What options do I have for returning home during the Eurostar chaos and what are my entitled rights?

Tens of thousands of Eurostar passengers have had their New Year travel plans torn up due to flooding on the High Speed 1 line between London and Ebbsfleet in Kent.

The issues started on Friday night, causing several train delays. There was optimism that services would resume on Saturday morning. However, as the day progressed, more and more trains were called off. Eventually, Eurostar declared in the afternoon that there would be no trains running at all on Saturday.

41 trains have been cancelled, leaving over 30,000 passengers without a way to reach their destination.

Regrettably, international rail travellers have fewer and less generous options for care and compensation compared to airline passengers.

On December 31, 2023, Eurostar has announced that it will operate all trains to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve.

A representative stated that Network Rail High Speed has successfully managed the flooding in the Thames tunnels, allowing for the use of at least one tunnel and the resumption of full service.

“Speed restrictions will be enforced in the morning, potentially causing delays. Stations are anticipated to experience high levels of congestion.”

However, passengers who have reserved seats for Saturday trains will now be placed at the end of the line.

There are limited seats for travel from London to Paris on Sunday, December 31st. However, in the opposite direction, the only available train is the final one of the day, with seats in Business Premier priced at £326 for a one-way trip.

Unfortunately, Eurostar does not offer complimentary upgrades in the event of disruptions. Unlike airlines, who are required to provide a stranded passenger with a business class seat if it is the only one available.

The prices of flights from Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and London have risen as expected, and a large number of flights have been fully booked.

The final spot on a British Airways plane traveling from Paris to London on New Year’s Eve was purchased for a single trip price of nearly £700.

One possible option for traveling from Amsterdam (or Rotterdam) to London is by train and ferry. First, take a train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, then transfer to the Metro to reach the Hook of Holland. Stena Line offers cabins for the 10pm voyage to Harwich. For £125, you can have a bunk bed and travel all the way to Essex.

Trains connect from Harwich towards London – though Network Rail engineering works make it a long train-bus-train journey to the capital.

For optimal travel to Brussels, it is recommended to go through Rotterdam and Hook of Holland.

The most efficient way to travel from Paris is by taking the train from Gare St-Lazare through Rouen to Dieppe. Unfortunately, all tickets for the ferry to Newhaven in East Sussex on Saturday evening are sold out and there are no available options until January 4th.

Unfortunately, P&O Ferries currently does not have any open spots for foot passengers traveling from Calais to Dover on Sunday, December 31st. Other ferry companies do not allow foot passengers, however, as a last resort, you could purchase a low-cost bicycle and bring it aboard a DFDS Ferries ship.

If you are able to make a reservation for a Calais-Dover ferry on Monday, you can travel to Calais Ville station via train. From there, you can board a P&O ferry as a pedestrian, with departures available at 10:30am, 3:50pm, and 7:00pm.

The shuttle bus travels from Calais Ville to the port. Please arrive at the P&O desk at least 90 minutes prior to departure, and make sure you have a confirmed booking. Foot passenger tickets cannot be purchased at the port.

The affordable choice is traveling by coach: FlixBus offers availability from all Eurostar cities to London.

When an airline cancels a flight in aviation, they are responsible for covering the expenses of getting you to your destination promptly. This may include providing Business Premier class on Eurostar if no other options are available.

There is no equivalent for international trains. The cost of flights has significantly increased, but Eurostar will only reimburse the original ticket price.

Once again, purchasing travel insurance is the most effective option for filing a claim for additional expenses.

If you are stuck, such as British tourists in Paris on their way to London, you have the right to receive a maximum of €170/£150 per room per night for a hotel and up to €60/£50 for meal expenses during each 24-hour period.

Travelers are responsible for covering the cost of transfers from the Eurostar station to their hotel or final destination. The fee is capped at €170/£150 per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers.

Travelers at Paris Gare du Nord have informed The Independent that Eurostar employees in uniform claimed that they are not responsible for covering the costs of hotels and meals due to the issue being out of their control. However, Eurostar representatives in London have stated that this information is incorrect and any misunderstandings may stem from the fact that if passengers are able to make their way back home, they are not eligible for compensation.

You will receive a prompt reimbursement of your fare and potentially a coupon for future trips.

Unfortunately, you are not eligible to request reimbursement for any expenses incurred due to the cancellation, such as a hotel in Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam that you are unable to access. However, your travel insurance may cover this type of loss.

It is not possible to receive a large sum of money like an airline would for compensation. The most you can expect is a refund for your Eurostar ticket and possibly a voucher for a future trip, even if you have already completed your journey.

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