Will the planned strike action in the UK also affect Eurostar services? (Picture: Getty)
After chaos on the railways throughout 2022, the UK is braced for more train strikes as we welcome in the New Year.
Up to 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have been staging walkouts in recent months, with the next set of strikes due to take place in early January.
That strike will see train staff at 12 operators walk out in a long-running pay dispute across four days, while train drivers’ union ASLEF will also strike on another day.
So, do the strikes affect the Eurostar? Here is everything you need to know…
Are Eurostar trains affected by UK rail strikes?
Eurostar has confirmed that, though their staff aren’t striking, services are going to be disrupted.
A notice on their website reads: ‘Although the strike doesn’t involve Eurostar staff, it will have an impact on our timetable as running hours have been reduced on UK rail lines, including the high-speed line we use.’
Is your Eurostar journey affected? (Picture: Maciek Musialek/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
There will be a revised timetable in place from Tuesday, January 3 to Saturday, January 7.
Customers can view the revised timetables on Eurostar’s website here.
Here, you can see if your scheduled Eurostar is still running as planned, or if your journey’s departure time has changed.
What happens if my Eurostar train is cancelled?
In the event of disruption on Eurostar which leads to your original train being cancelled, you can:
Exchange your booking for free to travel at a different time/date in the same travel class, subject to availability.
Cancel your booking and claim a Eurostar e-voucher valid for 12 months.
Cancel your booking and claim a refund from the person or company who you booked with.
More: Strikes
Find out more about exchanges and refunds on Eurostar’s official website.
Some trains won’t be cancelled but may be scheduled to depart at a different time.
Passengers in this situation are advised to download their ticket again for up-to-date information and arrive at the station at the recommended time shown on your updated ticket.
Be aware of possible public transport disruption while travelling to St Pancras in London, too, to get the Eurostar – as there may be disruption across a number of lines.
It’s wise to expect or plan for a lengthier journey to the station, so you don’t get stuck on your way to the Eurostar terminal.
Finally, you can also keep track of Eurostar services updates on their website.
MORE : How to get to Disneyland Paris as direct Eurostar trains suspended
MORE : All the strikes planned for January 2023 – from trains and roads to teachers and ambulance staff
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