Today we go (Rosana Klafke It is Vitor de Arruda Pereira) tell you about the train crossing we took from Paris to London. This is the famous train journey that crosses the English Channel, meaning you travel under the sea through the more than 50 km long Eurotunnel. This section lasts approximately 35 minutes.
We took this trip when we decided to explore Europe by train. This was really fun and different, it takes us out of our comfort zone in a good way.
We took the train in Paris at Gare du Nord station and got off in London at St. Pancras station. A tip for everyone who likes Harry Potter: This London train station is home to the famous Platform 9 ¾ of Kings Cross. Of course, as a fan of the saga, Rô took a photo there.
Platform 9 3/4, in Kings Cross, St. Pancras, London (Photo: Sem Roteiro)
But what we want to share with you here is our general experience of this train journey, showing you the beauty and the pitfalls, so that when it’s your turn, you already know all the details. So let’s start with buying the tickets, our departure from Paris, getting there and arriving in London.
Purchase of tickets
We bought tickets on the website of EuroStar, the company that operates highspeed trains. That’s still in Brazil. The price is around 60 euros in August 2023, but there are some special promotions and you can buy for up to 29 euros depending on the special promotion available.
Departure from Paris
When it comes to going to the Gare du Nord train station in Paris, we act like good Brazilians. We only had half an hour’s notice to get there, which we figured would be plenty of time to show our tickets, board the train and store our luggage.
Gare du Nord, in Paris (Photo: Image Bank)
At the Gare du Nord in Paris (Image: Stock Photo)
Incorrect! We didn’t remember that we were leaving Paris and entering London, we would need a visa for England as for other countries the European Union visa can be used. The biggest mistake of all was that I didn’t read the ticket carefully and was supposed to arrive an hour in advance. Here’s the tip: pay attention to everything that is written in the passage.
Summary of the opera (that part, lol), we missed the train and had to pay a ticket transfer fee that cost us almost the value of a new ticket so we could get on the next train.
After that was done, we made our way to the customs talk. That part was funny (well, lol). In the interview we had to get by in English, although our English is not great, it is definitely doable. Rô started answering the “little uncle’s” questions but got nervous because although we don’t owe anything, it makes us nervous.
He noticed and started asking more questions and ordered him to take off his cap. But in the end everything worked out and we passed, phew. The tip is to have all receipts, hotel, return ticket, reason for travel and everything else at hand. It will make it easier.
Away
We get on the train. But the trouble isn’t over yet. We got into the wrong carriage and had already packed our bags. When we realized it, we got pretty lost, got our luggage and walked to the right carriage at the train’s departure loop. I could imagine people enjoying our “stupidity”… it happens! Therefore, pay attention to the number of the car you need to get into.
Finally we made ourselves comfortable (in the right place) and took places with a table in the middle. In the armchair on the other side of the table sat an American girl who was traveling with her family. They sat in the side seats. It was fun seeing the differences in culture. They ate chips and snacks along the way.
The journey is short (for the distance travelled), taking less than two and a half hours. You can see the landscape changing but the highlight of the trip is the half hour crossing the English Channel. We feel a different pressure, but it’s really cool to think you’re going underwater. When you come out the other side, you are already in the Queen’s Land.
EuroTunel crossing the English Channel (Photo: Image Bank)
Arrival in London
When we arrived at St. Pancras station you could already tell it was a different country. The location is also fantastic and lets the whole travel mood come up. The architecture of the station itself is enchanting.
St Pancras Station, London (Photo: Stock Images)
Everything is so perfect that we had no difficulty getting to the hotel. At the station, travelers have access to subway lines to travel around London, and it is very easy to purchase tickets. And if you have difficulties, there is always someone to help you.
Interior of St. Pancras station in London (Photo: Stock Photo)
When we left there we went to the hotel which was near the Tower of London and of course we went and enjoyed everything that this city that we have always wanted to visit has to offer.
Tower Bridge in London (Photo: Unscripted)
This train crossing was very memorable and greatly enriched our journey through Europe. In fact, it made me want to take the train to other places.
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