Last-Minute Eurostar Travel: Buying Tickets On Departure Day

Eurostar is a high-speed train company that operates services between the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. It is one of the most popular high-speed train companies in Europe, transporting passengers at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 kph). Eurostar tickets can be purchased online, through the Eurostar app, over the phone, at the station, or through a travel agent. While it is possible to buy Eurostar tickets on the day of travel, it is generally recommended to book in advance to take advantage of lower prices and ensure availability. Booking early, avoiding weekends and bank holidays, and travelling during off-peak periods are some strategies to find cheaper Eurostar tickets.

Booking in advance

Booking your Eurostar tickets in advance is a great way to secure the best prices for your journey. In general, Eurostar ticket prices tend to increase as the departure date approaches, so booking early can help you save money. For most routes, bookings open up to 6 to 8 months in advance, so it's a good idea to start planning your trip early.

Eurostar offers flexible tickets that allow you to change your booking as many times as you want without an exchange fee, up to 7 days before departure. This means that even if your plans change, you can still take advantage of the lower prices by booking early.

In addition to lower prices, booking in advance can also give you a wider range of available seats to choose from. The cheaper seats tend to sell out first, so by booking early, you increase your chances of getting a good deal.

Eurostar also offers a cheap fare finder tool on their website, which can help you find the lowest prices for your desired route. This tool allows you to filter by one-way and return tickets and see prices by month, making it easier to plan your trip according to your budget.

Another benefit of booking in advance is the ability to take advantage of special offers and promotions. Eurostar occasionally runs seasonal sales and discounts, and by signing up for their newsletter or downloading their app, you can be among the first to know about these deals. This can help you snap up cheap tickets before they sell out, especially if there's a particularly attractive offer.

Overall, booking your Eurostar tickets in advance can save you money, give you more flexibility, and provide access to special offers. By planning your trip early and taking advantage of the tools and resources available, you can make the most of your Eurostar experience and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Buying a return ticket

When deciding whether to buy a return ticket or two one-way tickets, it is worth considering the overall cost. Return tickets are usually better value than buying two one-way tickets. For example, two separate one-way tickets between London and Paris at £52 each will cost £104 in total. Buying a return ticket instead will cost £78, saving you £26 on the journey.

You might only need a one-way ticket if you are flying home or heading somewhere else as part of your trip. However, if you are returning via the same route, it makes financial sense to buy a return ticket.

Eurostar tickets are available up to six months in advance and the earlier you book, the better value the fares. The cheapest Eurostar tickets are usually for trains on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Eurostar tickets are now more flexible. Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus tickets are exchangeable fee-free up to one hour before your train is scheduled to depart. Tickets are refundable seven days or more before the date of departure for a fee. The fee is £/€25 per person for each individual leg of the trip, and £/€50 per person for a full refund of a return ticket.

Tickets are non-refundable less than seven days before the date of departure. If you claim a refund for a single leg of a return ticket, the refund will be calculated, taking into account any discount for a return ticket compared to two single-leg tickets.

Avoiding weekends and bank holidays

Eurostar tickets can be very expensive if you book at the wrong time or travel on certain dates. Eurostar uses a dynamic pricing model, where prices rise and fall in relation to demand. This is why prices are higher on weekends and bank holidays, as these are popular times for people to travel, especially for weekend breaks.

If you want to get cheaper Eurostar tickets, it's best to avoid travelling on weekends and bank holidays. The cheapest days and times to travel with Eurostar are between midday Monday and midnight on Thursday. You may also find that travelling very early in the morning or late at night can be cheaper, as these are less popular services.

So, if you can be flexible and travel during the weekdays, you can save money on your Eurostar tickets. This is especially useful if you're looking to book last-minute, as prices tend to increase as the departure date approaches. By avoiding weekends and bank holidays, you can take advantage of lower prices and have more flexibility with your travel plans.

Additionally, booking in advance can also help secure lower prices. For most Eurostar routes, bookings open up to 6 months in advance, so planning your trip early or setting a calendar reminder to check prices as soon as bookings open can be beneficial.

Using the Eurostar app

Yes, you can buy Eurostar tickets on the day of travel. However, booking in advance is generally cheaper. Tickets can be booked between 6 and 8 months in advance.

The Eurostar app is a convenient way to book and manage your Eurostar tickets. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the app:

• Download the Eurostar app: The app is available for iPhone and Android devices.
• Sign up for an account: Create an account by providing your personal details and contact information. You can also sign up for Club Eurostar to collect reward points on your bookings.
• Search for your journey: Use the app to search for your desired route, date, and time of travel. Compare prices and choose the option that suits you best.
• Book your ticket: Select the ticket that meets your requirements and proceed to the payment page. Enter your payment details and finalise your booking.
• Manage your booking: After booking, you can manage your trip through the app. Log in using your booking reference and surname. Here, you can change your ticket details, add passengers, and update your contact information.
• Get your ticket: Once you've made your booking, you can access your ticket through the app. Add it to your digital wallet, such as Apple Wallet or Google Pay Wallet, for easy access when travelling.
• Stay informed: The Eurostar app will also keep you updated on any offers, deals, and promotions. You can be the first to know about seasonal sales and snap up tickets before they sell out.

The Eurostar app offers a seamless way to book and manage your trips, providing flexibility and convenience for your travel plans.

Buying from alternative stations

Eurostar tickets can be purchased at any international SNCB station in Belgium, SNCF station in France, NS station in the Netherlands, or DB station in Germany. Booking fees may apply, but they are waived for fares that cannot be purchased online.

In France, tickets can also be purchased from automatic ticketing machines unless you choose the Pass fare.

If you are travelling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands, or Germany, you can also buy tickets over the phone or through a travel agent. A €9 booking fee will be applied in France, Belgium, and Germany, and fees may vary in the Netherlands.

Eurostar tickets can also be purchased online at eurostar.com or on the mobile app.

Frequently asked questions