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The high speed Eurostar service gives an alternative means of travelling to Europe for those who find direct rail travel between London and Paris or Brussels more convenient or comfortable than flying or using cross channel ferry services.
The Eurostar service runs between London St. Pancras International, Brussels and Paris, with connections at Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International in Kent and at Lille. Between July and September trains also run direct to Avignon and in the winter months trains also run to Bourg Saint Maurice in the French Alps (mainly for people going skiing).
All the stations are fully accessible. For passengers using wheelchairs there are wheelchair spaces in the first class carriages and a toilet compartment with facilities for wheelchair users is located near the wheelchair spaces. Meals and refreshments are available from an 'at-seat' trolley service.
Concessionary fares are available for a wheelchair user and companion. Concessions are also available for a person who accompanies a blind person, but not for the blind traveller in standard accommodation. However there are no concessions for wheelchair users who transfer to a seat in standard accommodation.
Currently only Guide Dogs supplied through Guide Dogs for the Blind Association can be carried on Eurostar trains, although Eurostar are looking into allowing other Assistance Dogs on their service. Guide Dogs are carried under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) or Pet Passport scheme as it is commonly called. The scheme is run by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Before you travel you will need to make sure that you have all the papers to prove that your dogs has had all the necessary injections and vaccinations. The PETS scheme is very strict and entry requirements for different countries can change daily, so it is important that you check thoroughly before you travel. As well as your vet or relevant training organisation, you should check the PETS section of the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm.
More information about Eurostar cand be found at: www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/before_you_go/special_travel_needs.jsp.
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