Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service between the UK and mainland Europe is expecting to carry 10% more passengers over this half-term school holiday, compared to the same holiday period last year.

Over 230,000 people from across the UK and Europe will travel on Eurostar over the course of the week for a late winter break. A combination of attractive prices, Valentine’s Day and good ski conditions will make this a bumper half-term for Eurostar.

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar, said: “This has been one of our busiest February half-term weeks for several years. School holidays are always popular, but our service is particularly busy this year. With the perfect skiing conditions we are enjoying at the moment our direct ski services to the French Alps are virtually sold out next week.”

“For families thinking about a last minute break we still have availability towards the end of the half-term week and with children under the age of four travelling for free and child fares2 at only £49 return for Paris, Lille and Brussels. A short break can cost less than you think particularly when you take into account all the discounts you get on museums, galleries, restaurants and shopping with our Eurostar Plus scheme.”

Tickets for travel from London St Pancras International to Paris, Disneyland Paris, Brussels and Lille start from £69 return in Standard and £189 return in Standard Premier.

Eurostar Plus launched in 2010 to offer added value to Eurostar’s leisure travellers. The Eurostar Plus collection includes Eurostar Plus Gourmet, Plus Shopping and Plus Culture.

For more information, to book Eurostar tickets or purchase Eurostar gift vouchers visit www.eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.