Lille in France is the perfect destination for an extreme day trip, with the Eurostar from London taking just an hour and 22 minutes to reach the city
12:03, 04 Nov 2025Updated 12:03, 04 Nov 2025
This city is perfect for the Christmas holidays(Image: Allan Baxter via Getty Images)
Living in the UK means you’re just a short journey away from exploring entirely different countries. With much of Europe within easy reach, extreme day trips are becoming increasingly popular among UK travellers.
According to Google search data, searches for “extreme day tripping” have skyrocketed by 9,900% between October 2023 and October 2025. The concept involves departing in the morning for another country and returning home the same evening.
It provides a budget-friendly travel option as you avoid accommodation costs whilst still experiencing the thrill of an international getaway. Lille in France makes an ideal destination for a day visit this festive season.
The average Eurostar journey from London takes just one hour and 22 minutes, making it perfect for exploring during the winter months. The city also boasts a delightful Christmas market where you can browse before heading home to sleep in your own bed, reports the Express.
Iglu Cruises has created an ideal itinerary for a Lille day trip. Upon arriving at the station, you can stroll through the historic old town, taking in the cobblestone streets and numerous cafes and bakeries.
Pop in for a coffee and croissant to energise yourself, then make your way to the Palais des Beaux-Arts.
This art gallery is amongst the city’s most stunning buildings and contains France’s second-largest art collection, behind only the Louvre.
In the afternoon, why not explore some of Lille’s renowned boutiques before pausing for a snack at Maison Méert, one of France’s oldest tea rooms still in operation.
It’s particularly famed for its waffles filled with Madagascan vanilla — the ideal sweet treat for an afternoon boost.
Before you catch your evening train home, make sure to visit the Grand Place at the city’s heart for a spin on the Ferris Wheel that takes you high above the cityscape.
Finally, round off your day by wandering through the Christmas Village in Place Rihour, with its 90 wooden chalets offering gifts, art and naturally, food.
Don’t depart without savouring a cup of mulled wine and some rich, indulgent raclette.
Eurostar can be a really easy way to get across to France and Belgium but there’s one mistake passengers always make – and it can leave you waiting longer
The obligatory train selfie before any trip (Image: Julie Delahaye)
With family in Belgium, Eurostar has always been one of the easiest ways for me to visit thanks to the direct trains between London and Brussels.
On a recent trip, I realised that over the years I’ve racked up over 50 Eurostar journeys. It often works out cheaper than flying for me; there are regular sales where you can snap up £39 tickets if you’re willing to get the early morning/late night trains, and sometimes there are even tempting deals to upgrade to the Eurostar Plus seats with perks including more legroom and a light meal.
I like to think that I’ve nearly perfected the art of a seamless Eurostar arrival for check-in (have your documents ready, gadgets out before you reach security screening, coffee and snacks bought to avoid the rush at the only Pret that’s available once you go through border control).
However, there’s one mistake that I always see people making – and it can actually mean that they end up having to wait around longer for their train. While airlines often require you to arrive around two to three hours before a flight, that window is a lot smaller for Eurostar; and they won’t let you join the queue if you arrive too early.
Usually when you arrive at the Eurostar departures queues, there are staff members holding signs with the train numbers and departure times; if yours isn’t on that list, then it’s unlikely they will let you through. There are typically about two to three trains’ worth of passengers being allowed into the hall, and even that can leave it feeling crowded if there’s any sort of delay.
It means that often overly-eager passengers end up having to awkwardly hang around outside the queues to enter the Eurostar terminal, and I’ve seen people get frustrated that they’re basically just sat waiting to go and queue.
It’s not just in London; Brussels also operates a similar system meaning that if you arrive early, you won’t be allowed to enter the terminal until the check-in window opens for your train.
Eurostar has some rough guidelines on its website here although always check your booking details as sometimes these can change depending on the months you’re travelling, or if there are any delays that affect your travel.
Typically, Eurostar recommends that you arrive 75 minutes before your departure time in London. For Paris, there’s a wider window of up to 90 minutes, while in Brussels it’s a lot shorter with arrival times of up to an hour before departure.
Of course there’s the flip side; the gates usually close about 30 minutes before departure so don’t leave it so late thinking you can just rock up 10 minutes beforehand and that they’ll let you fly past the security queues and border control etc. (I’ve seen people looking very stressed as they try to rush through security and leg it for their train).
I still find it an overall smoother and easier process than navigating through the airport – especially with the lack of 100ml liquid rules at Eurostar, and a much more relaxed approach to the luggage you bring with you!
THE government has finally revealed the new operator that could run train services to Europe alongside Eurostar.
The Office for Rail and Road has announced that Virgin Trains will be allowed to access Temple Mills International depot in East London.
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Eurostar is officially getting a new rival as Virgin is giving the go-ahead to launch trains to EuropeCredit: VirginBrits can currently only travel to Europe by train from London St Pancras with EurostarCredit: Alamy
This means Virgin will eventually join Eurostar to operate train services via the Channel Tunnel from the UK to Europe – and will be the first train service to rival Eurostar since it launched more than 30 years ago.
Virgin first announced plans to launch services rivallingEurostar in January 2025, and could start running trains from 2030.
This means direct routes to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with future plans for France, Germany and Switzerland.
Virgin also announced plans to restart trains from both Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International in Kent as well – which had Eurostar trains until the pandemic.
Earlier this month, the company even said that it if it won the bid, it could to run services from Manchester and Birmingham.
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.
“Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again.
“We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.”
Martin Jones, deputy director, access and international, said that Virgin’s plans were “more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants”.
He added: “With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.
“While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”
Signing an agreement with Alstom, Virgin will buy 12 Avelia Stream trains, and have secured funding from Equitix, a leading European investor.
This is alongside private equity firm Azzurra.
While the access to the Temples Mills depot is a step forward, it will be a while until trains can launch.
This is because Virgin must also secure access to the tracks.
But it is good news for a competitor on the HS1 line, as this could even mean cheaper fares in the future.
Virgin’s Richard Branson said it was going to ‘shake-up the cross-Channel route for good’Credit: Virgin
Virgin’s Phil Whittingham said: “Temple Mills has been a critical bottle neck in the process to launching a new cross-Channel service, so today’s news is a significant milestone for Virgin and a pivotal turning point for international rail.
“Building on the great success of Virgin Trains, Virgin will deliver a first-class cross-Channel service that will create hundreds of jobs and support the modal shift of short-haul journeys from air to rail.”
Eurostar has had monopoly of the Channel Tunnel since it first launched back in 1994.
And over the past months, a number of companies have stepped forward in bid to run services through the Channel Tunnel to Europe.
What does this mean for travellers?
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey weighs in.
EUROSTAR has long had the monopoly of the Channel Tunnel, being the only train operator since 1994 to use the lines connecting the UK to Europe.
The new arrival of Virgin Trains will see competition on the lines, which always a good thing.
This is because it could put pressure on Eurostar to up their game, which has already seen them announce new routes, new trains and the return to other stations.
It could also mean cheaper fares, as competition so often does – look at many of the budget European airlines with cheap fares.
Of course we have a while to wait. It is unlikely that Virgin will launch trains anytime before 2030.
But with ambitious plans for trains from Manchester, Birmingham and Kent – as well as new routes to France, Switzerland and Germany – it will be exciting to see how train travel to Europe progresses in the next few years.
This includes Italy‘s state-owned FS Italiane Group and Gemini Trains (recently partnering with Uber), as well as start up Evolyn.
Currently, the only destinations Brits can get to via direct train from the UK are Paris, Lille, Brussels Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Previous routes that have since been scrapped included Disneyland Paris, as well as Marseille and Lyon.
THE Eurostar is getting a major upgrade with up to 50 new double-decker trains.
Eurostar has revealed a €2billion (£1.7billion) investment in double-decker trains that would become the first ever to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK network.
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Eurostar is investing €2billion (£1.7billion) in double-decker trains that would become the first ever to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK networkCredit: Getty
So far, the operator has confirmed it will have 30 double-decker trains, but could add a further 20 in the future.
The new fleet, built by the Alstom Group, will be called Eurostar Celestia.
The trains will each measure 200 metres long, and will be used across the five countries Eurostar currently operates in – the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
They are also set to be used for new destinations such as Geneva in Switzerland and Frankfurt in Germany.
On board each train, there will be around 540 seats – a 20 per cent increase compared to the number of seats on the Eurostar’s current trains.
Though if running in a 400 metre formation, as trains do currently through the Channel Tunnel, then there will be around 1,080 seats per service.
According to the operator, Eurostar Celestia will also have a “bespoke design to capture the unique, premium experience Eurostar customers expect”.
The name of the new fleet was decided by Eurostar staff and is derived from the Latin word ‘caelestis’, which means ‘heavenly’.
“It evokes the stars and the essence of travel, perfectly capturing the spirit of a company that links a constellation of cities across Europe,” Eurostar added.
The decision follows Eurostar’s aim of handling 30million passengers each year in the future.
The first trains are expected to join Eurostar’s fleet in January 2031, with services launching in May 2031.
The operator plans to launch six trains initially, which will run alongside Eurostar’s current fleet of 17 e320s.
In total, the fleet will grow to 67 trains – 30 per cent more than runs today.
The entire fleet would also be maintained at the Temple Mills depot in London, which would undergo an €80million (£69.6million) redevelopment to create space for the new trains.
In addition, 350 new jobs would be created at the depot.
The trains will be an all-electric fleet too, making them more sustainable.
The new trains would be used in the five countries Eurostar currently operates in and for new destinations in the futureCredit: Alamy
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO, Eurostar said: “We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time.
“Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia, which will offer exceptional comfort, a unique Eurostar experience and new surprises to be revealed.
“This is a golden age for international sustainable travel – and Eurostar is leading the race.”
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, said: “This new-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”
The announcement comes as the Office of Rail and Road is set to meet on October 31 to make a decision on whether space should be created for a competitor operator at Temple Mills, such as Virgin or Gemini.
Recently, Virgin also announced that if it were to get approval to run cross-channel services, it would launch routes from two huge cities in the north.
And in other train news, the UK capital is set to welcome new £700million train line linking west and north of the city.
Each 200 metre train will be able to hold around 540 passengersCredit: PA
The Entry Exit System (EES) was introduced on Sunday, which involves people from third-party countries such as the UK having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU
A change has been made to EES(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP via Getty Images)
A last-minute change has been made to the rules set up to track travellers entering the EU.
On Sunday, the long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) went live. It requires individuals from third-party countries such as the UK to register their fingerprints and have their photograph taken to enter the Schengen area, which is made up of 29 European countries, primarily within the EU. For most UK travellers, the EES process will be carried out at foreign airports.
However, when it comes to Eurostar services from St Pancras, border checks are carried out by French officials in the UK, rather than in Paris.
When the Mirror was shown how the system would work prior to its launch, uncertainty surrounded one part of it – the questions travellers are required to answer.
3. Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay?
4. Do you have medical insurance?
It remains unclear what the consequences are if passengers answer ‘no’ to any of those questions, or if they lie in their answers.
Now, it has been announced that passengers will not be asked those questions when travelling on the Eurostar from St Pancras.
A spokesperson for Eurostar told the Mirror: “Following constructive discussions with the French Ministry and our colleagues, we’re pleased to confirm that the questions will be technically removed from the kiosks during the initial six-month introduction phase of the new system.
“We welcome the pragmatic approach being taken by the French border authorities to help ensure a smoother experience for our customers during this transition period.”
This week Simon Lejeune, the chief safety and stations officer for the cross-Channel train operator, said that some passengers are being processed through the EES in as little as 50 seconds.
To facilitate the new demand, Eurostar has set up three areas at St Pancras, housing a total of 49 kiosks where pre-registration for EES can take place.
Mr Lejeune informed the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee that the process at the station is initially being handled solely by French border officers, and there have been “really good transaction times”.
He stated: “I was observing transaction times of 50 seconds. That’s for the full biometrics, as well as the passport check and the stamping for EES-eligible passengers.
“So quite encouraging, and that’s without the kiosks that do that pre-registration, which we’ll be introducing over the next few weeks.”
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane has expressed interest in running trains between London and Paris with a stop in the southeastern county of Kent, meaning an extra direct train route to Europe
12:31, 16 Oct 2025Updated 13:52, 16 Oct 2025
Passengers from Kent could soon be in Paris before they know it(Image: Daria Kulkova/Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A new train service would provide a second direct route from the UK to Europe.
At the moment, if you want to get from the UK to Europe by train (and you aren’t in your own vehicle), the only option is to go on the Eurostar from St Pancras International in London.
Eurostar trains used to make stops in Kent, but service was halted in 2020. Services stopped operating at Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International because of the coronavirus pandemic, but they never returned when international travel did.
Earlier this year, Eurostar said just 4% of passengers travelled from Ashford, or Ebbsfleet, which is also in Kent. At peak times, it says there were 50 passengers from Ashford on each 900-seat train.
That hasn’t stopped the Kentish people from expressing their dismay at the scrapped service. Around 80,000 of them have signed a petition to get their European link back. Jean-Claude Cothias, a Frenchman who moved to Ashford due to its connections with the Continent, has even considered leaving the town now that Eurostar doesn’t stop there.
“That connection, if it’s not there, it is hugely detrimental to the economic environment in the town and to its attractiveness,” he told the BBC.
It seems that their protests have worked. Italian operator Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane has expressed interest in running trains between London and Paris with a stop in the southeastern county.
The competitor is one of several train companies competing to run a cross-Channel route. Its plans include a £1 billion investment into the British economy, and the construction of an ‘innovation hub’ at Ashford station, according to the Times.
Virgin, German-owned organisation Deutsche Bahn, and startup Evolyn have been gearing up to make bids for access to the Channel Tunnel.
A Virgin Group spokesperson said: “Virgin is talking to Kent County Council and other stakeholders about stopping at both Ebbsfleet and Ashford as it set out in its ORR submission. Reopening the stations to be able to accommodate international services requires commitment and resources from all parties and potential competitors involved – but if the stations are opened, Virgin will stop in Kent.”
In January Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “keen” to see international services reinstated to Ashford “as soon as possible”, when responding to Ashford MP Sojan Joseph’s question in the House of Commons. Like Ashford and Ebbsfleet, Eurostar no longer stops at Calais’s international station – Calais Frethun.
Ashford Borough Council invested £25m for the infrastructure of the town’s international station, which opened in 1996. It also spent £8.5m more to upgrade signalling in 2020, so newer Eurostar trains could access the station.
Council leader Noel Ovenden has been a vocal critic of both Ashford International and Ebbsfleet stations lying unused by direct European services. “We want it open now, not in another five years. We need to keep banging the drum, louder and louder, and push hard to get this station reopened,” he told the BBC.
Why trains need to return to Ashford International
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey weighs in.
Living just down the road from Ashford International Station, it is baffling to me how trains to Europe are yet to return.
It is certainly a depressing sight, as I leave the station, seeing the huge international terminal left abandoned.
The town needs the return of trains to Europe, not just because it more than doubles the time for Kent travellers.
Locals have said that they have lost millions in business since the axing of the route in 2020, which once connected the UK to Paris, Brussels and Disneyland.
While investment will be needed to install the new EES systems that were rolled out over the weekend, it would also ease the pressure points at London St Pancras, which can see huge queues at the Eurostar terminal.
It is great news that FS has revealed plans for a 2029 launch – and it can’t come too soon.
This could include places like Cologne and and Frankfurt, as well as Geneva and Zurich.
Laura Teagle, who enjoyed a “gorgeous” day trip to a European city, has shared a money-saving hack that will help you travel to abroad for less than it costs to get around the UK
16:43, 10 Oct 2025Updated 09:19, 13 Oct 2025
A social media influencer has revealed her top tip for saving money on Eurostar journeys (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
France is synonymous with its sun-drenched vineyards, bustling boulevards and medieval castles. A trip over the British Channel is one many make from the UK for a weekend break or longer. But one influencer has taken the extreme route and managed to find a genius way to make a day trip to France affordable.
While the Eurostar is famed for offering easy travel to places like Paris and Brussels, there’s one underrated gem in France that TikTok personality Laura Teagle says foodies and day-trippers must visit. While train fares continue to soar, making enjoyable days out across Britain increasingly costly, Laura has a handy trick to make a day trip to France easy and friendly on the wallet.
Posting under @teagleeats, Laura shared with her audience how she managed to secure discounted Eurostar fares. The influencer nabbed £39 railway tickets to a French destination she described as “gorgeous” at a lower cost than journeying between major British cities.
Laura chronicled her excursion to Lille, a “charming” city situated just inside the border with Belgium. She opened her post declaring: “When a day trip to France is cheaper than a day out in London you best believe I’m going.”
Laura – who also operates her own confectionery enterprise called Teagle’s Treats – outlined how she obtained the budget-friendly train fares. In a TikTok video following her post showcasing her adventure to Lille, she revealed: “Okay I didn’t realise this wasn’t common knowledge but I’m gonna tell you the best life hack for travelling to France for cheap.
“So I’m always going straight to the Eurostar website, then once I’m there instead of typing in a date, a time and location, I’m gonna go down and I’m gonna search for this – the book now button for Paris for £39. When you get there you’ll see this: all these different locations all from £39 each way.
“The next trick is to go all the way through the calendar and see where all of these £39 dates are and choose the one that’s most appropriate. So in this case I choose January 17 and then obviously to return on the same day, I’m gonna click the same date.
“Then we’re gonna choose ‘get times’ and we’re gonna be presented with this screen. Then I’m gonna swipe through all of the different times and choose the cheapest or the best time available.
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“So in this case it’s a 7:04 train for £44 and for the return, I’m gonna do the exact same thing. I’m gonna swipe choose the best cheapest price for the latest train so the 7:35pm.
“And that’s literally it. That is how you travel to France for the day for so cheap.”
Throughout her adventure in Lille, Laura and her mate explored numerous bakeries to taste the regional delicacies. Following her 7am departure from London aboard Eurostar, she and her companion popped into a Lille supermarket to grab some brie for €1 (87p).
She described the “gorgeous” stroll to a patisserie, where she tasted pain au chocolat that she dubbed “literally the best” and declared she craved “75 more” of the bakery’s eclairs. Following that, it was a morning exploring the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum.
Laura branded it a “must go” destination for merely €4 (£3.5). Another bakery visit ensued, where she sampled Lille’s renowned brioche and suggested tourists should also savour the wonderful cuisine available. She continued: “Being close to Belgium we obviously had to check out beer shops” before making a beeline for Méert, a bakery that’s become an internet sensation for its delectable treats.
Laura enthused: “I don’t care that this is hyped up online and the queues are long, you have got to go.” She posted a snap of a vanilla tartlet from the bakery, confessing she “literally dribbled” while capturing the shot.
She reiterated: “I’ll say it again. God! Bless! The! French!” Laura and her companion then enjoyed an alfresco lunch, featuring a cheese board that left her “speechless” and saucisson, a French sausage she dubbed “our actual fave”.
After sampling some local booze, they made their way to the Lille flea market which she declared was “100% worth the visit”. Their next stop was Au Point Central, a bistro offering €5 glasses of Pinot Noir.
Come dinner time, Laura and her friend hit Cafe de Paris for a “perfect” sirloin steak, fries and a salad at a cost of €25 (£22). Laura’s final verdict was unequivocal.
She declared: “I will absolutely be continuing to advocate for getting the first train out/last train back on Eurostar on all and any occasions.
“£150 all in return trains, all food, drinks and activities like London could just never? Grab your passport, grab your girls and go flirt with the French, eat their food and drink their wine.”
The EU is launching the Entry Exit System (EES) for UK and non-EU nationals who are visiting the Schengen zone but two countries not affected by the new rules
New rules are coming into force(Image: Andrii Marushchynets via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers will encounter tougher entry requirements when jetting off to the EU next month as fresh regulations take effect across 29 EU nations. Yet two destinations remain exempt.
The EU’s Entry Exit System (EES) launches on October 12 for UK and non-EU citizens making short visits to the border-free EU Schengen area. Brits must now register at borders by having passports scanned alongside fingerprint and photo capture under the updated system.
For departures and future border crossings to or from member countries, travellers need only scan passports and provide either fingerprints or photographs. The programme is being phased in gradually over six months, meaning holidaymakers may or may not encounter the fresh system depending on their chosen destination.
Passport stamping will continue throughout this transition period. The EU states the EES will become “fully operational” from April 10, 2026.
The UK Government has alerted travellers to these updated regulations, which will affect beloved holiday hotspots including France, Spain and Greece. The Schengen zone also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
However, there’s two EU countries where the EES will not be required: Ireland and Cyprus. Neither of these countries are participating in the system as they are not part of the Schengen Area.
This means that even after October 12 Brits can visit them as usual without having their fingerprints or photographs taken. Recently, travel journalist Simon Calder urged Brits who possess an Irish passport to use it when they visit the Schengen Area from next month.
Responding to a question on which passports dual British-EU citizens should use, he said: “If you have the wisdom and fortune to have an Irish passport, use that at all times. It has a superpower no other document has: unfettered access to both the UK and the European Union, with no need to get an online permit in advance.”
Meanwhile British passport holders are warned of longer queues at the Schengen border as the EES is rolled out. In ports such as Eurotunnel, Eurostar and the Port of Dover the EES checks will be completed in the UK.
A government spokesperson said: “While EES checks will be a significant change to the EU border, we are in constant and close dialogue with our European partners to try and minimise the impact on the British public.
“While we have done everything we can to ensure the required infrastructure is in place, anyone who is planning a trip to the European mainland once these checks are introduced will still need to allow more time for their journey as the new EU systems bed in.”
Here’s the full list of countries implementing the EES scheme:
The EU’s Entry/Exit system is finally set to begin next month, with the first passengers heading through UK stations such as St Pancras and arriving in EU airports having to submit their details
Brits hoping to head on holiday will have to answer four questions when a new European Union-wide border system comes into force.
The much-anticipated and repeatedly delayed border system, set to govern travel across the entire European Union, is finally ready to launch come October 12.
The EES will monitor the arrival and departure of “third-country nationals” entering and leaving the Schengen zone, eliminating the requirement for passport stamps. One of its primary objectives is to digitalise travel documentation to guarantee that the restriction on days (90 within a 180-day timeframe) non-EU passport holders can remain in member nations isn’t violated, whilst enhancing border protection.
Information will typically be kept on record for three years. Those who decline to supply information can be refused entry.
As well as giving biometric data and having your passport scanned, travellers will be asked to answer four questions – either by the kiosks or by a human guard. They are:
1. Do you have somewhere to stay?2. Do you have a return ticket?3. Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay?4. Do you have medical insurance?
It is currently not completely clear what the consequences are if passengers answer ‘no’ to any of those questions, or if they lie in their answers. Simon Lejeune, Eurostar’s chief safety, stations, and security officer, was present on Wednesday morning to reveal the kiosks that will begin gathering data from Brits next month.
He suggested that passengers would be directed to speak to a border officer if they answered ‘no’. They can then be refused entry to the country.
A government spokesperson told the Mirror: “From 12th October, passengers who register for EES at a kiosk may need to answer a series of questions. If a traveller answers ‘no’ to any of these questions, they will be directed to speak with a border guard for further discussion. This is a normal part of border procedures, which is designed to ensure smooth and secure travel.”
There are significant concerns that this new system could cause further congestion at ports, exacerbating the travel chaos that has become a staple of summer holidays since the Covid lockdowns. However, after getting an early glimpse of the EES at St Pancras, my prediction is that these fears may be unfounded.
Eurostar and St Pancras have invested heavily in tackling the issue, installing fast-track kiosks to handle the extended border process. If things do go pear-shaped, as they inevitably will, additional guards are ready to manually process passengers.
The roll-out of the EES is going to be staggered, both at St Pancras and other ports across Europe. Only Eurostar’s Premier and Carte Blanche customers will be asked to use the EES from October 12. A handful of regular ticket holders may be asked, but it’s likely very few will.
Initially, biometrics like fingerprints won’t be collected. This will only start in mid-December and not for all passengers using EES.
By January, all kiosks at Eurostar’s St Pancras and Gare du Nord terminals will be operational, and a broader passenger sign-up will commence. Fingerprints will be taken, and all eligible customers will be urged to pre-register before border control.
Once you’ve registered once, you won’t need to do it again for another three years. In theory, this should make border checks faster, as border officers only verify the data of those registered.
Mr Lejeune clarified that registration should take about two minutes per person, meaning the process of getting through border control would take slightly longer if you’ve not used EES before.
When we had the opportunity to see one of the 49 new kiosks installed at St Pancras in action, the process was considerably quicker. From beginning to end, it took just over a minute.
If something does go wrong, such as the machine failing to recognise a passport, then an expanded team of human border guards will be available to assist. The number of guard booths has been doubled from nine to 18.
French Police observe at the main Gare Du Nord train station after an arson attack has caused mayhem and delays to the train network and Eurostar in Paris, France, in 2024. File photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
July 6 (UPI) — Mechanical issues on a Eurostar train forced a nine hour delay and prompted passengers to evacuate after they were stuck on board for more than nine hours with no working toilets and without air conditioning on what was supposed to be a two journey.
Rescue teams arrived with water and helped passengers off the train, which was stopped on the tracks outside of Calais. They were transported to London in a different train. Eurostar blamed a power failure on the train for the breakdown, the BBC reported.
Eurostar apologized and offered the stranded passengers a full refund
The train departed Brussels just before 9 a.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive in London just before 10 a.m. but lost power between Lille and Calais, leaving the train and its passengers stranded.
The English folk band Stornoway was on the train and its members performed an impromptu concert when passengers were allowed to disembark. They had been required to stay on board due to safety concerns caused by people standing near the rails.
Eurostar passengers heading out of London St Pancras International have been advised to change their journey to a different travel date after severe delays in France
12:59, 25 Jun 2025Updated 13:23, 25 Jun 2025
Passengers at St Pancras International station in London, as Eurostar trains are suffering severe delays and cancellations(Image: PA)
Those travelling between London St Pancras International and Gare Du Nord in Paris were delayed for hours in both directions yesterday, with some having their trains called altogether and others facing long delays, yesterday. The knock on effects of the delays is still affecting travellers today.
The French section is also facing more disruption today after cables were stolen and cut overnight in what the French authorities are calling a “a malicious act”.
Many affected passengers are stuck at the Eurostar terminal at London’s St Pancreas International, waiting with their luggage and jostling to find somewhere to sit among the crowds.
People are waiting for information(Image: PA)
School children appear to be among those waiting as they head abroad for sporting competitions.
A Eurostar spokeswoman said on Tuesday: “Due to two persons struck by trains near Lille Europe, we’ve delays and cancellations to our services all evening. We apologise to everyone affected and advise changing your journey for a different travel date.”
And Eurostar confirmed: “All services between London, Brussels, and Paris are disrupted.”
French rail company SNCF said: “SNCF Réseau has been the victim of a major act of malicious intent in Lille.
“More than 600m of cable was stolen or cut south of Lille Europe station. The impacts are mainly on high-speed train traffic, departing from and arriving at Lille Europe and Lille Flandres.
Many are facing long delays and cancellations(Image: PA)
“TGV trains are being diverted as much as possible to the conventional line, but the line’s capacity is limited and repairs are expected to take part of the day.”
The spokesman said around fifteen cable workers and specialist staff had been sent to the scene. Last February, 13 cables totalling several hundred meters were stolen from SNCF property in Lille, causing significant disruption to the network for an entire day.
EUROSTAR passengers were stuck for up to seven hours yesterday after two people were hit by trains.
The operator warned that delays and disruptions will continue into this morning.
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A Eurostar train at London’s St. Pancras StationCredit: Getty
Trains in both directions between London St Pancras International and Gare Du Nord in Paris were either cancelled or delayed for hours.
It followed two separate fatalities, the first between Lille and Paris and around 5pm.
The second person was hit between Lille and Arras, according to local media.
Eurostar posted on X this morning to say trains will be running, but there area a “few cancellations” and “a lot of passengers travelling”.
“So the situation might still be difficult.”
Yesterday, there were massive queues at both the UK and French railway stations.
Many furious passengers who were stuck for hours took to social media to demand compensation.
One train, due to leave London at 2.31pm, was supposed to arrive at 5.57pm.
But it was delayed for four hours and didn’t get in until nearly 10pm.
Another frustrated passenger said they were on a train from London to Paris but they were stuck on it for seven hours.
Naomi Sanger, from Snodland, told KentOnline she boarded the 4.31pm at Gare Du Nord but it never left and she was left stranded at the station.
She posted on X that the food and drinks supply was running out, and the air con was not working.
In a statement on X, Eurostar said: “Due to a person struck by a train near Lille Europe, we are expecting delays and cancellations to our services this evening.
“We advise changing your journey for a different travel date.”
On Wednesday, Eurostar travellers were also hit by delays after a person was hit on the rails in France.
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Eurostar trains pictured at St. Pancras InternationalCredit: Alamy
Following rising passenger numbers and impressive financial results, Eurostar is investing £1.7bn to launch a fleet of up to 50 trains that operate three new direct routes, including two from the UK
Eurostar is ramping up its offering a fleet of 50 new trains(Image: PA)
Eurostar is ramping up its railway offerings as part of a major €2 billion (approximately £1.7bn) investment.
Earlier this month, the company announced it would launch a fleet of up to 50 trains that will be in service from the early 2030s, operating three new direct routes. The announcement comes after Eurostar released its 2024 financial results, which found it had achieved an impressive EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of €346 million (£296 million).
In a press release, Eurostar said passenger numbers rose to over 19.5 million, marking a five per cent year-on-year increase. It follows the ‘successful reinstatement’ of direct services between London, Rotterdam and Amsterdam in February this year, which will see a fourth daily service added from September 9 and a fifth from mid-December.
Eurostar will soon offer direct trains from the UK to Switzerland and Germany(Image: PA)
In the next decade, Brits will be able to hop on a train at London St Pancras and travel straight to Frankfurt in Germany. This city is known for homing one of the largest financial hubs in Europe, and has become a tourist hotspot in recent years thanks to its stunning architecture, ubiquitous history and close proximity to the ethereal Hohenzollern Castle.
Alternatively, Brits will be able to head directly to Geneva in Switzerland, and marvel at the stunning Mont Blanc in the Alps. Geneva is an excellent base for ski enthusiasts, offering convenient access to a plethora of resorts including Villars, Gryon, and Les Diablerets. The upgrade will also see trains running straight from Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva.
More railway firms are eyeing up the Temple Mills depot(Image: PA)
Eurostar’s CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said the company was witnessing ‘strong demand’ for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to ‘go further by rail than ever before’. “Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future,” she added.
“Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality – notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time. A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a ‘huge step in promoting green travel across Europe’ as well as boosting the UK’s international rail connections. “Today’s announcement by Eurostar shows that the government’s plan for change is rapidly strengthening the links between major cities in counties across Europe, creating more opportunities to travel, work, and socialise,” the politician said.
Eurostar’s expansion comes as several companies are desperate to gain access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London, which Eurostar currently monopolises. As previously reported, a report conducted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) found: “There is some available capacity at Temple Mills International (TMI) depot for more trains to be stabled, serviced and maintained.”
The investigation is great news for Virgin Group, which says it is now ‘ready to take up the challenge’ of launching high-speed passenger train services through the Channel Tunnel. “The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line,” a spokesperson said. “Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome and we thank the ORR for commissioning this report, which will now unlock competition on the cross-Channel route for the benefit of all passengers.”
Alstom, a French manufacturer specialising in locomotives, is also in talks to use its new Avelia Horizon trains to ramp up journeys across Europe. The company has already signed an €850 million (around £715 million) contract to provide and maintain 12 of its double-decker trains for a Proxima, a private operator in France – as well as France’s state-owned company The Société nationale des chemins de fer français (SNCF).
Chief executive Henri Poupart-Lafarge says the new fleet could lower fares and increase capacity in the undersea Channel Tunnel, which connects the UK to France. However, it will first need to seek approval from regulators to make sure it adheres to strict Channel Tunnel safety rules.
What do you think of the Eurostar announcement? Let us know in the comments section below
The French city was found to be the best for exploring on foot according to a study by French newspaper Le Parisien. Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours
Lyon Cathedral rising above the old city(Image: Atlantide Phototravel via Getty Images)
France is a favourite destination for Brits, and its closeness to the UK makes it an excellent choice for a quick weekend getaway. But where’s the best spot in the country for a city break that you can explore on foot?
A study by French newspaper Le Parisien revealed that Lyon is France’s most walkable city and the easiest to navigate by foot. As the third largest city in France, Lyon is often hailed as the nation’s culinary capital, and its Old Town is among the most beautiful in France.
Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours, or they can travel by train using the Eurostar and changing in Paris, which takes just under five hours. Skyscanner offers a variety of flight options, or British tourists can plan a train or flight route on Omio.
What to do in Lyon
If you’re short on time, most of Lyon’s top attractions are located in Vieux Lyon. Marvel at the architecture in the city’s cathedral or uncover its intriguing traboules.
The Traboules are secret covered passageways through Lyon’s Old Town, so keep your eyes open as you wander, reports the Express. The city’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, which perches on a hill overlooking the old town.
The Basilique is incredibly stunning, but visitors will also enjoy fantastic views from the top, and there’s also a cafe.
If you have a bit more time, visit the city’s Parc de la Tete d’Or, home to turtles.
What to eat in Lyon
Lyon is frequently hailed as France’s culinary capital, so after all that strolling, be sure to carve out some time to savour its gastronomic wonders.
The city’s food scene revolves heavily around bouchons – eateries specialising in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Some of the offerings, like pork tripe sausage, might not be for the squeamish.
However, dishes such as lentils with vegetables and sausages, and le poulet celestine, a chicken dish featuring mushrooms and tomatoes, are firm favourites.
A panoramic view from the top of the Fourviere church in Lyon(Image: Yanis Ourabah via Getty Images)
Where to stay in Lyon
If you’re keen on staying in the most pedestrian-friendly part of the city, consider lodging in the old town. Alternatively, hotels across the river tend to be more budget-friendly if you’re watching your pennies.
