Reply #30: Eurostar [View All]

[tjwmason]

I'm now a total convert - I dislike flying, not for the flying itself but because I hate airports and particularly hate having to arrive at one in the middle of nowhere 2 hours before leaving and then getting dumped at another one in the middle of nowhere.

By contrast, train to Paris was shockingly easy and relaxed - half hour check-in time at St. Pancras International station (very easy to get to); getting onto the train was far quicker and easier, good service (by which I mean a not unattractive French steward asking several times if I'd like more champagne)...and first-class return tickets were cheaper than cattle-class flights with B.A., food was far superior to anything I've had whilst flying; arrive at Gare du Nord, short taxi hop to the hotel. Given the time wasted exacerbating my hatred of airports, and the difficulties in getting from the airport to the destination it's actually quicker too.