Navigating Eurostar — Kate's Corner Blog

As I write this post, I’m sitting in a Eurostar coach en route to London for a brief visit. It’s the first time I’ve ever ridden on a Eurostar train so, naturally, I wasn't quite sure what to expect out of the experience. What would security be like? How early should I get to the terminal? These were just a few of the questions I had and, I figured, you might have too if you've similarly never traveled through Eurostar. Listed below are the things I noticed throughout my virginal Eurostar quest.

Security

Okay so I was clueless as to what security would be like for Eurostar. And, honestly, I had no idea there even was security until I read on my ticket to arrive at the station an hour early for the security checkpoints. Good thing I noticed because I had originally intended to arrive at the station a mere twenty minutes before my train left! I had assumed that Eurostar trains were akin to regular transit trains where you just went to the station, found your track, and hopped aboard. That's not the case.

I’ve been through plenty of airport security gates but never train security, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. And boy was I shocked to see what it was really like. They do not play around! The first checkpoint (of many) consisted of reviewing my ticket, naturally. The second revolved around having my person and luggage examined. I had to take off my coat, remove my belt, put my phone in a security bin, remove my laptop from my bag, and do a handstand. Okay, that last one didn't happen but it felt like it could have been one of the steps considering all of the other things I had to do!

Once I made it through that extravaganza and dismounted from my handstand, I moved onto the third checkpoint. I had to present my passport to guards in two (yes, TWO!) separate areas. One stamped my passport, the other inquired as to my reason for entering the country (I was going from Brussels to London). I don’t know if this happens to anyone else, but I’m always so bad when it comes to being asked questions about my plans while visiting a country. I get all choked up and stumble over my words, which obviously doesn’t help me look like the innocent traveler that I am.

I think my fondest memory of border control was my trip to London years ago that had me going through Heathrow’s airport security. When asked what I planned on seeing while in the country, I referred to Big Ben as “The big clock tower thing.” Not one of my finest moments. I’m clueless as to how they let me into the country after that - the guard must have allowed me through based on pity alone.

Thankfully, though, the security guard this time around was very pleasant, which helped ease my anxiety. Fortunately, I had my Maastricht student ID on me because I needed to provide it to show that I wasn’t just planning on worming my way into England with no intention of leaving (although, I wouldn’t mind staying forever).

Overall, the security was extensive, which is really great despite the inconveniences it poses. I feel much more comfortable knowing that I can board the train with people that have all been equally vetted. It seems like I may be closer to the Eurostar security personnel than I am with some of my closest friends - that’s how intense it was. Just kidding, it really wasn’t awful, just not what I initially expected. But now I know better - and so do you!

Beelining for the terminal

There were THRONGS of people waiting to get onto the train. And when we were finally allowed onto the terminal, it was like a rat race. Although seats are assigned on the coach, you can still stake claim on whether you’d like to sit on the inside by the window or the outside by the aisle, but only if you get to the seats first. I didn’t even know why everyone was swarming around like chickens with their heads cut off but that didn’t stop me from adopting a light jog just to fit in.

Luckily, I was assigned to a whole pair of seats by my lonesome so the running wasn’t necessary in the end. But I’ll always take a quick workout if the opportunity presents itself!

The check-in line

If you follow me on Instagram, you would’ve seen the picture I posted of the line for Brussels-Midi’s Eurostar terminal checkpoint. It was unreal. I’m pretty sure the suggestion to arrive an hour early for security was more like a roundabout way of saying “Arrive early ‘cause you’re going to be standing in line for a long while.” Security itself took me ten minutes tops. The line to get to security? That took 25-30, easily. So even if you’re thinking to yourself “Well I’ll just pack lightly so security won't take as long,” that won’t help you any when it comes to waiting in that line.

Let’s see… have I left anything out? Nope! I think that’s all for now. I hope this helped and, as always, safe travels!