How to get half price Eurostar tickets – Eurostar Snap explained

If you’ve ever been put off by Eurostar's prices, the return of their spontaneous Snap service might be the solution you've been waiting for.

Eurostar has long been a more convenient and enjoyable alternative to flying, offering city centre to city centre connections without the hassle of airport security.

However, the cost has often been a sticking point for budget-conscious travellers. That's where Snap comes in, offering discounts of up to 50% off regular fares for those who don't mind booking last minute and leaving their exact travel times up to chance.

Below, we explain how Eurostar Snap works, and whether it’s a good option for your next holiday.

What is Eurostar Snap and how does it work?

Eurostar Snap is a service that offers discounted fares on Eurostar journeys. You choose your travel date and destination and Eurostar assigns you a specific train. You'll only find out your exact travel times 48 hours before departure.

How much can I save?

Eurostar claims savings of up to 50%, but in some cases, it can be even more. For example, we found a return journey priced from £218 from Thursday, 31 October to Sunday, 3 November that’s available for just £100 through Snap.

Where can I travel to with Eurostar Snap from the UK?

From London St Pancras station, you can use Eurostar Snap to travel to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Sounds great! What's the catch?

The main catch is the uncertainty. You won't know your exact travel times until 48 hours before departure, you’re not guaranteed a seat next to the other passengers on your booking and you can only book Snap tickets up to 14 days before travel for journeys to and from London, and up to 8 days ahead for other routes. This leads to some important considerations…

Could I end up with inconvenient travel times?

Yes, this is a real possibility. You might be assigned to the last train of the day on your outbound journey and the first train back on your return. This could significantly cut into your holiday time, especially on short breaks.

Can I plan any activities for my arrival or departure days?

It's risky to plan anything time-sensitive on your travel days. You won't know until 48 hours before if you'll have a full day or just a few hours at your destination.

Is this suitable for business travel?

Probably not. The uncertainty of travel times makes Snap unsuitable for most business trips where schedules are often tight and specific. However, for flexible travellers, leaving a day early and using the savings for a hotel could turn a rushed trip into a more relaxed experience.

How does this compare to budget airlines?

While Snap fares can be competitive with budget airlines, Eurostar offers several advantages. Luggage is included with your ticket – you can bring two pieces of luggage and one hand luggage at no extra cost.

Eurostar's city centre stations also save you time and money on airport transfers. While there is security, it's generally quicker and less restrictive than airports, with no liquid limits.

Even if Snap fares are slightly higher, the convenience and included perks often make Eurostar the smarter choice for many travellers.

What if I'm travelling with children?

Currently, you can't book Snap tickets for children, which could limit its usefulness for family travel. Children under four can travel for free without a seat reservation.

Wait, why can't children travel with Snap?

The reason behind this is that Eurostar can't guarantee that families will be seated together on Snap bookings. Since Snap works by allocating passengers to available seats on less busy trains, there's no way to ensure that a family group will be assigned adjacent seats.

For families with older children who want to take advantage of discounted fares, it might be worth looking at Eurostar's regular advance ticket options or sales, where you can select seats together.

How far in advance can I book Snap tickets?

You can book Snap tickets up to 14 days before travel for journeys to and from London, and up to 8 days ahead for other routes. This relatively short booking window emphasises the spontaneous nature of the service, so it's best suited for last-minute planners or those with flexible schedules.

Can I use this for a weekend break?

Yes, but be prepared for the possibility of a very short stay if you're assigned late outbound and early return trains. It might be better suited to longer trips where losing a few hours won't impact your plans as much. You also can’t use it for same day returns for the same reason.

Is this a good option for solo travellers?

Snap can be excellent for solo travellers who have the flexibility to adapt to any schedule. It's a great way to save money if you're not on a tight timeline.

Is Eurostar Snap good for a group of mates?

Eurostar Snap works for groups, but with limitations. You can book for up to four people, ensuring you're all on the same train.

The catch? You can't choose seats, so you might be scattered throughout the carriage. And for larger groups, you'll need separate bookings, risking different train allocations.

If you're flexible and don't mind sitting apart, Snap can save you money. But if group seating is crucial, standard tickets might be a better bet.