AIBU to book the Eurostar ££££££

[Namechangeforareason23]

I am in London next week visiting family (coming from Ireland). I have 2 nights free and as I have actually never been to Paris I thought I will use the opportunity and get the eurostar - was just about to book tickets but realised the price is incredibly expensive!! Over 350£ from St. Pancreas to Paris - will also need to pay around 40£ for train into London. I have found reasonable hotel accommodation so thats grand - but I am now thinking that this is SO dear that its not worth it?

Does anyone know of a way to get to Paris cheaper that doesnt take all day? I could fly but the train experience seems so much nicer.
I can afford to pay - but I do like to get value for money and this is my only child free time so I want to relax and treat myself.

AIBU to book it anyway? Or should I go elsewhere (ideas welcome!) and fly to paris another time?

Just do it!

You have the time, you have the funds, you have the opportunity.

£350 isn’t that much, in the grand scheme of things. And Eurostar is a nice way to get there, if you haven’t experienced it before.

Found flights for 170€ but to Beauvais.....

When I say I have the money - its going on the credit card and I am supposed to be saving for a mortgage!
However I have had my 2 kids ALL SUMMER - their Dad has absolved himself of all responsibiliy lately so I feel like I deserve something nice for myself. It just seems crazy dear.

https://secretsofparis.com/practical/getting-around/cheaper-eurostar-tickets/

I would fly, you can take a coach bus from Beauvais

The Eurostar itself though is pretty basic unless you are going FC. It’s not an experience IMO, just an alternative way to get to Paris. But..I bloody love Paris so I’d go! Re the cost..it is peak season so you just have to accept that prices are higher and if you want to do something thats the price you’ll have to pay.

If its just a couple of nights the train goes direct from city to city as opposed to out of town airport to out of town airport and without the lengthy checkin/security waits of most airports. Overall you are already in London you will have a lot more time in Paris and less hassle going by train.

To get cheap Eurostar tickets you generally need to book ahead and pick and off peak time so its really a question of whether the time or the money is the priority.

edit to add: don’t forget to include the cost of shuttles between city and airport if flying. Its usually a lot more than the equivalent metro/tube ride to the Eurostar terminal.

If its last minute you can book Eurostar snap - you pick date and time slots but you won’t know the exact train until 48hours before!

snap.eurostar.com/uk-en

I just had a Quick Look and going Wednesday with return on Saturday comes out about £60 each way!

If you are putting it on your credit card and you should be saving for a mortgage, I would say you don't have the money TBH. The Eurostar is just a train. (I take it a lot for work.)

You could go to Oxford, Cambridge or Bath instead? All 1-2 hour trains and much cheaper. Lovely places. But if you fancy Paris then why not if you can afford it! Would be much cheaper on a random Tues in November but that’s not when you can go, so 🤷‍♀️

YOU LEGEND!!! I got the Eurostart 'snap; option for 130€!!!!!!!!!!

Oh amazing! Have a brilliant time!

You need to book Eurostar way in advance for cheap tickets! I’d fly.

Im still on a high here! I am just thinking now that if my train to Paris is going to be later than I had planned I will go to the Tate Modern, have never been!
Any other recommendations for things to kill time near to St.Pancreas?

Also if my return train is very early and I am back in London what could I go and see? Any ideas most welcome! I LOVE a second hand/vintage clothes shop - love food / coffee / art / wine - not particularly keen on shopping (the big stores are just so overwhelming!)

Camden market but it’s a bit pricey
Brick Lane and Shoreditch for vintage stores and a nice mooch

That’s great OP!

I was going to mention Eurostar Snap but as other PPs have said the other option is to book miles in advance.

Wow well done, bargain! I shall save that snap tho g for future.

The British Library is right next door to St P. and an interesting place to visit.

But also note - it's St Pancras, not Pancreas 🤣🤣 sorry, I work there so this is one of those little things I find irritating haha have a brilliant time! 🇫🇷

Edited as saw you got a bargain!

Book in advance. Good deals to be had on Eurostar outside school holidays and peak times. I am going to Paris in November £90 return and it’s a lovely way to travel.