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Many trips to France start or end with the Eurostar: about 2 hours 20 minutes from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, and direct trains from Brussels and Amsterdam too. Gare du Nord is the busiest train station in Europe, and stepping off the train with suitcases into the crowd, then joining a long taxi line, is not the best welcome to Paris. This guide explains how the station works, where your private driver meets you and how to plan your departure.
This guide is part of our Paris Airport Transfers Guide.
Key Takeaways
- London to Paris: about 2 hours 20 minutes by Eurostar to Gare du Nord.
- Meeting point: your chauffeur meets you at the end of the Eurostar platform with a name sign.
- Gare du Nord to central hotels: about 15 to 30 minutes by car.
- Leaving by Eurostar: arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure.
Gare du Nord: What to Expect When You Arrive
Eurostar trains arrive on the main platforms of Gare du Nord, in the north of Paris. As you walk down the platform you reach the main hall, which is shared with suburban trains, the RER and the metro. It is busy at all hours, and travelers with luggage are a target for pickpockets and unofficial drivers who offer rides inside the station. Keep your bags close, and never accept a ride from someone who approaches you.
The official taxi rank is outside the station, and the line can take 20 to 45 minutes at peak times, especially on Friday evenings and at the start of school holidays.
Gare du Nord to Your Hotel: Options Compared
| Option | Wait | Luggage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private driver (FR Transfer) | None, chauffeur on the platform | Chauffeur carries bags to the car | Families, groups, first visit |
| Official taxi | Often 20 to 45 min in line | Up to 4 people | Couples with light luggage |
| Rideshare app | Variable, pickup outside the station | Car type not guaranteed | Light travelers |
| Metro and RER | None | Stairs and crowds | Solo travelers with a backpack |
Where Your Private Driver Meets You
- Before you travel: send us your Eurostar train number and arrival time.
- On arrival: your chauffeur waits at the end of the Eurostar platform with a sign showing your name.
- Delays: we follow the train in real time and adjust if it runs late.
- To the car: the chauffeur helps with your luggage to the vehicle parked nearby.
From Gare du Nord, most hotels in central Paris are 15 to 30 minutes away by car. We also drive directly from the station to Disneyland Paris, Versailles, CDG or Orly.
Book your Gare du Nord pickup
Send us your Eurostar train number. Your chauffeur meets you on the platform with a name sign.
Leaving Paris by Eurostar
The Eurostar terminal is on the upper level of Gare du Nord, with passport control and security before boarding. Eurostar closes the gates shortly before departure, and lines can be long at busy times.
- Plan to arrive at Gare du Nord at least 90 minutes before departure.
- Allow 20 to 40 minutes for the drive from central Paris, more at rush hour.
- Your chauffeur drops you right at the station entrance closest to the Eurostar terminal.
Combine Your Arrival with a Day Trip or a Tour
Arriving in the morning? Your chauffeur can take you on a short tour of Paris with your luggage safely in the car before your hotel check-in. Read our Paris city tour itinerary, or book a chauffeur by the hour.
Which Car for Your Station Transfer?
| Vehicle | Passengers | Suitcases | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes V-Class (luxury van) | Up to 7 | Up to 7 | Families and groups with luggage, up to 7 passengers |
| Mercedes S-Class (luxury sedan) | Up to 3 | Up to 2 | Couples and business travelers |
| Mercedes-Maybach GLS (ultra-luxury SUV) | Up to 4 | Up to 4 | VIP guests and special occasions |
| Cadillac Escalade (full-size SUV) | Up to 6 | Up to 5 | Groups of up to 6 who prefer a full-size SUV |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Eurostar from London to Paris?
About 2 hours 20 minutes from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord on a direct train.
Where does my driver meet me at Gare du Nord?
At the end of the Eurostar platform, with a sign showing your name. We confirm the meeting point before your trip.
How long is the taxi line at Gare du Nord?
It varies, but at peak times it can take 20 to 45 minutes. With a pre-booked driver there is no line.
How early should I arrive at Gare du Nord for the Eurostar?
We recommend at least 90 minutes before departure, to allow for passport control and security.
Can you take us from Gare du Nord to Disneyland Paris or the airport?
Yes. We drive from the station to Disneyland Paris, CDG, Orly, Versailles or anywhere in France.
Arriving by Eurostar?
Platform meeting, help with luggage, English-speaking chauffeur and a fixed price.