Eurostar allows travelers to book their tickets in advance for 6 to 8 months before their journey. Booking early helps in getting stable seats at discounted prices, as the cost tends to increase when there is less time left for departure, especially in high-demand situations. However, the duration can increase or decrease depending on Eurostar’s routes and the availability of its connecting trains. Additionally, joining their specific club for more exclusive discounts and upgrades on every route they travel on is possible. Points earned by frequent traveling can also be used to book tickets to reduce the overall cost.
Booking Window for Eurostar
The booking window on Eurostar certainly depends on the requested services, but it can be booked as early as 8 months, and the deadlines can reach up to 14 days. However, times can change when there is engineering work going on any of the lines of Eurostar.
- Eurostar Snow Trains
The booking window for these trains opens, and tickets are generally put on sale in August of every year.
- Disneyland Paris
Direct trains from London are not available to Disney Paris, but can be booked with connecting tickets via Lille, which are available for four months in advance before departure on sale.
- SNAP Bookings
For trains to and from London, book tickets at least 14 days before. For trains between Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, booking window is reduced to 8 days.
- TGV INOUI/TGV Lyria
While having a connecting train with a TGV INOUI or TGV Lyria in France or Switzerland, book seats up to 120 days in advance, but some variations can be noticed on specific routes and trains.
- Deutsche Bahn ICE
Those who are having a connecting train to Deutsche Bahn InterCity Express trains to Belgium and Germany will reserve their seats 90 days before departure. However, there are possibilities of changes.
- UK National Rail
For traveling on UK National Rail, the tickets generally go on sale approximately 84 days before travel, and various train operating companies can project varied prices.
Factors Affecting How Far in Advance Passengers Should Book on Eurostar
Multiple factors are present that affect the booking timelines and prices due to the fluctuations in the train travel industry. But it is always advised that they must secure their seats as soon as possible to avoid paying extra and unnecessary charges increase due to high demand.
- Demand: When the booking window opens, the demand is certainly low, so are the prices, but as soon as the departure dates approach, the demand for seats increases. And eventually, it affects the price dynamics also.
- Peak Travel Times: During the crowded span, there is less availability of seats as most seats are booked immediately after launch. Hence, it is advised to keep a track of seats before booking and choose a non-peak time for traveling.
- Route and Connecting Services: Direct train services have a longer advance window, while connecting ones have a shorter one due to additional journey and changes of trains. If the journey includes other rail operators, there is are high chance of a limited or restricted booking window.
- Timetable changes: The European Train timetable changes twice a year, in June and December. It can shorten the time period for booking tickets on Eurostar.
- Prices: The Eurostar trains can be booked at a nominal price at the start, while prices will increase when there is less time for departure. Additionally, all promotional codes and vouchers are offered at the start, and it will be difficult to get discounted tickets at the end.
Recommendations for Booking Eurostar Tickets in Advance
These tips and recommendations can help passengers who are willing to plan their journey with Eurostar in booking their tickets in advance and finding the best deal possible.
- Plan Trip Early: Booking tickets in advance is allowed 6 to 8 months before departure. Hence, plan the trip as early as 10 months.
- Use the Advance Booking Window: Eurostar launches many of its tickets for advance sale, and it is mostly beneficial to book tickets during this time, as seats are offered at discounted prices. Moreover, if they have any additional vouchers, they can be used to reduce the already low price of tickets.
- Set Alerts: After planning a trip, they must use the official Eurostar app to set alerts for price drop or window opener to get notified as soon as the company releases for their travel date.
- Be Flexible: Prices can fluctuate, so staying flexible with dates is an easy way to book their seat at the best possible price and date.
- Utilize App or Website: Always use the Eurostar app or website to book tickets, instead of booking through third-party agencies, as they will include a hidden or additional cost for changing and cancellation.
Advance booking opportunity is provided by Eurostar, probably 26 to 35 weeks early. Generally, for trains to and from London, seats can be reserved 8 months to 14 days in advance. However, the time becomes shorter when the service starts to increase, such as trains between Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Similarly, on connecting routes and trains, the booking period is specific and restricted to either 120 days, 90 days, or 84 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eurostar typically allows bookings up to eight months before the travel date, although this can vary depending on the route and scheduled engineering works.
It is recommended to book as early as possible, ideally when tickets are first released, because prices usually increase as the departure date approaches and demand rises.
Refund and change policies depend on the fare type selected. Flexible fares usually allow changes or refunds with minimal charges, while lower promotional fares may have stricter rules.
Tickets for Snow Trains generally become available in August each year for the upcoming winter season.
Direct trains from London to Disneyland Paris are no longer in service. However, commuters can book connecting journeys via Lille, which are available around four months in advance.
Eurostar SNAP is a last-minute discounted booking option. SNAP bookings are generally available 14 days before departure for London routes and eight days prior for services between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
When the journey involves partner operators, the booking window may shorten. TGV INOUI and TGV Lyria services usually allow bookings up to 120 days ahead, DBICE services up to 90 days, and UK National Rail around 84 days in advance.
You can access free wifi on the Eurostar on all of its trains, whether direct or connecting. It is a service that comes automatically with purchased tickets, where the timeline of booking doesn’t matter.
