Barcelona to London by train
No direct train. TGV INOUI Barcelona Sants to Paris Gare de Lyon (about 6h46), RER D to Gare du Nord, then Eurostar (2h17) to London St Pancras.
- Origin
- Barcelona
- Destination
- London
- Main stations
- Barcelona Sants to London St Pancras International
- Countries
- Spain, United Kingdom
There is no direct train from Barcelona to London. You take a TGV INOUI from Barcelona Sants to Paris Gare de Lyon, then Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras International. Allow 11 to 12 hours from Sants to St Pancras once the change and a sensible margin are counted.
Barcelona to Paris
TGV INOUI Spain trains run from Barcelona Sants to Paris Gare de Lyon in about 6h46 at the fastest, with up to three a day. Besides Sants, the service picks up at Girona and Figueres-Vilafant, then serves French cities including Perpignan, Montpellier and Nîmes. Trains have free Wi-Fi, and Le Bistro TGV INOUI serves food and drink on board.
Changing in Paris
Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord are separate stations, so the change means a trip across Paris. RER D links them and the ride takes about 30 minutes, plus walking time at each end. Pick a Eurostar that leaves at least two hours after your TGV is due in, so the ride, a late TGV and the Eurostar check-in all fit.
The two legs are separate contracts of transport, even when both are bought in one booking. Eurostar and SNCF both belong to the Railteam alliance, whose missed-connection rule can put you on the next available train at no extra cost, but at busy times that can be the next day. The trains alone add up to just over nine hours, and the clock in London is one hour behind Paris.
Eurostar to London
Eurostar takes 2h17 from Gare du Nord to St Pancras International. Ticket gates close 30 minutes before departure in Standard and Plus, and 15 minutes before in Premier, so arrive at the time printed on your ticket.
You clear border control in Paris. Your passport is checked twice, first by the French authorities and then by UK Border Force. Most visitors, including EU and US citizens, need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation or a visa before they travel, and each traveller needs their own, children included. British and Irish passport holders do not.
Luggage is two pieces plus hand luggage in Standard and Plus, and three pieces plus hand luggage in Premier, with each piece up to 85cm long.
Where to book
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Train service
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Eurostar runs high-speed trains from London St Pancras to Paris (2 h 16 min), Brussels (1 h 53 min) and Amsterdam; London departures require border checks.
Official website - Check times & prices
SNCF operates France's TGV and regional trains. SNCF Connect books domestic and many international journeys, with fares ranging from flexible to non-refundable.
Official website
Where to book
Train service
- Check times & prices
Eurostar runs high-speed trains from London St Pancras to Paris (2 h 16 min), Brussels (1 h 53 min) and Amsterdam; London departures require border checks.
Official website - Check times & prices
SNCF operates France's TGV and regional trains. SNCF Connect books domestic and many international journeys, with fares ranging from flexible to non-refundable.
Official website
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Barcelona to London?
No. You take a TGV INOUI from Barcelona Sants to Paris Gare de Lyon, change stations, and continue on Eurostar from Gare du Nord.
How long does the Barcelona to London train take?
The TGV takes about 6h46 at the fastest and Eurostar takes 2h17, so the trains add up to just over nine hours. With the RER D change and a safe margin, plan on 11 to 12 hours.
How many trains a day run from Barcelona to Paris?
Up to three TGV INOUI Spain trains a day leave from Barcelona.
How do I get from Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord?
Take RER D between the two stations. The ride takes about 30 minutes, plus walking time at each end.
Are the TGV and Eurostar on one ticket?
No, they are separate contracts of transport even when booked in one transaction. Missed-connection cover between Railteam high-speed trains, which include Eurostar and SNCF, can put you on the next available train at no extra cost, but at busy times that may be the next day.
What checks are there before boarding Eurostar in Paris?
Your passport is checked twice, first by the French authorities and then by UK Border Force. Ticket gates close 30 minutes before departure in Standard and Plus.
Do I need an ETA to travel to London by train?
Most visitors need an ETA or a visa, including EU and US citizens. British and Irish passport holders do not. Each traveller needs one, children included.