To London by train
Quickly to the city center to London
- Amsterdam to London direct, from € 88 return
- Amsterdam to London direct and v.v., from € 55 one way
- Amsterdam to London with transfer in Brussels, from € 66 one way
Eurostar: the direct train to London
Which train runs directly to London? There is a direct train from the Netherlands to London: Eurostar. This high-speed train departs from Amsterdam Central and Rotterdam Central and takes you straight to London St Pancras International without any transfers.
Advance Passenger Information UK
From 2 April 2024, the UK government requires all travellers to the UK to provide additional information (API) before travelling such as passport number and date of birth.
Read more
European Travel Authorization (ETA)
An European Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for your trip to the UK. Apply for this on time. The easiest way to do this is via the ETA app.
Apply for your ETA via the ETA app
Apply for your ETA via a PC
How long does the train journey to London take?
The travel time to London depends on your departure station. From Amsterdam or Rotterdam, you can travel directly in 4.20 and 3.29 hours respectively. From other cities, you will need to transfer. See the overview below for the current travel times:
| Route | Travel time | Transfer | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - London | 4.20 | 0 | Content | Content |
| Utrecht - London | 4.54 | 1 | Content | Content |
| Schiphol - London | 4.24 | 1 | Content | Content |
| The Hague - London | 4.28 | 1 | Content | Content |
| Rotterdam - London | 3.29 | 0 | Content | Content |
| Breda - London | 4.15 | 1 | Content | Content |
| Eindhoven - London | 5.19 | 1 | Content | Content |
| Brussels - London | 2.46 | 0 | Content | Content |
Check the journey planner for the most up-to-date overview of departure times and transfers
Frequently asked questions about taking the train to London
Can you travel to London by train?
Can you travel to London by train?
Yes, there is a direct train connection from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London. Due to engineering works, there is no direct Eurostar from the Netherlands to the UK until 22 April 2025. During this period, you travel via Brussels South/Midi with Eurocity Direct or Eurostar and transfer there to the Eurostar to London St. Pancras International. From 23 April 2025, the direct Eurostar from the Netherlands to London will run as usual.
What is the route of the train to London?
What is the route of the train to London?
Until 22 April 2025, you travel via Brussels South/Midi, where you transfer to the Eurostar to London St. Pancras International. You depart with Eurocity Direct or Eurostar from Amsterdam or Rotterdam. At Calais, the train passes through the Channel Tunnel into the UK. Sometimes, the Eurostar also stops at Ashford or Ebbsfleet before arriving in central London. From 23 April 2025, the direct Eurostar from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London resumes.
Which train station does Eurostar arrive at in London?
Which train station does Eurostar arrive at in London?
The train from Amsterdam to London arrives at London St. Pancras International, in the heart of the city.
How do you book a cheap Eurostar ticket?
How do you book a cheap Eurostar ticket?
The most affordable way to book a Eurostar ticket to London is to choose the direct train from Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Return tickets are available from € 88.
If you select this lowest fare for both your outbound and return journey, the total price will be € 88 for a return ticket. The earlier you book, the better your chance of getting this low fare.
Not departing from Amsterdam or Rotterdam? Simply book your trip from the station near you. You'll benefit from a cheap add-on fare of €9 for both your outbound and return journey (maximum €18 total). This is often cheaper than two separate tickets, and you'll receive real-time travel updates starting from your local station.
The most affordable way to book a Eurostar ticket to London is to choose the direct train from Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Return tickets are available from € 88.
If you select this lowest fare for both your outbound and return journey, the total price will be € 88 for a return ticket. The earlier you book, the better your chance of getting this low fare.
Not departing from Amsterdam or Rotterdam? Simply book your trip from the station near you. You'll benefit from a cheap add-on fare of €9 for both your outbound and return journey (maximum €18 total). This is often cheaper than two separate tickets, and you'll receive real-time travel updates starting from your local station.
Which is cheaper: train or plane to London?
Which is cheaper: train or plane to London?
Whether the train or plane is cheaper depends on several factors, such as how early you book, your travel dates, and any extra costs. With Eurostar, you travel directly to central London, saving on airport transfers to your hotel. Luggage is also included in the train fare.
Just like flight prices, train ticket prices are increasingly dynamic, based on supply and demand. Many people think train fares are fixed because that's often the case in domestic Dutch travel. But for international train journeys, prices vary. When people book late, the cheapest tickets are often already sold out.
Book early and travel during off-peak times, and the train can be both a comfortable and cost-effective option.
Whether the train or plane is cheaper depends on several factors, such as how early you book, your travel dates, and any extra costs. With Eurostar, you travel directly to central London, saving on airport transfers to your hotel. Luggage is also included in the train fare.
Just like flight prices, train ticket prices are increasingly dynamic, based on supply and demand. Many people think train fares are fixed because that's often the case in domestic Dutch travel. But for international train journeys, prices vary. When people book late, the cheapest tickets are often already sold out.
Book early and travel during off-peak times, and the train can be both a comfortable and cost-effective option.
How much does a return train ticket to London cost?
The lowest price for a return ticket from Amsterdam to London is € 88. This applies to most travellers, as Amsterdam is a commonly used departure station.
If tickets at this fare are sold out for a specific date or time, the price can rise to a maximum of €411 in Standard class. The earlier you book, the lower the price. A return ticket is cheaper than two separate one-way tickets. One-way tickets are available from € 55. Please note that flexible travel options come with additional costs. The travel class you choose also affects the ticket price.
Want to know more about smart and affordable ways to travel to London, for example by combining your Eurostar ticket with a discounted domestic fare? Check the ‘Affordable travel’ tab at the top of this page.
How pricing works when travelling via Brussels
If you travel to London with a transfer in Brussels, the price of your ticket is a combination of:
- A ticket with Eurostar or Intercity Brussels to Brussels South
- A Eurostar ticket from Brussels to London
A complete overview of the rates and conditions can be found on the Eurostar Rates page. The most important conditions can be found below:
Travelling Eurostar with transfer in Brussels:
There are 3 types of tariffs available:
- Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier
- Standard has the cheapest tickets, limited availability
- 1st class available with Standard Premier and Business Premier
Travelling with Intercity Brussels together with Eurostar:
- Price 2nd class from € 66 one way
- Possibility to change
| Class | Price one-way (from-to) | Header | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | € 66 - € 220 | Content | Content | Content |
| Standard Premier | € 99,50 - € 274 | Content | Content | Content |
| Business Premier | € 360 | Content | Content | Content |
What is the cheapest way to travel to London?
The cheapest way to travel to London by train is to book early. A return Eurostar ticket from Amsterdam or Rotterdam is available from € 88.
If you don’t live near Amsterdam or Rotterdam, you can make use of a discounted add-on fare: travel with NS to Amsterdam or Rotterdam for just €9 one way (or €18 return). Combine this with a Eurostar ticket, and you’ll often still travel at a low total cost. For example, you can travel from Groningen or Den Helder to London from just €106 return.
Do you want to and can you book far in advance? Then choose the ticket with the lowest fare. The best rate for the price-conscious travellers.
General tips for getting the cheapest tickets
- Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets.
- Travelling in the evening is often cheaper.
- For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
- Book online to avoid booking fee.
Practical information
Check-in time for the direct Eurostar
Direct travel to London is possible from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You check in at the Eurostar Departures Terminal: your tickets, luggage and passport are checked. Your ticket/fare determines how long in advance you should check in, this is stated at the top of your Eurostar ticket:
- Business Premier (1st class): no later than 15 minutes before departure from Brussels/Paris/London and no later than 20 minutes before departure from Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Lille.
- Standard Premier (1st class) and Standard (2nd class): no later than 30 minutes before departure at all stations.
Be on time at ypur departure station
Please note that the time on your ticket is the departure time of your Eurostar train. You must arrive at the station earlier to check in. Your ticket includes advice on how long in advance you should be at the departure station to ensure a smooth check-in process. The advice varies depending on the ticket/fare, this is shown at the top of your Eurostar ticket. The advice is usually between 45 and 90 minutes before departure.
Eurostar facilities
To make your trip that much easier, we have summed up certain practical issues for you. We would gladly inform you about all facilities on board so that you can make your journey more comfortable.
Read all about the facilities and practical issues of Eurostar
Read all about the facilities and practical issues of Intercity Brussels
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