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Information about Eurostar to Calais, Lille, Paris and Brussels. Book a ticket direct and online.

eurostar to France

Eurostar to France. www.eurostar.co.uk

Ski train - tickets now on sale (July 2010)

Go via the channel tunnel on a day trip or holiday to Frethun (Calais), Brussels, Lille, Paris, Bourg St Maurice and Avignon (summer) for short breaks or shopping trips with Eurostar. You can take the TGV trains from each of these destinations (TGV stations).

Eurostar pricing is refreshingly honest when compared to the prices offered by some airline web sites.

To find the cheapest prices, we suggest you use this link from SNCF, the French rail website. Although it only allows you to check prices from some French stations, it gives a useful indication which days are the cheapest to travel on.calendrier.voyages-sncf.com

However the official booking agent in the United Kingdom is Rail Europe. www.sncf.co.uk

July 2010 - Eurostar adds more trains to Paris. Eurostar has put on 20 extra trains during August to meet extra demand for seats to Paris. Tickets for the additional services - four each weekend - went on sale today (22nd July)), with each of the additional 15,000 seats priced at £69 return.

May 2010 - Eurostar adds new class. Eurostar is to introduce from 1st September a new class, "Standard Premier", designed to appeal to not only the more cost-conscious business traveller, but also leisure travellers who want that little bit extra space and service. This new class will replace Eurostar's existing Leisure Select class, which has been available since 2005. It is pitched between the fully-flexible Business Premier and Standard classes and offers a light meal served at the passenger's seat.

April 2010 - Eurostar currently operates as a partnership between three railway companies, but is moving towards being a single unified corporate entity (2010). Eurostar is trialling a service with SNCF (French Railways) to allow passengers to travel between the UK and Provence (connecting via Lille), in specially reserved coaches on connecting TGV's. Tickets for travel to Lyon and Marseille on connecting services will be on sale for travel from June 1 with prices starting at £109 return to Lyon and £119 return to Marseille. The option is likely to be extended to other destinations. Travel times to Marseilles will be about six and half hours, to Lyon around five. There is also a new leisure loyalty programme, Eurostar Plus, which has been introduced to provide cash-back to passengers. You can earn extra points by booking travel for friends and family. 2010 Eurostar fares start at £65 return (to Paris, Disneyland, and Belgium). You will need to book up to three months in advance or travel mid week to get this fare though. One way fares start at £35 to Paris and Brussels.

December 2009 - December Eurostar debacle, a statement from Eurotunnel

December 2009 - Eurostar, the high-speed provider of carbon neutral journeys between the United Kingdom and the Continent, has announced that tickets for its direct weekly summer services to Avignon will go on sale this month. Available from 22nd December 2009, the direct service to Provence will run every Saturday from London St Pancras International and Ashford International from 10 July to 4 September 2010.

September 2009 - Good news and bad news. Eurostar have scrapped the £5 booking fee for reservations made via its call centre. However they have now introduced a £3 credit card fee for online bookings. Use your debit card, as payments made this way remain free.

2009 - It's now possible to buy tickets for European rail travel from over 200 United Kingdom towns. This will increase to over 300 in the coming months. Next yearHigh-speed rail is capturing the public imagination as the new alternative to short-haul air for journeys across Europe", said Eurostar commercial director, Nick Mercer, will also see the launch of high-speed services between Brussels and Amsterdam which will put a range of Dutch cities within three to four hours of London by rail. EUROSTAR has confirmed a joint ticketing deal South West Trains, adding to other rail partnerships which mean it now offers fares from more than 200 towns and cities across Britain for high-speed travel to Europe. Download a PDF map.www.eurostar.com

Latest news - Direct to Euro Disney from 18th July - Book direct from 68 United Kingdom towns and cities - New London Eurostar terminal opened 14th November 2007 - quick facts and figures

Eurostar Terminals; St Pancras International (from 14th November 2007). Waterloo International is now closed to Eurostar trains. Ashford International is easy to get to via the M25 and M20. Park your car for £8.00 a day. Brussels Midi/Zuid is 10-20 minutes from the city centre. Lille Europe is just 5 minutes walk from the city centre.

Cheapest tickets? Try and book 60 to 90 days before you travel. Otherwise aim to leave before 7.00am and travel back after 7.00pm.

Eurostar city breaks; Paris, Lille, Brussels

Routes; London to Calais, Lille, Paris, and all the main cities of France. You can also easily go to Belgium cities and connect to other trains to take you to other E.U. countries.

Switzerland - It is also now possible to book to 18 Swiss stations as bookings are now made in conjunction with Swiss High speed operator Lyria.

Reservations; 08705 186 186 (there is a £5 charge for phone bookings)

General Info.; 08701 600 052. (From outside the United Kingdom please call 0044 207 922 4494)

Shopping in Lille - Factory Shopping - French and European Rail companies

 

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OFFER 1 - Cheapest ferry fares Dover to Calais with P O Ferry. Daytrips only £25 on Day-tripper.net. Car and up to 9 people. £2 foot passenger offer.

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OFFER 3 - DFDS Seaways Ferries. Mini cruise breaks to Amsterdam from Newcastle. Great deals available.

Direct Booking links

Transmanche Ferries DieppeLD Lines Ferry BoulogneTranseuropa Ferries
Norfolkline Dover to DunkirkCondor Ferries
Brittany ferriesDFDS Ferries Newcastle
Eurostar to Paris

Eurotunnel

Rail Europe

Book a Hotel in France, Belgium and Europe

Useful outside links

Protect my holiday - Protect my Holiday. This company offers insolvency cover. www.protectmyholiday.com

Port of;

Dover Port Authority. www.doverport.co.uk

Calais Port Authority. www.calais-port.com

Trains times - departures arrivals from Calais Fréthune. www.gares-en-mouvement.com

Wikipedia listing for Fréthune Station, Calais. en.wikipedia.org

brussels by eurostar - 151 Reasons to visit Brussels. www.brussels151.com

Ferry news from the Ferry industry magazine. www.interferry.com/news

Ferry news from Ferry Publication magazine. www.ferrypubs.co.uk

Ferry news from Lloyds List. www.lloydslist.com

Weather. france.meteofrance.com

Weather. www.meto.gov.uk

Shipping Forecast - Met Office. www.metoffice.gov.uk

eurotunnel to France - Eurotunnel (cars and lorries)

say no to 0870 - Say NO to 0870. www.saynoto0870.com

Eurostar

Getting to and from Calais Freethune TGV Station in Calais

There is an bus line "Interurbaines" that runs from the Central Station in Calais to the TGV at Frethune. Book a train. www.ter-sncf.com/uk

Eurostar. www.eurostar.com

Snow Trains / Ski buses

The Snowtrain, run by Rail Europe, usually runs every year during the ski season. However it will not be running in 2010/11.

2010/11 season - Eurostar will continue to provide two direct services a week to Bourg St Maurice, both calling en route at Moûtiers and Aime-La-Plagne, with the overnight service allowing skiers to enjoy more time on the slopes. The trains offer access to a variety of ski destinations in the French Alps such as Courchevel, La Plagne, Tignes, Méribel, Les Arcs and allow advanced skiers, families or beginners to select a resort tailored to their needs.

From 19th December 2010 to 16th April 2011 you can hop on the Eurostar ski train at St Pancras International or Ashford International and be whisked direct to the resorts of Moutiers, Aime-la-Plagne or Bourg-St-Maurice at 186mph. Tickets are on sale from13th July 2010 at 9.00am.

Eurostar trains run direct from London to the French Alps on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings (trains run on Sundays during the Christmas and New Year periods) during the ski season, from 19th December 2010 to 16th April 2011 (last inbound service).

Direct trains returning to London leave the French Alps on Saturday mornings and Saturday afternoons (trains will run on Sundays during the Christmas and New Year periods) during the ski season (Bourg St Maurice and Moutiers Salins Brides Les Bains only).

Please note that although you may book a journey to Aime la Plagne, you will need to travel to Bourg St Maurice or Moutiers les Bains in order to board your return train.

As well as for popular French ski destinations, tickets for resorts in Switzerland will be available later in the year thanks to onward connections in Paris. More and more of passengers are discovering the ease and convenience of onward travel thanks to Europe's high speed rail network.

Timetable / Book a ski train (click on "Destinations", then find "Ski" under "Core services".

The good news is that the Eurostar fares have fallen from £179 in 2008/9 to £149 this season.

An alternative to taking the train all the way or going via Paris (change stations), is to take Eurostar to Lille Airport from Ebbsfleet International Station in Kent (good parking, but expensive at £11.50 a day). Air France flies to Lyon and Geneva from here.

You can get to Ebbsfleet via public transport for free though. On both Southeastern train services (Charing Cross and Victoria stations in London) and the local Fastrack bus service travel is free, just produce your proof of ticket purchase and identity.

Fastrack buses - Fastrack buses. www.go-fastrack.co.uk

Ski buses and transfers

Going by coach to ski

Latest news - a few of the press releases from Eurostar of interest to shoppers

2010

2/04/10 Every eurostar.com ticket can now be rewarded! Eurostar introduces a new leisure loyalty programme, "Eurostar Plus"

12,000 members since the start of 2010

Eurostar, the high-speed provider of carbon neutral journeys between the UK and the Continent, has introduced a new leisure loyalty programme, Eurostar Plus.

Eurostar Plus is a very straightforward, easy to use online scheme. Every pound spent on a Eurostar ticket is now rewarded with cash-back. Eurostar Plus also offers the unique advantage of an individual being able to also earn points by booking travel for friends and family.

How does it work? - Create a Eurostar Plus account on www.eurostar.com. (Click here)

www.eurostar.com, travellers earn one point.

- When travellers accumulate 300 points, they automatically receive a £20 e-voucher valid for a year. - The e-voucher can be used to book future travel on www.eurostar.com

- Eurostar Plus offers the unique option to earn points when family and friends travel, using the membership number of the Eurostar Plus account holder.

Mary Walsh, Eurostar's Communications Director, commented "We were very keen to introduce a scheme that rewarded our loyal customers who travel on leisure tickets. Eurostar Plus launched at the start of the year and we already have over 12,000 customers registered so our travellers clearly appreciate the cash back benefits and the opportunity to save money on their travel costs."

2009

4th October 2009

Eurostar launches "Trip planner" on eurostar.com

-- A unique, interactive tool to help travellers optimise on their holiday itineraries by mixing and matching inspiring ideas

-- A travel portal dedicated to Eurostar destinations

Eurostar, the provider of high-speed, carbon neutral rail journeys between the United Kingdom and the Continent, has launched "Trip Planner" on www.eurostar.com/tripplanner. Trip planner is an interactive online tool which allows Eurostar travellers to discover a huge range of different possibilities of things to do and see to maximise on their trip and to create their own personalised itineraries.

Available in English, French and Flemish, Trip Planner provides valuable information on Paris and London to first timers as well as appealing to regular visitors to the cities who long to sample something new and exciting. It gives visitors the best hotels, restaurants, bars, activities and sights as chosen by experts. It also provides sample itineraries, detailed information on attractions and venues and the local currency. Using the tool, visitors can mix and match ideas to quickly create bespoke itineraries according to their interests, or choose from set itineraries loaded on the site. And just one more click will create a handy print-out of their itinerary, including a map of their chosen venues and all the vital information such as opening hours, the nearest public transport and even the weather forecast. Trip Planner is also a dedicated travel portal, which provides an easy to use central booking system for an upcoming trip: travellers can book their Eurostar travel as well as their accommodation, all in one place.

9th August 2009

Eurostar scraps call centre booking fee offering better value service to travellers

-- Eurostar becomes only London-Paris/Brussels operator to avoid call centre charges

-- Transparent credit card charge set lower than airline competitors

-- Debit card bookings remain free - ensuring customer choice

Eurostar, provider of high-speed, carbon neutral rail journeys between the United Kingdom and the Continent, will from 11 August scrap its £5 booking fee for all ticket reservations made through its United Kingdom based call centre.

The removal of the charge will enable travellers to make journey enquiries by telephone and complete their reservations at the same price as booking via the Eurostar.com website. At the same time, Eurostar is introducing a charge of £3 per credit card transaction for all bookings by phone and on the internet - which is significantly lower than any of its airline competitors. The charge will offset most of the costs levied on Eurostar by the credit card companies.

However all bookings by debit card remain free, ensuring that Eurostar travellers can continue to avoid any extra charges, and reflecting also the much lower costs levied by the banks for this type of payment card. Nick Mercer, Commercial Director, Eurostar said: "We're scrapping the fee for booking through our British call centre in order to give travellers even better value and service. The costs levied by credit card companies are out of our control and we are having to pass these on, but we want travellers to have the choice of avoiding extra charges and thus all debit card bookings will remain free."

4th August 2009

High-speed rail now connects more than 200 British towns and cities to mainland Europe

Eurostar, the provider of high-speed, carbon neutral rail journeys between the United Kingdom and the Continent, today announced that it now offers fares from more than 200 towns and cities across Britain for high-speed rail travel to the continent.

Eurostar outlined its plans the day after the Government announced an investment programme in high-speed rail to help meet its targets to cut carbon emissions. South West Trains today becomes the latest train operator with which Eurostar is to introduce a joint ticketing deal, with fares from just £63 return and no airline-style extra charges for check-in, baggage or seat reservations.

Examples of city centre to city centre journey times include Basingstoke to Paris in 4h12, Southampton to Brussels in 4h33, and Woking to Paris in 3h58. Partnerships with further train operators are expected to take the number of stations offering connecting high-speed fares to more than 300 later this summer.

Travellers from as far afield as Aberdeen, Bangor and Penzance can now buy connecting fares for journeys through to Paris, Brussels and beyond. Eurostar has seen particularly significant growth in travellers from the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East since it moved from Waterloo to St Pancras International in November 2007. Nick Mercer, Commercial Director, Eurostar, said: "High-speed rail is capturing the public imagination as the new alternative to short-haul air for journeys across Europe."

"More than 200 British cities are now connected to Europe's high-speed rail network, and with one booking you can travel from almost anywhere in Britain to hundreds of destinations on the other side of the Channel." We look forward to the launch next year of high-speed rail services between Brussels and Amsterdam, which will put a range of Dutch cities within three to four hours of London.

Friends of the Earth's Campaigner Richard Dyer said: "High-speed rail can provide a viable low-carbon alternative to short-haul flights." "We're pleased Eurostar is making it even easier for passengers from across the United Kingdom to book tickets to continental destinations.

3rd August 2009

Eurostar hails 'Print Anywhere' ticketing a success

Eurostar, the provider of high-speed, carbon neutral rail journeys between the United Kingdom and the Continent, has seen a huge change in the way that people ticket their journeys with around 70% of its travellers taking advantage of the ëPrint Anywhere' service via the website, Eurostar.com.

Since launching the service in April, increasing numbers of travellers have opted to retrieve their tickets with ease, at home; at the office or anywhere they have access to a computer and a printer. Following a significant investment at all major stations in France, United Kingdom and Belgium, travellers can now simply scan their own unique printed barcode, so making their check-in even more hassle free than before.

"'Print Anywhere' ticketing allows our travellers to save time and gives them a greater degree of flexibility and convenience." "Station staff are finding that the majority of people arrive at Eurostar check-in with their tickets already printed - a sure sign that this initiative has been well received."

10th July 2009

Summer in Provence as Eurostar starts direct services to Avignon on Saturday 11 July

-- Weekly direct Saturday service to run from 11 July to 5 September 2009

Eurostar, the high-speed provider of carbon neutral rail journeys between the United Kingdom and the continent, is starting its weekly direct service on Saturday 11 July to Avignon, in the heart of the Provence region of southern France. It will be the eight successive year Eurostar will be running the service which takes less than six hours from London St Pancras International (and less than five and a half hours from Ashford International). Tickets are available from £99 return in standard class and £249 in Leisure Select.

Taking the Eurostar to Provence is the most relaxing and enjoyable way of travel, with none of the hassles or extra costs associated with airports and flying. Avignon Centre station is just a couple of minutes walk from the historic city walls. The direct service will run every Saturday from London St Pancras International and Ashford International from 11 July to 5 September 2009.

Timetable (all times are local):

Outbound* - Time. Inbound** (Time)

St Pancras International - 07h19. Avignon Centre (16h24)

Ashford International - 07h55. Ashford International (20h33)

Avignon Centre - 14h12. St Pancras International (21h10)

* From Saturday 11 July to Saturday 5 September 2009. ** From Saturday 18 July to Saturday 12 September 2009

Check-in:

The recommended check-in time for the direct Eurostar to Avignon is 60 minutes before departure.

Avignon train stations: Avignon Centre Station is the city station and is distinct from Avignon TGV station, which is on the TGV Med high-speed line. A shuttle bus operates between the two stations, which runs about every 20 minutes and takes approximately 10 minutes. Cost is approximately 3 euro for a single journey.www.eurostar.com, by calling 08705 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.

Avignon and over 60 other French destinations are also available all year round by combining a Eurostar journey to Paris and Lille and an onward journey on a French TGV service.

2nd July 2009

Eurostar direct ski services to the French Alps on sale from 7 July for 2009-2010 winter season

-- First direct day service launches on 19 December 2009

-- First direct night service launches on 1 January 2010

-- Fares start from just £149 return, down from £179 in 2008

-- A carbon neutral passenger journey, at no extra cost

Eurostar, the high speed passenger train linking United Kingdom with the Continent, will open ticket sales for its popular direct ski services from St Pancras International and Ashford International to the French Alps on Tuesday 7 July 2009. Return fares start this year from £149, down from £179 return last year - in an early response to the extremely competitive market place for ski holidays in the coming season. Bookings can be made online on Eurostar.com or by calling 08705 186 186.

Eurostar provides two weekly direct services to Moutiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice. The overnight service, leaving St Pancras International in the evening, allows travellers an extra two days on the slopes. It is the ideal solution for travellers from towns and cities beyond London, who can buy connecting fares from their home stations directly to the heart of the French Alps. Passengers will be able to use domestic trains to reach London and connect on Eurostar services, allowing them to be in the office until Friday lunchtime and on the slopes first thing on Saturday morning. As for the day train, it provides a scenic option passing through Burgundy until the magnificent panoramic Alps unfolds.

Eurostar's ski direct services offer easy access to a variety of top ski destinations in the French Alps such as Courchevel, La Plagne, Tignes, Meribel, Les Arcs and allow skiers to select a resort tailors to their needs. Eurostar stations are located a short bus ride from the resorts, avoiding the lengthy transfers time to and from the airports. For added convenience, an extra item of luggage on top of the normal luggage allowance - such as a pair of skis or a snowboard- can be taken onboard at no extra cost: there is no need to wait for baggage reclaim.

Taking Eurostar to the French Alps is the natural option for skiers willing to preserve the environment. Not only is the train a more comfortable and relaxing journey, it is also a less environmentally damaging option as all Eurostar journeys are now carbon neutral. A research commissioned by Eurostar has shown that a Eurostar journey to Bourg St Maurice generates 14kg of CO2 per passenger. By comparison, a typical return flight from London to Geneva* emits 147,8kg of CO2 per passenger.

Simon Montague, Eurostar's Director of Communications, commented: "In these tough economic times, it is important to offer even greater value for travellers. Our return fares start from £149, down from £179 last year, and are all inclusive - there are no taxes or hidden charges like many of the airlines".

He added: "Eurostar is the natural option for skiers, which allows them to greatly reduce their environmental impact - on average, a Eurostar journey emits just one tenth of the CO2 emissions of an equivalent flight- and to reach their resorts refreshed and ready for the slopes."

"Travel to resorts located in Switzerland will also be available on Eurostar, thanks to onwards connections in Paris. These will be available later in the year, in line with the booking horizon of train operators on the continent".

(1) Runs from Friday 1 January 2010 to Friday 2 April 2010

(2) Runs from Saturday 19 December 2009 to Saturday 10 April 2010

(3) Runs from Saturday 2 January 2010 to Saturday 17 April 2010

(4) Runs from Saturday 26 December 2009 to Saturday 10 April 2010

* From London Stansted to Geneva.

** There is no stop at Aime La Plagne on the inbound service.

17th June 2009

Eurostar introduces single fares from just £35

-- New fare range offers greater flexibility to travellers

-- Wider fare simplification sees end of "stay away" conditions

Eurostar, the provider of carbon neutral, high-speed rail journeys between the United Kingdom and the Continent, has today introduced single fares to all its destinations. The new fares start from the wholly inclusive price of £35 for London to Paris/Brussels, and can be purchased without any airline-style extra charges.

As part of a commitment to greater transparency, Eurostar is helping travellers find better deals, by simplifying its fare structure. Travellers can expect more flexibility with the removal of "stay away" conditions such as Saturday Night Away, One Night Away, Midweek Day Return and Weekend Day Return. Nick Mercer, Eurostar's Commercial Director, commented: "We want to help travellers who are planning a tour of Europe or who need the flexibility to return by a different route, by making low priced single fares available." "We hope this greater range of fare options will allow travellers to make even more use of Europe's high-speed rail network and exploit the environmental advantages of train over plane for seamless rail journeys.

As part of the changes and in a move that more accurately reflects the product offering, Leisure Select fares have increased. The new lead-in fare for Leisure Select return travel from London - Paris/Brussels is £175 return. Passengers travelling Leisure Select benefit from more spacious seats, roomier carriages, a 3-course meal with wine*, complimentary newspapers and magazines, and excellent "at seat" service.

Eurostar continues to offer its widely available lead-in return fare of £59 which has not changed for over six years.

*Alcohol is available by request on outbound services before 9h30.

8th May 2009

Eurostar's new "Leisure Select" - The ultimate first class leisure experience on high-speed rail

Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service that links the United Kingdom with the continent, today unveiled a new look and feel for the onboard branding of Leisure Select - its first class accommodation for leisure travellers.

Paris and Brussels that have been selected as offering great value for money.

Disneyland Resort Paris and the weekly direct services from London to Avignon in Provence during the summer. Eurostar and third party travel agents and tour operators who sell Eurostar tickets will also use the new Leisure Select identity to enhance their marketing of the product. Leisure Select offers style, quality and value, and includes a choice of meals and drinks served at seat. All-inclusive fares start from just £119 return for a weekend day return, or from £149 return for a Saturday night away, with no airline-style extra charges.

Eurostar's Director of Communications, Simon Montague, said: "Our research shows that travellers love Leisure Select. The new branding will help them discover more about their destinations, as well better defining this ultimate leisure product that means a holiday begins as soon as you get on board."

Uniquely, Eurostar offers three classes of services on its trains, including two first class products:

Business Premier is tailored to provide maximum flexibility of ticketing, 10-minute check-in, business lounge access and a highly productive work-on-the move environment, with a catering service designed to fit around the needs of business travellers, including an express breakfast service.

Leisure Select occupies the same spacious first class coaches as Business Premier, with roomy seats, power points, newspapers and magazines. However, it is aimed at travellers who want to relax, not work, with at seat service designed to maximise the enjoyment of the journey. Travellers are offered champagne, a choice of meal, and have the opportunity to read, play games or meet like-minded travellers.

Standard Class offers excellent value, with a new online search facility on Eurostar.com for the cheapest £59 return fare. Travellers can purchase food and drinks from the bar buffet, or take their own food on board.

Fares start from just £55 return to Lille/Calais and £59 return to Paris, Brussels or any Belgian station, and Disneyland Resort Paris with no hidden extras and convenient 30 minute check-ins at city centre stations.

2008

Ski Train booking starts in July.

Eurostar direct ski services to The French Alps go on sale on 16 July for 2008-2009 winter season

- First direct day service launches on 20 December 2008

- First direct night train departs on 26 December 2008 --Return fares start from just £179

Eurostar, the high speed train passenger train linking United Kingdom with the continent, will open ticket sales for its direct ski services from St Pancras International and Ashford International to the French Alps on Wednesday 16 July 2008. Return fares start from £179. Bookings can either be made online at www.eurostar.com or by calling 08705 186 186.

Eurostar’s highly popular ski direct trains offer easy access to a variety of top ski destinations in the French Alps such as Courchevel, La Plagne, Tignes, Méribel, Les Arcs and allow advanced skiers, families or beginners to select a resort tailored to their needs.

Eurostar provides two direct services a week to Bourg St Maurice, both calling en route at Moûtiers and Aime-La-Plagne. The overnight service, leaving London St Pancras International, allows travellers an extra two days on the slopes. It is the ideal option for travellers living in towns and cities beyond London, who can buy through fares and use domestic trains to reach St Pancras International to connect with Eurostar high-speed trains, giving them the opportunity to be in the office until Friday lunchtime and still enjoy the slopes first thing on the Saturday morning. The day train provides a scenic option: travellers will enjoy being whisked through the changing French countryside until the magnificent panoramic scenery of the Alps unfolds.

For added convenience, an extra item of luggage - such as a pair of skis or a snowboard- on top of the normal luggage allowance can be taken on board the train at no extra cost. Eurostar stations are also located just a short bus ride from the resorts, avoiding the long transfer experienced when travelling by air and taking skiers straight to the slopes.

2. In comparison a passenger on a typical London Heathrow-Geneva return flight generates 191 kilograms of CO2, while a typical round trip between Gatwick and Geneva generates 169 kilograms of CO2 per passenger.

Direct to Euro Disney - service started 18th July 2008.

Good news! Eurostar started a service direct to Euro Disney east of Paris from 18th July 2008. Trains run on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays only though.

December 2007 - Eurostar has launched through-fares to France and Belgium from 68 major towns and cities in the United Kingdom

Eurostar, the high-speed international train operator, today (18 December 2007) announced that travellers from 68 towns and cities across Britain can now buy through-fares to Paris, Disneyland Resort Paris, Brussels (as well as any station in Belgium), and 75 connecting destinations in France at Eurostar.com

The high-speed train's booking system has been linked with those of seven United Kingdom train operators: Virgin Trains, First Capital Connect, National Express East Coast, East Midlands Trains, Chiltern Railways, Hull Trains and London Midland, meaning travellers only have to book one ticket for their entire journey.

Standard class, return fares to Paris, Brussels and Disneyland Resort Paris start from just £67. There are up to 17 connecting rail services a day to Paris and up to 10 a day to Brussels.

Through-fares also include travel on London Underground for those passengers needing to transfer from Euston and Marylebone stations to St Pancras International.

The through-fares are available up to 84 days in advance and include travel on London Underground for passengers needing to transfer to St Pancras International.

If travellers miss a train due to a late-running connecting service, they will be able to travel on the next available Eurostar or domestic train at no extra cost.

In the second half of 2008, Eurostar and the United Kingdom train operators will extend the range of through-fares to more cities, as well as from continental towns and cities for business travellers and holidaymakers heading inbound to destinations across Britain.

- ends –

(Eurostar journey times on High Speed 1, the United Kingdom’s first high-speed line, are: London – Paris 2 hours 15 minutes, London – Disneyland Resort Paris 2 hours 35 minutes, London – Brussels 1 hour 51 minutes). Travellers in cities such as Leeds, Leicester, Cambridge, York and Birmingham can now simply go to eurostar.com and book one fare valid for the entire journey from their local mainline station to their continental destination. They then collect their tickets from the self-service ticket machines at the station just before starting their journeys.

Travellers can also start their bookings on First Capital Connect and East Midlands Trains web sites, from where they will be directed to eurostar.com.

Quick facts

1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking London Waterloo (until 13 November), London St Pancras (from 14 November) Ebbsfleet (from 19 November), Ashford, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.

2. Eurostar will switch its London terminal from Waterloo International and begin services from St Pancras International on 14 November 2007. This is the United Kingdom’s first dedicated high-speed rail line, running for 68 miles (109 km) from the Channel Tunnel near Folkestone to St Pancras International.

3. A new station at Ebbsfleet International, just off junction 2 of the M25 near the Dartford crossing and Bluewater shopping centre in north Kent, will open on 19 November. Journey times will be 10 minutes shorter than from St Pancras.

4. Under its ‘Tread Lightly’ initiative, Eurostar has set a target of reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 25% per passenger journey by 2012. Independent research has already shown that a Eurostar journey between London and Paris / Brussels generates 10 times less carbon dioxide than flying.

5. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.

6. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates a vehicle shuttle service and the Channel Tunnel itself.  Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

7. What else is good about the new terminal? The longest champagne bar in Europe for a start. It’s also very well-connected – six Tube lines will whisk you direct to St Pancras International. No problem getting there from further afield either – seven train operators serve Kings Cross, St Pancras International and Euston.

8. Journey times on High Speed1, the United Kingdom’s first high-speed line. St Pancras International to; Paris - 2 hours 15 minutes, Brussels - 1 hour 51minutes, Lille - 1 hour 20minutes. From Ebbsfleet International to; Paris - 2 hours 5 minutes, Brussels - 1 hour 41 minutes.

9. Ashford International station is now complimented by Ebbsfleet. Although there are fewer trains to Ashford than before, with Ebbsfleet now operating, there are now 33% more trains stopping in Kent.

10. The new timetable becomes fully operational on 9 December 2007. In the meantime the transitional timetable will operate from 14 November to 8 December 2007. During this period certain train times could be subject to alterations.

4th September 2007

Eurostar to run inaugural train on high speed 1the United Kingdom’s first high-speed line, from Paris to St Pancras international.

--Eurostar aims for record journey time --Train will run at 186mph between Channel Tunnel and London for the first time

--Britain joins Europe’s high-speed rail network Eurostar, the high-speed train operator that links the United Kingdom with the Continent, will today (Tuesday 4 September) run its inaugural train over Britain’s new 186mph high-speed line, arriving into the wonderfully restored St Pancras International, Eurostar’s new London terminal.

The train from Gare du Nord station in Paris, due to depart mid-morning, is aiming to set a new record journey time, covering the 306 mile (492 km) distance to St Pancras International in less than 2 hours and 15 minutes, the new scheduled time from November, and cutting more than 20 minutes off the current timetable of 2 hours 35 minutes between Paris and Waterloo. Today’s train will travel the full length of High Speed 1, the new line that connects Britain to Europe’s fast-expanding high-speed rail network and that will enable seamless, city centre-to-city centre journeys that are already familiar to millions of continental Europeans.

High Speed 1 has been built on time and within budget and is the link bringing Paris and London - two of the world’s leading cities - even closer together. The excellent connections between domestic and Eurostar services at St Pancras International will also enable travellers from towns and cities across Britain to reach mainland Europe quickly and easily. Faster journeys between the United Kingdom and the continent will help to boost business and tourism in London and in the regions – aiding the economy and adding to the United Kingdom’s competitive advantage. the United Kingdom’s first high-speed line runs for 68 miles (109 km) from the Channel Tunnel near Folkestone to St Pancras International in central London. It passes through Ashford International and Eurostar’s new station at Ebbsfleet International in Kent, before crossing under the River Thames and approaching the capital in tunnels under east London. Eurostar trains will travel at a speed of 186 mph (300km/h) – 50% faster than even Britain’s fastest domestic rail services.

Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Eurostar, said: "Today marks Britain’s entry into the European high-speed rail club. We can now run trains at high speed all the way from the Channel Tunnel to London, making journeys between cities quicker, more convenient - and far greener than flying. "Eurostar will soon have two new stations, opening up European rail travel to millions more people across Britain. St Pancras International has numerous rail connections to towns and cities north and south of the capital, while Ebbsfleet International - just off junction 2 of the M25 and close to Bluewater shopping centre in Kent - is conveniently located for 10 million people across southern England."

Eurostar will launch services from St Pancras International on 14 November this year – in 71 days’ time - having run the final trains from Waterloo the previous evening (13 November). The High Speed 1 timetable will for the first time enable United Kingdom business travellers to reach the centres of Paris and Brussels before 9am, ready for a full day’s work. Leisure passengers will benefit from later evening departures, allowing them longer for their trips. Travelling by Eurostar will enable passengers to ‘tread lightly’ on the environment – also the name of Eurostar’s plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 25% per passenger journey by 2012. From 14 November, Eurostar will offset CO2 emissions that it cannot eliminate at its own expense, making it the first train company in the world to offer ‘carbon neutral’ journeys to all its customers. Independent research has shown that going by Eurostar generates ten times less CO2 than flying, demonstrating that the train is far greener than the plane.

  - ends - Notes to Editors:

1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking London Waterloo (until 13 November), London St Pancras (from 14 November) Ebbsfleet (from 19 November), Ashford, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps. 2. Eurostar will switch its London terminal from Waterloo International and begin services from St Pancras International on 14 November 2007. Journey times on High Speed 1, the United Kingdom’s first high-speed line, will be London – Paris 2h 15min; London – Brussels 1h 51min; and London - Lille 1h 20min.  3. A new station at Ebbsfleet International, just off junction 2 of the M25 near Dartford crossing and Bluewater shopping centre in north Kent, will open on 19 November. Journey times will be 10 minutes shorter than from St Pancras.

4. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network. 5. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates a vehicle shuttle service and the Channel tunnel itself.