Details on train from Paris to London?

Question

I'm visiting Paris for the first time in mid-November and returning to the US from Heatrow airport. How long does the train to London take (i need to plan carefully)? Does it go all the way to the airport or do I switch? Is it expensive? is there food? Can I buy tickets there in Paris? Do they take US credit cards? someone that's done this before maybe? sorry for all the questions... but need help (internet have info but very confusing).

Answer 1

"Paris Traveler" is wrong.  The trip will take 2 hours and 10 minutes and terminates at St. Pancras International.  The reason is that by the time you are travelling, the high speed tracks from the Channel Tunnel to St. Pancras International will be completed (14 November).  So, once at St. Pancras you will need to walk to the King's Cross underground (about 500 meters walk) and take the underground to Heathrow OR get to Paddington or another station and take the "Heathrow Express" (my recommendation as it's MUCH faster than the underground).  Waterloo will no longer be the Eurostar terminus on November 15.  

Do not fly.  With wait times, security, etc. it's much quicker and more comfortable to take the Eurostar.  Also the food is much better.  The breakfasts, dinners, and lunches on Business Premier class are very good (and they're included in the price of the ticket!).  They treat you much more nicely also (which can be important).

Book now to get a good price as eurostar tends to fill up fairly quickly (especially the cheaper fares).

Buy your tickets online and select "e-ticket" to get a booking reference (a 5 letter code).  Then you can pick up your ticket at the automated machines in the departure area of Gare de Nord in Paris.  http://www.eurostar.com

For more info see the wikipedia article on Eurostar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurostar

Answer 2

First, it takes 2 hours 40 minutes and drops you at Waterloo train station.  The EuroStar web site contains the exact departure (from Gare du Nord) and arrival times.  From Waterloo you would have to get transportation to Heathrow.  The EuroStar accepts credit cards and you can purchase on-line or at an RER station is Paris.  There are food stations, like a mini-bar, in some of the train cars and you can pick out a seat in a car near one, if you like.  It's just sandwiches and drinks for the short trip.  It is not really very much, like $50 but there are cost options for you to choose from on the site.

(Sorry if I gave you wrong info. per the guy below.  I'm sure he's right--I heard about the new tracks but didn't know the date of opening.  Forgive me.)

Answer 3

The Eurostar doesn't go all the way to the airport, but you can easily take the tube from Waterloo to Heathrow.

If time is sensitive, however, you should research taking a one-way flight from Paris straight to Heathrow. I did that on BMI and it was only a little bit more than the Eurostar price. I saved time (it only took an hour); I didn't have to transfer anywhere or worry about late trains; and I didn't have to mess with my luggage until I got to Heathrow. Good luck!