Which train goes directly to London?

The only train offering a genuine direct connection to London is the Eurostar, which travels through the Eurotunnel to central London without the need to change trains. It connects Paris Gare du Nord directly with London St Pancras International. Travellers from Switzerland or Germany usually reach the Eurostar by changing trains in Paris, as there are no direct connections to London from these countries.

Can you take the night train to London?

No, there is currently no direct night train to London. From Switzerland, the journey usually involves travelling via Paris and changing to the Eurostar to London, as night trains do not run through the Eurotunnel. From Germany, however, there are convenient daytime connections, usually involving a change in Cologne or Munich to high-speed trains bound for Paris or Brussels, followed by a connection to the Eurostar to London.

How much does a train from Germany to London cost?

The cost of a train journey from Germany to London depends mainly on when you book and how busy the train is. If you book early and travel outside peak periods, you will usually get cheaper fares on the Eurostar section of the journey.

Which 15 attractions in London are free?

The free attractions in London fall into three main categories: public parks, freely accessible viewpoints and state-run museums with free admission. The parks include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Green Park and St James’s Park. Places and areas of the city that are freely accessible include the Sky Garden and Borough Market. The free museums include the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Museum of London and the Imperial War Museum.

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London

Always good for a surprise

There is something magical about London. No matter how many times you've been there, city breaks to London never go out of fashion. The city is constantly reinventing itself, so you'll discover something new every time you visit. London is always good for a surprise. The Thames city is a trendsetter and a benchmark for fashion, art, design and gastronomy.

London is a vibrant city, so you won't be bored at any time of year! We have hotels in all price categories at the best daily rates. Since 1994, it has also been possible to travel to the British Isles by train via Paris using the underwater tunnel.

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Highlights

For your first stay in London, we recommend a city tour with the famous red double-decker bus. Get a rough overview of the city and its sights. If you like a particular place, get off and take the next bus for the rest of the journey.
Those who have already visited the sightseeings can dedicate themselves to shopping without a bad conscience. There are more than enough shopping possibilities in London. Beside the extravagant department store Harrods, there are numerous shopping streets in which you can find brand shops and local boutiques. Oxford Street, Carnaby Street or Kings Road are just a few of the streets the Shopaholics visit on their route.
London also has a lot to offer for art lovers. Whether National Gallery, Tate Britain or Tate Modern - which the Basel architects Herzog & de Meuron created from a former power station - the selection of museums and exhibitions is inexhaustible. Go to the wild East, the East End around Whitechapel and experience the true London charm. 250 galleries, pretty cafés, quaint shops and lots of multiculturalism characterise the cityscape and invite you to linger.
The metropolis also has a lot to offer for musical and film lovers. Musical and theatre plays celebrate their premieres almost every week. Guided themed city tours are also always exciting, instructive and funny. Follow in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper, Harry Potter, James Bond or other celebrities.

Insider Tips

London Theatre Direct (Musicals & Shows)

Welcome to London - the world capital of musicals and shows! Immerse yourself in a world full of fascinating performances, thrilling music and breathtaking stagecraft.

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Stopover in Paris

If you want to discover London, why not make the journey even more exciting with a stopover in Paris? Thanks to the fast TGV Lyria and Eurostar train connections, you can travel from Switzerland to the British metropolis via Paris in comfort and stress-free. Take the opportunity to marvel at the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum on the way there, before experiencing world-famous sights such as Buckingham Palace and the British Museum in London. This combination brings together the best of two fascinating cities and makes your trip even more varied and unforgettable.

Discover Paris

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

Princess of Hearts. Opened in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales, the memorial at Kensington Palace is a popular place, especially in summer, when you can cool your feet in the cold water in warm weather.

Science Museum

Hands-on science. This makes science fun! From questions such as “Who am I?” to the challenges of space travel and the latest discoveries such as gravitational waves, everything is here. Admission to special exhibitions and the IMAX cinema is subject to a charge.

St. James's Park

A royal oasis. If you're in the mood for royalty, enjoy the view of Buckingham Palace on one side and Whitehall on the other from the bridge spanning the lake in beautiful St. James's Park. Let your soul come to rest, have a picnic in the greenery and rent a deckchair and listen to the concerts in the pavilion.

Street Art in Shoreditch

Do you love street art? London is a veritable open-air museum. In Shoreditch, a trendy district in East London, frescoes and graffiti adorn almost every façade: masks by Gregos, giant animals by Roa, works by Bansky, the world star among street artists. Perhaps today's paintings will be replaced by new ones tomorrow, because street art is a short-lived art. Shoreditch is full of galleries and studios, flea markets and vintage boutiques, alternative bistros and restaurants - a touch of hipster with a quirky charm that people love about London!

Kew Gardens -Temperate House

Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. This 120-hectare site with trees and flowers from all over the world fascinates its visitors: beautiful gardens, such as the Japanese garden, a Chinese pagoda, an artificial lake, a museum, a library and two greenhouses, in particular Temperate House, the largest Victorian greenhouse in the world.

Borough Market

The market, located southwest of London Bridge, has its roots in 13th century London. Since that time it has stood on the same site, the grounds of Rochester Yard. To hear the way some Londoners talk about Borough Market, you'd think it was a sacred site. It has the same role for serious London foodies. The market is prized for its central location, regionality and the quality of the produce it sells. Borough Market has also become very popular for hosting various cooking shows in the market area and is famous for being used as a location for world-famous films.

Camden Town

Camden Town, once the meeting place of the alternative scene, is now extremely popular for its colorful atmosphere, its offbeat, not to say crazy, stores and markets and its unlimited street food offer. The main artery of this atypical district is Camden High Street and its quirky facades adorned with XXL objects. To the left and right, market stalls lure visitors into a fascinating, eclectic labyrinth. Are you hungry? You'll be spoiled for choice between specialties from all over the world, which you can usually sample standing up, surrounded by a cheerful crowd.

In the footsteps of Harry Potter

If you're one of the millions of Harry Potter fans, you'll love London! Own your own boutique on Oxford Street, make a pilgrimage to iconic sites such as King's Cross station and its famous Platform 9 ¾, not to mention the film studios in Leavesden, some 30 km from the capital. The Making of Harry Potter literally immerses you in the world of the famous wizard: guaranteed thrills in the Hogwarts School dining room, original locations, authentic costumes and props.... Everything is provided, even the butterbeer! Pre-booking is essential, see the excursions offered on our website.

Tea time at the British Museum

Of course, you will first visit the British Museum with its fabulous collections, especially those of Egyptian and Greco-Roman civilizations. Among the famous treasures of this venerable museum are the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Frieze. But culture makes you hungry! The Great Court Restaurant awaits you for tea time under the beautiful glass roof designed by Norman Foster. In the huge atrium, fragrant teas from all over the world are served with small sandwiches, scones and exquisite pastries. Delicious and so British!

Around the world in 80 cocktails

Are you a fan of true adventurers? Immerse yourself in the world of Mr. Fogg and the novel “Around the World in 80 Days”. Exotic cocktails (have you ever tried gin with sake or rum with fig ketchup?) and culinary delicacies from all over the world await visitors. A map room with old and modern world maps and a replica wagon of the Orient Express - here you can make travel plans! The bar “Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration” is located very close to Charing Cross station. An extremely fitting location, as this is where Mr Fogg's journey around the world began.

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Frequently asked questions

The only train offering a genuine direct connection to London is the Eurostar, which travels through the Eurotunnel to central London without the need to change trains. It connects Paris Gare du Nord directly with London St Pancras International. Travellers from Switzerland or Germany usually reach the Eurostar by changing trains in Paris, as there are no direct connections to London from these countries.
No, there is currently no direct night train to London. From Switzerland, the journey usually involves travelling via Paris and changing to the Eurostar to London, as night trains do not run through the Eurotunnel. From Germany, however, there are convenient daytime connections, usually involving a change in Cologne or Munich to high-speed trains bound for Paris or Brussels, followed by a connection to the Eurostar to London.
The cost of a train journey from Germany to London depends mainly on when you book and how busy the train is. If you book early and travel outside peak periods, you will usually get cheaper fares on the Eurostar section of the journey.
The free attractions in London fall into three main categories: public parks, freely accessible viewpoints and state-run museums with free admission. The parks include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Green Park and St James’s Park. Places and areas of the city that are freely accessible include the Sky Garden and Borough Market. The free museums include the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Museum of London and the Imperial War Museum.

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personalised advice and service
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Series and films inspire us more than ever today, and many of us want to discover the places where our favourite scenes were brought to life. Set‑jetting blends the magic of fictional stories with real travel experiences – perfect for anyone looking to do something special for Valentine’s Day. So why not dive into the world of Bridgerton together and stroll where the Duke of Hastings, Lord Anthony Bridgerton or Lady Whistledown once walked? In this blog post, we reveal which Bridgerton filming locations are easy to reach from London.