Eurostar has reopened its service between Amsterdam and the UK for the first time in nearly a year – however, it will only be open for a month before shutting down again
After a near year-long hiatus due to renovations at Amsterdam’s bustling hub, Eurostar has joyfully reinstated its direct train line from Amsterdam straight to the heart of London.
Since June 2024, travellers were diverted via Brussels, but as of Monday January 10, the high-speed rail link is back on track with the launch of a swish new UK departure terminal at Amsterdam Centraal.
With commitment to keeping Europe connected, Eurostar boasts three daily weekday and Sunday services to London St Pancras, curbing it to two trains on Saturday. Celebrating a major uplift in this trans-European route, the company isn’t hitting the brakes here; plans are set to boost the service to five daily rides by next year.
Each train now takes an extra 10 per cent in passenger load, racking up to 400 globe-trotters per trip. The Amsterdam terminal now entices travellers with a café, comfy seating, free Wi-Fi, and even UK Border Force checks onsite.
Be mindful though, a brief service halt will occur from March 30 to April 22 due to platform works in Amsterdam will see the trains make a temporary detour via Brussels once more, reports the Express. Renovations on platforms will impact passengers travelling in both directions.
The train’s capacity will then jump to 600 passengers post-launch, with a further increase to its full 650-passenger capacity from Amsterdam scheduled for September.
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, said: “We are delighted that direct Eurostar services between Amsterdam and London are back. This is more than just a train journey — it is a seamless connection between two vibrant capitals, offering our customers an efficient, comfortable, and sustainable way to travel.
“Eurostar is proud to unveil this state-of-the-art terminal, reinforcing our commitment to providing a seamless, sustainable, travel experience. We know we will welcome more passengers on board as we continue to grow our services and set the standards for connectivity across Europe. The tripling of capacity on the Netherlands-UK route is step one in a broader strategy to increase Eurostar’s network for customers all across Europe.”
Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship added: “Working closely with our European neighbours is a priority for this government, as we continue to ensure seamless passenger travel for those travelling to and from the UK, while protecting our borders.
“I am pleased to see the reinstatement of the direct Eurostar connection to London from the Netherlands. Our hard-working UK Border Force officers based in Netherlands will ensure that our border security remains robust.”
The Eurostar service from St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal clocks in at three hours and 52 minutes, while the return leg takes a little over four hours, passing through three countries en-route.
Mid-February return tickets start from £86 for standard class, which includes two pieces of luggage, one small handbag, onboard food, beverages, snacks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and UK and EU plug sockets.
