Check-in Eurostar to London
When traveling to and from London with Eurostar you must check in: your luggage and passport must be checked. Here you will find all the information about the check-in procedure.
Check-in from the Netherlands to London
Due to construction work at the terminal at Amsterdam Central, there are currently no direct train connections from the Netherlands to London. Below, you will find important information about the temporary travel route, including details on border control and transfer in Brussels, and how to best prepare for your journey.
Direct from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London
From 10 February 2025, a direct Eurostar service will once again run from the Netherlands to the UK. You can already book tickets for travel up to and including 29 March 2025. After that, there will be a short period of works, during which you will need to change trains at Brussels-South/Midi station. From 23 April, Eurostar will resume direct services. During the entire period, you can still book direct trains from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Impact of no direct trains from the Netherlands to London
Currently, there are no direct train connections from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London due to construction work at the terminal at Amsterdam Central. The direct Eurostar service will return early 2025 with a new, larger terminal for an improved travel experience.
Border control and transfer in Brussels
During this period, you will need to transfer in Brussels, where border controls will also take place. Your passport and luggage will be checked there, instead of in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. This change in the location of the controls does not affect your total travel time.
What time should you be at the station?
From Amsterdam or Rotterdam
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the station 20 minutes before your train's departure time. This will give you enough time to find your platform and be guided to the correct train carriage and seat by a train manager.
From Brussels
If you are traveling with a different train operator than Eurostar to Brussels South/Midi and then onward to London, please keep in mind:
- A walking time of approximately 5 minutes from your arrival platform to the Eurostar Channel Terminal.
- A minimum check-in time of 45 minutes in the terminal.
Travel time remains nearly the same
The travel time during this temporary period remains almost the same. Previously, you had to be at Amsterdam or Rotterdam 45 minutes in advance for passport control. Now, we advise arriving 20 minutes in advance to find your platform, train carriage, and seat comfortably. The time you save here will be used for controls in Brussels.
With Eurocity Direct to Brussels
Are you traveling to Brussels with Eurocity Direct? Read more information here about changing trains at Brussel-South/Midi
Check-in from London to the Netherlands
The same check-in procedure applies at London St. Pancras as on your outbound journey. If you are returning to the Netherlands, you must be at the Eurostar Channel Terminal at London St. Pancras International at least 45 minutes before departure. Please note that the time on your ticket is the departure time of your Eurostar train. Therefore, you need to arrive at the station earlier for check-in.
Since many busy trains depart from London St. Pancras International (including commuter trains to Paris), our advice is to be at the Eurostar Channel Terminal at least 45 minutes before departure.
Check-in procedure for Eurostar
- Your ticket will first be scanned.
- Then your luggage will be screened. This is done using the same equipment as at the airport.
Good to know: permitted liquids can be carried in containers larger than 100 ml.
More information about taking luggage - The last step is passport control. Keep your passport ready to help things move faster.
Once you have passed passport control, you can take a seat in the waiting area of the Eurostar Lounge, depending on the ticket that you have. As soon as your train is ready, it will be announced that you can board the train.
Train to London
Full of history, culture and shopping. London is alive day and night.