Since it’s the weekend I thought we’d do a lighter travel piece. Just got off the Eurostar at St. Pancras Station in London. Two hour journey from Paris to London. Over 200 mph in France, but slower in the UK due to the use of a third rail. Similar in speed to the Acela while traveling in the UK, around 90 mph. Smooth as silk, but the ladies thought it a bit difficult in using the loo while the train gently rocked back and forth. On time departure and arrival. Plenty of electric outlets for both European and UK power cords. Very easy to use your lap top or ipod if you have the proper adaptors. While in route we had a lovely beverage and breakfast service served by the French crew that spoke English. Security and check in were seamless and stress free. Nothing like the airports. Best part of rail travel in Europe is that you only need to check in through security 30 minutes prior to departure. Business class has the luxury of checking in only 10 minutes prior to departure. The train stations at Gare du Nord in Paris and St. Pancras are absolutely stunning. Shops and cafes abound through out the stations. Great places to watch the people go by. The Eurostar plays up its green contributions to the environment in all of its literature. We are far behind the Europeans on rail service, but perhaps with the recent rail bill passage in the US, we’re only a couple of stops from catching up to them.
John Vlahakis
Eurostar at St. Pancras in London
Eurostar no longer use the 750 volt dc third rail system from the Channel Tunnel to London. All trains use 25,000kv AC drawn from the overhead catenary and can travel at up to 186 miles per hour on the newly completed High Speed One Line. If your train stopped at intermediate stations such as Ashford or Ebbsfleet – it would have to slow down to do so. Glad you enjoyed the trip – come back soon – bring all your friends and relations.