Home » France Travel News » Eurostar London-Paris Services Cancelled Due to Track Closure: Here’s What Travelers Need to Know

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Travelers heading from London to Paris have been met with significant disruption today as Eurostar services have been cancelled and delayed due to a sudden track closure in northern France. The power failure occurred on a crucial section of the high-speed rail line between Moussy and Longueil, causing havoc for thousands of passengers relying on the London-Paris route. As a result, Eurostar is advising passengers to postpone their travel plans, with services expected to remain severely impacted for the rest of the day.

Disruption Hits London-Paris Eurostar Services

The track closure began at approximately 8:30 am local time on Monday, August 4, and the effects have rippled throughout the entire Eurostar network, with nine London-Paris services cancelled and a further 12 delayed. Travelers already at the stations are facing long queues and uncertain wait times, with additional support staff deployed to assist passengers during the disruption. Services between Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris have also been affected.

This comes at a particularly difficult time, as August is one of the busiest months for cross-Channel travel, with many families and tourists enjoying their summer holidays. The peak travel period, combined with the ongoing disruption, has left travelers scrambling to find alternative routes or rebook their travel plans.

Business and Tourist Travel Affected

This sudden disruption to Eurostar services is having a severe impact on both business and tourist travelers. Those traveling for business meetings between London and Paris are being advised to adjust their schedules or seek alternative travel options. Similarly, tourists planning to enjoy iconic attractions in Paris or further across Europe are facing uncertain delays. With Eurostar offering a ticket exchange or full refund for affected travelers, it provides some relief for those looking to rebook their trips, though the inconvenience remains significant.

Eurostar, a popular mode of travel for tourists and business professionals alike, typically offers a quick and comfortable way to travel between major cities, including London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The disruption is particularly frustrating given the number of international visitors using the service to connect to key European destinations.

How Eurostar is Responding to the Disruption

Eurostar has been working diligently to minimize the impact on its passengers, although the situation remains fluid. In a statement, the company confirmed that extra staff had been deployed at key stations to help guide and assist passengers. They also emphasized that the disruption was due to a temporary closure of part of the rail network, with services being diverted to slower tracks in the interim. However, these slower lines are not enough to manage the usual volume of passengers, leading to significant delays.

Passengers have been strongly advised to postpone their travel if possible, with the operator urging travelers to stay flexible with their plans. For those whose tickets are affected, Eurostar is offering a free exchange to a later date or the option for a full refund.

What Should Passengers Do?

For passengers who find their travel plans disrupted, here are a few steps to follow:

  • Check for Updates: Travelers should visit Eurostar’s official website or mobile app to receive real-time updates on the status of their trains and any new information regarding service resumption.
  • Consider Alternative Routes: Given the ongoing delays, it’s advisable to look for alternative transportation options, such as flights or coaches, if rebooking a Eurostar service is not viable.
  • Postpone Travel if Possible: If your travel is not urgent, consider postponing your journey to avoid long waits and stress. Eurostar offers flexible exchanges or refunds for affected tickets.
  • Arrive Early at the Station: If you must travel, arrive early to allow time for the extra security checks and the potential for long queues at the station.
  • Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: The warm summer temperatures, combined with crowded stations, can make long waits uncomfortable. Make sure to bring water, snacks, and any necessary travel accessories.

Additional Information for Travelers

While the London-Paris service is one of the most popular Eurostar routes, travelers on other routes like London-Brussels, Brussels-Amsterdam, and Brussels-London have not been impacted by this disruption. Eurostar trains to Cologne have also remained unaffected.

Travelers in London and Paris should also be aware that the Paris Gare du Nord station is still operating under high levels of congestion. If possible, plan to avoid peak hours or use local transportation to navigate the city once you’ve arrived.

The summer season, though exciting, brings its own set of travel challenges. Delays, cancellations, and crowded stations are part of the experience, but staying informed, flexible, and prepared can help mitigate some of the stress.

Conclusion: Managing Travel Disruptions with Flexibility

The unexpected track closure and the subsequent cancellation of Eurostar services between London and Paris have caused considerable disruption for thousands of travelers. While Eurostar is doing everything in its power to assist passengers, the situation remains challenging. Travelers are urged to stay updated, remain flexible, and consider postponing their journeys to avoid further inconvenience. With ticket exchanges and refund options available, Eurostar is offering solutions, but the frustration of a disrupted journey is undeniable. As summer travel continues, ensuring flexibility and patience will be key to navigating disruptions like this one.