- Must visit
Louvre-Lens
Flagship art museum in a glass pavilion by a former mining site. Its Galerie du Temps makes world-class art accessible in a unique setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Lens
Showing times and prices for Aug 06
Cheapest price
$203
Average price
$203
Fastest journey
1 h 22 m
Average duration
1 h 22 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
239 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Lens is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Lens will cost around $203 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $203.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave London for Lens on Thu, Aug 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 239 km distance in an average of 1 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 22 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 1 h 22 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:01 AM1h22London9:23 AMLens$2031One-way0 transfers
- 8:01 AM1h22London9:23 AMLens$2031One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry for London to Lens
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Lens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $31, and a train costs an average of $76.
Distance: 148 miles (239 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Ferry | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$163 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $136 Average price | $101 Average price | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 53m Average total duration 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration 1h 35m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 58m Average total duration 11h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London to Lens is a ferry with an average price of $38.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Lens:
A ferry is $63 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London to Lens costing on average $101.
A ferry is $98 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Lens costing on average $136.
A ferry is $125 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Lens costing on average $163.
The fastest way to travel from London to Lens is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 15m.
Other travel options to Lens take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 23m.
Ferry takes on average 1h 35m.
Bus takes on average 11h 28m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 4 ways to travel between London and Lens including taking a train, bus, flight, and ferry.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London to Lens among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2h 34m sooner (1h 23m by train vs 3h 57m by car). Tickets start at around $163 compared to roughly $55 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Eurostar.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
London to Lens train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Lens trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:34 PM London | 1h22 | 7:56 PM Lens | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Lens by train, bus, flight, or ferry
Compare train, bus, flight, and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Aug 06
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Why should you book London to Lens trains with Omio?
Eurostar as well as Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) offer trains services from London to Lens.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Lens.
Why book with Omio vs Eurostar?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Eurostar, but also compare tickets for the likes of Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from London to Lens.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Eurostar with all available travel options, which are train, bus, flight and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Lens.
Why book with Omio over Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus, flight and ferry to find the ideal travel option from London to Lens.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Lens
United Kingdom
France
Trains from London to Lens run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 but you can travel from only $31 by ferry.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:01, the last at 21:50. The fastest train covers the 148 miles (239 km) distance in 1h 22m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Ferry from $31
Distance 148 miles (239 km) |
Average train duration 1h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 22m |
First train 6:01 AM |
Last train 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Ferry from $31
Train companies: Eurostar, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from London to Lens trainsEurostar, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between London and Lens from $31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Eurostar
About
Eurostar is a high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, primarily via the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in October 2023, Eurostar now operates an expanded network across Western Europe. Known for its city-center to city-center travel, Eurostar offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat. Key destinations include London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, with seasonal services to other locations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest Price
$76
Eurostar frequency
18 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included in standard ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage areas at the end of carriages and overhead racks
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café-bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First-class passengers receive complimentary meals on some routes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed for a fee. Large dogs not permitted except guide dogs
Quiet zone
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
$168
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Lens
Things to do in Lens
Discover the best of Lens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lens trip today.
- Must visit
Galerie du Temps
Exhibition gallery in Lens used for rotating contemporary and heritage displays. It offers a smaller cultural stop beyond the major museum.
- Recommended
Centre d'Histoire du Mémorial 14-18 Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
Underground history center beneath Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. Multimedia displays explain World War I in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.
- Must visit
Terril 74A
Iconic mining landscape and walking area above Loos-en-Gohelle. The summit views over Lens and the plain are especially rewarding.
- Must visit
Terril 74B
Companion spoil heap to Terril 74A with marked paths and broad views. Together they create the region’s most memorable urban panorama.
- Recommended
Place Jean Jaurès
Main square in central Lens lined with civic buildings and terraces. It is the city’s everyday meeting point and a good orientation stop.
Carbonade Flamande
Carbonade flamande is a hearty beef and onion stew simmered with local beer, a Northern classic prized for its sweet-savoury flavor and comfort in mining country.
Welsh
Welsh is a rich regional dish of bread, ham and mustard covered with melted cheddar and beer, then baked. It is a beloved brasserie staple in French Flanders.
- Gluten-free
Potjevleesch
Potjevleesch is a traditional terrine of white meats set in jelly and served cold with fries. It reflects Flemish farmhouse cooking long eaten across the region.
O Metisse
Well-known restaurant in Lens with polished French cooking and a comfortable bistro feel, popular for quality local ingredients.
Chez Mémène
Established traditional venue serving regional northern dishes and brasserie classics in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere near central Lens.
Le Galibot
Refined restaurant at the Louvre-Lens area known for modern French cuisine in an elegant setting, suitable for a higher-end meal.
Euro (€)
Lens is moderate for France, with fairly affordable dining and local transit, while hotels can rise during football matches and peak periods.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.20-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
Tadao
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- €4.80
To the city center
Gare de Lens -> Lens Centre-Ville, Lens
- Distance
- 750 m
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Buy tickets in the Tadao app, at ticket machines, or from sales points before boarding when possible.
- Lens city center is walkable from Gare de Lens; many central trips are faster on foot than by bus.
FAQs: Trains from London to Lens
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Lens by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from London to Lens can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $76, while the average price is around $163.
The train from London to Lens takes 1h 22m and runs 13 per day.
The distance by train from London to Lens is 148 miles (239 km).
The first train from London to Lens leaves at 6:01 AM.
The last train from London to Lens leaves at 9:50 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from London to Lens.
Yes, there is a direct train from London to Lens. This service operates 8 times per day, provided by Eurostar.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from London to Lens.
The train station in London that goes to Lens is London St Pancras International (STP), which connects to Lille-Europe.
The cheapest way to get from London to Lens is by ferry, with a cost of around $31.
The train journey from London to Lens offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. As you travel through southern England and northern France, you can enjoy views of the English countryside and the picturesque French landscapes, including rolling hills and charming villages, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from London to Lens is feasible with a travel duration of 1h 22m and a distance of 148 miles (239 km). Trains run 8 times per day.
To fully explore Lens, including its cultural attractions like the Louvre-Lens Museum and nearby historical sites, plan for a 2-day visit.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Lens.
Lens is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Lens include Paris, Lille, Arras, Brussels, Valenciennes.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London to Lens among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
France uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Lens, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Be aware of unofficial taxi services that may overcharge or take longer routes. Scams involving fake charity collectors or street vendors selling counterfeit goods have also been reported. Staying vigilant and using authorized services helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from London to Lens
Most London to Lens trains use the London St Pancras International to Lille-Europe station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Lens train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Lens
London St Pancras InternationalPancras Road, London, Greater London, N1C 4QP, UK+44 2078437688
City-centre transport
Getting to London St Pancras International from London city centre
Bus91, N91 · 23m · $14 · every ~28 min
73, N73 · 26m · $2 · every ~33 min
390 · 48m · $2 · every ~27 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 11m · $2 · every ~91 min
London St Pancras International train station facilities and services
London St Pancras International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Betjeman Arms, AMT Coffee, The Booking Office, Carluccio’s, Chop’d, Greggs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located in the Circle area and inside the Arcade.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00, Sat: 06:00 - 21:00, Sun: 08:00 - 22:15. Information desks are located on the lower level in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London St Pancras International: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London St Pancras International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London St Pancras International: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Alhambra Hotel.
More options for your journey from London to Lens
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lens and London
Most popular train connections to Lens
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