Eurostar provides a swift and effective travel option from London to the continent, offering a time-efficient alternative to flying for day trips or short breaks. When selecting your Eurostar train schedule, you typically encounter three fare choices: Standard, Plus, and Premier. I recently embarked on two journeys within a week, one in Standard and the other in Plus, to compare the two classes. Despite Plus tickets often being significantly pricier, is the upgrade worthwhile?
Opting for Eurostar Standard from London to Lille, a quick 90-minute trip from London St Pancras, I snagged tickets for just £35 one-way during a flash sale. This made traveling to Lille more economical than visiting many UK cities via train.
The Standard service offers a basic experience with a luggage allowance of two bags up to 85cm long, along with a small item like a handbag and laptop bag. Unlike flights, there are no weight or liquid restrictions, but be prepared to handle your bags on the train’s steep steps. Standard tickets are flexible up to an hour before departure, enabling fee-free ticket exchanges based on fare differences.
Featuring two rows of two seats that are more comfortable than typical UK trains, Standard also provides headrests, footrests, power outlets, and technically, WiFi access. However, WiFi connectivity may be unreliable, so it’s advisable to bring along entertainment. The journey passed quickly with some snacks, and we arrived in Lille’s city center ready for exploration.
On a subsequent trip from London to Paris in Eurostar Plus, the experience mirrored the Standard journey until boarding. Plus features fewer seats per row, offering two seats on one side and single seats on the other. Business travelers seemed to prefer the single seats for work, although the inconsistent WiFi may have hindered productivity.
Unfortunately, my Plus experience was marred by restroom issues, with several facilities out of order and others unclean. The main upgrade in Plus is the provision of breakfast or a light meal with drink choices like wine and beer, albeit served cold. While the meal was satisfactory, it could be likened to offerings at a standard station eatery.
Eurostar Plus staff demonstrated exceptional friendliness and efficiency, serving meals with wine and coffee in a polished manner. The Plus carriage exuded a more serene, business-oriented atmosphere, making it suitable for important meetings or solo travelers seeking privacy. However, for most travelers, bringing a packed meal might be a more cost-effective choice.
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