Paris - London

You probably already know this, but as of today, Eurostar is the only train company connecting France and Belgium to the United Kingdom via the Channel Tunnel.

As for fares, I recommend booking at least a month and a half in advance if you want to find a round-trip ticket for under €100.

Another important point: since the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area, passport and security checks can take quite a bit of time. It’s recommended to arrive at least an hour before departure.

London - Edinburgh

Three companies offer direct routes between London and Edinburgh: LNER, Lumo, and Avanti West Coast. The journey takes between 4 hours 20 minutes and just over 6 hours, depending on the option you choose. To get the best fares, I recommend checking a comparison site like Trainline. You’ll see that round-trip tickets can be found for around €130.

As for us, we boarded an LNER train (see video above). We were in standard class, and I have to say the seats were quite firm. It was hard to find a comfortable position to sleep, but the journey passed fairly quickly, thanks to power outlets and Wi-Fi, which allowed us to work. And most importantly, you can really enjoy the scenery; if you get the chance to choose your side, I’d recommend sitting on the right side of the carriage.

There were also dedicated bike spaces, but be aware that these aren’t available on Lumo trains.