For over three decades, Eurostar has connected London to mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel, offering a sustainable alternative to air travel. As we move through 2025, many travellers are choosing rail for their city breaks, drawn by the environmental benefits and convenience of high-speed train services.
Why Choose Eurostar for European Travel
Travelling at speeds of up to 186 miles per hour, Eurostar whisks passengers directly to city centres, avoiding airport transfers and lengthy security queues. The service offers stunning views of European countryside and cities, with no restrictive luggage limits – though passengers must manage their own bags.
With journey times as quick as one hour and 22 minutes to some destinations and flash sales offering fares to Paris from just £35, Eurostar presents an compelling option for British travellers seeking European adventures.
Top Eurostar Destinations for 2025
Paris, France
The French capital remains Eurostar's flagship destination, with journeys from London taking just 2 hours and 16 minutes. Paris continues to attract over 30 million annual visitors, drawn to iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and world-class museums like the Louvre.
Art enthusiasts can view masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh's self-portrait, while neighbourhood explorers will enjoy discovering distinct arrondissements from the Latin Quarter to Le Marais. June represents the ideal visiting period, with average temperatures of 22°C and minimal rainfall.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Since its 2018 launch, the 4 hour 19 minute journey to Amsterdam has proven increasingly popular. The Dutch capital charms visitors with its canal networks, gabled architecture, and cultural institutions including the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Important service information: Direct services from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London resume in late April 2025 following essential engineering works at Amsterdam Centraal between 29 March and late April.
Brussels, Belgium
As one of Eurostar's shortest routes at 1 hour 53 minutes, Brussels serves as both a destination and connecting hub for other Belgian cities. The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases spectacular Baroque and Gothic architecture, while museums and culinary delights – from chocolate to famous beers – provide ample diversion.
Lille, France
Eurostar's closest destination to the UK, Lille lies just 1 hour 22 minutes from London. This northern French city features a charming Old Town with red-brick buildings, the Gothic Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille cathedral, and the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum housing works by Goya and Picasso.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
At 3 hours 31 minutes from London, Rotterdam offers a modern contrast to Amsterdam with futuristic architecture including the Erasmus Bridge and Cube Houses. The city boasts Europe's largest seaport, innovative museums, and vibrant green spaces.
Cologne, Germany
As Eurostar's most distant destination requiring a Brussels connection, Cologne rewards travellers with its magnificent Gothic cathedral, traditional brewhouses serving Kölsch beer, and renowned chocolate museum. Note that between 3-18 May 2025, no trains will stop at Cologne due to engineering works, with alternative services to Aachen or Düsseldorf available.
French Alps
Eurostar's revived ski train service connects London to multiple Alpine resorts including Bourg-Saint-Maurice for Les Arcs, with journey times under 8 hours. The service operates Saturday departures and Sunday returns during winter seasons, with passengers permitted to bring ski equipment alongside standard luggage.
Planning Your Eurostar Adventure
Eurostar continues to provide an efficient, eco-friendly gateway to Europe's most captivating cities. With regular promotions and the convenience of city-centre to city-centre travel, the service offers compelling reasons to choose rail over air for your 2025 European getaways. Keep an eye on Eurostar's website for flash sales and seasonal service announcements to make the most of your travel budget.
