Eurostar has today resumed direct train services from Amsterdam to London following the opening of a new UK departure terminal at Amsterdam Centraal station.
The high-speed rail operator had been forced to route Amsterdam-bound passengers via Brussels since June 2024 during the station's redevelopment, while London to Amsterdam services continued as normal.
The restored direct connection marks a significant upgrade to the cross-channel rail link between the two capital cities.
Eurostar will operate three daily services on weekdays and Sundays from Amsterdam to London St Pancras, with a reduced schedule of two trains on Saturdays.
It will operate three daily services on weekdays
GETTYThe rail operator has announced plans to expand the service in the coming months, with the aim of offering five daily trains between the cities by next year.
The new terminal at Amsterdam Centraal features wifi, seating areas and a café, alongside facilities for UK Border Force immigration officials.
Initial passenger capacity on Amsterdam-London trains has increased by 10 per cent to 400 passengers per journey from today.
Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said: "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."
The direct service will face a brief interruption between March 30 and April 22, when trains will again be routed via Brussels to allow for platform work at Amsterdam Centraal.
Following the completion of this work, passenger capacity will immediately increase to 600 per train.
A further capacity boost is planned for September, when trains will reach their full capacity of 650 passengers from Amsterdam.
UK Migration Minister Seema Malhotra added: "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 the Netherlands will ensure that our border security remains robust."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Amsterdam is a popular holiday destination
GETTY
This comes as Eurostar axes SmartCheck service for premium passengers in London.
It is set to end its SmartCheck service at London St Pancras station, which currently allows premium passengers to bypass UK passport checks through facial recognition technology.
The change will come into effect this week, on February 13.
You may like
