Fancy a jaunt to Europe this winter?
If you’re planning a getaway, Eurostar is often the most convenient way to get to the continent, with trains running to popular city break destinations like Paris, Lille and Amsterdam.
And now, to help you beat those January blues, the train company has launched a huge flash sale, with £35 off selected routes.
But, you’ll have to be quick. The sale will last for less than a week, from January 3 to January 9.
Which destinations can you book tickets to in the Eurostar flash sale?
The cheap tickets are only available for travel from:
- London and Paris, Lille, or Brussels between January 14 and April 3 2025.
- London to Amsterdam or Rotterdam between January 14 and March 28 2025.
The fares will not be available on some dates, and engineering works during March also means that trains aren’t operating on certain dates, so it’s worth checking the Eurostar website for further details.
Passengers should also remember that the Amsterdam and Rotterdam trains require a connection in Brussels until February 10.
How cheap are tickets in the Eurostar flash sale?
Eurostar say that £35 is for a Eurostar Standard one-way ticket from London to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
We headed to the Eurostar website to check it out, and there are indeed £35 tickets to be had. Tickets for a long weekend in Paris in March (March 7 to March 10) could be purchased for £35 each way (£70 return), while you can get to Lille for the same price on the same dates.
You might have to be a little flexible with your times though. The cheap £35 tickets tend to be available for early morning routes. On Friday March 7, Eurostar currently offers a 6:01am train to Paris, before climbing to £109 at 10.24am. Alternatively, you could travel a little later in the day, with £35 tickets available in the afternoon.
And on the return leg of your long weekend on Monday March 10 though, there are £35 tickets available all day.
It’s hard to believe that the idea of the Channel Tunnel itself – the world’s longest undersea tunnel at 31.5 miles long – was actually first conceived way back in 1802, although construction didn’t start until 1988.
Since the high-speed train service began over 30 years ago, connecting the UK to mainland Europe, the fleet of 28 trains has carried an estimated 150 million passengers.
It was finally completely in 1993, and the Eurostar began its service in November 1994.
The best things to do in Lille
While you might have already been to Paris or Amsterdam, Lille is an often overlooked French city that has lots to offer tourists looking for a fun city break. Previously speaking to Metro, Sarah Ewing shared her top tips when visiting:
Don’t leave without: With its Flemish heritage and 17th-century red-brick townhouses, charming Lille has a vibrant art scene. La Piscine de Roubaix is an art museum in a former swimming pool – and a must-see.
Transport advice: The most efficient public transport options are trams and buses.
Best-kept secret: France might be famed for its wine, but Lille is the country’s beer capital, home to historic craft breweries. It hosts a beer festival every September – last year, there were 100 events dedicated to craft beer in bars, restaurants and breweries.
Budget tips: Looking to bring a taste of France home that won’t break the bank? Visit Marché Wazemmes on Place de la Nouvelle – it’s one of the biggest markets in France, selling produce, beautiful gifts like honey and soaps, and is a great place to get lunch-to-go.
Where to eat: ‘L’Atelier Street Food is great value and known for its pre-match atmosphere. Soho Urban Food is a contemporary buffet-style restaurant with a great brunch and cocktails.
Where to stay: Hôtel Brueghel is centrally located and close to Gare Lille Flandres.
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