On both occasions when I have taken the Eurostar (the most recent being last month), I have found the experience extremely pleasant. What’s more, with capped fares for disabled passengers and one companion, plus an automatic upgrade to first class, it’s a touch of elegance that remains affordable.

It took us just under three hours to travel from Gare du Nord in Paris to St Pancras Station in Central London, and the service was first-rate.

We faced a dilemma before our trip, but Gare du Nord staff were very friendly and resolved our issue. We needed to book my wife’s and daughter’s tickets separately from mine because we couldn’t buy a child’s ticket without an accompanying adult in the same booking. When purchasing an accessible first-class ticket, you’re only allowed to add one additional person—the companion. So, when adding my wife, we still had to buy a separate child’s ticket for our daughter. Until the travel day, I was set to go in first class, and my wife and daughter in the regular coach. Fortunately, staff kindly moved us all to the first-class accessible section.

Getting on board is straightforward. Far easier than with other trains, in fact, with a portable electric platform lift bringing you level with the train door.

The only (slight) downside I could mention is that, as a wheelchair user who can transfer, I would have preferred to have the option to sit in a regular seat rather than spend the entire journey in my wheelchair. But that’s a minor nuisance, and I know for others, the opportunity to remain in a wheelchair is highly appreciated.

With tickets being first class, you also get a meal on board. It’s a real thrill to zoom through fields of green while munching on delicious food, served on plates with proper cutlery! An experience to remember.

So, what was the final price? Well, the set price for a wheelchair user traveling from Paris to London is €44. It’s another €44 if you book a companion ticket as well. These prices seem to stay the same regardless of when you book, which is a huge plus because regular ticket prices fluctuate wildly, and last-minute trains can cost hundreds of euros!

I believe prices vary depending on where you are traveling within the Eurostar network (which services more than just Paris to London).

Overall, a very pleasant experience, and I highly recommend it. It’s often cheaper than flying and, when factoring in travel from airports to central London, can also be quicker!

* Almost forgot to mention — there were automatic doors on board in our carriage, that led out to an accessible bathroom which was more than big enough for both my wheelchair and a companion, if needed. It’s spacious enough, but a little rocky with the gentle sway of the train on the tracks.

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