Quick Answer
Paris Gare du Nord — quick reference: Eurostar to London: 2h16, from €52 standard. Thalys (Eurostar Red) to Brussels: 1h22, from €29. Thalys to Amsterdam: 3h19, from €35. Thalys to Cologne: 3h15, from €35. RER B to Charles de Gaulle (CDG): 35 min, €11.45. Metro lines: 4 and 5 directly inside station. Location: 10th arrondissement, northern Paris. Busiest in Europe: 200 million passengers/year. Eurostar check-in: 30 min before departure (passport + ticket). Left luggage: yes — manual + automated, €5.50-9.50 for 24h. Best metro for centre: Line 4 to Châtelet 8 min. Sister station: Gare de l’Est (3-min walk) for trains to Strasbourg + Germany east.
Eurostar to London — terminal layout
- Duration: 2h16 St Pancras to Gare du Nord, fastest service.
- Frequency: 15-18 trains daily each direction.
- Price: from €52 standard, €130+ Standard Premier, €245+ Business Premier.
- Check-in: 30 min before departure — passport control + security like a flight.
- Terminal: upper level of Gare du Nord, separate entrance on rue de Dunkerque.
- Lounge access: Standard Premier + Business Premier passengers.
- Luggage: 2 bags up to 30 kg each + 1 hand luggage (Standard).
- Pet travel: NOT allowed except service animals.
- Connections at St Pancras: walk-through to King’s Cross + Thameslink direct.
Thalys (Eurostar Red) routes — Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne
- To Brussels Midi/Zuid: 1h22, from €29 standard. Every 1h.
- To Amsterdam Centraal: 3h19 direct, from €35. Every 1h.
- To Cologne Hauptbahnhof: 3h15, from €35. Every 2h.
- To Rotterdam: 2h37, from €35.
- Rebrand: Thalys merged with Eurostar (October 2023) — now called Eurostar.
- Tickets: Eurostar.com, Trainline, SNCF Connect, Rail Europe.
- Reservations mandatory: seats are assigned + cannot board without reservation.
- Check-in: 20 min before for Thalys/Eurostar Red (not 30 min like London Eurostar).
- Luggage: 2 bags + 1 hand bag standard.
RER B to Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG)
- Duration: 35 minutes to CDG Terminal 2 (T2C/D station).
- Frequency: every 10-15 min.
- Hours: 4:50am-11:50pm.
- Price: €11.45 single (2024-2025 rate). One-way ticket.
- RER B platforms: underground level of Gare du Nord (signs to “RER B Nord — CDG / Mitry-Claye”).
- Stops to CDG: direct trains skip stops, all-stops trains slower (45 min).
- Look for “CDG2” headsign: some terminate before airport.
- Cheaper than taxi: taxi CDG to centre €56 (flat rate); RER €11.45.
- Disadvantage: RER B can be crowded + frequent strikes/delays.
Metro connections, Paris centre access
- Metro Line 4 (purple): direct to Châtelet 8 min, Saint-Michel 10 min, Montparnasse 22 min.
- Metro Line 5 (orange): direct to Bastille 12 min, République 4 min.
- RER D (yellow): to Gare de Lyon 8 min, Châtelet-Les Halles 5 min.
- RER B + E: Châtelet-Les Halles 5 min, La Défense (with change) 25 min.
- Bus lines: 26, 38, 39, 42, 43, 46, 48, 65, 91, 350, 366 at street level.
- Walk to Gare de l’Est: 3 min — for trains to Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Zurich.
- Single metro ticket: €2.15 (rising to €2.50 in 2026).
- Navigo Easy card: reusable card €2 + load tickets.
- Day pass: Paris Visite zones 1-3 €13.55/day.
Services, left luggage, safety
- Left luggage (consigne): €5.50-9.50 for 24h depending on bag size. Located at the back of the station (signs: “consignes”).
- WiFi: SNCF free WiFi throughout station.
- Lounges: Eurostar Business Premier lounge (premium ticket). Salon Grand Voyageur (SNCF loyalty).
- Food: Paul, Pret a Manger, Brioche Dorée, Starbucks, Carrefour City.
- ATMs: BNP Paribas, Société Générale at main hall.
- Currency exchange: Travelex (better rates at city centre, not airport-style markup).
- Tourist office: small kiosk in main hall — train tickets + Paris maps.
- Safety: high pickpocket area — keep bags closed + visible. Plain-clothes police common.
- Avoid late-night arrivals alone: station + neighborhood (10th/18th arrondissements) busy 24/7 but rougher after midnight.
- Common scams: “free bracelet” near steps + ticket touts. Buy only from SNCF machines or counters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long Eurostar Paris to London?
2h16 minimum fastest service, sometimes 2h32 with extra stop at Lille or Calais. Check-in 30 min before — passport control + security.
Cheapest RER B to CDG airport?
€11.45 single (2024-2025), 35 min direct from Gare du Nord. RER B underground level. Cheaper than Roissybus (€16) or taxi flat rate €56.
Is Gare du Nord safe?
Yes during the day. High pickpocket area — keep bags closed. After midnight neighborhood (10th/18th) rougher, but station 24/7 busy. Plain-clothes police common.
Gare du Nord vs Gare de l’Est?
Gare du Nord = Eurostar London, Thalys Brussels/Amsterdam/Cologne, RER B to CDG. Gare de l’Est = Strasbourg + Munich + Vienna + Zurich. 3-min walk between.
Thalys Brussels how long?
1h22 Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi. From €29 standard. Every 1h. Now Eurostar branded (October 2023 merger). Reservations mandatory.
Left luggage Gare du Nord?
Yes — manual + automated lockers at the back of station. €5.50-9.50 per 24h. Cash + card. Look for ‘consignes’ signs.
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