Trains from UK to Europe
The only way to travel from the UK to continental Europe by train is through the Channel Tunnel on a Eurostar service. From London St Pancras, direct trains reach Paris in 2 hours 20 minutes, Brussels in 2 hours, and Amsterdam in under 4 hours — no airport, no flying.
Eurostar routes from London to Europe
How the Channel Tunnel crossing works
Eurostar trains leave from London St Pancras International and pass through the Channel Tunnel — a 50km undersea rail tunnel beneath the English Channel. The tunnel section itself takes about 20 minutes; you won't see anything, but you'll know you're crossing the world's third longest rail tunnel.
Passport control and security happen at the departure station — you check in like at an airport, but it's faster. Budget at least 45 minutes before departure.
How long is the train from London to Europe?
- London to Paris: ~2h 20m direct Eurostar
- London to Brussels: ~2h direct Eurostar
- London to Amsterdam: ~3h 52m direct Eurostar
- London to Barcelona: ~9h (Eurostar to Paris + TGV)
- London to Milan: ~9h (Eurostar to Paris + TGV)
Is the train from London to Paris faster than flying?
For central London to central Paris, the Eurostar is faster door-to-door than flying. You arrive at St Pancras 45 minutes before departure and walk out of Gare du Nord 2 hours 20 minutes later — in the heart of Paris. No Heathrow, no Gatwick, no baggage carousel.
For further destinations — say, Barcelona or Rome — a flight from London is faster overall, but the train via Paris gives you a more comfortable journey and avoids the airport experience entirely.
Onward connections from Paris
Paris is the hub for onward rail connections across Europe. From Paris Gare de Lyon (a 15-minute metro or walk from Gare du Nord), you can connect to:
- Barcelona — TGV direct, ~6h 30m
- Lyon and the south of France — TGV, 2h
- Geneva and Zurich — TGV, 3–3h 30m
- Milan — TGV direct, ~7h
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Frequently asked questions
Can you take a train from the UK to Europe?
Yes. Eurostar runs high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel from London St Pancras to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. It's the only passenger rail connection between the UK and continental Europe.
How long is the train from London to Paris?
The Eurostar takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord.
Do I need a passport for Eurostar?
Yes. All passengers need a valid passport. Since Brexit, UK citizens are no longer EU citizens, so non-EU nationals may need to fill in an entry form. Check the latest requirements before you travel.
Is Eurostar the only train from the UK to Europe?
Currently yes — Eurostar is the only passenger rail service through the Channel Tunnel, operating to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam directly from London.
More routes across Europe
