Check-in Times & Boarding

When to Arrive

Eurostar recommends arriving at the station with enough time to complete check-in, border control, and security before your train departs. The key times:

Minimum recommended arrival:

• 60 minutes before — on most weekdays and quiet periods
• 90 minutes before — on Fridays, Sundays, school holidays, and during busy periods
• 30 minutes before — absolute minimum (check-in closes at this point for Standard and Standard Premier)
• 10 minutes before — Business Premier passengers only

The Check-in Process

1. Ticket scan (1 minute) — scan your e-ticket barcode at the entrance gate.
2. Border control (5–15 minutes) — clear exit immigration for your departure country and entry immigration for your destination. Have your passport ready.
3. Security screening (2–5 minutes) — bags through X-ray, walk through a detector. Much faster than airports.

Total time from arrival to departure lounge is typically 15–25 minutes. On very busy days it can stretch to 40 minutes, which is why the 90-minute buffer matters.

Boarding

Boarding is announced on departure screens and over the PA system, typically 20–30 minutes before departure. When boarding opens:

1. Check the screens for your platform number
2. Walk down to the platform (one level below the departure lounge at St Pancras)
3. Find your coach — coaches are clearly numbered on the outside of the train
4. Board and find your seat

There's no assigned boarding order — it's first-come, first-served for overhead luggage space. If you have large bags, boarding promptly helps secure space near your seat.

What If You're Running Late?

• Standard / Standard Premier: If you arrive after the 30-minute cut-off, you won't be allowed to check in. Your ticket may be non-exchangeable depending on the fare type — you could lose it entirely.
• Business Premier: You can check in up to 10 minutes before departure. If you miss your train entirely, you can board the next available service on the same day.