You Can Take a Eurostar Train from London to Amsterdam in Under 4 Hours

Now that Eurostar offers a convenient, stress-free way to travel to Amsterdam, there's never been a better time to visit!

Did you know that you can board a high-speed Eurostar train in London and travel directly to the heart of Amsterdam in under four hours? It only takes three hours and 41 minutes to get to Amsterdam Centraal after the train leaves St Pancras. Since debuting this new service between the illustrious cities in April, more than 130,000 travelers have chosen to take the train over flying to the Dutch capital. Amsterdam is truly one of Europe's great cities—and for good reason. When you think of Amsterdam, what generally comes to mind? Probably its Golden Age canals and narrow townhouses, grand museums, candlelit cafes, bustling outdoor markets, celebrated cuisine, and legendary nightlife. Often referred to as 'the Venice of the North,' there's no shortage of exciting and memorable things to see and do.

How to Check-In

In order to take a Eurostar train journey, you must check-in at St Pancras in London (or Ashford) at least 30 minutes before you departure time. Check-in starts one to two hours before departure. To check-in, scan your ticket at the automatic ticket gates located off the lower street level or visit a staffed kiosk at the station. After scanning your ticket and entering through the gates, you'll pass through a quick security check before arriving in the departure lounge directly beneath the tracks. Take advantage of comfortable seating, Café Nero, a bar, phone recharging outlets, restrooms, shops, and a Eurostar information desk should you have any questions or need an issue addressed. For Business Premier passengers, check in just a few minutes before departure at the Business Premier check-in kiosk. There's a Business Lounge (located on platform 10) with complimentary drinks and snacks, including beer, wine and cocktails. A boarding announcement will be made 15-20 minutes before your departure. Simply take an escalator up to the appropriate platform and board your train. Eurostar departs from platforms 5-10.

What Is It Like Onboard Eurostar?

When you purchase a Eurostar ticket, your seat reservation is already included in the price. A reservation is mandatory to travel onboard a Eurostar train. With three classes of travel (Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier) there are options for every lifestyle and budget. Onboard, you'll find spacious coaches and comfortable seating, plenty of legroom, food and drinks from Café Métropole (complimentary meals at your seat for Standard Premier and Business Premier passengers), bar, coffee bar, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi internet and power outlets, video screens, restrooms and accessible toilets, baby-changing tables, and wheelchair spaces.

Your luggage can be brought onto the train with you and stowed on the racks near the entrance of each car or directly above your seat. There's a two bag allowance and no weight restrictions. Whichever class of service you choose, you're in for a memorable, relaxing journey.

All About the Journey from London to Amsterdam

After Eurostar leaves St Pancras station, your train will tunnel through North London and surface on the north bank of the River Thames. Then, the train travels beneath the River Thames en route to Kent. From there, you'll cross the River Medway atop a high viaduct with distant views of the Rochester Castle and Cathedral. About 30 minutes into your journey, Eurostar will reach the Channel Tunnel (the longest undersea tunnel in the world), which takes 20 minutes to travel 31 miles. Although you'll be 131 feet below the Strait of Dover in the English Channel, you'll still have Wi-Fi access and cellular reception. By the time the train emerges, you will be in Northern France! The train will pass fields, villages and the Lille station before entering Belgium, where you'll make a quick stop at Brussels Midi. Next, Eurostar zooms through Antwerp Central into the Netherlands, where it crosses the Moerdijk bridge over the River Maas. After stopping at Rotterdam Centraal, you'll arrive into Amsterdam Centraal in about 40 minutes. Amsterdam Centraal is just a short stroll from the city's famous canals.

Once in Amsterdam

When you arrive in Amsterdam, you may experience gezellig, a Dutch quality that roughly translates as 'cozy.' Consisting of three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht), 90 islands and 1,500 bridges, Amsterdam was made for exploration. Hop aboard a canal boat (preferably an open-air one) or a free ferry and wander through the magical UNESCO-listed canal ring. Then there's the Rijksmuseum featuring over 8,000 works of art! Right outside the museum is the "I Amsterdam" sign, which many people love taking photos with. Rent a bike, visit the upscale Jordaan district, stroll through the Van Gogh Museum, shop along the Albert Cuypmarkt (the largest outdoor market in the Netherlands), or check out the Anne Frank House. Paris has crepes. Amsterdam has waffles. Amsterdam is world-renowned for flowers. Tulips in particular. If you're visiting in spring and up for a day-trip adventure, why not visit the Keukenhof Gardens or the Zaanse Schans open-air museum's plethora of windmills and traditional houses?

Traveling from Amsterdam to London via Eurostar

Currently, there is no direct return train to London due to border complications. Your inbound train journey from Amsterdam onboard a Thalys or InterCity train to London requires a change of train and security checks at Brussels Midi, which adds about an extra hour onto your trip. Since Great Britain isn't included in the Schengen Area, you'll have to go through check-in at the Channel Terminal. The Terminal offers cafes, shops and comfortable lounge areas to enjoy before your Eurostar train to London.