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London's Eurostar link makes a European city break astonishingly easy, whisking you from St Pancras International to the heart of Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and beyond at high speed, with none of the airport hassle. Here are the best Eurostar destinations and how to plan a trip.
The direct destinations
Eurostar runs direct from London to Paris (about 2h20), Brussels (under 2 hours), Amsterdam (about 4 hours) and Lille, with seasonal direct services to the French Alps and Disneyland Paris. From Paris and Brussels, onward European trains open up the whole continent.
Choosing your break
Paris is the classic, Brussels makes an easy first trip with chocolate, beer and grand squares, and Amsterdam rewards a longer weekend of canals and galleries. Lille is an underrated short hop for food and architecture.
How to plan it
Book Eurostar well ahead for the cheapest fares, travel with a passport, and arrive at St Pancras 60 to 90 minutes before departure. Pack light to keep border crossings quick.
Good to know
For a one-day version see our day trip to Paris guide, and for UK escapes our day trips from London guide.
