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Post by freshsprout on Mar 14, 2007 10:45:44 GMT -5
Stupid inquiry.. haha. I need to book a ticket from London to Paris via Eurostar.. and I'd like to get to Paris early. Unfortunately their earliest arrival I think is 11 or noon. But being realistic, would it be smart booking a non-flexible ticket at **7 am or 8 am?** I'm usually an early bird at home, yet I'm thinking with partying and stuff.. I don't know if this is too risky?
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Post by Eagle on Mar 14, 2007 18:35:14 GMT -5
You'll have to decide whether partying or getting to Paris early is more important to you? Arriving at 11:00 or noon should still provide you with some time for sightseeing around Paris.
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Post by madamtrashheap on Mar 14, 2007 19:03:56 GMT -5
freshsprout, there is a 6.30am train from Waterloo to Gare du Nord (I know, I used to take it often - ouch!) if you think you can be there by 5.30am to check in. The first train during the week (not on Sundays) is at 5.30am, but that might be a little too uncivilised. As Eagle wrote, arriving at 11am or noon will still allow for an entire afternoon/evening of sightseeing. And the train ride is 2hrs30 so you can have a 2 hour nap if you're that worn out.
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Post by freshsprout on Mar 15, 2007 0:59:16 GMT -5
V. good.. appreciate the heads up on being there an hour early. Didn't even realize about that one.
Btw, are there any other tips you guys may have for taking the Eurostar to make it a more enjoyable experience?
Much grazie!
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Post by madamtrashheap on Mar 15, 2007 20:10:45 GMT -5
Eurostar is a great experience regardless, but here are a few extras for you:
Try to get a seat facing forward so you fully experience the speed at which you're travelling.
If you're in 2nd class, take breakfast with you as the on board menu is limited and not too cheap. There are places to buy pastries and drinks once you've checked in, if you don't get time to run up the stairs to the station concourse for local trains (few sandwich shops near the gates to the trains).
Enjoy!
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Post by freshsprout on Mar 16, 2007 2:39:25 GMT -5
Thanks Madam and Eagle again for your pointers..!
I'll most likely take the 9 am just to be on the safe side. (and get some coffee to wake me up after arriving in Paris)
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Post by herrbert on Mar 16, 2007 6:19:05 GMT -5
If you take the 9 am train, than leave your hostel early enough to get to Waterloo station on time for the check-in. Don't forget that everybody in London is getting to work. (unless you would travel in the weekend)
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Post by me on Mar 16, 2007 11:38:01 GMT -5
one more thing to keep in mind, though not sure how much it would matter, Paris is on Central European Time, one hour ahead of London's GMT (well, London is on GMT now - on the 25th they go on UK daylight saving time). so, your watch will be off when you get to Paris.
does this mean that, per the schedule, Eurostar takes 1½ hours Paris - London, 3½ hours London - Paris? or, is the time change included in the 2½ hours cited in duration on that train trip?
- d
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Post by freshsprout on Mar 16, 2007 13:56:45 GMT -5
Wow! I didn't even think about time change.. you're right, that may as well put the trip at 3.5 hours in a way. Thanks - it's amazing, I learn something new everytime you guys post something.
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Post by me on Mar 16, 2007 19:35:41 GMT -5
those were not rhetorical questions. i have no idea if what i suggested is true. it's a question that popped into my head. [i've never used Eurostar]
- d
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Post by madamtrashheap on Mar 18, 2007 20:30:19 GMT -5
The physical journey time is 2hr30, plus they remind you of the local time when you arrive at your destination (just like flying!). Just change your watch when you board the train and you'll be fine.
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