A Realistic Guide on How To Visit England by Train
There are tons of travel guides out there on how to travel to England from the neighboring countries. One of my biggest problems with those guides is that they don’t mention the small issues that the tourists face. These could be anything from standing in line for hours to missing your train tickets.
Well, one of the key things if you are new to traveling is that the main train that we will discuss here is the Eurostar. This train travels through the Channel Tunnel. We will also discuss how to use this travel medium from neighboring countries like France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.
France (Paris) To England By Train
As I said at the start of the blog that, the Eurostar is the way to go if you’re heading from Paris to London. There’s a straight link from Paris Gare du Nord to St Pancras International in London in about two hours and 15 minutes.
Envision yourself sitting back, snug in comfortable seats with onboard Wi-Fi, snacks, and an easy and stress-free journey. No airport, just hop on and relax. Still, take note that there are a couple of issues to be aware of here and there.
But there are delays, especially on peak times and holidays, so it’s always good to have a bit left to spare. But also expect both French and British passport checks at Gare du Nord. Though simple in design, these are time-consuming, and patience (and a good book) will help make the wait go a bit smoother.
From Belgium (Brussels) To England By Train
Another simple Eurostar journey is traveling from Brussels to London by train. It takes just two hours to get to St Pancras from Brussels Midi/Zuid, and it is as fast as it is convenient.
No airport hassle. Just get on, and you’ll be on board. However, be on the lookout for a few possible delays, if driving during peak hours or weekends.
Moreover, remember, passport control and security controls are both carried out at the Brussels station so allow a little more time there.
Once everything is sorted you’ll find it’s actually one of the easiest ways to start your England adventure.
From the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Rotterdam) To England
The Eurostar makes it easy if you are coming to England from the Netherlands too, as it runs a direct service from both Amsterdam and Rotterdam, landing you at London’s St Pancras in under four hours from Amsterdam and under three and a half hours from Rotterdam.
While it is a very laid back way to travel, there are some things to know about. This Dutch route is unique because passport control for British and Dutch authorities happens before boarding in the Netherlands and lines can lengthen on busy days.
Another heads-up: It can be difficult to read Eurostar’s schedules; sometimes they can change, double check your timings. Overall though, it’s a scenic and smooth way to begin your UK trip!
From Germany (via Brussels or Paris) To England By Train
Between Germany and England, you’ve got two solid train options, each with its own quirks. Taking a high-speed train (Thalys or ICE) from cities like Cologne or Berlin to Paris and then taking the Eurostar into London is option one. This route involves a bit of navigating through Paris’s Gare du Nord, which, to be honest, is a little like a maze.
The second way is to go directly via Brussels, where, with a little more time, you can catch the Eurostar for a smoother connection to London. Just a tip: Both routes are extremely tight on schedule; if you are making connections, give yourself extra time for that. There can be delays, though, so it’s imperative that you’re flexible on this cross-border train adventure.
From Switzerland (via Paris) To England By Train
Travel to England from Switzerland is a long but exciting journey which starts with TGV Lyria.
This high speed train leaves from cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Lausanne only to reach Paris (a few hours). And when you get to Gare de Lyon, your Eurostar ride to London begins with a trip to Gare du Nord.
Additionally, remember that getting from station to station in Paris can be a bit tricky — they’re very confusing, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Also, trains are more likely to run late, so it’s a good idea to give yourself a bit extra time to connect. Planning is fun. You’ll be in England in no time!
Important Considerations to Keep in Mind
If you’re planning on taking the Eurostar to England, there are a few things you should know.
Don’t forget your passport, as you’ll go through customs and border control first before boarding the train.
Booking in advance is also a smart move for tickets — they usually sell out quickly, especially during peak times travel periods. Sometimes, you find that waiting until the last minute can put you short of options.
Plus, unlike most trains, Eurostar has luggage limits similar to those of airlines, so you can’t take as many bags on board as you might like.
You should check the guidelines to make sure there are no surprises when you pack for the station. Then you’re all good to go for a smooth trip to England!
And there you have it. You have arrived at the heart of the history. Make sure to visit as many historical sites as you can during your stay 😀
