Eurostar launches direct services from Amsterdam to London

4 February 2020, 06:13

Eurostar will launch direct trains from Amsterdam to London in April, the cross-Channel rail operator has announced.

The route was launched in April 2018 but passengers travelling to the UK had been forced to change trains in Belgium to complete passport checks and screening.

The service had previously been expected to start by the end of 2019, but talks between the UK and Dutch governments progressed slower than expected.

Commercial direct services from Amsterdam will begin on April 30, with trains also serving Rotterdam from May 18.

Speaking ahead of the arrival of a direct preview train from Amsterdam to London St Pancras, 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."

Rail expert Mark Smith, founder of Seat61.com, said some passengers have been put off from travelling by train between London and the Netherlands because of the lack of direct trains to the UK.

He said: "Eurostar has been tackling one of the biggest air routes in Europe with one hand tied behind its back.

"Now they can go all-out for a large chunk of that air market."

He described the firm's offer of city centre to city centre journeys in three hours and 50 minutes with a check-in time of just 30 minutes before departure as "very competitive".

Eurostar said tickets for the new direct services will be available from February 11 and will cost from £35.