First-timer’s guide for taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris – everything you need to know door-to-door (so you can relax!)

I used to fantasise about trading my soggy umbrella for Mouse Ears but didn’t do it because I was worried about taking the train to Paris. But not anymore. I’ve just gotten back from a magical trip and am so excited to share my first-timer’s guide for taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris! Let’s talk about everything: what time to arrive to check-in, what to buy before you board, how to pack, what to wear and even special tips if you need more assistance. This guide will have you on your way to Disney faster than Mickey can say, See you real soon!

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PART I: How do you get from London to Disneyland Paris? Especially now that there are no direct trains.

When Eurostar announced they would no longer offer a direct train to Disneyland Paris, I must admit – I panicked a bit. I have no sense of direction! And I don’t speak French.

But rest assured, if I can do this journey, anyone can! I will show you step-by-step everything you need to know. It’s a lot easier than you would imagine.

So, what are our options now with Eurostar? 

There are two main ways Brits can get the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris since the direct service ended. Both involve changing trains:

(a) Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille. Get off at Lille and transfer. Take the SNCF train from Lille to Marne-La-Vallee/Chessy. You can buy this as a ticket package from Eurostar. Or, you can book one Eurostar ticket and one SNCF ticket separately.

OR

(b) Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Then take the RER (Metro) train from Gare du Nord to Marne-La-Vallee Chessy. You will buy the Metro ticket at Paris Gare du Nord, similar to buying a tube ticket in London. ➡️ TIP: Check out Gare du Nord to Disneyland Paris for everything you need to know about this train journey. (Spoiler alert: it’s easy!)

Pros and cons of Lille vs. Paris Gare du Nord

🚄/🚆OPTION 1 –  London St Pancras to Lille. Then Lille to Disneyland Paris (Marne-La-Vallee/Chessy)

I recommend this route if you are travelling with children, strollers and/or large luggage, especially at peak times. This is because the alternative journey via Gare du Nord is on a commuter train, and you will find the crowds much more challenging on the other route. 

➕ Pros: Convenience. You can easily book this 2-part journey with Eurostar all together. Your change at Lille is relatively simple, as you will just be walking to another platform within the station.

TIP: Allow yourself up to 10 minutes to navigate the escalators and find your way. Perhaps a bit longer if you are planning to use the lift.

➖ Cons: Cost. A ticket on the Eurostar Disneyland Paris via Lille is more expensive than going via Gare du Nord. And be aware that the second part of your journey is with a company called SNCF.

⚡Good to Know: I have learned (the hard way!) that during rail strikes, Eurostar does not provide compensation, accommodation, or alternative travel for delays or cancellations for the SNCF train to/from Lille. (And my travel insurance would not cover me either because this part of the journey did not originate in the UK.)

But, if you are sure no strikes are happening, going on the Eurostar Disneyland Paris via Lille is a great option. 

🚄/🚇 OPTION 2 – London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Then Gare du Nord to Disneyland Paris (Marne-La-Vallee/Chessy)

I recommend this route if you are familiar with using the London Underground, as it’s very similar.

➕ Pros: Budget friendly. You only need one Eurostar ticket and one RER (Metro) ticket. That makes this journey the cheapest. Often I can buy a ticket to Paris for £39 and an RER ticket for £5. Another benefit is that RER (Metro) trains run frequently (like the London Underground), so you can go to the platform and just hop on the next one. No need to pre-book.

➖ Cons: Slightly more complicated. RER is a commuter train, so travelling with strollers or large luggage is not recommended during crowded peak times. Also, some people might find it daunting to buy a RER ticket at the station and manoeuvre to the right platform.

Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with all the details to make this journey as easy as possible.

PART II: How to prepare for your journey: Eurostar to Disneyland Paris

What makes me feel relaxed when travelling is being organised and comfortable. I want to have all the correct documents and I want to enjoy my train journey.

Here’s how I prepare for my journey on the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris.

A) A quick guide to getting ready for your Eurostar journey

The first thing you need to do is gather up your essential documents. Here are the things I always take with me. 

B) Passport Requirements for France

It’s not the most exciting, but don’t forget to check your passport before you book your trip to Paris. You don’t want a nasty surprise preventing you from your best trip ever!

C) Tickets and reservations for Disneyland Paris

First-timers to Disneyland Paris may not be aware that you need to pre-book your Disney park tickets and, in some cases, make park reservations ahead of time. If you are staying on Disney property with a hotel and ticket package you don’t need to worry about this.

➡️ If you’d like advice on park tickets, check out my post on How to get the cheapest tickets for Disneyland Paris. That will explain how to save money, how many days you need and whether getting a park hopper ticket is recommended or not.

FAQ: Do I need to print my Disneyland Paris tickets?

The official answer is no, you do not need to print your Disneyland Paris tickets. You can use digital tickets on your phone, as long as you can scan them at the ticket barrier. OR if you are staying on Disney property, your tickets are linked to your Magic Pass provided by your hotel, so you will use that instead.

But, my golden advice if you are staying offsite is don’t rely on the digital tickets. Your phone might have issues, or the Disney electronic gate might be playing up. And you don’t want to be sweating and under pressure struggling with technical issues on your best day ever. Print the paper ticket (if you can), and get that bar code ready while you’re queueing.

PART III: Packing for the Eurostar

A) Must-have items for your journey to Disneyland Paris from St Pancras

For your smoothest and most comfortable trip for the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris, I have a little list of what to put in your travel bag.

1. Travel essentials

These are items I have in my handbag/backpack for the Eurostar:

2. For ultimate comfort

I also pack these extras for a more comfortable train journey:

3. Clothing considerations for your Eurostar journey

I have a full post on what to wear to Disneyland Paris in every kind of weather. But let’s take a look at what to wear specifically for your Eurostar journey.

The great part about going to Disney by Eurostar is that it’s relatively quick. You can go door to door in about 5 hours! That means you don’t need to think too much about what to wear. In fact, the weather in Paris is likely to be quite similar to the weather in London.

Here are 4 helpful tips to bear in mind when choosing your clothing for the Eurostar:

• There are a lot of escalators to travel on throughout your train journeys. Learn from my mistake and try not to wear a long skirt or maxi dress that you need to hitch up while manoeuvring an escalator with luggage.

• Are you travelling in hot weather? Eurostar can get very warm in the summer months. As well as packing plenty of water, dress in light layers and consider bringing a travel fan. A vest top with a button-down top over it or a summer dress with a light cardigan are both great choices. You can then take off or put on a layer as temperatures fluctuate.

• In colder months, it pays to dress in a few layers, too. A T-shirt or dress under a light jumper covered with another jacket or heavier cardigan always serves me well. A cosy scarf can double as a pillow for the return train, too.

• For younger children, be prepared for the odd accident. When my son was little, he had a habit of spilling juice on trains and planes, so I always packed him an extra set of clothes. In colder weather, we’d take a small fleece blanket, so he’d sleep on the way home.

For ideas on what to put in your Disney park bag and what to pack for your hotel, check out my super Disneyland Paris packing list.

B) Luggage Allowance for Eurostar

One of the advantages of travelling on the Eurostar instead of going by plane is the generous luggage allowance.

In Standard or Standard Premier adults can bring up to:

• 2 x pieces of luggage. Max length/width 85 cm. Any weight as long as you can lift it.
• 1 x piece of hand luggage. For example a handbag, laptop bag or briefcase  

In Business Premier adults can bring up to:

• 3 x pieces of luggage. Max length/width 85 cm. Any weight as long as you can lift it.
• 1 x piece of hand luggage. For example a handbag, laptop bag or briefcase  

In all travel classes, children are allowed to bring:

• 1 x piece of luggage. Max length/width 85 cm.
• 1 x piece of hand luggage. For example a backpack or tote bag  

C) Eurostar policy on alcohol  

PART IV: Arriving at St Pancras and check-in for the Eurostar

A) What time to check-in for the Eurostar

On your booking confirmation, Eurostar will advise on when to check in. This is usually 60-120 minutes before departure.

I try not to arrive to the Eurostar terminal any earlier than the recommended time because check in won’t be open any earlier. Plus, security is very quick and there’s not much to do in the departure lounge.

TIP: Gates close 30 minutes before departure, so don’t be late!

B) What to do at St Pancras while you’re waiting

It’s worth arriving a little early to St Pancras station to take advantage of the meal, snack, and coffee options available before you check-in. They are so much nicer than those in the departure lounge!

My favourite thing to do is to get sweets for the kids and drinks for the adults from Marks and Spencer Food. Another great spot is Benugo’s for lovely pastries and sandwiches to take on board. And if I fancy a coffee, I pour it into a small flask to keep it hot and avoid spills before I get to the departure lounge (this is my favourite Joseph Joseph small cup from Amazon).

C) Check-in at St Pancras – 5 easy steps

Checking in for the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris at St Pancras is very simple. Follow these 5 steps and you’ll be on your way in no time.

STEP 1: Arriving at St Pancras, signs will direct you to the check-in area for the Eurostar. When you get there, you’ll see staff directing you to the electronic barriers.

Have your Eurostar ticket ready (a paper ticket or digital ticket on your phone). You will scan the bar code at the gate and pass through to security.

STEP 2: Place your luggage and other belongings in the plastic bins provided and send them on the conveyor belt to be x-rayed. You’ll need to include your mobile phone, coat, and electronic devices. (Keep your shoes on.) You don’t need to worry about liquids and, fortunately, there is no liquid restriction like at the airport.

You’ll then walk through the metal detector and wait for your bin on the other side.

When your belongings have been returned to you, stow the bin away and head a few steps away to customs and immigration.

STEP 3: There are a few different queues at this point so look out for the one that matches your passport. For Brits, you will join the queue for UK passport holders (it’s always the longest line). Sometimes staff will invite families with children to join the shorter family queue.

STEP 4: You will then go to an individual gate and use your passport to scan the electronic reader. You’ll see a place on the ground to put your suitcase and then footprints for you to stand on. The machine will take your photo and then the gates will open and let you through (don’t forget your suitcase).

STEP 5: Next is immigration control for France. A person will look at your passport, stamp it, and allow you through.

And now you’re all done with security and immigration for both the UK and France. When you get to Paris, you will not need to show your passport again.

D) What’s available inside the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras London

Once you’re through security and immigration, you’ll be in the departure lounge.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot to do in this area, so hopefully you will have brought some food and entertainment with you.

TIP: The queues inside the departure lounge for food and coffee are much longer than at the shops in St Pancras.

Inside the terminal, you will find:

• Pret a Manger, which has coffee, pastries, salads and sandwiches
• The Station Pantry with more snacks and drinks
• A small duty-free shop
• Bureau de Change
• Toilets with a baby-changing table  

There is also free Wi-Fi in the terminal.

If you have booked Business Premier you can use the Business Premier lounge, which is to the right of the information desk. In Business Premier you can get smoothies, snacks, and complimentary newspapers and magazines.

Part V: Tips for boarding the train

About 30 minutes before departure, you will hear an announcement about your platform. You will also see it on the monitor screens above. Don’t worry if you see a long queue, it moves fast, and the train is enormous. Once you get off the moving walkway, you’ll see that the crowd disperses very quickly.

Check your ticket while you’re waiting and take note of your coach and seat number. When you get to the platform, you’ll be able to see the trains and their coach numbers on the side. There are also a few signs dotted about with a map of the train’s coaches.

TIP: You are asked to store your smaller cases on the shelf above your seat and reserve the luggage storage area for large cases as space is very limited.

Part VI: During your journey on board the Eurostar

Once you stow your luggage and find your seat, you can relax. Someone else is doing the driving!

A) What is available at your seat

At your seat, you should find a power outlet. This usually has both a UK and EU socket. I bring both types of plugs for my charger (and this handy USB splitter which works for both) because sometimes one of them is broken.

You will have either a tray that folds down or a shared table. The seats not at the tables have a storage pocket. Sometimes there’s a footrest. If you look around the window area there is a hook to hang your jacket. And if the sun is streaming through the window and blinding you, you can pull the shade across.

💡TIP: Once on board, you can get connected to the free Wi-Fi. It sometimes cuts off during the journey, for example, if you pass through a tunnel. And it’s not strong enough for photos or videos. So we like to download Disney movies or shows for our kids to watch on our tablet, and you can even get a headphone splitter so they can watch together.

B) What is available onboard the Eurostar

After the Eurostar sets off, an announcement will be made that the refreshments area is open. There you are invited to purchase hot drinks and a small selection of snacks like sandwiches, crisps and chocolate. They also have beer and wine.

If you are travelling Standard Premier or Business Premier, you will shortly be offered a meal at your seat.

Signs for toilets will be posted and they are usually within the carriage or in the adjacent one.

C) How long does it take to get from London to Disneyland Paris?

Eurostar is a non-stop service to either Lille or Paris Gare du Nord.

London St Pancras to Lille is less than 1.5 hours. Lille to Disneyland Paris/Marne-La-Vallee/Chessy is about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord is about 2 hours 22 minutes. Gare du Nord to Disneyland Paris is about 50 minutes. 

PART VII: 15 special tips for families: Travel with children on Eurostar to Disneyland Paris

When my kids were little, taking the train ‘under the ocean’ was a highlight of our trip to Disney! Even though their idea of seeing fish swim outside the window didn’t happen, they had a marvellous time.

Here are 15 tips you need to know when travelling with children on the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris.

A) Booking your child’s ticket on Eurostar

1. Children under 4 travel free. However. And this is important to note. Children won’t be assigned their own seat if you don’t pay for a ticket. If your little one is happy on a lap then that’s fine. Occasionally the train is not that busy and you might find an extra seat. But don’t assume there will be one because more often than not it’s all booked up.

2. There are discounted fares for children up to age 11 years old. You must buy these with at least one adult ticket if you’re booking on Eurostar.com.

3. Book as soon as possible. Eurostar doesn’t sell have sales, tickets don’t come down in price. As soon as you know your dates, get your tickets to Paris sorted.

4. Did you know you can choose your seat? After you buy your Eurostar ticket, log back in to your Eurostar account and choose a seat for your family. For groups of four, I recommend getting a shared table which seats four people so you can all be together. This is also best if your children are over 3 years old and have their own seat. But, if you are solo or a couple travelling with one child on your lap, you may prefer the non-table seats, especially if your child can fit beside you. You also get a little bit more room in front of you this way.

5. Don’t forget to check the luggage allowance for children and families.

B) On board the Eurostar with children and babies

6. It’s always a good idea to bring food, drink and snacks for children. If you get stick, there is a Refreshment Cafe on board, but the options for kids are a little limited.

7. There is no baby food for sale. But they will warm yours up for you in Refreshment Cafe. I’ve also seen a bottle warmer.

8. If you are travelling on a Standard Premier ticket, you can request a special children’s meal, but you must do this at least 24 hours before you travel.

9. If you have a stroller, you will need to fold it on the Eurostar and put it in the luggage area or if it’s compact on the shelf above your seat. If you have a pushchair that doesn’t fit (a double buggy for instance), you can ask train staff to store it in a special place for you.

10. It might be a good idea to change your baby in the Eurostar departure lounge before boarding and after arriving. There is a bit more space and it’s just more pleasant! There are baby changing facilities in the toilets on the train, too. But, remember, the train is moving at high speed so this is a little more challenging. You also might want to choose a seat that is near the toilet, which you can do on Eurostar.com Manage My Booking.

C) Extra tips and tricks for parents

11. Travelling with children while pregnant comes with it’s own challenges. Travelling solo needs extra help. If you think you could benefit from an extra pair of hands, try to contact Eurostar’s special assistance team 48 hours before your trip.

12. Prepare for delays. Delays as an adult can be a mild inconveneince but with small children can quickly turn into a nightmare. The worst experiences we have had involved trains being delayed or cancelled and new trains arriving. This meant our seat reservations (and everyone else’s!) were cancelled. It turns into a mad scramble to board and we were left standing in the corridors with our toddler the whole way back to London. If there’s a pair of you, send your partner ahead to claim seats for your family.

13. Pack entertainment and snacks for children. And pack something extra for unanticipated delays. Chocolate buttons and a box of washable markers don’t take up much room. Even a McDonald’s toy they’ve not seen in ages will suddenly become your lifesaver for a boring delay in a cold train station!

14. Don’t rely in the Wi-Fi for kid’s entertainment. Eurostar does provide free Wi-Fi, but if you’re planning on streaming Bluey on your tablet for your kids, you may be sadly disappointed. The signal isn’t strong enough for photos or videos and it cuts out frequently. Make sure you download some programs before you leave home.

15. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your child’s first trip on the Eurostar! These are the memories they will love seeing later on.

Bon voyage!

That is everything you need to know about taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris for the first time.

As we bid au revoir, remember that this train journey can be very easy to manage if you know how to do it. In fact, with me as your guide, navigating from door to door will be a breeze!

Pack your excitement, leave your worries behind, and let the Eurostar take you to a world of smiles and memories. I hope you enjoy every moment of your Disney adventure.

➡️ READ NEXT: Check out my amazing guide to taking the train from Paris Gare du Nord to Disneyland Paris. It has 10 simple steps (and photos!) making this journey as easy as possible.

➡️ If you enjoyed this, you should check out:

• The simplest Disneyland Paris packing list (including 5 secret tips only experts know about)
• The smartest Disneyland Paris Planning Guide – including a handy checklist
• 10 new ways to do Disneyland Paris on a BUDGET and still have the best time ever!