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Taking a Eurostar train from London to Lille
Want to find out more about taking the train from London to Lille? Look no further.
The fastest journey time by train from London to Lille is 1 hour and 24 minutes. You can expect to find 6 or 7 trains per day running on this 149-mile route. What’s more, you won’t need to worry about making any changes along the way as Eurostar trains run direct from London to Lille.
After you depart St Pancras station, you’ll whizz through the Channel Tunnel and into France. Your journey will fly by as you relax with a bite to eat from the Eurostar Café while browsing social media or getting on with some work using the free WiFi.
If you fancy travelling in style, buy a Standard Premier or Business Premier (First Class) ticket and you’ll get to enjoy a complimentary meal served to your seat.
Once you arrive at Lille Europe station, you’re a stone’s throw from the city centre. Check out some of Lille’s hotspots, including:
- Pâtisserie Meert: This famous foodie haunt serves up iconic waffles (gaufres) as well as pastries and other treats which will tickle your taste buds!
- Palais des Beaux-Arts: If you’re searching for a spot of culture on your trip to Lille, why not check out the city’s fine arts museum?
Ready to head to Lille? Start a search for cheap train tickets from London to Lille in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Or find out more here, including:
- Today’s train times
- Eurostar classes from London to Lille
- Services on board Eurostar trains from London to Lille
- Eurostar luggage allowance
- How to get to London St Pancras International
- All about London St Pancras station
- The Channel Tunnel
- Arriving in Lille
- Using public transport in Lille
- Things to see and do in Lille
- See even more of France by train
- Explore Europe with an Interrail Pass
- Where to travel next after visiting Lille.
London to Lille by train
It takes an average of 1h 22m to travel from London to Lille by train, over a distance of around 149 miles (241 km). There are normally 8 trains per day travelling from London to Lille and tickets for this journey start from £51 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from London to Lille
Want to know more about your journey from London to Lille? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Lille by train?
Can you take a train directly from London to Lille?
How close is London to Lille by train?
Which train companies operate from London to Lille?
Is it possible to get from London to Lille without flying?
What is the best way to travel from London to Lille?
What time does the first train from London to Lille leave?
What time does the last train from London to Lille leave?
How often are trains from London to Lille?
Do you need to book the train from London to Lille in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from London to Lille?
Eurostar trains from London to Lille
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). Eurostar also runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Eurostar Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included).
Eurostar classes from London to Lille
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar when travelling from London to Lille.
Eurostar Standard
In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
Eurostar Plus
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat (1)
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains travelling to or from the United Kingdom.
Eurostar Premier
Eurostar Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Eurostar Premier, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
Onboard services on Eurostar
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from London to Lille.
Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).
Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.
Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.
You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.
The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.
Trains in the rest of Europe:
- Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:
- Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
- If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
- Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
- There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.
Sports equipment:
- You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm long.
- Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
- Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 75 mm long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
- You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
Cheap train tickets from London to Lille
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from London to Lille by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
How many bags are allowed in the different Eurostar classes?
Standard/Standard Premier
- 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Business Premier
- 3 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Children (for all classes)
- 1 piece of luggage up to 85cm long
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. backpack or laptop bag
How to get to London St Pancras International station
Before your journey to Lille, you’ll need to make your way to London St Pancras International station. Continue reading for more information on how to get there.
Located in the heart of the capital, London St Pancras International station is conveniently located in the King’s Cross area and is easy to reach with National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
Taking the Tube to King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is easy because it’s served by six London Underground lines, including Victoria (light blue line), Northern (black line), Metropolitan (purple line), Circle (yellow line), Hammersmith & City (pink line) and Piccadilly (dark blue line).
From most places across the city, there are various buses available to London St Pancras International station. If you’re planning to travel by train, you can take the train from Euston, Victoria and Paddington stations to London St Pancras International station in around half an hour.
Hoping to drive? At the station, you’ll find a 24-hour Click and Park car park with 315 spaces and staff on hand. If you’re going to cycle to the station, there are plenty of spaces to store your bike safely.
Everything you need to know about London St Pancras International station
After you’ve arrived at London St Pancras International station, you’ll need to check-in. Read on for more information on checking in, station facilities and First Class lounges.
How far ahead of time do you need to arrive?
Where are Eurostar check-in gates?
How does Eurostar check-in work?
What’s on offer at London St Pancras International?
Which facilities are in the Eurostar Departure Lounge?
Which facilities are in the Business Premier Lounge?
Going through the Channel Tunnel
Does the train from London to Lille go underwater?
Trains from London to Lille do go underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel” if you prefer its nickname) is just over 31 miles (50 km) in length and is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world. At a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Chunnel, it takes a Eurostar train around 35 minutes to travel this underwater stretch.
How long is the Chunnel?
In length, the Channel Tunnel is 31.3 miles (50.56 km) and it takes a Eurostar train approximately 35 minutes to travel its full length. In total, the fastest journey time from London to Lille is 1 hour and 22 minutes.
Arriving in Lille from London
When travelling from London to Lille by train, you will arrive at Lille Europe train station.
After just 1 hour and 22 minutes, your Eurostar train from London to Lille will arrive at Lille Europe train station. That’s a speedy journey to France!
One nice thing about travelling by train to Europe is that you’ve got all your belongings with you, so no hanging around waiting for luggage reclaim. Lille Europe is well-located in Lille’s city centre, so you can walk off the train straight into the action!
Grand Place, Lille’s main square, is around 15 minutes’ walk from Lille Europe. It’s the perfect place to soak up some of the city’s Flemish charm.
If you’re looking for onward train travel to other places in France from Lille, don't fret! Your train will leave from either Lille Europe or Lille Flandres train station. It's easy to transfer from Lille Europe to Lille Flandres – the stations are a ten-minute walk apart, straight down Avenue Le Corbusier.
Using public transport in Lille
Lille has an established public transport system which includes a metro, buses and trams.
If you’re looking to travel around the city, you can use Lille’s public transport services. A 24-hour ticket costs €5.30 as of November 2023 (around £4.63), and its’s valid on buses, trams and metro lines.
- Metro: Lille has two metro lines. Line 1 (yellow) stops at Lille Flandres train station while Line 2 (red) stops at both Lille Flandres and Lille Europe.
- Buses: Lille has around 60 bus routes, including many that serve stops in the city centre.
- Trams: Lille has two tram lines which serve both train stations – however, these head north-east out of the city, so as a tourist you may not use them often.
Lille is also fairly walkable (not to mention a very pretty city), so why not wander around, soak up the atmosphere and get lost in its streets?
Things to see and do in Lille
There’s lots to see and do in Lille. Whether you’re looking to stay central or don’t mind heading a little further out in search of fun activities, we’ve got some suggestions for you.
- Palais des Beaux-Arts: Searching for some culture on your trip to Lille? Look no further than the city’s fine arts museum. It’s just two stops on the metro (Line 1) from Lille Flandres train station.
- Vieux Lille: If you’re looking to find some old-world charm, Lille’s got it! Think majestic old buildings and narrow shopping streets, the Old Town is just a 15-minute walk from Lille Europe station.
- La Piscine: This museum in a former swimming pool is well-renowned for its art collection. It’s located in nearby Roubaix, just a 25-minute metro ride from Lille Europe train station (Line 2, towards Tourcoing – get off at Roubaix Grand Place and walk).
See even more of France by train
Thinking of staying in France a little longer after your trip to Lille? Great choice. Let’s look at what else there is to see in France.
Explore Europe with an Interrail Pass
If this trip whets your appetite for a European adventure, why not think about an Interrail Pass? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use an Interrail Pass if you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country (this includes UK citizens). If you’re not a European citizen or someone legally resident in Europe, such as an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Where to travel next after visiting Lille
Whether you’re heading to the UK after your trip to Lille or you’re looking to explore somewhere else on the continent, we’ve got you covered.
Head from Lille to London
It’s easy to travel from Lille to London with Eurostar. You’ll be familiar with the station already, as the train leaves from Lille Europe (where the train from London to Lille arrives). It can take just 1 hour and 22 minutes, and there’s no waiting around for your luggage once you’re in the UK – you can just grab your bags and go!
Find out more about what Eurostar offers, including its Standard Premier and Business Premier classes, and book your tickets with Trainline.
Plan a trip to Paris
If you’re looking to explore more of France by train, why not head south from Lille to Paris? TGV INOUI trains run direct from Lille to Paris - it can take just 1 hour and 2 minutes to travel to the French capital on the fastest services. Usually, TGV services to Paris leave from Lille Flandres, though occasionally they depart from Lille Europe.
Speed away to Brussels
Want to visit another of Europe’s bustling capitals? Brussels might be the place for you. Home to beer, waffles, fries and much more besides, there’s plenty to see and do in the Belgian capital.
The journey from Lille to Brussels can take around half an hour on the fastest Eurostar and TGV services, which means less time spent waiting around and more time to explore! So, what are you waiting for?