Rail strikes August 2022: Will Eurostar trains be affected?
After chaos on the railways earlier in 2022, the UK is bracing for even more train strikes this summer.
Up to 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union went on strike on July 27, with plans to do so again this week – while train drivers union Aslef also went on strike in late July.
The continued industrial action is over pay, job security, and working condition disputes which have yet to be resolved in negotiations between unions and rail companies.
But as thousands of Britons are preparing for their summer holiday, it seems plans could be disrupted by the strikes.
So, if you’re travelling by Eurostar, read on to find out if your travel plans will be affected.
Will Eurostar trains be affected by UK rail strikes?
Yes. Strikes will impact Eurostar on both Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.
In a statement on their website, reps for Eurostar wrote: ‘There will be a national strike across the UK railway network on both days.
‘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.
‘This means we’ll be running a reduced timetable on August 18 and 20.’
Wondering if your planned journey is affected? Check the revised timetable for further information.
What happens if my Eurostar train is cancelled?
If your original train is 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.
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 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’s disruption expected on both strike days, plus a Tube strike hitting London on Friday, August 19.
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 : Finally some good(ish) news with rail fares being frozen
MORE : When is the next Tube strike? Dates and times of London Underground action
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