Eurostar from St Pancras

[Everyoneherehands2]

Hi sorry a boring one here but hoping someone who's done this before can help please.

We are travelling by Eurostar with 2 year old twins soon and would like to know what time you would recommend we get to St Pancras. The eurostar leaves at 10.14, and says online to arrive 75 minutes before then. Is this necessary? The later the better with the kids!

Thanks

I would definitely get there at leat 75 minutes before as they suggest - the queues can be pretty long at check-in and to get through security/passport control (and you have to go through two lots of passport control)

they do get busy and close gates - think of it more like an airline departure rather than train travel. That said I've had some close shaves across Paris (SNCF from south of France and then legging it to Gare du Nord and encountering a long and disorganised queue - stress levels on the best!

The queues can be massive. We gave ourselves loads of time last time and we’re still dashing to our train!

If you can afford Business Premier, that gives you access to a lounge and you can check in later - but it's expensive!

The problem is that the queues are really variable. I travel from St Pancras fairly often and the queues are sometimes out into the main station. It's the same security checks as an airport, just with shorter walks, so I'd say at least an hour.

But I always end up in a argument with DH about arriving too early for things, so don't take my view as gospel!

Yes, queues can be long. When are you travelling? We generally take the first train of the day, so 6.15, and it is very busy!

Ah ok brilliant. Will definitely get there early then! Thanks all