Eurostar, the high-speed train operator connecting the United Kingdom with mainland Europe, is launching a new direct route on April 4 between London and Amsterdam.
This service represents a major expansion of international high-speed rail. For the first time, passengers will be able to travel between London and Amsterdam at speeds up to 300 km/h, reducing journey times to around three hours.
More than four million people currently fly between London and Amsterdam each year, so Eurostar aims to attract a significant share of that market. As Amsterdam and the Netherlands continue to grow as centres for business and tourism, demand for a fast, convenient rail link is expected to rise.
“The launch of our service to the Netherlands represents an exciting advance in cross-Channel travel and heralds a new era in international high-speed rail,” said Nicolas Petrovic, Eurostar’s chief executive. “With direct services from the UK to the Netherlands, France and Belgium, we are strengthening connections between the UK and three of Europe’s leading trading partners.”
Petrovic added that the new route reflects substantial investment on both sides of the Channel. With around £1 billion invested in new, state-of-the-art trains and improved connectivity across the European network, passengers can now enjoy faster and more seamless rail travel between the UK and mainland Europe, offering a transformed travel experience.