LON-PAR .. Plane or train?

[Virgin Bart]

Hi all. I need to get from London to Paris in June..

Everything tells me train is easier, cheaper, quicker and more comfortable.

But... I'm on this site.. And this means I like flying, lounges and the experience of it all. So... What should I do, fellow addicts?

FWIW, I'm QFF Gold. Looking at flying BA.

 

[Hvr]

Do you need the status credits? If not then take the train.

 

[Colin 2905]

It was four years ago, but as part of a family trip we flew from London (LHR) to Paris (ORY) on BA in Y, but returned to London on the Eurostar, in first. Train was nicer (but then I'm comparing apples and oranges when it comes to the travel class). Far more relaxing, and the French countryside is quite scenic.

If you haven't done it before, I'd say do it.

 

[clifford]

Far more relaxing, and the French countryside is quite scenic.
If you haven't done it before, I'd say do it.

I agree, but it's a bit hard to see the countryside at 300 km/h.

 

[dmitri]

I'd go the train, I've done both modes of transport and found the train more relaxing with a better view, and I didn't have to go through CDG which is always a plus in my books.

 

[Virgin Bart]

It seems unanimous haha

Have never done it though, so I think train it is.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I agree, but it's a bit hard to see the countryside at 300 km/h.

Even harder at 1,000 km/h and at 10,000m elevation.

 

[Denali]

Go 1st or Premium or whatever they call it these days - a nice way to travel.

Will you have luggage? I usually pick a seat next to the luggage area in the carriage but it wasn't a problem.

 

[wandering_fred]

Are you in a hurry? Are you over 60ish?

Awhile ago I took a trip to the London suburbs to catch up with a friend. As a matter of principle, I wanted to avoid the UK departure taxes, so scheduled into LHR out of CDG. At the time Eurostar was more money than I wanted to spend (more than 100 pounds).

As I wasn't in a particular hurry I decided to stop in Lille on the way. Eurolines (NationalExpress) offered an advance purchase seniors fare at a very attractive price Victoria Station to Lille Station. And there is a direct TGV train from Lille to CDG. Also reasonably priced. Net - about half what Eurostar wanted (not counting getting back to CDG from Paris). Which almost covered the cost of one night in Lille (again at half the cost of Paris).

Downsides? Victoria Coach Station was less than ideal. Certainly no FF lounge. And it took a very long time to actually get out of the London area. You actually end up with the b*s on a train through the Chunnel.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[kelvedon]

I'd pay a premium to take the train over flying. City centre to city centre, less hassle, more legroom and you can get up and wander around.

I agree, but it's a bit hard to see the countryside at 300 km/h.

The trackside scenery is a blur, but 100m beyond is quite viewable, though your journey takes you through Picardy (and over the Somme River) which is not the prettiest region of France.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Train!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Easy, less hassle, more comfortable, less hanging around..and city entre to city centre.


Also if not left to last minute Eurostar tickets can be had at a good discount. Was very cheap when I last used it for this reason.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Eruostar economy/standard class is not very comfortable (narrow seats, tight seat pitch, no refreshments). Don't be fooled by the internet pictures of the carriages which look pretty good. The reality is quite different!

First class ('standard premier') on the other hand is good, and recommended especially if you can get a cheap price. 'Super-deluxe-concorde-suite' premier class on the other hand is extraordinarily expensive and almost certainly not worth it!

Flying? I actually like BA. Lounge for a couple drinks, free drinks on board. And a snack. Only thing is getting from the airport to Paris. Personally, I'd fly.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I've seen 19 pound airfares recently. On that basis I'd fly.

 

[dajop]

I've seen 19 pound airfares recently. On that basis I'd fly.

With or without luggage? 19 GBP easily turns into 50-60 if you have to pay for luggage, pay for HEX and pay for the train to reach Paris at the other end. More if catching taxis.

We flew last year LHR-ORY cost us 4500 avios and $30 SGD, was much cheaper than train which was around 100 GBP each at the time (+/- 3 hrs) we wanted to travel with a 2 or 3 weeks advance booking. But from hotel to hotel the train would have been quicker, without even factoring in the 1 hr flight delay we experienced.

 

[Spongbob]

In addition to the centre of city departure & arrival with the train, the passport control, security scan etc are faster and easier with the train.

 

[Isochronous]

With or without luggage? 19 GBP easily turns into 50-60 if you have to pay for luggage, pay for HEX and pay for the train to reach Paris at the other end. More if catching taxis.

We flew last year LHR-ORY cost us 4500 avios and $30 SGD, was much cheaper than train which was around 100 GBP each at the time (+/- 3 hrs) we wanted to travel with a 2 or 3 weeks advance booking. But from hotel to hotel the train would have been quicker, without even factoring in the 1 hr flight delay we experienced.

If you buy the BA no-luggage fares, can you use your oneworld status to still check in a piece for free?

 

[Flying Fox]

Go the train.

Less hassles with getting on the train and getting off with your luggage etc.

 

[defurax]

If you buy the BA no-luggage fares, can you use your oneworld status to still check in a piece for free?

No.
[h=3]Extra baggage allowance[/h]As an Emerald frequent flyer you can check in one additional bag for free in addition to your ticketed baggage allowance when you fly on oneworld airlines. If your ticket mentions a weight allowance, you can check in an extra 20kgs (44lbs). (This benefit is not available on British Airways 'Hand Baggage Only' fares on select short-haul routes.)
https://www.oneworld.com/ffp/emerald-privileges

 

[anat0l]

What time of day would you be travelling? Where are your hotels / accommodation in each city?

In general, I would take the train. Most of the Eurostar rolling stock is showing its age but it is comfortable enough as long as you aren't a basketballer (but they'd struggle in a shorthaul aircraft, too).

You can save much more time at the expense of forgoing a lounge by taking the train.

If you really need the status credits, you might consider flying; don't forget to check LCY (but no lounge at LCY).

 

[Virgin Bart]

What time of day would you be travelling? Where are your hotels / accommodation in each city?

In general, I would take the train. Most of the Eurostar rolling stock is showing its age but it is comfortable enough as long as you aren't a basketballer (but they'd struggle in a shorthaul aircraft, too).

You can save much more time at the expense of forgoing a lounge by taking the train.

If you really need the status credits, you might consider flying; don't forget to check LCY (but no lounge at LCY).

Hi all, thank you very much for the responses.

I will have some baggage, which then pushes the plane price to 2.5x the train.

I'm all set for SC for that qualification year.

Staying at Hilton Wembley and at an Air BnB near the Eiffel Tower.

Time of day isn't fixed, but something comfortable, so say 1100 to 2000.

I used Google Transit just before, sure enough travel times to and from the airports are about twice as long as the respective train stations by tube and metro.

One more thing... Given the refugee crisis going on... What happens when trains are cancelled? This is more for my info, I know it's unlikely to affect me.