If you’re based in the UK and planning your next European city break, chances are you’re weighing up whether to fly or take the train. Having spent the last decade traveling full-time and exploring every corner of the globe, I’ve tried just about every mode of transport out there. But whenever I head across the Channel from the UK, my absolute favorite way to travel is simple: Eurostar.

Stepping onto a high-speed train right in the heart of London and popping out in the center of Paris, Amsterdam, or Brussels a few hours later is an unmatched travel experience. Here is why I always recommend taking the train for your next European adventure.

1. Say Goodbye to Airport Stress

Let’s be honest–the worst part of modern travel isn’t the destination; it’s the airport logistics. Waking up at dawn, commuting out to Heathrow or Gatwick, stressing over liquid allowances in tiny plastic bags, and standing in endless security queues can drain the joy out of a trip before it even begins.

With Eurostar, you depart straight from London St Pancras International–a stunning, centrally located station easily reached by the Tube. Security and passport control are remarkably swift and straightforward, with no pesky fluid restrictions to worry about. You only need to arrive about 45 to 60 minutes before departure, saving you hours of wasted time.

2. City Centre to City Centre

One of the biggest perks of rail travel is location. Airports are notoriously built miles away from the cities they serve, often leaving you with expensive train or taxi fares just to reach your hotel.

Eurostar drops you right where the action is:

Paris: Arrive at Gare du Nord, right in the heart of the city.
Amsterdam: Pull straight into Amsterdam Centraal, surrounded by iconic canals.
Brussels: Step out into Brussels Midi/Zuid, perfectly positioned for exploring Belgium.

No long transfers, no expensive airport shuttles–just step off the train and start exploring immediately.

3. Comfort, Space, and Scenery

On a Eurostar train, you actually get to enjoy the journey. The seats are spacious with plenty of legroom, you can easily walk around, and there’s no mandatory seatbelt sign keeping you tethered. Plus, unlike flying through a cloud at 35,000 feet, you get to watch the rolling countryside of Kent, Northern France, and beyond glide past your window.

If you need to catch up on work, plan your itinerary, or relax with a book and a snack from the onboard café, the smooth ride makes it effortless.

4. A Greener Way to Explore

For travelers looking to minimize their footprint, swapping short-haul flights for high-speed rail is one of the most impactful choices you can make. Eurostar emits a fraction of the carbon per passenger compared to flying, letting you explore Europe’s incredible cultures while traveling more sustainably.

Ready to Plan Your Next Escape?

Whether you’re craving croissants in Paris, cycling along the canals of Amsterdam, or indulging in chocolate in Brussels, the journey is half the fun when you go by rail.

Head over to Eurostar.com to check out routes, book your tickets, and start planning your next seamless European getaway!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book your Eurostar journey through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support this site and keep the travel guides coming!

What European city are you planning to visit next from the UK?