Eurostar Seat Reservation: Secure Your Seat Onboard

Eurostar is a fast, comfy, city-to-city train that whisks you between London and Paris with zero airport hassle. Onboard, you’ll find modern coaches, Wi-Fi, power sockets, generous luggage space, and easy boarding. Most travellers can book a regular ticket, but if you’re using an Interrail or Eurail Pass, you’ll need to reserve a seat separately. Let’s walk through everything involved in booking a seat reservation for the Eurostar.

Things to know before reserving your seats on the Eurostar

• When do you need one: If you’re travelling on the Eurostar with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, you must buy a seat reservation, since the pass doesn’t include an assigned seat on Eurostar’s high-speed services.
• Why is a seat reservation necessary: Eurostar trains have limited seating, so reserving seats guarantees you a spot on the exact train you want, especially on popular lines like the one connecting London and Paris.
• How early to book: It’s best to reserve as early as possible, ideally 4 to 6 weeks ahead during peak seasons, as seats can sell out quickly.
• Average cost: Seat reservations usually cost a small additional fee, called the special pass-holder fare. They are often cheaper than a standalone ticket, but significant enough to factor into your travel budget. Seat reservations cost €35 to €40 for the London–Paris line.
• Lesser flexibility: Because seat reservations tie you to a specific train at a specific time, you may not be able to hop on any connection of your choice. So you will have to plan your day around your chosen departure to avoid last-minute stress.
• Arrive early: We recommend arriving a couple of hours before your train’s departure to ensure that you have a smooth check-in and to have a bit more breathing room to handle border formalities.

What to expect on the Eurostar's standard coaches

With standard Eurostar seats, you get:

• Air-conditioned coaches with carpeted floors.
• Free Wi-Fi for browsing the internet or catching up on work.
• USB ports to keep your devices charged for the length of your journey.
• A drop-down or fixed table and an overhead reading light.
• Luggage allowance for two large bags plus one hand luggage.
• Access to the onboard trolley and Eurostar Café, from where you can purchase snacks and beverages to satisfy any cravings.*

*Note that the standard Eurostar ticket does not include free access to food or drinks. You will have to pay out of pocket for them.