Eurostar timetable oddity.

[stadler]

Why is the last Eurostar of the day back from Paris to London always one hour earlier on Saturday than on all other days?

The last train on Monday to Friday and on Sunday is one hour later. I could maybe understand if it was on Sunday as well, but it is not. Sunday gets the same last train as Monday to Friday gets.

This is nothing new, and has been going on for years. For as long as I can remember, Saturday has always had its last train one hour earlier than what Monday to Friday and Sunday has. Even before covid and even ten or fifteen years ago it was like this.

It is very annoying, as when I use Eurostar I normally take the last train back, but whenever I go on Saturday I have to plan my trip to go back an hour earlier. I

I have asked Eurostar before, but I have never got any proper clear answer out of them.

I am just curious if there is any logical reason for this such as engineering work that happens earlier on Saturday only or something else?

 

[The exile]

Is this not a fairly standard feature on many systems due to overnight works Saturday-Sunday? Sunday nights are busy with people returning from weekends.

 

[DanielB]

Sunday nights are busy with people returning from weekends.

Not sure that's an argument, I'd think they'll usually conduct maintenance on Saturday night as it is the longest night. (Service starts later on Sundays in most countries)

 

[signed]

Not sure that's an argument, I'd think they'll usually conduct maintenance on Saturday night as it is the longest night. (Service starts later on Sundays in most countries)

Indeed, the first Eurostar on Sundays from Paris is 1h later (0812) from the normal (0712)

 

[scarby]

Haven't services traditionally tended to end a little earlier then normal on many routes, particularly inter-city services, on Saturdays?

It simply reflects that?

 

[Gordon]

In Germany in particular services ramp down on Saturday afternoons/evenings on the basis that people don't 'return home from the weekend' on a Saturday night.

 

[The exile]

In Germany in particular services ramp down on Saturday afternoons/evenings on the basis that people don't 'return home from the weekend' on a Saturday night.

Indeed - my last train home on a Saturday used to be at about a quarter to five.

 

[Iskra]

Haven't services traditionally tended to end a little earlier then normal on many routes, particularly inter-city services, on Saturdays?

It simply reflects that?

Indeed. Demand for long distance travel is often lowest on a Saturday night, as on that night people tend to be where they want to be for the weekend already. I have worked at Motorway Service Stations and Railway stations across the North, and Saturday night has always been one of the quieter evenings/nights despite being one of the busiest days overall. If there's weak demand, it's also a 'nice to do' to let them finish a little earlier too.

 

[zwk500]

Is this not a fairly standard feature on many systems due to overnight works Saturday-Sunday? Sunday nights are busy with people returning from weekends.

Although the railway opens later, it does not appear to close earlier according to the HS1 EAS (available pubicly on NR's website), and one line is meant to be available at all times:

Section 4 ("Opportunities" - Trains must be planned to allow the stated lines to be taken under possession) of the HS1 EAS Showing Dollands Moor Yard Jn to CTRL/Eurotunnel Boundary, Showing Either line blocked 2315-0515 all week, except for Saturday Night/Sunday morning which is 2315-0700.


Note it's 'OR', not 'AND', for the lines.

I don't know when LGV Nord shuts for maintenance, that might have a bigger impact.