Eurostar
Eurostar is an operator of high-speed trains in Western Europe. Originally, only the blue trains between London and Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam through the Eurotunnel were referred to as Eurostar. After the merger between Thalys and Eurostar, the red Thalys trains are now also referred to as Eurostar (Red).
Summary
- FIP Coupons are not accepted. However, it is possible to purchase discounted FIP tickets at a fixed FIP Global Fare.
- All trains require reservations.
Validity of FIP Tickets
FIP Coupon: ⛔
FIP Coupon relatives: ⛔
FIP 50 Tickets: ⛔
FIP Global Fare: ✅
The purchase of discounted FIP Global Fare tickets at a fixed rate is possible. All tickets are train-specific due to the reservation requirement. However, rebooking to other trains or canceling FIP tickets is possible via the Eurostar website. Tickets can only be purchased separately and not as part of through tickets. 1
Train Categories and Reservations
All trains require reservations, and a train-specific ticket must be purchased at the FIP Global Fare before departure.
When booking, payment can sometimes be made in pounds or euros. Generally, euro prices are cheaper.
Class Categories
Standard: Comparable to 2nd class.
Plus: 1st class including a meal (only Eurostar Blue). A 1st class FIP pass is required.
Premium: 1st class including extensive catering and lounge access. Not available with FIP.
Ticket and Reservation Purchase
Tickets are issued exclusively as online tickets, so an email address is required for booking.
Online
Online booking of tickets is currently not possible. However, checking in, rebooking, canceling, and upgrading tickets is possible via the Eurostar website.
If an email address associated with an existing Eurostar account is provided during booking, the ticket will be linked to that account and can be displayed directly in the account.
Phone
On-site
Onboard
Tickets must be purchased before boarding the train. Ticket sales onboard are not possible.
Discounts
Children up to and including 3 years old travel free of charge but without a guaranteed seat. There are no further discounts for children. Children under 12 years must always be accompanied by an adult (unaccompanied children are not allowed). 2
Special Tariff Conditions
Ticket Quotas
All FIP fares are subject to quotas, so early booking is recommended.
For Eurostar trains departing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, the FIP offer (1st Class and 2nd Class) is not available. 2
Connections
HOTNAT (Transfer in Brussels, Cologne, Paris)
Through tickets cannot be purchased for Eurostar. However, to ensure connections during transfers, HOTNAT (Hop on the next available train) can be used.
If a connection is missed due to delays or cancellations when transferring between two high-speed trains, the next available train of the same or a different Railteam operator can be taken. Rebooking to the next train has to be done at the service counter on-site.
HOTNAT is only valid for transfers between high-speed trains of Railteam members (DB, Eurostar, NS, SBB, SNCB, SNCF, ÖBB) and at the stations Paris, Brussels, Cologne, Munich, Basel, and Zurich. Usage depends on train availability.
London International CIV (Transfer in London)
Explanation
To ensure a protected connection when transferring in London between a British train and Eurostar (or vice versa), you can book a ticket with the departure or arrival station London International CIV.
These tickets are available in two versions:
- Advance (must be booked in advance, price varies, valid only for the specified departure)
- Euro Open/Euro Saver (flexible ticket valid for all trains on the selected day).
Tickets to London International are only available on certain, but most, routes.
You can check ticket availability on BR Fares by entering (LNE) London International (CIV) as the station. The availability of these special protected connection tickets is indicated by a fare with EURO in the name.
Connection Protection
Tickets to or from London International CIV are subject to the International Conditions of Carriage (CIV, Convention Internationale pour le transport des Voyageurs) for the entire journey, not the UK National Rail Conditions of Travel.
This ensures protection in case a British train is delayed and a Eurostar connection is missed. Eurostar is obliged to rebook you onto the next available train at no extra cost. Similarly, if Eurostar arrives late in London on your return and you miss your onward UK train, the British train company must allow you to continue your journey on the next available train—even if your ticket is train-specific.
London Underground
If you arrive at a different London terminus and need to use the Underground to reach St Pancras, tickets to London International include travel on the London Underground.
Ticket Purchase
FIP tickets to London International CIV can likely only be purchased at ticket counters in stations in Great Britain.
Without FIP discount, online booking is possible via Trainsplit. You must deselect the Use Split Tickets option. Then, book a ticket from or to London International (for Eurostar) (LNE). The fare must include EURO in the name for connection protection. Otherwise, it is a regular ticket to London without connection protection. 3
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