Eurail on Eurostar: What You Need to Know
If you’re a Eurail pass holder planning to traverse Europe using the Eurostar, there are several essential points to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll delve into all the pertinent information regarding utilizing a Eurail pass on the Eurostar, including fare details, reservation prerequisites, the requisite Eurail pass, and where you can secure a seat reservation.
How much is the Eurail passholder fare for Eurostar?
The Eurail passholder fare for the Eurostar presents a discounted rate exclusively for Eurail pass holders. The fare varies depending on the class of travel and the destination. For instance, the journey from London to Lille, Paris, or Brussels costs €30 in standard class and €38 in first class. Meanwhile, the trip from London to Rotterdam or Amsterdam is priced at €35 in standard class and €43 in first class. It’s important to note that you can’t purchase a “return” ticket; instead, you need to book two one-way reservations.
Reservation Requirements
Eurail pass holders must secure a seat reservation alongside holding a valid Eurail pass. Consequently, traveling on the Eurostar counts as a day of Eurail travel. This necessity stems from the Eurostar being a high-speed train with limited seating capacity, mandating reservations to ensure every passenger has a seat. Hence, spontaneous travel without a reservation isn’t feasible for the Eurostar. It’s imperative to book one of the limited seat reservations allocated for Eurail travelers. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Which Eurail pass do I need for Eurostar travel?
To embark on the Eurostar with a Eurail pass, you’ll require a Eurail Global Pass, granting access to travel across 33 European countries. A One Country Pass won’t suffice for Eurostar travel.
For those with a 2nd class Eurail pass, standard class is the designated option. Conversely, holders of a 1st class Eurail pass can opt for either standard or first class when making reservations.
How to Reserve a Seat on Eurostar with a Eurail Pass
To secure a seat reservation for the Eurostar, you can make bookings via the Eurail Reservations Service, SNCB, or Rail Europe. We recommend using Rail Europe as they don’t charge booking fees and have the option to select your seat. You can browse available trains without providing your Eurail pass number, making trip planning much easier.
Once you’ve bought your Eurail pass and are prepared to reserve a seat on the Eurostar, you can make the booking through SNCB’s website, which incurs a €4 booking fee, or via Rail Europe without any additional charges. Post-purchase, you can access your ticket within the Eurostar app and even modify your seat selection.