Read real reviews from real users
Fall a little in love with Lille, the beautiful city of northern France that oozes charm in its stunning 17th-century townhouses and ornate cathedral. But why stop there? The train route from Lille to London means you can combine the quaint city of Lille with the endless excitement of London, for a getaway that leaves no box unticked. Plus, with a journey time of just 1.5 hours, ‘easy travel’ is the first box crossed! Eurostar trains will speed you to the UK capital at 320km. A choice of comfort classes also means you can do it with extra panache.
After indulging on Lille’s dish of Le Welsh (beer-baked bread with cheese and ham), you’ll be wanting to follow it with afternoon tea. The short and sweet train trip will give you just enough time to build up an appetite before indulging in scones along the Thames, or perhaps you’d prefer the delicious street food of Camden Market. Take a spin on the London Eye or take in panoramic views with a cocktail in hand at The Shard. Explore the wonder of Notting Hill by checking out where it was really filmed - or perhaps you'd prefer to be inspired by Love Actually instead? From a little bit of Lille to the Big Smoke, start your adventure by checking out our information below!
It takes an average of 1h 24m to travel from Lille to London by train, over a distance of around 149 miles (241 km). There are normally 8 trains per day traveling from Lille to London and tickets for this journey start from $64.74 when you book in advance.
First train | 8:35 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 9:35 pm | |
Departure station | Lille | |
Arrival station | London | |
Journey time | From 1h 21m | |
Distance | 149 miles (241 km) | |
Frequency | 8 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $64.74 | |
Train and bus operators |
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for baggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On October 1, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red color scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
In Standard class, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard bar car.
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Standard Class, in Eurostar Standard Premier you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Instead of Standard Premier, Red trains traveling around Europe have Comfort Class. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
For trains to and from London, Business Premier gives you the freedom to travel on your own timetable, with speedy boarding and Eurostar's exclusive Business Premier lounges where you can relax before your trip. In Premium Class, exclusively on trains in Europe, you'll benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
From November 4, 2024: In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
From November 4, 2024: As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
From November 4, 2024: Eurostar Premium gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Premium Class, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).
Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard Class, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat. Travel in Business Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Premium class, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.
Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.
The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
Trains in the rest of Europe:
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
Sports equipment:
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Lille to London by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Lille and London is 1 hour and 24 minutes, with around 8 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Lille to London is 1 hour and 21 minutes.
Train tickets from Lille to London can start from as little as $64.74 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lille to London without having to change trains. There are 8 direct trains from Lille to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Lille to London leaves at 08:35. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Lille to London leaves at 21:35. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Lille to London cover a distance of around 149 miles (241 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from London to Lille.