Planning a trip with kids between Paris and London? As someone who’s taken the Eurostar countless times, I can confidently say it’s the best way to travel between these two cities. My family and I lived in London before moving to Paris, and we still make regular trips to visit friends and family. I’ve flown between the cities once, but after that experience, I vowed to stick to the train. The convenience, comfort, and overall ease of the Eurostar make it a no-brainer for families.
Based on my experiences, I wanted to share some helpful tips for parents travelling with kids on the Eurostar. What could easily be a stressful trip can actually turn into a fun and memorable adventure. From booking your tickets to settling in onboard, here’s everything you need to know to make your journey smooth, with a few personal tips to guide you along the way.
Why Eurostar is the best option for families travelling from Paris to London
Travelling by Eurostar is so much easier than flying, especially with children. You only need to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before your train departs, which is a huge time-saver compared to the long waits at airports for security checks and boarding. Plus, there’s no need to deal with baggage claim—you can keep all your luggage with you, making everything smoother. And, instead of arriving far from the city at an airport, you step right into the heart of London at St Pancras or Paris at Gare du Nord, ready to explore.
One of the biggest perks of the Eurostar is that it takes you directly to city centre stations, unlike airports, which are typically far outside the city. Whether you’re arriving in London St Pancras or Paris Gare du Nord, you’ll save at least an hour of travel time compared to flying, as there’s no need for extra transport into the city. No buses, no airport shuttles, and no expensive taxis—just step off the train and you’re already where you need to be.
Booking Eurostar tickets for families: what you need to know
Buying Eurostar tickets
Booking Eurostar tickets is very easy and can be done entirely online through the Eurostar website, or alternative booking platforms like Trainline where the quoted prices are the same. Eurostar prices vary greatly depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book. So, I always recommend checking ticket prices early.
- Time of day matters: Early morning trains (around 7am) are often cheaper, while later trains (like 1pm) can be more expensive. For example, an early train might cost £50 to £70 if you book ahead, but later trains could jump to £100 to £150 or more if you’re booking close to your departure date.
- Sign up for Eurostar’s email notifications: Eurostar often sends out promotional emails with deals for as low as £39 one-way tickets, which is a great way to snag affordable fares, especially if you’re flexible on your travel dates. I always book our family trips a few months in advance during one of these promotions.
UK’s new ETA requirement: don’t forget this step
If you’re travelling to the UK from 2025 onwards, you’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before your trip. It’s similar to systems like the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA, and it applies to most non-visa nationals, including EU citizens. Click here to access all the details you need to know whether the ETA is relevant to you or not.
- From January 2025, non-visa nationals (like those from the US and Canada) will need an ETA to travel to the UK.
- From March 2025, citizens from EU countries will also need to apply. By April 2025, it will be mandatory for all non-visa nationals entering the UK.
- British and Irish citizens are exempt from this requirement, as are those who already have a visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
The good news is that the process is quick and affordable:
- The ETA costs £10 per person and covers multiple visits over a two-year period.
- Applications can be made via the UK ETA app or online, and each family member—including children—will need their own ETA. Most applications are processed within three working days, so it’s best to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.
Choosing seats
After booking your tickets, you’ll be automatically assigned seats. If you’re not happy with your seats, you can easily change them online for free, if other options are available. When travelling with kids, I highly recommend choosing family seats around a table. This extra space gives you more room to spread out toys, snacks, and activities, making the journey much more enjoyable for everyone.
Special rates for kids
Eurostar makes family travel more affordable with special rates for children:
- Kids under 4 travel for free, provided they sit on an adult’s lap throughout the journey.
- Older children benefit from discounted fares, with savings of around 30% during peak periods and even 30-50% off during off-peak times. These discounts make Eurostar a great option for family travel, especially when you plan ahead and take advantage of these deals.
Preparing for your Eurostar journey with kids
Baggage allowance
While there are some baggage restrictions, they are more flexible than most airlines. Each adult can bring two pieces of luggage plus one small hand luggage. Children aged 4-11 also have a baggage allowance of one large piece and one hand luggage. Additionally, there’s no need to check your bags—you can bring them directly onto the train, stowing them in the luggage racks near your seat.
If you have a stroller, you’ll need it to be able to fold it to enter the train or leave it in the luggage area when you board the train.
Here are some items I like to pack to keep my little ones entertained:
- Snacks: while there is a café on board, having your child’s favourite snacks within reach is always handy.
- Mix of toys and activity booklets: I always ask the kids to choose what they want to bring onboard and then surprise them with a new activity or colouring book.
Arrive early, but not too early
It’s recommended to arrive at Gare du Nord 45-60 minutes before your Eurostar train departs. This gives you enough time to go through check-in and security without feeling rushed. This is especially helpful when you have kids in tow. You’ll see a suggested arrival time on your Eurostar ticket, typically around one hour before departure. This allows for smooth processing without a long wait—because keeping kids entertained while standing around can be tricky!
Sometimes when arriving at Gare du Nord, I find a long line at the entrance. At other times, even over the school holidays, the line can be surprisingly short with few people ahead. It’s hard to predict how busy the terminal will be, so always allow extra time just in case.
When travelling on Eurostar with kids, I always join the family line, usually on the far right at Gare du Nord. This line often moves faster than the regular lines, significantly reducing the stress of waiting around with restless children. It’s a great option for families, as it allows you to get through the security and check-in process more efficiently.
Eurostar departure lounge
When you arrive at the Eurostar terminal at Gare du Nord, everything is designed to be smooth and family-friendly. After scanning your tickets, you’ll go to passport control for checks by French and UK border agents. The process is usually quick and far less stressful than airport security.
Once you’re through, you’ll enter the Eurostar departure lounge, which has plenty of seating where you can relax with your kids. If you’re eligible for any tax refunds on your shopping in France, here you’ll find the kiosks to do this. There are also a few shops selling books, magazines, France-themed gifts, and snacks. If you need a quick bite, there are several places to choose from. Café Paul is a popular spot for pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, but it tends to have the longest lines. If you want something faster, head toward the back of the terminal, where you’ll find two more cafes. Both offer snacks and lighter options like salads and sandwiches. For a sweet treat, check out Le chocolat Alain Ducasse for some luxurious chocolates. There is also L’Éclair de Génie – a luxury pastry shop that offers all the taste variations around the éclair.
About 15 minutes before departure, boarding begins, and Eurostar staff will guide you to the correct platform. The process is well-organized, so even with kids and luggage, you’ll be on board and settled quickly. Overall, it’s a much more relaxed and pleasant experience than flying, making Eurostar a great option for families.
Onboard the Eurostar with kids: comfort and entertainment
Once aboard the Eurostar, it’s immediately clear why it’s such a great option for families. The seats are spacious enough to let kids move around a bit. There’s enough legroom to keep everyone comfortable during the journey. I’ve always been impressed by how clean, comfortable, and relaxing the ride is. In Standard Class, the seats are larger than what you’d typically get on a plane in economy, with extra legroom and wider armrests, making the entire experience much more pleasant.
The smooth ride and ample space allow kids to stand up or stretch their legs when needed, and the quiet atmosphere on board often helps keep things calm—perfect for when you want the little ones to nap or stay settled for a while. The whole experience feels far less cramped and more peaceful than any flight I’ve taken, making Eurostar ideal for travelling with kids.
Keeping kids entertained during the journey
The Eurostar journey from Paris to London takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. While that’s not too long, kids can still get restless. Here are a few tips to keep them entertained:
- Window Watching: The changing landscape can fascinate younger children, especially the novelty of going from France to the UK.
- Travel Games and Activities: Bring colouring books, sticker sets, or small games to pass the time.
Many Eurostar cars now have outlets and phone charging stations. Free wi-fi is also available though the connection can be spotty at different points in the journey.
Onboard food options
Eurostar’s Café Métropole offers a variety of sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. It’s a good idea though to pack some of your own if you’re travelling with kids. While the café is a handy option, moving between coaches on a fast-moving train can be a bit uncomfortable, especially if you’re juggling kids. Bringing your own snacks can save you from that slightly wobbly walk to the café.
Arriving in London: Easy city access with kids
When you arrive at London St Pancras, the process is smooth and efficient. There’s no need to wait for luggage since you bring everything with you on the train, and if you have a stroller, you can grab it as soon as you disembark. One of the biggest perks of travelling via Eurostar is how centrally located St Pancras International is—right in the heart of London.
As soon as you step off the train, you’re immediately connected to the London Underground, making it incredibly easy to continue your journey across the city. The King’s Cross St Pancras tube station is just a short walk from the arrival lounge, so within minutes, you can be on the metro or hop on a bus or taxi. This seamless connection to public transport makes the transition from train to city hassle-free, perfect for families with little ones!
Final thoughts: why Eurostar is the stress-free option for travelling with kids
In summary, Eurostar is a truly family-friendly and hassle-free way to travel between Paris and London. From the spacious seating that allows kids to move around comfortably to the baby-changing facilities and the well-organized boarding process, every step of the journey is designed with families in mind. The ease of booking online, the central locations of the stations, and the smooth connections to public transport make it a no-brainer for any parent planning a cross-Channel trip.
Don’t forget to sign up for Eurostar’s email notifications to catch those promotional fares, and be sure to pack plenty of snacks and activities to keep the little ones entertained. The proximity of the London Underground at St Pancras also means you can continue your journey seamlessly once you arrive. Travelling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful—with Eurostar, it can even be fun!
Have you taken the Eurostar with kids and what has your experience been like? Share your views in the comment section below. Join me on Instagram and get more tips for for travel with kids.
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