The Best Way to Travel to Europe? What’s best for you?
Ready to embark on your next European adventure? One of the first big decisions you’ll face is how to get there: Most start to consider the two main options do we take a Eurostar or plane trip? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each option to help you choose the perfect way to start your trip.
Eurostar: A Scenic Rail Journey
Why the Eurostar you may ask?
Eurostar offers high-speed train services from London St Pancras International to several European destinations. The journey from London to Paris or Brussels is a popular choice for many travellers, offering a comfortable and efficient way to travel.
The Eurostar’s history is intertwined with the ambitious project of constructing the Channel Tunnel, a feat of engineering that connected Britain to mainland Europe.
The idea of a rail tunnel under the English Channel had been discussed for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that the project finally came to fruition. Construction began in 1988, and the tunnel was officially opened in 1994.
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service that operates through the Channel Tunnel, was launched shortly after the tunnel’s opening. Initially, Eurostar trains departed from London Waterloo International station and traveled to Paris and Brussels.
Over the years, Eurostar has undergone significant changes, including the relocation of its London terminal to St Pancras International and the introduction of new, high-speed trains. It has also expanded its network to include destinations like Amsterdam and Disneyland Paris.
Today, Eurostar remains a popular choice for travellers seeking a comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to travel between the UK and mainland Europe.
The Pros;
- Smidge of Luxury: Imagine sipping wine and gazing out at the stunning English Channel coastline and the picturesque French countryside, its not quite as bad as you think and is nothing at all like the domestic rail lines being over run with passengers. Each passenger has a seat, no one has to stand and you can be wined and dined for as long as the trip goes on.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: Feel good about your travel choices with a more sustainable mode of transport, you will offset far more CO2 emissions travelling on the train in comparison to the metal birds in the sky. Admittedly they are faster though…
- Stress-Free Zone: Skip the airport chaos and enjoy a relaxed journey has been the case for me when travelling on the Eurostar. Pleased to say that I have never had any issues myself, but that’s not to say you wont come across any.
- City Centre Convenience: Arrive right in the heart of Paris or Brussels, ready to explore and this is one of its massive perks. You save a lot of time and money with regard to transfers. Simply because there just isn’t any.
- High-Speed Travel: Experience the thrill of high-speed rail travel as you journey through the Channel Tunnel.
- Comfortable Seating: Relax in comfortable seats and enjoy the journey.
- Onboard Amenities: Many Eurostar trains offer onboard dining and Wi-Fi, making your journey even more enjoyable although never really sure how this works considering being in a tunnel? (That’s my next area of personal research I think.)
But Remember:
- Limited Destinations: Eurostar only serves a few European cities.
- Longer Journey Times: Train journeys can take longer than flights, especially for longer distances.
- Pricey Pleasure: Eurostar tickets can be pricier than budget airline flights.
I think one of the main things to remember is that you have to make it to London first, for some it might not be all that simple or cost effective and therefore in this case your only option may be but to fly. All thigs considered if you were close and transport was not that expensive i can almost guarantee you would choose the train over the plane any day…
Next Up, Flying to Europe: The Swift Option
The UK boasts several major airports that offer direct flights to numerous European destinations. London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Birmingham Airport, and Bristol Airport are some of the busiest airports in the UK, providing easy access to European cities.
Pros of Flying
- Quick Travel Times: Flying offers the quickest way to travel to most European destinations. This is especially beneficial for longer distances or when time is of the essence.
- Efficient Journeys: With direct flights from various UK airports, you can reach many European cities in just a few hours.
- Diverse Destinations: Flying allows access to a wider range of European cities, including those not directly served by Eurostar or other rail services.
- Flexibility: With numerous airlines operating flights to various destinations, you have more flexibility in choosing your travel dates and times.
- Affordable Fares: Budget airlines offer competitive prices, making air travel a cost-effective option for many travellers.
- Last-Minute Deals: Keep an eye out for last-minute deals and promotions to save even more on your flight costs.
Cons of Flying
- Time-Consuming Procedures: Check-in, security screenings, and baggage claim can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods.
- Stressful Experience: The stress of navigating busy airports and potential delays can detract from the overall travel experience.
- Carbon Emissions: Air travel contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
- Eco-Conscious Travelers: If you’re concerned about your environmental impact, flying may not be the most sustainable choice.
- Baggage Fees: Many airlines charge fees for checked baggage, which can quickly add to the overall cost of your trip.
- Seat Selection Fees: Some airlines charge extra for seat selection, especially for preferred seats.
- Additional Fees: Other fees, such as priority boarding or in-flight meals, can further increase the cost of your flight.
Your Perfect European Getaway
The best choice for you depends on your priorities:
- Relaxation and Scenery Seeker: Eurostar is your perfect match.
- Speed Demon and Budget Traveller: Flying is your best bet.
Ultimately, the decision is yours! Consider your budget, travel style, and desired destinations.
Ready to book your adventure? Let us know in the comments below!
