Travelling between London and Brussels by Eurostar is a quick and convenient way to cross the English Channel as the train takes passengers seamlessly from one capital city centre to another. I’ve travelled on board Eurostar several times both in Standard and Eurostar Plus so decided to review the upgraded experience to see how it compared.
Eurostar Plus (previously known as Standard Premier) is the mid-tier class on Eurostar trains (think airline premium economy), sitting comfortably between Standard and Business Premier. Ticket prices in Eurostar Plus vary but are often only slightly more expensive than Standard making them much better value if booked well in advance.
Outbound London St. Pancras to Brussels Midi
Check-in experience
We’d booked the 07.04 early Friday morning departure to Brussels, opting to stay in a nearby hotel the previous night. Check-in takes place at the Eurostar terminal which is located along the main concourse at London St. Pancras station.
Eurostar Plus customers do not receive any preferential treatment (fast track access) at check-in and also need to queue up alongside Standard class passengers through security and immigration. Seating, whilst awaiting boarding is in the main concourse as unlike Business Premier we did not have access to the Business Lounge.
Boarding the Eurostar train
From boarding was where the difference between Eurostar Plus and Standard became noticeable. Boarding was at the same time for all passengers but on reaching the platform and locating our carriage number, we were greeted by a smartly dressed Eurostar host who quickly checked our tickets and welcomed us on board, even assisting with our luggage from the platform to the train.
On-board seating
Seating for Eurostar Plus customers is exactly the same as for Business Premier with a configuration of tables for four and two as opposed to the more cramped conditions in Standard of tables of four at each side of the aisle.
We found the larger seats to be much more comfortable with ample legroom. The seats could be reclined if required and were equipped with reading lights and power points. Facing each other, one seat had a U.K. power socket beneath the arm rest whilst the other came equipped with a two pin European connection. The table had expandable flaps at each side allowing more space for working and dining.
Eurostar Plus Dining – Breakfast
Within 10 minutes of our departure from London St. Pancras a complimentary light breakfast was served with a choice of either a savoury or sweet option. We both selected sweet pastries, with our pain-au-chocolates tasting freshly baked, light and crispy. The pastries were accompanied with bowls of yoghurt topped with fruit compote, orange juice and coffee. A second round of hot drinks was served slightly later and before we knew it, we were already approaching Lille where some of the passengers were ending their journey. On arrival into Brussels Midi our host was positioned by the door assisting with luggage and wishing passengers a pleasant onward journey.
Return: Brussels Midi to London St. Pancras
We’d booked our return for 6.07 p.m. on the Sunday afternoon and after a relaxing weekend spent in Namur we’d taken a local service back to Brussels Midi in good time for our Eurostar departure. Due to lack of space in the departure lounges, passengers are only allowed to check-in between 60-90 minutes before departure.
Once through security and immigration which both had relatively short queues we had a quick look in the duty free shop before finding a seat in the departure lounge. Boarding was exactly the same as in London, with a Eurostar host checking tickets and welcoming us on board.
We had again been able to reserve a table for two and after stowing our luggage and removing our coats we made ourselves comfortable for the return journey. Within a short time after departure a meal trolley passed through the carriage with a choice of either a chicken or vegetarian main.
Dinner was served on trays and was considerably larger than the light breakfast earlier in the day. Although only cold dishes are served in Eurostar Plus we were more than happy with our grilled chicken served on a bed of chickpea, onions and pepper with a side of broccoli. Accompanying the meal was a rye bread roll, and butter. Complimentary water, alcoholic and soft drinks were offered and we both enjoyed our glasses of red wine. To finish our meal we enjoyed cups of coffee served with a delicious salted caramel chocolate. Later, we enjoyed a second cup of coffee then sat back and relaxed for the remainder of our journey.
Overall:
For the small additional cost, we thought that travelling Eurostar Plus offered a far superior service to that provided in Standard. We enjoyed extra space with the larger, comfortable seats and complimentary meal and drinks service. resulting in a more relaxed and peaceful journey. For comparison, additional benefits offered by the highest travel class of Business Premier include fast track check-in and security, access to the business lounges, hot meals and unlimited alcoholic beverages. With Business Premier tickets considerably more expensive, I would recommend travelling Eurostar Plus as I feel it offers excellent value and provides a good level of service. We always enjoy rail travel and our two hour Eurostar train journey was the perfect start and end to our weekend away. Further details on reservations can be found here.
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