Checking-in for your Eurostar train trip

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Checking-in for your flight - sorry - trip is pretty standard whichever terminal you are at. You have to check in for Eurostar at least 30 minutes before departure (15 minutes for full-fare first class passengers).

Unlike airlines, though, the Eurostar check-in usually only opens about an hour before the train goes. The simplest way to check in is to use the automatic ticket gates at the entrance to the terminal; just put your ticket in the slot and voilà, you're in.

(Note: if you want to change anything, e.g. your seat position or time, you'll have to use one of the human-powered check-in counters).

Once through these entrance gates, there is a security check, rather sensitive, too, as I remember.

Baggage

There isn’t a separate check-in for baggage at Eurostar (as long as you haven’t got more than two bags or cases and one piece of hand luggage). You just take it on the train with you. If you've got a lot more or something you can't easily get onto the train (like a surfboard or bicycle) it is possible to send it as Registered Luggage (for a fee) and pick it up at the other end, but it may not go on the same train, they only say it will be ready for collection within 24 hours of registration (see this link for full details). You can do this at London St Pancras International, Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi/Zuid or Lille Europe.

At St Pancras International it's 10 minutes’ walk, from the Eurostar Terminal follow the signs to the EuroDespatch Centre, located near the station car park - call 08705 850 850 for more details.

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Next page: The Eurostar terminal at St Pancras International