Traveling last-minute with Eurostar can be quite expensive. This doesn’t always have be though if you book with Eurostar Snap. Eurostar launched Eurostar snap to fill up the last empty seats in exchange for affordable prices.
About Eurostar Snap
Eurostar Snap is a discounted ticket option offered by Eurostar on selected routes, allowing passengers to travel at a lower fare while giving up control over the exact train they will take. Instead of choosing a specific departure, travellers select a date, a broad time window (morning, afternoon, or evening), and a travel class. Eurostar then assigns a specific train closer to the departure date.
The concept exists primarily to help Eurostar fill seats that would otherwise remain empty. High-speed trains have fixed costs, and once a train departs, any unsold seats represent lost revenue. By offering Snap, Eurostar can sell these seats at a reduced price without undercutting its regular fares. For passengers, this means access to the same high-speed service, the same onboard experience, and the same luggage allowance—just with less certainty about timing. Snap is particularly popular with leisure travellers, students, and anyone with a flexible schedule who values affordability over precision.
How It Works
Using Eurostar Snap is intentionally simple. Instead of browsing individual departures, you choose a travel date and a preferred time band: morning, afternoon, or evening. You also select your class, such as Standard or Standard Premier, depending on availability. I decided to look a train with departure within a week. This would cost me just € 35,- which is very affordable last-minute! However, I will not immediately know my exact train once booked.
Eurostar assigns the specific departure time typically a few days before travel, once they have a clearer picture of demand across their schedule. Your ticket is then confirmed, and you travel exactly as you would with a regular Eurostar ticket—same stations, same security procedures, and same onboard services. However, Snap tickets are usually non-refundable and non-changeable, reflecting their lower price point. That trade-off is key: Snap works best for travellers without tight schedules, onward connections, or fixed appointments. If timing is critical, a standard ticket is still the safer choice.
Bottom Line
Eurostar Snap is a clever solution for both the operator and the traveller. Eurostar benefits by filling spare capacity, while passengers gain access to premium high-speed rail at a noticeably lower price. The catch, of course, is flexibility: you must be comfortable letting go of exact departure times and accepting a last-minute assignment.
For weekend city breaks, spontaneous trips, or anyone travelling with an open agenda, Snap can be excellent value. For business travel or tightly planned itineraries, it’s probably not worth the uncertainty. Ultimately, Eurostar Snap rewards travellers who see flexibility as an asset rather than a limitation and for the right person, it can turn an expensive journey into a surprisingly affordable one.
