Literally translating to ‘the North Station’, Paris Gare du Nord is one of Paris’ six large terminus stations on the SNCF network. By the number of passengers, a staggering 222 million per year, it’s the busiest railway station in Europe, serving Northern France along with international destinations in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, via Eurostar. The station was the work of French architect Jacques Hittorff, built between 1861 and 1864 to serve the Paris – Lille route. The station today offers numerous shops, bars and restaurants and useful facilities like left luggage, car rentals and even a Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau tourist information point.
Paris Gare de Nord opening hours
Gare du Nord is open every day from 04:30 to 01:00.
Number of platforms
The station has 36 platforms, serving international stations and destinations in northern France across the SNCF network. Platforms one and two are not in use.
Paris Gare du Nord toilets and showers
Toilets and baby-changing facilities at Paris Gare du Nord are located near platform 36 and are open from 06:00 to 23:30, but these are for a fee of €0.70. Those travelling on Eurostar passenger can use the complementary toilets in the upstairs passenger lounge after security. There are shower facilities at the station and cost €6 to use.
Left luggage
Passengers travelling to and from Paris Gare du Nord can make full use of the left luggage facilities in the station located on floor -1. There are different sizes of lockers available to use and start from €5.50 for 24 hours.
Information desk
Catering to its international visitors, Gare du Nord has its own Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau tourist information point. The new area opened in 2018 and is located in front of international arrivals, next to platform seven and nine, and open seven days a week from 09:00 to 17:00 . Three multilingual agents are on hand to inform travellers and a touch screen digital version of the office is even located just outside the office, available 24 hours a day.
Where to eat near Paris Gare du Nord
Le Tricycle £
In a rush? Not after a fancy French dining experience? The Le Tricycle is perfect for you. Just a short walk from the station this uber trendy 20-seater café served us tasty veggie dogs made from wheat and soya smoked over beachwood. Mix and match your toppings or choose from a one of their cult favourites like ‘Dogtor Dre’, with crispy onions, guacamole, tasty ‘sauce chien’, tomato, coriander and onions. Now that will set you up for a long train journey ahead.
Chez Casimir ££
Get your fill of all things French at Thierry Breton’s classic buffet bistro, just a four-minute walk from the station. The café offers brunch and lunch buffets inspired by Brittany, so think the freshest salted beurre charcuterie, omelettes, seafood and hearty beef bourguignon. Start your meal with a glass of Burgundy on the terrace and finish with the ‘grandmother-style’ dessert buffet piled high with cheeses, creme caramel and chocolate mousse.
Other facilities
- Cafés, newsagents and a gift shop
- A bureau de change
- Cash machines
- Ticket office,
- A registered baggage service
- Self-service ticket machine