A Guide To Eurostar Fares (in the UK) and Other Useful Information ****************************************************************** By Phil Richards, CSi ID: 101471,731 Introduction This document outlines the full range of Eurostar fares (in UK currency - GBP) and conditions as sold in the UK. In addition some notes are included to help intending travellers select the best fare for their needs as well as other useful information. Disclaimer This file will be updated and corrected with any changes on a regular basis but Eurostar fares and conditions are likely to alter or be withdrawn at any time without notice. Neither myself (Phil Richards CSi ID: 101471,731), CSi, Eurostar UK Ltd., French National Railways (SNCF), Belgian National Railways (SNCB/NMBS) or any of their agencies will be held responsible for any errors in this document or changes that take place. Important Information You are advised to carefully check the fare conditions bearing in mind any minimum stay over period, refund/exchange arrangements or booking deadline. Eurostar fares are yield managed which means the lower the fare, the less seats are available for sale at that price. This should be borne in mind if requiring cheaper fares at busy times (e.g. weekends and around holiday periods). *************************************************************************** Contents of this file: Section A - Eurostar Only Fares & Conditions for services between London & Ashford to destinations served directly by Eurostar (Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais-Fréthun, Marne-la-Valleé for Disneyland Paris and the French Alps) Section B - Eurostar & Beyond Special Fares & Conditions. Various "through" fares from London/Ashford to destinations in France, Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands are available which include Eurostar and onward travel. Section C - North of London Eurostar Services - Details of fares and conditions will appear here when announced. At the time of writing services have not been given a specific date for starting. Section D - General Information including: * Fares from Europe to the UK via Eurostar * Refunds and Exchanges * Food and Refreshments * Special Needs Passengers with Disabilities * Group Travel * Advance Booking * Busy Periods * Best Fare Deals * Seating Preferences * Security, Luggage Allowances and Facilities at the Terminals * Upgrading * Timetable Information * How to Book * Contacting the author of this file for further information ***************************************************************************** Section A - Eurostar Only Fares 1 - London Waterloo or Ashford International to Paris Nord Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Premium First 1st 199.50 399.00 Normal First 1st 179.00 319.00 Leisure Return 1st N/A 199.00 Pass Holder 1st 89.00 159.00 Weekend Day Return 1st N/A 129.00 Saturday Night Away Return 1st N/A 159.00 Disabled 1st 36.00 72.00 Premium First Child 1st 99.50 199.00 Child 1st 69.00 119.00 Standard Plus 2nd 135.00 229.00 Normal Standard 2nd 134.00 228.00 Weekender 2nd 89.00 169.00 Leisure Return 2nd N/A 119.00 Senior 2nd N/A 109.00 Pass Holder 2nd 49.00 79.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 99.00 Youth 2nd N/A 79.00 Disabled 2nd 36.00 72.00 Weekend Day Return 2nd N/A 79.00 Saturday Night Away Return 2nd N/A 89.00 Child 2nd 37.00 59.00 2 - London Waterloo or Ashford International to Bruxelles-Midi Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 154.50 309.00 Leisure Return 1st N/A 199.00 Pass Holder 1st 74.50 149.00 Weekend Day Return 1st N/A 119.00 Saturday Night Away Return 1st N/A 149.00 Disabled 1st 36.00 72.00 Child 1st 59.50 119.00 Standard Plus 2nd 114.50 229.00 Normal Standard 2nd 113.50 228.00 Weekender 2nd 89.00 169.00 Leisure Return 2nd N/A 119.00 Senior 2nd N/A 109.00 Pass Holder 2nd 37.50 75.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 99.00 Youth 2nd N/A 75.00 Disabled 2nd 36.00 72.00 Weekend Day Return 2nd N/A 75.00 Saturday Night Away Return 2nd N/A 79.00 Child 2nd 29.50 59.00 3 - London Waterloo or Ashford International to Calais-Fréthun or Lille-Europe Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 140.00 249.00 Leisure Return 1st N/A 169.00 Pass Holder 1st 73.00 139.00 Weekend Day Return 1st N/A 109.00 Saturday Night Away Return 1st N/A 129.00 Disabled 1st 36.00 72.00 Child 1st 59.00 109.00 Standard Plus 2nd 99.00 180.00 Normal Standard 2nd 98.00 179.00 Weekender 2nd 69.00 135.00 Leisure Return 2nd N/A 99.00 Senior 2nd N/A 89.00 Pass Holder 2nd 39.00 65.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 79.00 Youth 2nd N/A 65.00 Disabled 2nd 36.00 72.00 Weekend Day Return 2nd N/A 59.00 Saturday Night Away Return 2nd N/A 69.00 Child 2nd 29.00 55.00 Note First Class fares are not available between Ashford International and Calais-Fréthun 4 - London Waterloo or Ashford International to Marne-la-Vallée (for Disneyland Paris) Fare Category Class Single Return Notes (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 115.00 230.00 (1) Normal First 1st 110.00 220.00 (2) Apex First Return 1st N/A 155.00 (3) Apex First Return 1st N/A 119.00 (4) Disabled 1st 36.00 72.00 Child 1st 40.00 80.00 Normal Standard 2nd 84.50 169.00 Apex Return 2nd N/A 89.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 119.00 Youth 2nd N/A 85.00 Disabled 2nd 36.00 72.00 Child 2nd 27.50 55.00 Notes: (1) Until 31 October 1998 (2) From 1 November 1998 until further notice (3) Valid only via Lille from 1 November 1998 until further notice (4) Valid only via direct service from 1 November 1998 until further notice Special notes: * Note fare does not include entry in to Disneyland * During Winter Period the direct service does not operate daily - please check timetables for further details * Fares are also valid using a combination of Eurostar to Lille-Europe then TGV to Marne-la-Vallée (tickets only available through Rail Europe) * First Class on the direct service is branded Castle Class. From 1 November 1998 until further notice no meal service will be provided 5 - London Waterloo or Ashford International to Moutiers-Salins and Bourg- St-Maurice (for French Alp ski resorts) Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 149.50 299.00 Ski Saver (Day service) 1st N/A 259.00 Ski Saver (Night service) 1st N/A 229.00 Disabled 1st 84.50 169.00 Child 1st 84.50 169.00 Normal Standard 2nd 99.50 199.00 Ski Saver (Day service) 2nd N/A 169.00 Ski Saver (Night service) 2nd N/A 149.00 Disabled 2nd 84.50 169.00 Child 2nd 54.50 109.00 Notes: * Fares valid on direct Eurostar service during the winter of 1998/99. * The Normal First and Standard fares are valid every day from 29 November 1998 to 29 May 1999 on Eurostar services to Paris or Lille then by onwards overnight service. Sleeping accommodation will be extra. NB: It may be cheaper to purchase separate Eurostar and domestic French tickets for travel via Lille or Paris. Further details from Rail Europe. Fare Conditions (London/Ashford - Calais-Fréthun/Lille/Brussels/Paris/ Marne-la-Valleé/French Alps) General - Unless otherwise stated, all tickets can be purchased up to 30 minutes prior to departure. All return tickets (with the exception of day returns) are valid for a maximum period of two months (e.g. from 6 April 1998 to 5 June 1998). All tickets must have a fixed date and time on both legs of the journey, Eurostar tickets cannot be left "open". All fares except Premium First, Standard Plus, Normal First/Standard, Weekender, Disabled and Child are subject to strict availability. In the case of all seats being reserved on a chosen service then passengers would normally offered alternative departures. Note that not all fares types are available to every destination - please check the relevant fare tables above. Premium First General - Available on London to Paris route only. High quality First Class service including: * Dedicated non-smoking carriage with exceptional on-board service * High quality à la carte menu with a choice of three main courses and complimentary drinks * Complimentary taxi from Paris Nord to any central Paris address, likewise from London Waterloo to any central London address (subject to conditions) * Complimentary Virgin LimoBike on arrival at London Waterloo to any central London address (subject to conditions) * Dedicated fast lane check-in at London Waterloo and Paris Nord with a minimum of 10 minutes check-in deadline as opposed to 20 minutes * Free car parking at Ashford International station * Use of the Clubhouse at London Waterloo and executive lounges at Paris Nord and Ashford International * Full interchangeability of tickets with British Midland Diamond EuroClass full fare tickets on their London to Paris route Refund - 100% up to 2 months after booked departure time Exchange - Possible up to 24 hours after booked departure time Standard Plus General - Enhanced Standard Class service provided Monday to Friday only (except Bank holidays) includes: * Complimentary newspapers * Dedicated areas of certain non-smoking carriages * Priority at-seat refreshment trolley service (note refreshments are not included) Refund - 100% up to 2 months after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible up to 24 hours after booked departure time. Normal First/Standard General - Fully flexible ticket. Refund - 100% up to 2 months after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible up to 24 hours after booked departure time. Weekender General - Valid after 14.00 Fridays, all services Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Refund - 100% up to 2 months after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible up to 24 hours after booked departure time. Leisure Return General - Compulsory return. Minimum of either 3 nights or one Saturday night away. Refund - 100% up to booked outward departure time. Thereafter, no refund. Exchange - Possible only up to booked departure time of each direction of travel. Thereafter, non exchangeable. Excursion Return General - Compulsory return. Minimum of one Saturday night away. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible only up to booked departure time of each direction of travel. Thereafter, non exchangeable. Apex Return General - London to Marne-la-Vallée only. Compulsory return. Minimum of one night away. Minimum 14 days advance purchase. Refund - 100% up to 14 days before outward departure. Thereafter, no refund. Exchange - Possible up to 14 days before outward departure. Thereafter, non exchangeable. Child General - Aged 4 to 11 years old on date of each direction of travel. Children under 4 travel free of charge but no seat will be reserved. Refund - 100% up to 2 months after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible up to 24 hours after booked departure time. Youth General - Aged 12 to 25 on date of each direction of travel. Compulsory return. Standard Class only. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible only up to booked departure time of each direction of travel. Thereafter, non exchangeable. Senior General - Aged 60 years and above. Compulsory return. Standard Class only. Refund - 100% up to booked outward departure time. Thereafter, no refund. Exchange - Possible only up to booked departure time of each direction of travel. Thereafter, non exchangeable. Pass Holder General - Available for the holders of the following rail passes: Eurail/Euro Pass, Inter Rail, BritRail, Euro Domino (UK/France only), France Rail Pass, Benelux Rail Pass. The Rail Pass must be validated and Eurostar travel must be made within the overall validity of the pass. However, for "Flexi Passes" there is no need to date the pass for the Eurostar journey. Refund - 100% up to booked outward departure time. Thereafter, no refund. Exchange - Possible only up to booked departure time of each direction of travel. Thereafter, non exchangeable. Disabled General - Available for the following: * A passenger who is confined to a wheelchair plus a companion * A companion for a passenger who is registered blind Each Eurostar train has spaces for two wheelchairs both are located in 1st Class carriages and a seat for a companion is adjacent to the wheelchair space. For passengers who are registered blind, the applicable fare in 2nd or 1st class is payable and a companion can travel at the reduced disabled rate. Note that guide dogs cannot be conveyed on Eurostar services. Refund - 100% up to 2 months after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible up to 24 hours after booked departure time. Weekend Day Return General - Compulsory return. Valid for a same day return journey either on a Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure. Exchange - Non exchangeable before and after booked departure. Saturday Night Away Return General - Compulsory return. Minimum 7 days advance purchase. Must include at least one Saturday night away. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure. Exchange - Non exchangeable before and after booked departure. Ski Saver General - Valid on direct service to the French Alps. Compulsory return. Two fare levels are applicable - day and night services and it is not possible to "mix" day and night time travel with this fare. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure. Exchange - Non exchangeable before and after booked departure. Bank Holiday Dates: Various fares are available for travel on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Bank Holiday dates for 1998 are: UK: 10, 13 April. 4, 25 May. 31 August. 28 December. France: 13 April. 1, 8, 21 May. 1 June. 14 July. 11 November. Belgium: 13 April. 1, 21 May. 1 June. 21 July. 11 November. NB: Eurostar services are not scheduled to operate Christmas Day, 25 December. ***************************************************************************** Section B - Eurostar & Beyond Special Fares. Various "through" fares from London/Ashford to destinations in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands are available which include Eurostar and onward travel. 1 France Zonal Fares * Eurostar from London/Ashford to Lille-Europe or Paris Nord * Onwards travel by either TGV or conventional train from Lille or Paris, out one way back other is possible so long as tickets are booked via Rail Europe. Note the train beyond Lille or Paris to the final destination must be a direct train. Change of train en-route not permitted * Complimentary seat reservation on TGV or conventional train * Supplementary charges payable for couchette or sleeping car berths on overnight trains in addition to cross Paris Métro fare * Break of journey in Lille/Paris for a maximum of 24 hours in either direction of travel is permitted Zone A = Angers, Besançon, Caen, Dijon, Le Havre, Le Mans, Poitiers, Reims, Rouen, Tours, Trouville-Deauville, Troyes Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 180.00 329.00 Leisure Return 1st N/A 209.00 Saturday Night Away Return 1st N/A 169.00 Child 1st 62.50 125.00 Normal Standard 2nd 140.00 240.00 Leisure Return 2nd N/A 135.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 115.00 Youth 2nd 44.50 89.00 Saturday Night Away Return 2nd N/A 99.00 Child 2nd 32.50 65.00 Zone B = Basel (Switzerland), Belfort, Cherbourg, Clermont-Ferrand, Laval, Limoges, Metz, Mulhouse, Nancy, Strasbourg Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 185.00 339.00 Leisure Return 1st N/A 219.00 Saturday Night Away Return 1st N/A 179.00 Child 1st 67.50 135.00 Normal Standard 2nd 145.00 250.00 Leisure Return 2nd N/A 145.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 125.00 Youth 2nd 49.50 99.00 Saturday Night Away Return 2nd N/A 109.00 Child 2nd 37.50 75.00 Zone C = Angoulême, Bordeaux, Brest, Grenoble, La Rochelle, Libourne, Lorient, Lyon, Nantes, Quimper, Rennes, Valence, Vannes Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 190.00 349.00 Leisure Return 1st N/A 229.00 Saturday Night Away Return 1st N/A 189.00 Child 1st 72.50 145.00 Normal Standard 2nd 150.00 260.00 Leisure Return 2nd N/A 155.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 135.00 Youth 2nd 54.50 109.00 Saturday Night Away Return 2nd N/A 119.00 Child 2nd 42.50 85.00 Zone D = Antibes, Avignon, Biarritz, Cannes, Marseille, Montpellier, Nice, Nîmes, Perpignan, St Raphäel, Toulon, Toulouse Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 195.00 359.00 Leisure Return 1st N/A 239.00 Saturday Night Away Return 1st N/A 199.00 Child 1st 77.50 155.00 Normal Standard 2nd 155.00 270.00 Leisure Return 2nd N/A 165.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 145.00 Youth 2nd 59.50 119.00 Saturday Night Away Return 2nd N/A 129.00 Child 2nd 47.50 95.00 2 Any Netherlands Station via Brussels and Roosendaal or Visé * Ticket not valid on Thalys service between Brussels & Netherlands * Break of journey permitted in Bruxelles for maximum of 24 hours in either direction (this must be specified at time of booking) * Break of journey not permitted in the Netherlands Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Normal First 1st 149.50 299.00 SuperSaver Return 1st N/A 159.00 Child 1st 64.50 129.00 Normal Standard 2nd 110.00 220.00 Excursion Return 2nd N/A 99.00 Youth 2nd N/A 79.00 SuperSaver Return 2nd N/A 84.00 Child 2nd 29.50 59.00 3 German Zonal Fares * Eurostar from London/Ashford to Bruxelles-Midi * Onwards travel to Germany via Aachen. InterCity (IC)/EuroCity (EC)/ InterCity Express (ICE) supplements included in fare. Supplements are payable for sleeping berths on overnight trains * Break of journey permitted in Bruxelles of up to 24 hours in either direction of travel (this must be specified at time of booking) Zone 1 = Aachen, Köln Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) SuperSaver Return 1st N/A 169.00 SuperSaver Return 2nd N/A 89.00 Zone 2 = Bonn, Düsseledorf, Mönchengladbach, Remagen Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) SuperSaver Return 1st N/A 185.00 SuperSaver Return 2nd N/A 99.00 Zone 3 = Boppard, Essen, Koblenz Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) SuperSaver Return 1st N/A 199.00 SuperSaver Return 2nd N/A 109.00 Zone 4 = Dortmund, Rudesheim, Trier Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) SuperSaver Return 1st N/A 209.00 SuperSaver Return 2nd N/A 119.00 Zone 5 = Frankfurt (Main), Mainz, Münster (Westf), Osnabrück, Paderborn Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) SuperSaver Return 1st N/A 219.00 SuperSaver Return 2nd N/A 129.00 Zone 6 = Bielefeld, Heidelberg, Mannheim Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) SuperSaver Return 1st N/A 239.00 SuperSaver Return 2nd N/A 139.00 Zone 7 = Basel Bad Bf, Berlin, Bremen, Dresden, Hamburg, Hannover, München, Nürnberg, Salzburg (Austria), Stuttgart Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) SuperSaver Return 1st N/A 259.00 SuperSaver Return 2nd N/A 155.00 Note: No Single (one way) or other fare types 4 Any Belgian Station via Bruxelles "Add On" Fare * Flat fare "add on" ticket for a single or return journey from Bruxelles to any Belgian station sold in conjunction with any Eurostar ticket to Bruxelles. Fare Category Class Single Return (O/Way) (R/Trip) Add On Adult 1st 7.50 15.00 Add On Child 1st 3.75 7.50 Add On Adult 2nd 5.00 10.00 Add On Child 2nd 2.50 5.00 Note: No Youth or Senior rates - use adult fare Fare Conditions (London/Ashford - beyond Eurostar through fares) General - Unless otherwise stated, all tickets can be purchased up to 30 minutes prior to departure. All return tickets are valid for a maximum period of two months (e.g. from 6 April 1998 to 5 June 1998). All tickets must have the Eurostar section of the journey with a fixed date and time on both legs, this section cannot be left "open". For TGV journeys in France a fixed reservation must also be made for each direction of travel. However no reservations are required between Brussels and the Netherlands. All fares except, Normal First/Standard and Child are subject to strict availability. In the case of all seats being reserved on a chosen service then passengers would normally offered alternative departures. These special fares are only sold through selected outlets listed to the end of this document. Normal First/Standard General - Fully flexible ticket. Refund - 100% up to 2 months after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible up to 24 hours after booked departure time. Leisure Return General - Compulsory return. Minimum of either 3 nights or one Saturday night away. Refund - 100% up to booked outward departure time. Thereafter, no refund. Exchange - Possible only up to booked departure time of each direction of travel. Thereafter, non exchangeable. Excursion Return General - Compulsory return. Minimum of one Saturday night away except on fares to the Netherlands where it may be a mimimum of any 3 nights or or one Saturday night away. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible only up to booked departure time of each direction of travel. Thereafter, non exchangeable. Child General - Aged 4 to 11 years old on date of each direction of travel. Children under 4 travel free of charge but no seat will be reserved. Refund - 100% up to 2 months after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible up to 24 hours after booked departure time. Youth General - Aged 12 to 25 on date of each direction of travel. Compulsory return except to the French Provinces. Standard Class only. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure time. Exchange - Possible only up to booked departure time of each direction of travel. Thereafter, non exchangeable. SuperSaver Return General - Compulsory return. Must include either a minimum of three nights or one Saturday night away. For the Netherlands, minimum of 7 days advance purchase. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure. Exchange - Non exchangeable before and after booked departure. Saturday Night Away Return General - Compulsory return. Minimum 7 days advance purchase. Must include at least one Saturday night away. Refund - Non refundable before and after booked departure. Exchange - Non exchangeable before and after booked departure. ***************************************************************************** Section C - North of London Eurostar Services Details of fares will appear here when announced. At the time of writing the start date for these services is still awaited and is unlikely to be until later in 1998. Through overnight trains via the Channel Tunnel from the UK provinces to Paris as well as from London to the Netherlands and Germany were originally scheduled for operation. However, it is very unlikely that these services will now be running. ***************************************************************************** Section D - General Information Fares from Europe to the UK via Eurostar All fares shown above are from the UK to the continent. In all cases fares can be "reversed" i.e. to the UK. The same conditions will apply but are generally between 10 and 20% cheaper due to market pricing. Additionally the range of Eurostar fares including those with "add on" sections on sale elsewhere in Europe may differ to those in the UK. Refunds and Exchanges Refunds (where permitted) must be obtained through the original point of sale within 2 months of the date of travel shown on the ticket. Exchanges may be made either through the original point of sale or at a Eurostar Terminal (i.e. London Waterloo, Paris Nord etc.) In France and Belgium most stations are able to exchange Eurostar tickets. Certain ticket types may be exchanged by telephone, namely those that are fully refundable and exchangeable both before and after departure. Tickets which can only be exchanged before departure must be exchanged in person at a station or the original point of sale. Eurostar agents are not obliged to exchange or make refunds on tickets not issued by themselves. When presenting tickets for exchange or refund both halves of any return ticket must be presented or returned. Failure to do so will mean that the refund or exchanged will be declined. Food and Refreshments First Class - All First Class passengers are served a complimentary meal with drinks at their seat applicable to the time of day. Vegetarian meals must be ordered at the time tickets are purchased and can not usually be arranged less than 48 hours before departure time. On services between London/Ashford and Marne-la-Vallée, First Class is branded "Castle Class" and the complimentary meal served will be a cold meal. No meal service will be available from 1 November 1998. On the daytime direct train to the French Alps both breakfast and lunch are served in First Class. On the overnight service, meals will be evening dinner and breakfast. Second Class - A buffet-bar selling hot and cold snacks and drinks is open for most of the journey with an at-seat trolley service available to Second Class passengers on most services. English, French and Belgian currency is accepted for payment. Special Needs Passengers with Disabilities General - Assistance is available at all Eurostar terminals for the disabled which includes passengers in wheelchairs. It is very important that this is arranged at the time the journey is reserved. Special fares are available to Paris, Bruxelles, Lille and Calais and are detailed in the fare tables above. For special assistance at Eurostar terminals telephone 0717 928 0660 giving full details of the journey and seat allocation on the train. Group Travel Eurostar offer discounted rates in both 1st and 2nd Class for single and return journeys for 10 or more passengers travelling together. Fares for groups are not "fixed" like those for individuals and will vary according to destination, time and date of travel. For full details of Group Travel rates please contact Eurostar UK Groups by telephone on 0870 6000777 or Rail Europe Groups on 0171-633 9000. Other Useful Information and Tips for Booking Eurostar Tickets Advance Booking It is advisable to book as early as possible to secure a reservation, in particular for reduced rate fares. In general the Eurostar reservation database is opened up 80 days in advance on a day by day basis. This should be borne in mind if booking a return ticket since both legs of the journey have to be reserved simultaneously. Reservation databases for other services in Europe are usually opened up 60 days in advance. Therefore for tickets through to the French Provinces and Germany where reservations are mandatory on the onward trains, the entire booking can only be processed a maximum of 60 days before the return date of travel. Special note: The direct services to the French Alps are open for reservation for all operational dates during the winter 1998/99 period. Early booking is strongly recommended as large numbers of seats are available to tour operators for inclusive package holidays. Busy Periods Eurostar has proved to be a very popular mode of transport in particular between London and Paris. In general Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as holiday periods are the busiest days since Eurostar has a large appeal to the leisure market. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are generally less busy. Best Fare Deals By studying the conditions above the most attractive fares in most cases must include a Saturday night away. Please also note that minimum booking deadlines apply to some of these fares as well as conditions for refunding and exchanging. Seating Preferences Your seat on Eurostar is allocated at the time the initial reservation is made, therefore it is important to specify any preferences when you book your tickets. These include smoking/non-smoking, window, gangway and in the case of First Class, an individual seat. Although it is possible to request a specific seat or a seat "near to" another (subject to availability), preferences like forward facing cannot normally be guaranteed. Security, Luggage Allowances and Facilities at the Terminals Due to stringent security measures, passengers must check in a minimum of twenty minutes (ten minutes for Premium First ticket holders). This is to allow for checks to be made and airport style arrangements exist. Dangerous goods such as firearms and explosives are not permitted on board. Only passengers holding valid tickets are permitted past the check in and Security areas which include the platforms. Immigration and customs checks can take place anywhere before, during or at the end of journey. Passengers should carry their tickets, passports (and visas if applicable) with them throughout the journey. It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that he has the correct documentation for the journey including any visas. Please note that all Eurostar services to Belgium transit France. All luggage is carried on board the train by the passenger and trolleys are provided free of charge at all Eurostar terminals for this purpose. On board the train, any luggage that is stored in the racks at the end of the carriage has to be labelled with the passengers name and seat allocation. The luggage allowance per fare paying passenger is two items of luggage (e.g. suitcase, rucksack etc.) plus one small item of hand baggage. Over and above this allowance including large items including bicycles must be registered for which a surcharge is payable. Further details of the rates and conditions of this facoility should be obtained in advance of travel from the providers of the service: Euro-Despatch Centre, Waterloo Station. Telephone: 0990 850850 Please note different conditions of carriage apply to trains connecting with Eurostar services where through fares apply. Upgrading Subject to the conditions of the ticket already held, if the ticket is fully refundable then it may be cancelled and credited towards a ticket of a higher value. Non refundable tickets cannot be upgraded in advance, but an upgrade fee can be paid for on board the train subject to the following criteria: * Subject to seats being available in the higher class of service * The passenger makes a request for an upgrade to the Train Manager before taking a seat in the higher class. * If the request is not made, it is the Train Manager's discresion to charge the full single fare appropiate for the journey and class of travel. * For Eurostar and Beyond fares, the upgrade is only applicable to the Eurostar leg of the journey. One way upgrade Supplements in Pounds Sterling (GBP), French Francs (FRF), Belgian Francs (BEF) as follows: London/Ashford to Calais/Lille/Brussels/Paris Weekender to Standard Plus GBP 50/FRF 500/BEF 3000 Standard/Standard Plus to First GBP 50/FRF 500/BEF 3000 London/Ashford to Marne-la-Vallée Standard to First GBP 25/FRF 250/BEF 1500 London/Ashford to Moutiers/Bourg-St-Maurice Standard to First GBP 50/FRF 500/BEF 3000 London/Ashford to Paris First to Premium First GBP 40/FRF 400/BEF 2500 Frequent Traveller Scheme Working similar to air miles, a Frequent Traveller Scheme operates and points are awarded on all Premium First, Standard Plus, Normal First/Standard Fares. In addition various other benefits are available such as express check-in (10 minutes), reduced rate car hire, hotels etc. Until 31 December 1998 points are also awarded on certain other fare catagories. Full details can be obtained by telephoning 0990 104105 or by e-mail eurostarft@aol.com Timetable Information A companion file entitled ESTTABLE.TXT can be found in the same library as you found this file. This file outlines the complete Eurostar timetable commencing 24 May 1998. Again timetables are liable to alter and this file will also be updated on a regular basis. How To Book 1 - By telephone (with a Credit, Bank Debit or Charge Card) Within the UK Eurostar (UK) Ltd. - 0990 186186 Rail Europe - 0990 848848 From outside of the UK Eurostar (UK) Ltd. - +44 1233 617575 Tickets ordered by telephone will either be mailed out or made available for collection at or near the departure point - please enquire with the point of sale for specific arrangements. 2 - In Person Eurostar (UK) Ltd. - London Waterloo or Ashford International Terminals Rail Europe - Rail Europe Travel Centre at 179 Piccadilly, London - International Rail Centre at Victoria Station, London or through a wide number of National Rail stations throughout the UK or through Eurostar appointed Travel Agents. Please note that the Eurostar and beyond fares are not sold through all Eurostar sales outlets. Eurostar tickets may also be obtained in many other countries in Europe and the rest of the world through appointed Travel Agencies as well as many European Railways. However different fares and conditions may apply. 3 - Internet French Railway's internet site provides an opportunity to reserved Eurostar tickets in addition to the full range of domestic French rail and other European journeys. At present payment is not possible on-line, a booking reference is issued and payment (in the UK) can be made through Rail Europe's travel centres in London or by telephoning 0990 848848. Full details of the reservation will be confirmed by e-mail if booked successfully. http://www.sncf.fr Eurostar (UK) Ltd. have a WWW site as follows: http://www.eurostar.com/eurostar/ Eurostar is a service operated jointly by Eurostar (UK) Ltd., French National Railways (SNCF) and Belgian National Railways (SNCB/NMBS). All matters relating to quality of service, fares structure etc. should be addressed to: Eurostar (UK) Ltd., Eurostar House, Waterloo Station, London, SE1 8SE. (Telephone 0171 928 5163). Contacting the author of this file These notes were compiled by Phil Richards (101471,731), a Travel Consultant for Rail Europe at the Rail Europe Travel Centre, 179, Piccadilly, London. Please note I am not available on 0990 848848. I am also a SysOp in the UK Travel Forum (Rail Travel Information) and an assistant SysOp in TrainNet Forum (Conference Moderator). I would be pleased to answer any queries regarding Eurostar or comments on this file provided a message is posted to me via one on an applicable message board in one the following CompuServe Forum message boards: * UK Travel Forum (GO UKTF) Please post a message in Section 2 (Trains/Planes/Boats) to Rail Travel Information {UKTF} using CIS ID 110364,3420 rather than 101471,731 * TrainNet Forum (GO TRAINNET) * Travel Forum (GO TRAVSIG) * European Forum (GO EURFORUM) * UK Forum (GO UKFORUM) A specific request - please not to send me personal e-mail for straight forward information on Eurostar or rail travel within Europe. Forums provide the ideal opportunity for far more people to both benefit from and contribute to the information exchanged. Please note I am not able to handle any bookings or travel plans by e-mail, I would ask you to use one of the above telephone numbers or offices. Thanks. This file was last updated and uploaded to various CSi Forum Libraries on: 17 October 1998.