Gare du Nord

The Basics

Travelers head to Gare du Nord to hop on trains to the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and northern Germany, as well as to other parts of France and the northern suburbs of Paris. You can also visit to admire the building itself, which has been featured in countless films; look for the 23 female statues atop the station’s facade, each one representing a European destination.

Things to Know Before You Go

• You can buy train tickets at ticketing machines or at the ticket-office windows in the main concourse, opposite platforms 3–6.

• There are luggage lockers on the ground floor, next to the car rental offices.

• Eurostar has a separate terminal inside the station, with its own security and customs checks.

• Gare du Nord is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Gare du Nord is located on Rue de Dunkerque in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. Take Métro lines 4, 5, RER B, or D to the station, or drive there via the Boulevard de Magenta; there is an underground parking garage on Rue de Compiègne.

When to Get There

The station is open daily. Peak season for visiting Paris is in the summer, from June through mid-September, and this is also the station’s busiest time.

Finding and Taking the Eurostar

To ride the Eurostar, you must first find it. The dedicated terminal is not well marked, and getting there can be confusing. For departures to London, go up the escalator opposite platform 17, then walk along the balcony towards platform 3. You’ll need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to leave time for check-in and security and customs checks. Gels and liquids are allowed onboard, however knives and aerosols are not.

Ways to explore

Connecting Paris with London, Brussels, and other cities via high-speed trains, Gare du Nord also links with the Métro and RER for local travel. Visitors can book private transfers from the station to hotels or other train terminals for a smooth arrival.

Walking tours sometimes begin nearby, offering insight into the surrounding neighborhoods. Gare du Nord is also a jumping-off point for Eurostar day trips, including guided tours to London.

Accessibility

Gare du Nord is wheelchair accessible, featuring elevators, escalators, and step-free paths to most platforms. Travelers with disabilities can request assistance through the Accès Plus service, which should be booked 15–24 hours in advance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Printed or digital boarding pass, snacks, cash or card for cafés and kiosks

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for navigating platforms and nearby neighborhoods, travel-ready layers

Not allowed

Smoking inside the station, non-service animals, bicycles on escalators

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi (free for 20 minutes in the Eurostar departure lounge), luggage lockers, shops, and cafés

Address

Gare du Nord, in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, serves as a major hub for trains arriving from London, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Its central location makes it easy to reach from anywhere in the city, and some guided tours and transfers include pickup or drop-off at the station.

Driving

While you can drive to Gare du Nord, navigating Paris traffic and finding nearby parking can be challenging. Private transfers or taxi services are a more convenient option for travelers with luggage. There are also designated drop-off areas near the station entrance.

Public transportation

Gare du Nord is one of the best-connected stations in Paris. You can reach it via Métro lines 4 and 5 and RER lines B and D. Several buses also stop at the station, and it’s connected by RER B to both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.

Best times to visit

The mid-afternoon is a relatively quiet time to navigate Gare du Nord, especially if you’re picking up tickets or catching a train. Avoid rush hours (7–9am and 5–7pm) when commuter traffic peaks.

Best days to visit

Tuesday through Thursday tend to be less crowded than weekends or Mondays, especially if you’re arriving via Eurostar or using public transit connections. Fridays and Sundays often see spikes in international and domestic travel.

Best months to visit

The spring and fall offer the best combination of manageable crowds and pleasant weather in Paris. These are ideal times for arriving or departing by train and walking around the city.

Special events

Gare du Nord doesn’t host festivals, but public holidays like Bastille Day (July 14) and Christmas can bring large crowds and altered train schedules. Book tickets well in advance if you’re traveling around major French or European holidays.