April 4 marked the official launch of Eurostar service between London and Amsterdam. The new cross-channel connection offers a high-speed rail journey of approximately three hours and 41 minutes, with trains running at speeds close to 186 mph. As with Eurostar services to Paris and Brussels, departures originate from London’s St. Pancras International station.
The initial schedule includes two daily departures from London, at 8:31 a.m. and 5:31 p.m., providing convenient morning and evening options for travelers.
Outbound trips from London to Amsterdam are operated as direct services. For the return journey to London, trains currently call at Brussels for passport control and security checks. This arrangement is temporary while the United Kingdom and the Netherlands finalize an agreement that will allow passport and border checks to be completed at the point of departure for passengers traveling back to London. Officials expect that arrangement to be in place by late 2019, after which return trips should no longer require the interim stop for checks.
The new route strengthens rail connections across Northwest Europe and gives travelers a fast, city-center to city-center option between two major capitals. By avoiding airport transfers and lengthy check-in procedures, the Eurostar service aims to offer a competitive, sustainable alternative for business travelers and tourists alike.
Passengers planning to travel on the London–Amsterdam service should check Eurostar’s official timetables and booking information when arranging trips, and allow time for any passport or security procedures that may still be required during the transition to the full exit/entry checks at departure points.