travel.
Do any trains go underwater?
Yes—two of the world’s longest undersea tunnels carry passenger trains: the 54 km Seikan Tunnel (23 km underwater) in Japan, and the 50 km Channel Tunnel (38 km underwater) between the UK and France.
Other undersea tunnels exist for subways (e.g., the Marmaray in Istanbul) and freight, but these two are the only ones used by high-speed passenger rail. Both are engineering marvels—proof that humans really can build things under water.
