TRIED & TESTED TRAIN

EBBSFLEET-PARIS

Eurostar, Standard Class, Ebbsfleet to Paris

BACKGROUND In 1994, Eurostar revolutionised the way people travelled from the UK to Paris and Brussels forever and has since created a generation of travellers who think nothing of hopping on the train after breakfast and relaxing in a Parisian bistro by lunchtime. Today, Eurostar operates train services from St Pancras International in central London and Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International in Kent (south-east of London) to Paris Gare Du Nord in the heart of the French capital, as well multiple destinations across Europe.

GETTING THERE While departing from St Pancras is an easy option if you are starting your journey in central London, Ebbsfleet suited me better on this occasion and couldn’t be easier to reach by car. I booked parking online and selected the Premier Parking option, just a two-minute walk to the terminal. Eurostar asks that you arrive 4560 minutes before departure.

CHECK-IN This was speedy. I’d already saved my ticket to my Apple Wallet on my iPhone so I scanned by barcode at the gate and I was in. There was no queue for security – bag and body scan airport style – and no queue for passport control either, which encompasses both UK and French formalities. A biometric passport scanner is now in place at some stations. The entire process from arrival to reaching the departure lounge took no more than five minutes, which is far preferable to time-consuming airport procedures in my opinion.

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE The departure lounge was spacious with ample seating and featured a Caffe Nero, newsagents, ATMs and information point. I grabbed a coffee, bought yet another plug adaptor (I’m always losing them) and a magazine, and watched trains roll in and out of Ebbsfleet. Business Premier travellers and Eurostar carte blanche holders are entitled to Business Premier Lounge access with extras including complimentary drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, plus seat-side power sockets and extra comfortable seating for working or relaxing.

BOARDING My train departure was called and I descended the stairway directly from the lounge to the platform. My ticket indicated where I should stand on the platform for easy boarding of my designated coach. The train arrived on time at exactly 8.12 am.

T H E S E AT I chose the Standard seating, which was fine for this short journey. When you book online you can choose your seats (forward or backward facing) and if you are travelling in a group of three or four, you can book seats with a central table. Every seat has a tray – for food, laptops etc – and a UK and French plug socket to re-charge electronic items. Luggage can be placed in the overhead racks or in the compartments at the end of each cabin and food can be purchased from the dedicated train kiosks.

THE JOURNEY I spent most of my time on my laptop working and took advantage of the inseat power plug to re-charge my phone. The journey was smooth and I enjoyed taking a glance at the changing landscape through the window. We did encounter a 20-minute delay due to a maintenance issue in the tunnel underneath the English Channel, but we were kept informed. My only complaint concerned the toilet, which was blocked and almost unusable. This is a recurring ‘ train’ issue that service providers need to rectify once and for all!

We arrived at Gare Du Nord 20 minutes later than scheduled due to the tunnel delay, but this did not impact my day fortunately. I stepped off the train onto the platform and it was a short walk into the station and out onto the street where I grabbed my Uber to the hotel. It was fast and efficient, particularly as French passport controls are conducted in London so there is no need to go through it all again when you arrive.

VERDICT The best way to travel from London to Paris without a doubt – and to other nearby European destinations too. It’s a far superior experience to flying for several reasons – more room and space to move around and no turbulence! The departure and arrival is also quick and hassle free and there are no restrictions on liquids carried. Luggage allowances are generous too, even in a Standard seat – two pieces per person (up to 85cm long) plus one small piece of hand luggage. What’s not to love?!

The best way to travel from London to Paris without a doubt