When to arrive at the station
Find out how long before departure you need to arrive at the station. We have different recommended arrival times depending on where you are travelling to and from.
Road traffic is restricted between 28/08/24–08/09/24 in and around certain areas of Paris. Please allow extra time for your journey to and from Paris Gare du Nord. Find out more.
Travelling with Eurostar
We recommend different arrival times for travelling to and from London, and on all other routes. For a smooth journey, check our recommended arrival times below.
Travelling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany
Quick and easy
When travelling on our trains (except to and from London), just look for your train on the departure board and head straight to the platform.
For stress-free boarding, we recommend that you arrive in the station 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your train.
Travelling from Brussels, Antwerp, or Liège between 14/06/2024 and 08/09/2024?
There may be a few extra security checks at the station before you board your train. Please allow extra time and get to the platform about 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. Find out more.
Sit back and relax
If you need help finding your coach or seat, please ask one of the station or onboard team. Then, settle in and relax.
The train manager will check your ticket en route, so please make sure you have it to hand. If you're travelling on a special fare, you'll need to show any relevant documents.
Your ticket is only valid on the train you've booked. If you need to change your ticket on board, you'll be charged the highest fare for your journey in your class of travel, plus a €25 fee. This can be paid by cash or card.
The Netherlands
Travelling from Rotterdam or Amsterdam?
You'll need a valid ticket to enter or leave the station.
Travelling to and from London
A smooth getaway
When travelling to and from London, there are passport and luggage checks before you board the train.
The timings below are just for guidance and can sometimes change. Download your ticket to check the most up-to-date recommended arrival time.
Please arrive at the recommended time and not just before the ticket gates close. That way, you’ll have enough time to complete all required checks before boarding.
Once you're done, you can relax in the departure lounge until your train is called.
Recommended arrival times when travelling to and from London
To ensure you have enough time for all pre-departure steps, please come to the station at the recommended time and not just before the gates close. All of our border and luggage checks take place before you depart, which means you can simply hop off the train when you arrive.
There may be times when you experience queues at the station. This can particularly happen on peak days or when checks take a bit longer. But don’t worry – our staff will be on hand to guide you through the departures process and ensure you board your train.
Brussels Midi/Zuid
| Standard & Standard Premier | Business Premier | Accessible travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? (mins) | 60-75 | 45-60 | 60 |
| How long before departure does the gate close? (mins) | 30 | 15 | 30 |
London St Pancras International
| Standard & Standard Premier | Business Premier | Accessible travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? (mins) | 90 | 45-60 | 60 |
| How long before departure does the gate close? (mins) | 30 | 15 | 30 |
Lille Europe
| Standard & Standard Premier | Business Premier | Accessible travel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? (mins) | 60 | 30 | 60 |
| How long before departure does the gate close? (mins) | 30 | 15 | 30 |
You may also like
Station guides
Everything you need to know about all of our stations, including facilities and departure process, plus much more.
Eurostar App
Download the app for booking tickets, live updates and destination inspiration.
Travel documents
What travel documents do you need to travel on Eurostar? Find the answers you need here.