If you’re considering a trip on the Eurostar train, I hope this post helps you sidestep my mistakes.
The Eurostar was Deal Kid’s specific request for Camp Mom and after our other European train adventures I felt pretty sure what to expect when I arrived at Gare de Nord in Paris 30 minutes before departure.
Mais non, mon frere! I assumed the Eurostar was like any other European train. It most certainly is NOT.
Here’s a list of the mistaken assumptions I had which led me to miss my train:
Mistake #1: Do not expect a working elevator in either Paris or London. The lack of a working elevator, added to the crowds of people with luggage, added a good 20 minutes to our arrival at the boarding area downstairs in Paris.
Mistake #2: Do not expect the boarding area to be the actual boarding area. It is more like an airport check in counter.
Mistake #3: I had no idea I would go through passport control- not once, but TWICE.
Mistake #4: Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would miss airport security, but the metal detectors and X-rays for the Eurostar had me nostalgic for the good old TSA.
Fortunately, the Eurostars run about every 1/2 hour and they are so used to people missing their trains due to the ungodly long security lines that I was issued new tickets without question. This was in the middle of the afternoon when space was wide open. I wouldn’t want to chance that happening–or see those lines–at peak congestion.
I will conclude by saying that once we actually got on board, the Eurostar train ride experience was easy-peasy, and the downtown to downtown part was great. So once you sidestep my pitfalls, you’ll enjoy your Eurostar Train trip.
Did you get caught up in Eurostar madness? Any other tips? Please share in the comments.
