What are Eurostar Snap tickets?
Eurostar Snap tickets offer a way to score discounted fares on Eurostar trains for those who can be super-flexible with their departure times. Instead of selecting an exact train, travellers pick a date, and Eurostar assigns a train time closer to departure. The result? Fares up to 50% cheaper than standard tickets, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious travellers.
Originally introduced in 2015, Eurostar suspended the Snap ticket scheme in 2019, but it was relaunched in 2024, giving spontaneous travellers another shot at securing cut-price Eurostar seats.
How do Eurostar Snap tickets work?
The process is simple but requires flexibility:
- Book in Advance – Choose your travel date and destination via the dedicated Eurostar Snap website.
- Wait for Assignment – You won’t pick a train; Eurostar assigns a specific departure time at least 48 hours before departure.
- Receive Your Ticket – You’ll get an email notification with your train details and can then download your ticket.
Where can you travel with Snap tickets?
Snap fares cover major Eurostar routes, including:
- London to Paris
- London to Brussels
- London to Lille
- Paris to Amsterdam
- Paris to Cologne
Booking is available up to 14 days in advance for London departures and 8 days in advance for other routes.
Why book Eurostar Snap tickets?
1. Significant Savings
Regular Eurostar fares fluctuate based on demand, but Snap tickets offer substantial discounts, often making last-minute trips more affordable. You can save up to 50% compared to standard fares.
2. Free Luggage Allowance
Unlike budget airlines, Snap ticket holders get the same generous luggage policy as regular Eurostar passengers: two large suitcases and one piece of hand luggage at no extra cost.
3. A Greener Alternative to Flying
Eurostar is an environmentally friendly way to travel, producing up to 90% less CO2 per passenger compared to a short-haul flight between London and Paris.
What to consider before booking
1. Limited Control Over Departure Times
Snap tickets mean you won’t know your exact train time until 48 hours before you travel. If you have tight plans or need to coordinate with accommodation check-ins, this could be a downside.
2. Non-Refundable and Non-Changeable
Once booked, Snap tickets are final—they cannot be refunded, exchanged, or transferred. If your plans change, you’ll be out of luck.
3. No Guaranteed Seat Selection
Eurostar assigns seats randomly, so groups may not be seated together. If travelling with friends or family, you’ll have to take your chances or hope for a friendly passenger swap.
How to book Eurostar Snap tickets
Eurostar Snap tickets are only available through the dedicated Snap platform, separate from the main Eurostar booking system. To book:
- Visit snap.eurostar.com
- Select your travel date and route
- Pay and receive your ticket details 48 hours before departure
Final thoughts: who should book Eurostar Snap tickets?
Eurostar Snap is ideal for spontaneous travellers who can be flexible on departure times and don’t mind waiting to receive their ticket details. The cost savings can be huge, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers and those looking for an alternative to flying between major European cities.
But… if you need certainty, have a tight schedule, or are travelling as a group, it might not be the best fit.
For anyone who can work with the unpredictability, Snap tickets offer a probably unbeatable way to get the Eurostar.
Eurostar FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
How much is Eurostar from London to Paris?
Eurostar tickets start at £39 one-way if booked well in advance. Prices increase closer to departure and can exceed £100-£150. Booking 3+ months ahead and choosing midweek travel (Tuesday-Thursday) helps secure the best fares.
How does Eurostar seating work?
Eurostar has three seating classes:
- Standard: Reserved seating, access to onboard Café Métropole.
- Standard Premier: Extra legroom, wider seats, a light meal served at your seat.
- Business Premier: Lounge access, gourmet meals, fast-track boarding, and fully flexible tickets.
Is it worth taking Eurostar from London to Paris?
Yes. Eurostar is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between London and Paris. It departs from St Pancras International and arrives at Gare du Nord, eliminating airport hassle. You avoid baggage fees and security delays, and the journey takes just 2 hours 16 minutes.
Is the Eurostar faster than a plane?
On paper, flights are faster (1 hour), but factoring in check-in, security, boarding, and airport transfers, flying takes 4-5 hours. Eurostar is quicker door-to-door, since you arrive just 30 minutes before departure and travel city centre to city centre.
Does Eurostar only go from London?
No. The main UK departure point is London St Pancras, but there are connections from Ebbsfleet and Ashford (seasonal services).
Why is the Eurostar so popular?
It’s faster, more comfortable, and greener than flying. It produces 90% less CO₂ per passenger, avoids the stress of airports, and lets you travel city centre to city centre.
What stops does Eurostar make?
The most common stops are:
- Paris Gare du Nord (France)
- Brussels Midi (Belgium)
- Lille Europe (France)
- Rotterdam Centraal (Netherlands)
- Amsterdam Centraal (Netherlands)
- Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy)
Some seasonal routes go to Lyon, Avignon, and Marseille.
Which is better: Eurostar or Eurotunnel?
- Eurostar: A high-speed passenger train connecting London with major European cities.
- Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle): A train that carries vehicles between Folkestone and Calais.
If you’re driving, Eurotunnel is your option. If you just need to get to Paris or Amsterdam, Eurostar is much faster.
Is it better to fly or take Eurostar to Disneyland Paris?
Eurostar is usually the best choice. It arrives directly at Disneyland Paris in just under 3 hours, whereas flying requires an extra 1-hour train or a costly transfer.
Does the Eurostar go to Paris airport?
No, Eurostar stops at Gare du Nord. To get to Charles de Gaulle Airport, take the RER B train, which takes about 35 minutes.
How long is the train from London to Paris?
The journey is 2 hours 16 minutes.
What is the cheapest time to travel to London?
Book at least 3 months ahead and travel midweek (Tuesday-Thursday). Prices rise on weekends and during school holidays.
How much is Eurostar from the UK to France?
Tickets start at £39 one-way for London to Paris or Lille when booked early.
Does Eurostar have air conditioning?
Yes, all Eurostar trains are fully air-conditioned.
Is Eurostar to Paris worth it?
Yes. It’s fast, easy, and more comfortable than flying.
Does the Eurostar go fast?
Yes, 186 mph (300 km/h), making it one of Europe’s fastest trains.
Does Eurostar only go to London?
No, Eurostar serves Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Lille, and Rotterdam.
Does Eurostar include bags?
Yes, luggage is included:
- Standard & Standard Premier: Two large bags + one small bag (no weight limit).
- Business Premier: Three large bags + one small bag.
There are no liquid restrictions, so you can bring your own drinks.
Is Eurotunnel cheaper than flying?
For cars, Eurotunnel is often cheaper. For passengers, Eurostar is usually more affordable than flying, especially when booked in advance.
Is it cheaper to fly or take Eurostar to Amsterdam?
Eurostar is cheaper if booked early, but last-minute flights can sometimes be lower. However, with Eurostar, there are no baggage fees or airport transfers.
What countries can you travel to by Eurostar?
Direct routes go to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with connections to Germany and beyond.
Do you need a passport for Eurostar?
Yes, a valid passport is required to cross international borders.
Can I take food on Eurostar?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks, including alcohol.
What’s the cheapest way to get from Paris to London?
- Book Eurostar 3+ months ahead for £39 fares.
- Take a coach (cheaper but much slower—8+ hours).
- Look for budget airline sales, but factor in baggage fees and airport transfers.
How long is the Eurostar crossing?
The Channel Tunnel section of the journey takes just 20 minutes.
How many Eurostar trains run per day?
- London to Paris: ~15 trains daily.
- London to Amsterdam: ~4 trains daily.
How much does Eurostar cost from Paris to London?
Same as London to Paris—starting at £39 one-way, depending on demand.
Is it cheaper to fly into London or Paris?
It depends on the route and season. Flights to London often have more budget airline options, making them slightly cheaper overall. However, airport transfers and baggage fees can add costs.
What is the fastest train in the world?
The Shanghai Maglev (China) at 267 mph (431 km/h) is the fastest. Eurostar is one of Europe’s fastest.
Who is the owner of Eurostar?
Eurostar is owned by Eurostar Group, which was formed in 2022 when Eurostar merged with the Belgian train service Thalys.
Who uses Eurostar?
Eurostar is used by tourists, business travelers, and commuters traveling between the UK and Europe.
How much is a Eurostar ticket from London to Amsterdam?
Prices start at £39 one-way, but late bookings can exceed £100.
Which European city is 2 hours from London?
- Paris (2h 16m by Eurostar).
- Brussels (1h 53m by Eurostar).
Where does Eurostar depart from?
Eurostar departs from London St Pancras International.
Is Eurostar the only train to Paris?
It’s the only direct high-speed train from London. Other trains require a transfer.
How much does the Eurostar tunnel cost?
The Channel Tunnel fee is included in your Eurostar ticket.
