Eurostar between Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam
A guide to continental Eurostar journeys, including stations, boarding and the checks that differ from London routes.
For Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, Eurostar can put you close to the city centre without an airport transfer. The useful comparison is the whole journey from your room to your next room, including station access and the time you need before departure.
On this part of the network, Paris uses Gare du Nord, Brussels uses Midi/Zuid, and Amsterdam services use Centraal. Read your ticket carefully, especially if another train brings you into a different station first.
Boarding is different from the London route
Continental journeys do not use the same departure procedure as Eurostar services to or from London. Eurostar's boarding guidance recommends arriving 20 minutes before continental departures and being ready to board five minutes before, or ten minutes at Paris Gare du Nord. Follow any earlier time shown for your booking or assistance arrangement.
Leave additional time if you need to find the station, use a lift or collect food. The recommended arrival time is not a target for stepping out of a taxi.
At Dutch stations, your ticket's barcode may be needed at the gates. Save it somewhere you can open quickly. Carry the travel documents required for your journey even though the departure process differs from the London service.
Compare fares you could actually use
The Paris–Brussels route is advertised at around one hour and 22 minutes on the train. Other departures and routes need their own search. Check the date, passenger ages and number of travellers together before comparing prices.
A low advance fare is useful when plans are fixed. Read the change and refund conditions if your dates might move. Do not count on an advertised starting price being available for a popular weekend.
For luggage, use the continental allowance, not a London-route example. You need to carry and store your bags yourself.
Try to avoid an immediate timed attraction after arrival. Leave time to get to your accommodation and have lunch. If Brussels is your next stop, our Brussels daily budget guide covers the costs waiting beyond the station.