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Eurostar to launch direct Amsterdam to London high-speed train service
Eurostar is to upgrade its London to Amsterdam and Rotterdam services to operate direct high-speed trains in both directions from late spring.
Tickets for the direct return journeys go on sale on February 11 with fares starting at £35 each way.
Eurostar launched its London to Amsterdam and Rotterdam service in 2018, but currently there is no direct return service, instead passengers must connect in Brussels.
Direct trains from Amsterdam to London will start on April 30 and there will be a direct service from Rotterdam to London from May 18.
There are currently three outbound services a day from the UK to the Netherlands. The direct inbound journey from Amsterdam to London will start with two services, with the aim of increasing to a third, and then a fourth.
The inaugural service left Amsterdam Centraal this morning at 07:48 to be welcomed in London St Pancras just over four hours later by UK transport secretary Grant Shapps.
"We’re continuing to invest in modern, efficient transport links with the continent so our businesses and tourism industry can flourish. The days of passengers being forced to decamp from the train at Brussels to file through passport control will soon be over, as we look forward to direct, return, high-speed services to Amsterdam and beyond," said Shapps.
Eurostar chief executive Mike Cooper said: "Our services from the UK to the Netherlands have proved very popular with over half a million travellers since launch. Our fully direct service marks an exciting advance for high-speed rail and provides consumers with a comfortable, environmentally friendly alternative to the airlines on one of Europe’s busiest leisure and business routes."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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