Amsterdam to London by Eurostar

Direct high-speed train services from Amsterdam to London will be possible later this year, after new agreements were signed last week.  No firm date has been given.

What this means in practice is that passengers can check-in at Amsterdam Central and stay in their seat until St Pancras.  Currently one needs to get off at Brussels and pass through border control at a lower level in the station taking all luggage with you.  In the opposite direction this was not necessary with passport inspection at boarding.

Stientje van Veldhoven, Dutch State Secretary for Infrastructure, summed up the arrangement nicely: “Due to coronavirus these are challenging times, but we also have to plan for the near future. The new direct train service enables us to travel from Amsterdam to London in just over four hours. It’s fast and convenient, and without the hassle of disembarking in Brussels for border and security checks.

“A Eurostar train roughly has twice as many seats as an average airplane on the Amsterdam – London route and CO2 emissions are significantly lower. The train service to London therefore is a sustainable and competitive alternative to flying.

“The four countries the train passes through, Belgium, France, Netherlands and UK, have been working closely with Eurostar to provide support and guidance on security procedures and the necessary infrastructure arrangements at the two stations. The new agreements form an important step in further facilitating efficient rail traffic between close neighbouring countries.”

www.eurostar.com

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Andrew Sharp, Surbiton

Apparently despite the hassle in Brussels on the way back, Eurostar already carries 12% of London - Amsterdam passengers.