How early do I need to be at the station?

We recommend arriving at the station approximately 10-30 minutes before departure. Please check your tickets and itinerary for any specific check-in instructions.

• For any regional train in any country, arriving at the platform more than 10 minutes before departue is not necessary.
• High-speed trains in France and Spain have a short check-in procedure. The platform from which the train departs is announced between 30 and 15 minutes before departure, and we reccommend being there beforehand so you have the time to find the platform, go through the check-in procedure, and find your seats on board the train.
  • Spanish high-speed train stations include a short luggage security check. Make sure to take 30 minutes for this, or however many minutes are specified on your ticket.
• Sleeper trains sometimes allow you to board up to 30 minutes before departure. We reccommend this, not because it is strictly necessary, but because you will have more time to find your sleeping cabin and making your bed before departure.

Eurostar trains to and from London have an extended check-in period for mandatory passport and customs checks. You need to arrive at least 60 minutes in advance, unless you have a business class ticket; please check the instructions on your Eurostar ticket and in the itinerary.

Eurostar trains between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany do not have passport, security or luggage checks. You need to be on board 2 minutes before departure, when the doors close. Like with other high-speed trains we reccommend being at the station 30-10 minutes before departue to find your seats.