EUROSTAR has brought back its half-price ticket scheme – the first time in five years.
The train operator’s Snap lets passengers book tickets that are up to 50 per cent off, when booking last minute.
Eurostar Snap lets you book last-minute 50 per cent discounted tickets[/caption]
First launched in 2016, it was suspended in 2019.
Passengers can now choose a travel destination and date that they want to book, although not the time.
Bookings can include up to three friends, and can be up to two weeks in advance when travelling from London.
Travellers are then notified 48 hours before departure if this has been confirmed for the discounted rate.
Destinations for Brits include London to Paris and back as well as London to Brussels and back.
The London to Amsterdam route is included, but only one way.
Travel times are between 5:30am and 8:40pm.
François Le Doze, Chief Commercial Officer at Eurostar, commented: “Snap has been a customer favourite, and we’re thrilled to bring it back year-round,offering a smart solution for travellers who can be flexible with their schedules.
“With Snap, Eurostar makes a simple yet compelling promise: travellers pick the date and destination, we select the time, and they can snap up to 50 per cent off the price for remaining Eurostar seats.
“It’s a smart way to travel, ensuring no seat goes unused – a win for our customers, a win for Eurostar, and a win for the planet.”
There are some restrictions – the previous Snap scheme let you choose whether you wanted an AM or PM ticket.
You also can’t book a day trip so you will have to return at least the next day.
The cheap rates cannot be exchanged or refunded and you can’t pick your seats.
Kids under four can go for free without a seat reservation but Snap currently can’t be used for kids older than this.
But if you time it right, it could mean you get 50 per cent off a £39 ticket – meaning a one-way trip for less than £20.
Eurostar is also a great option for Brits heading to Christmas markets abroad.
With no liquid restrictions, it means you can bring back wine and snow globes without running into problems at security.
Eurostar tickets could even get cheaper next year.
Train regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) had said fares should be cut by 7.7 per cent from April 2025.
Feras Alshaker, ORR director for planning and performance said the high speed line “makes a crucial contribution to the UK economy, supporting growth”.
They added: “[We] should see the costs of operating on the line reduce significantly, giving savings for both international and domestic operators over the next five years, with benefits for passengers and freight users.”
And theare also calls for more Eurostar stops in the UK.
Three scenic train journeys you can take in the UK
The UK is full of great train journeys, including some with scenic views.
- The West Highland Line in Scotland has previously been dubbed the best rail journey in the world, thanks to its breathtaking views overlooking mountain landscapes, serene lochs and wistful moors. Tickets start from £19.50.
- The East Coast Main Line from Durham to Edinburgh is another popular railway route. Passengers on this train will be treated to views of Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, and the King Edward VII Railway Bridge. Tickets start from £24.50.
- The train from St Erth to St Ives only has one stop on its route, which is complete with sea views. Tickets start from £3.
Previously stopping at Ashford International, this was paused during the Covid pandemic and is yet to return.
And there are also calls for it to stop at Stratford International, which the Eurostar also travels through.
The tickets can be used on routes from London to Paris and Brussels[/caption]
