Yes, you are required to sit in your assigned seat on Eurostar as all tickets come with a mandatory seat reservation. While you can generally change your seat online before travel, you must occupy the seat assigned to you or risk being asked to move by passengers who reserved that specific spot.
Do you have to sit in your assigned seat on the Eurostar?
Seats. Seats are allocated at the time of booking, but please note customers can change their seat at any time, until they pass through the gates. To do this, go to “Manage your booking” at eurostar.com or via our mobile app.
We keep a limited number of seats unreserved on each train; please look for the green lights above seats which indicate they are not reserved. Note that this number is very limited so customers are strongly recommended to sit in their reserved seat.
For our Eurostar London routes, you'll need to book a seat (opens in a new tab) reservation in advance to guarantee your travel dates. Eurail and Interrail pass-holder seats are subject to availability, so we recommend that you book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment and guarantee your seat and travel dates.
Whether you're an avid train traveller or a first timer, where you sit is just as important. Once you've made your booking, simply log in to Manage your Booking at any time to change seats. You'll find the change seats option on the left hand-side of the page.
Things I Wish I Had Known: Eurostar London to Paris
What happens if you accidentally sit in First Class on a train?
While this can be disappointing if you've paid for a First Class ticket, the train operators will provide a refund to cover the fare difference between first and standard class (based on same ticket type). Please contact the Train Operator direct to request this refund.
If you don't select your seat in advance, your seat will be allocated to you at check-in. If you are travelling on a long haul journey, you can access a Standard Seat free of charge, if available, when online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight.
If the train company does not offer seat reservations on the train you are travelling on, the reservation ticket will specify the date and time of travel. In this case, you may sit in any available seat on the specified train, appropriate to the class of your ticket. See our Advance ticket page for more information.
End cars are quieter! If you've a tight connection when your Eurostar arrives in Paris, Brussels or London, book a seat at the front of the train - car 16 or 18 going towards to Paris or Brussels, cars 1 or 2 going towards London.
How early should I arrive at St Pancras for Eurostar?
You should arrive at London St Pancras for Eurostar at least 75-90 minutes before departure for Standard/Plus (gates close 30 mins before), but check your ticket as times can vary, especially for Premier (30 mins) or on busy days, to allow for UK/French passport control and security.
If you choose your seats now you will get the widest choice of seats at the best price. If you skip this step, you will be able to choose your seats later in Manage My Booking for a higher price. Closer to departure, the selection may be limited and groups may not be able to sit together.
No, you do not have to purchase a seat assignement. If you don't purchase a seat, one will be randomly assigned to you at no charge — but your party may be seated separately.
Is it worth upgrading to Standard Premier on Eurostar?
With a premier ticket you'll get a meal that's pretty good plus drinks (including coffee, tea, wine, etc) and snacks. Plus the seats are a bit more comfortable. And, generally, you'll see less people sitting in premier so it ends up being less crowded and a bit quieter.
What happens if you don't have a seat reservation?
A seat is only guaranteed when you make a reservation. Without a reservation, there's always a small chance you'll have to stand for part or all of the journey. It doesn't happen often though.
Key Points. Checking in early can secure a better seat, help avoid being bumped, and give first dibs on last-minute upgrade deals. Delaying check-in risks losing your seat on full flights and reduces your chances of sitting with travel companions.
The best first-class seats for couples often include private suites or seats that convert into double beds, available on airlines like Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
Is it better to sit forward or backward on a train?
The optimal seat to prevent motion sickness is a seat in the middle of one of the first train cars. Be sure to choose a forward-facing seat, and if you're riding a double-decker train, stay on the bottom level.
We've looked at those spacious seats in business or first class and wondered, “Could I just move to one of those?” Unfortunately, this is usually not possible. These premium cabin seats often come with hefty price tags, and airlines have strict policies in place to prevent unauthorized upgrades.
Yes, you can take your own food on the Eurostar, with no restrictions on liquids like airlines, but you should avoid strong-smelling items and be aware of customs rules, especially regarding meat, dairy, and fish products when entering the EU from the UK, which can be restricted. Many passengers recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks for convenience and cost savings, but be mindful of your fellow travelers and potential customs regulations, checking official sources before travel.
Yes, you absolutely go through security and passport control on Eurostar, similar to flying, where you scan your ticket, put bags and electronics through X-ray scanners, walk through a metal detector, and have your passport checked twice (for departure and arrival countries) before boarding. It's crucial to arrive early to allow time for these checks, which are standard for routes to/from London, but unlike airports, there are generally no liquid restrictions, just luggage weight limits that you can carry yourself.
