How to Book Train Travel From Cambridge to Paris

In less than four hours, you can travel by train from the ancient town of Cambridge to the thriving metropolis of Paris. This is the newest way to book travel from the British Isles to the rest of the Europe, and it's an experience in itself. Read on to learn how to book train travel from Cambridge to Paris.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Computer With Internet Access

Instructions

Buy Your Tickets

1. Choose your class of travel. "Standard Class" on the Eurostar is comfortable, "First-Class" seats recline and "First Premium Class" offers a four-course meal during your journey.

2. Purchase tickets online at the Eurostar Web site and then collect them at your departure station. You can buy Eurostar tickets up to 120 days in advance. See the Resources section below for a link to Eurostar. You can also book train travel from Cambridge to Paris by calling Rail Europe at (888) 382-RAIL or by visiting the link below.

3. Receive discounts if you qualify. If you are a senior or a youth, you can enjoy serious savings on Eurostar. Holders of BritRail Passes, too, can qualify for a discount.

Find the Eurostar Station

1. Catch a train to London. These leave Cambridge several times an hour. You can purchase advance tickets on the BritRail Web site or purchase them at the station. See the Resources section below for a link to BritRail. You can call BritRail at (866) BRITRAIL.

2. Catch the Underground to Waterloo Station when you arrive in London. There are Underground stops at all London train stations.

3. Make your way to London's Waterloo Station to catch the Eurostar train to Paris. Your Cambridge train to London will drop you at the King's Cross Station, but the Underground travels between the stations for a moderately easy transfer.

Tips & Warnings

• There are more than a dozen departures each weekday from London's Waterloo Station to Paris. You have a wealth of options to fit your schedule.

• Paris train stations can be hectic. Keep your luggage close to you, and know beforehand where you need to go, whether you need to book tickets when you arrive in Paris for another train leg, and what your next step is in your journey. Any confusion you have will only be magnified on a bustling platform.

• Unlike Eurail and BritRail passes, there are no open-ended Eurostar passes. You can only book one-way and round-trip tickets.

• Don't expect the French to have signs and announcements in English, although you can expect Eurostar employees to speak both French and English. Buy a small and easy-to-use phrase book before you go, and review a few necessary phrases as you travel through the Chunnel. Your BritRail Pass won't work on the international portion of this trip.