London to Brussels Train Comparison: Standard vs Standard Premier on Eurostar
Eurostar Standard vs Standard Premier (Eurostar Plus): A Comparison
Eurostar, a staple of European transport, offers two main classes for travelers: Standard and Standard Premier (Eurostar Plus). While both classes provide a quick and comfortable journey across Europe, there are some noticeable differences between the two.
The primary distinctions lie in seating comfort, food and drink service, and overall travel experience.
Seating and Space
In Eurostar Standard, passengers will find basic seating with smaller seats, whereas Standard Premier offers larger seats with extra legroom and a guarantee of no seat next to you.
Food and Drink
Eurostar Standard does not provide included food or beverages, whereas Standard Premier includes a light meal and free drinks.
Boarding Time
Both classes require travelers to arrive approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before departure. However, Standard Premier passengers do not receive any special boarding priority.
Price Difference
The Standard fare is the cheapest option, while Standard Premier is slightly more expensive, usually costing an additional €15-€34.
Additional Perks
Standard Premier does not offer lounge access, but it does provide a better seating experience and meal service. Eurostar Premier, the highest class, offers additional perks such as priority boarding, lounge access, flexible ticket changes, and premium meals, but at a substantially higher cost.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For solo travelers, the extra legroom, a seat without a neighbor, and a free meal make the upgrade worthwhile, especially if the price difference is small. Couples or families may find the benefits of extra space less significant in comparison to the added cost.
Regardless, the upgrade often provides a practical alternative to flying, given less hassle with security and central city stations, making it a good value for the comfort and convenience it adds over standard class.
In summary, if you value more space and a meal and can get the upgrade at a modest extra cost, Standard Premier is generally worth it, especially for solo travelers or those wanting a bit more comfort on the journey. However, if you want to keep costs low and don’t mind basic seating with no onboard catering, Standard class suffices.
Eurostar's 20th year of operation has cemented its status as an icon of European transport, offering quick, smooth, and comfortable travel across Europe. With up to 9 daily services from London St Pancras International to Brussels and return fares starting from £78, Eurostar is a fantastic way to travel. The fastest London-Brussels journey time on Eurostar is 1 hour and 53 minutes.
Journey flexibility is another advantage of traveling by train, as it allows travelers to see multiple countries on one trip and connect to various cities in Europe via partner companies like Thalys. The Standard Premier coach on Eurostar is more exclusive, quieter, and generally more luxurious than the standard journey.
Eurostar Standard Premier tickets range from £140 to £458 for a return from London to Brussels, depending on travel dates/times and how far in advance you book. Each Eurostar has 750 seats, which is almost the same number as on two Boeing 747 planes. Eurostar Standard Premier provides calm, spacious surroundings and on-board staff to assist and help out, all impeccably polite and friendly.
Independent research shows that traveling by Eurostar between London and Paris or Brussels generates up to 80% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than traveling by plane per passenger journey. Eurostar tickets offer 2 for 1 entry to some of Europe's most popular museums and galleries in Paris, Lille, and Brussels. Eurostar offers a quicker check-in process compared to flying, with no hold luggage to deal with and automated check-ins.
Eurostar promises that travel with them is 'faster and greener than flying', and independent research reflects that: per passenger journey, traveling by Eurostar between London and Paris or Brussels generates up to 80% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than traveling by plane. Eurostar Standard Premier includes a light meal and drinks as part of the ticket price. The meal options include a choice of two mains, cheese plate, rice pudding, and a variety of drinks including water, Belgian chocolate, and wine.
Eurostar Standard Premier offers additional benefits compared to the Standard class, including more spacious and comfortable seats, complimentary magazines, light meal and drinks served at the seat, and UK and Continental power points on board. For those seeking a more comfortable and enjoyable journey, Eurostar Standard Premier is a worthwhile upgrade.
- The meal options in Eurostar Standard Premier include a choice of two mains, a cheese plate, rice pudding, and a variety of drinks, contrasting with Eurostar Standard, where food and beverages are not included.
- In terms of seating comfort, Eurostar Standard Premier provides larger seats with extra legroom, unlike standard Eurostar where seats are more basic.
- Traveling by train with Eurostar, particularly in Standard Premier, offers reduced carbon emissions compared to air travel, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for lifestyle-conscious travelers.
