PARIS ON A SHOESTRING

Why should you read this ?
It can be very confusing to select a mode of transport going to Paris or any country in the mainland Europe. This is especially true if you are traveling from the UK. My first trip was no different, so here is the

• Quick,
• hassle free
• 5 minutes,
• no experience required,
• step by step guide

on what Eurostar is and how to select a train and book your trip to Paris (and save some money in the process)
By the way I am a frequent traveler to Paris, and other countries in Europe. I am lucky enough to be able to visit Paris at least once a month. So the information here is current and valid !

What is Eurostar ?
A direct high speed chunnel train service from London St Pancras ( or Ebbsfleet or Ashford)
going to
Paris (or Brussels, Lille, Avignon, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris and the French Alps.)

crosses the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel.
So from the UK there are 3 stations from which you can catch the Eurostar, the most common way is boarding the train from St Pancras. However Ebbsfleet in Kent is becoming an increasingly a popular boarding point. While London St Pancras is not exactly Kings Cross, this is just in front of the Kings cross station which is in easy reach of all the domestic rail services, underground and national rail lines in the UK. This is probably most well connected station in the UK.

The most common destination (especially If you are traveling for the first time) would be Paris, specifically the Gare du Nord station which is located in the North of Paris and very near Paris. There are so many ways you can travel to the heart of Paris from the Gare du Nord station (Metro, Taxi, Bus). On my first visit I stayed near the Gare du Nord station, since I didn’t have an idea about the distance from there to the center of Paris. I ended up staying at a cheap hotel right in front of the station. This was the only time I’ve stayed anywhere near Gare du Nord, while the area is quite active, it can be a bit rough at times. Cheap accommodation is readying available in the area and food is a lot cheaper than other parts of Paris. One advantage of staying here would be the vicinity to the Montmartre, Sacré Cœur. There was a cafeteria selling delicious baguettes cakes and pastries at the bottom of the hill in Montmartre, was unbelievably cheap and good value for money.

If you are traveling for the fist time, it’s worth taking the taxi from the station. However on my first visit I took the number 42 bus, which directly took me to the Eiffel Tower ! , cost less than $2 (1.5 Euro) . The bus stop is very conveniently located at the Nord station terminal itself. It stopped Just a 1 minute walk away from the Tour Eiffel bus stop on Champ de Mars.

How much does a chunnel train ticket cost ?
From the UK, if you are buying in advance normally channel tunnel fares are about £55 for the return ticket. But it can be much cheaper if you buy either from France, or any other European country. It costs more if you are purchasing last minute.

Eurostar Vs Eurotunnel
It can be very confusing to understand the difference between the two. But it’s very simple.
Eurostar and Eurotunnel are two entirely separate companies.
Eurostar is high-speed passenger train operator.
Eurostar is a customer of Eurotunnel’s, hence Eurostar rents the channel tunnel from Eurotunnel.
Eurotunnel operates the Channel tunnel itself and vehicle shuttle services

How to book Eurostar tickets ?
For best deals, tickets can be booked on line at www.eurostar.com , or you can call 08705 186186.

Tags:   Eurostar - Chunnel Train2 Comments