Eurostar has reintroduced their Snap tickets, a scheme that offers significantly reduced fares for passengers who are able to travel last minute. Prices for trips between London and Paris, Lille, Brussels, and Amsterdam can often cost upwards of €200 each way, pushing some travelers to opt for budget airlines instead. The Snap tickets, which were last available from 2016 to 2019, are aimed at attracting more customers and filling trains without displacing existing passengers. By offering lower prices for last-minute travel, Eurostar hopes to appeal to those who are flexible with their schedules.
With the reintroduction of Eurostar Snap tickets, travelers can book last-minute trips at a fraction of the cost of standard fares. A return trip from London to Paris, for example, could cost as little as £90 (€108) instead of £378 (€455) if booked in advance. However, there are certain conditions attached to using the Snap tickets. Passengers will only find out which train they are booked on 48 hours before departure, and the specific departure time could range from early morning to late evening. Snap tickets must be booked between 14 days and one day before travel, which may not suit those who prefer to plan trips far in advance.
One drawback of the Snap scheme is the lack of flexibility and the potential for seat assignments to be split up for group travelers. Once booked, Snap tickets cannot be exchanged, canceled, or transferred to others, which may not suit all types of travelers. In its previous iteration from 2016 to 2019, Snap passengers had the option to choose between morning and afternoon/evening departures, as well as one-way fares as low as £19 (€23). While the current Snap tickets offer more limited options, they still provide a cost-effective alternative for last-minute travelers.
Eurostar prices have generally increased post-pandemic, making the reintroduction of Snap tickets a welcome option for budget-conscious travelers. The company’s promise of offering up to 50% off the price of a standard ticket when booked a week before departure remains valid in the current financial climate. Additionally, the current Snap scheme extends to Amsterdam on the outward leg, providing more destination options for travelers looking to explore mainland Europe.
While Eurostar Snap tickets offer a cost-effective way to travel last minute, potential users should be aware of the restrictions and conditions associated with the scheme. Passengers must be willing to accept the uncertainty of their departure time and seat assignment, as well as the lack of flexibility in ticket exchanges or cancellations. Despite these limitations, Snap tickets provide an affordable way for those who can be flexible with their travel plans to experience Eurostar’s high-speed rail services between the UK and mainland Europe. With the reintroduction of Snap tickets, Eurostar aims to cater to a wider range of customers and promote sustainable travel options in the face of budget airline competition.
