Have you surpassed your 26th birthday? Does the cost of European travel leave you blue? There’s no need to fear, Eurostar Snap is here!
What is Eurostar Snap?
Unfortunately, it’s not a clever new bewitched-style self-transportation system, but it is still pretty magical.
Basically it sells off the remaining Eurostar tickets to those of you who have a little flexibility in your travel plans. It represents the best in great value train travel. You can get tickets from just £25. You may not be under 26 any more, but your ticket could be!
Let me start by saying, I adore taking the Eurostar. You can read all about my last trip via Brussels here.
How does Eurostar Snap work?
Are you over 16? Then you may proceed!
The first thing you’ll need to do is visit the website. You will also need a Facebook account. You use your Facebook sign in details to log in to Eurostar Snap. Once you have logged in, you can begin your booking.
Eurostar Snap is available between:
- London – Paris
- London – Lille
- London – Brussels
Pick your destination and select a travel date, up to abut 2 months in advance. You will see a variety of prices around the date you select so you can “snap” up the best bargain (you see what I did there!?) Prices start from just £25, cheaper than you can get their standard rate. Select you preference for AM or PM trains.
At least 48 hours before your chosen travel date, you will receive your ticket with details of the train you will be travelling on. You will be assigned seats on whichever train has them spare. This could mean the “oh my gosh” o’clock in the morning train or the eye-wateringly late train last thing at night. It’s all part of the gamble.
Can I travel in a group with Eurostar Snap?
I have good and bad news here. One person can book up to four tickets so you can take some friends with you. and you will all be on the same train. However, as your seats are assigned by Eurostar, there is no guarantee you will be sat anywhere near your buddies during the train journey. This is the main reason, all members of the group have to be over 16.
Are the Eurostar Snap tickets flexible?
In a word , “No”.
Once you have purchased your tickets you can’t refund them, change your travel time or date, or change the name on the ticket. Nor can you upgrade, so it’s Standard Class all the way.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this is a wonderful scheme for those of you who can handle a little uncertainty. Paris is not a cheap city, and so anything you can do to save some cash is a great thing. I am taking two return Eurostar journeys in the coming year and I am awfully tempted to give it a go.
Have you travelled using this service? How was it for you? Leave us a comment and let us know.
Rosie xx
So if you buy a snap ticket you are guaranteed a ticket, but you just don’t know the time or is there a chance you would not get any ticket at all?
Hi Anisa, You are guaranteed a seat on one of the trains in your chosen time slot. Happy days!!
I guess when you’re getting tickets for that price, you can’t expect much flexibility from it, can you. Sounds like a great deal!
You are right about Paris not being cheap…actually most places in Europe are not, so this is a GREAT deal. Too bad it doesn’t allow you to pick your seat so you can sit next to your family and friends, though. Oh well, just take a nap I guess 🙂 This a very nice guide and am sure helpful to those on a budget. Thanks for giving us all of the details to make it easy and understandable!
I’ve not taken the Eurostar yet, but I’m heading to London for the first time in May and we were sort-of looking at flying to the mainland, but heck. A new experience for only 25?! Oh yes! Eurostar Snap is a MUST. Plus, if something happened that meant you couldn’t make it for your train ride, 25 is nothing to lose. I love it!
Eurostar looks pretty affordable, I love travelling by train. Pretty great option for travelling between Paris and London, thanks for the info!
Why didn’t this exist when I lived in Brussels! I loved taking the Eurostar for my yearly trips to London. Great deal!
This sounds like a great service to say a dollar or two. I haven’t tried the Eurostar, but would be more likely to do so at this price!
I once flew on a ticket London to Sri Lanka from a ‘bucket shop,’ as we called the discount travel agents then. They sold empty seats with a 24 hour notice! Loved having the flexibility to do that. If only I were in Europe to take advantage of this offer. Good for you. Keep going.
I haven’t taken Eurostar yet as I have been a bit put off by prices, but if you’re flexible with times and seats this sounds like a fab deal! €25 euros Paris to London is definitely a bargain!
I’ve yet to try Eurostar or Eurostar Snap but it sounds like a great deal. The not knowing what train you’re getting would make a little uncomfortable but saving 25 pounds is totally worth it! I’m going to try this next time I need to get from London to Paris.