Now boarding: Eurostar’s first commercial service sets off to Amsterdam
Historic milestone for international high speed rail
UK to the Netherlands in just three hours
Tickets from £35 one-way
Fast, environmentally friendly alternative to the airlines
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service connecting the UK with mainland Europe, officially launches its new service direct from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam today, with the first customers departing from St. Pancras International at 08.31 this morning.
The arrival of Eurostar’s new service marks a step change in the expansion of international high-speed rail, transforming the connection between London and the Netherlands. For the first time, passengers can travel from the heart of London direct to Rotterdam in 3h01 and Amsterdam in 3h41, at a speed of 300kph.
Offering highly competitive fares from £35 one-way, the new route provides travellers with a fast, comfortable, environmentally friendly alternative to the airlines. With a high speed rail journey from London to Amsterdam emitting 80% less carbon per passenger than the equivalent flight, Eurostar’s new service reinforces high speed rail as the most environmentally responsible choice for European short haul travel.
Mike Cooper, Chief Executive, Eurostar, said: “The departure of our first commercial service to Amsterdam represents a historic milestone for Eurostar and the growth of international high speed rail. With the Netherlands becoming increasingly popular as a business and tourism destination, the potential for our new route is significant and we look forward to offering our customers a fast, seamless connection between these key European cities.”
Eurostar’s state-of-the-art fleet of e320 trains, which are proving very popular with customers, will operate on the London-Amsterdam route. With a bold design, chic interiors as well as wifi connectivity and 300 hours of onboard entertainment streamed to customers’ personal devices, the new trains provide an unprecedented level of style and comfort.
Introducing Eurostar’s new destinations The introduction of the new direct service to the Netherlands opens up a wealth of travel opportunities and experiences, cementing the link between the UK and mainland Europe.
With its iconic canals and picturesque old town, its enviable collection of world-class art, an array of boutiques and restaurants, as well as an extensive calendar of concerts and festivals, Amsterdam is perfect choice for a weekend getaway.
Renowned for its futuristic design, Rotterdam is fast becoming the centre for architectural innovation. Featuring a modern skyline, the city is home to a range of contemporary buildings an exciting international food scene. With pop-up bars, floating restaurants, and an expanding food market hall, Rotterdam is an exciting new destination for foodies.
Tickets are now on sale for Eurostar’s new route which will start with two direct services a day departing London at 08.31 and 17.31. For more information or to book Eurostar tickets visit www.eurostar.com or call the Eurostar contact centre on 03432 186 186.
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Notes to editors
About Eurostar
With the new Eurostar service between the UK and The Netherlands, passengers will travel direct from London to Amsterdam and Rotterdam and on the return journey will connect through Brussels where passport controls and security screening will be carried out.
This connecting return journey will be a temporary measure whilst the governments in the UK and The Netherlands complete an agreement which will enable passport checks to be conducted on departure in The Netherlands as in other key Eurostar destinations.
The governments have committed to putting this agreement in place by the end of 2019. Eurostar is actively engaging with the governments on this matter so that Eurostar passengers travelling between the UK and The Netherlands will be able to enjoy a direct service in both directions.
From its early days of operation Eurostar has championed the environmental benefits of high speed rail and the switch to sustainable modes of transport for short haul travel. A Eurostar journey from London to Amsterdam emits 80% less carbon than the equivalent short haul flight making it a clear choice for the future of travel in Europe.
Customers travelling by Eurostar can enjoy a range of benefits including:
Seamless city centre to city centre travel, with stations located in the heart of our destinations
Comfort and space on board to work or unwind with wifi connectivity and onboard entertainment
Fast and convenient check-in - passengers are asked to arrive only 30 minutes before departure
Generous, free-of-charge baggage allowance with each passenger allowed 2 bags/suitcases and 1 piece of hand luggage
No queues or baggage reclaim upon arrival - simply take your bag with you on board
Eurostar’s Business Premier service offers the highest standards in short-haul business travel. With flexible fares up to departure, Business Premier customers enjoy 10 minute express check-in, exclusive access to the business lounges as well as complimentary drinks and fine dining in the comfort of their seat.
In addition to the Eurostar services, there are up to 8 Thalys trains a day from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to Brussels, and the following provide the best connections to Eurostar services: