International TravelRail Travel

Amsterdam to London by Eurostar train (Complete Guide)

The Eurostar train is an excellent way to travel between Amsterdam and London.

The trip takes just over 4 hours and brings you from the centre of Amsterdam right into the heart of London. It can be easily booked at the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) or the NS International site (euros) with prices starting at only £51/€58 one-way.

Eurostar runs a 4x daily direct train between Amsterdam and London –  this high speed rail service runs via the channel tunnel.

eurostar seats
Eurostar Seats (Plus)

We’ve made this trip over 100 times and so here is our detailed guide to Amsterdam-London by Eurostar. The info here is applicable if travelling in either direction – Amsterdam to London or London to Amsterdam.

London-Amsterdam Eurostar timetable (2025)

This is the current Eurostar timetable for direct trains between London and Amsterdam / Rotterdam:

London to Amsterdam

ES 9106ES 9126ES 9140ES 9152
London St Pancrasdep06:1611:0415:0418:04
Rotterdam Centraal arr10:3215:3219:3222:32
Amsterdam Centraal arr11:2016:2020:2023:20

Amsterdam to London

 ES 9115 ES 9133ES 9145ES 9167
Amsterdam Centraal dep06:4010:4013:4018:40
Rotterdam Centraal dep07:2811:2814:2819:28
London St Pancrasarr09:5713:5717:0021:57

[Amsterdam is 1 hour ahead of London time]

Amsterdam-London Rail Maps & Route

The Eurostar train runs between London St Pancras and Amsterdam Centraal.

This is a rail route map for the Amsterdam-London trip on Eurostar:

amsterdam-london eurostar rail map

The London-Amsterdam service makes a limited number of stops – at Lille Europe, Brussels Zuid/Midi and Rotterdam Centraal.

london-amsterdam eurostar route graphic

Total journey time: 4 hours 16 minutes (London-Amsterdam) and 4 hours 17 minutes (Amsterdam-London).

Total distance: 582km (362 miles) – this is the track distance from the actual rail route which we worked out using Google Maps:

london-amsterdam eurostar - actual rail route map
Actual Eurostar rail route between London and Amsterdam

This includes the 37.9km underwater channel tunnel which has a total tunnel length of 50.4km.

Maximum speed: 300km/h (speed limit of 160km/h in the channel tunnel)

Eurostar operates other cross-channel services from London to both Paris and Brussels. Eurostar also has continental rail services from Paris to both Amsterdam and Cologne – these were formerly the Thalys.

eurostar trains at paris nord
Eurostar trains at Paris Nord

Amsterdam-London train ticket fares

Tickets for Amsterdam-London are generally open for booking 6-8 months before travel. Like airfares, Eurostar ticket prices tend to rise the closer to the departure date – so it’s best to book well in advance if possible.

There are 3 classes of travel on the Eurostar:

Eurostar Standard

One-way fares in Standard between London and Amsterdam start from £51/€58 one-way or £78/€88 return.

You can change your ticket up to 1 hour in advance, you just need to pay the difference in fare if more expensive. Refunds are possible up to 7 days out at a charge of €25/£25 per leg.

Eurostar Plus

One-way fares for the London-Amsterdam route in Eurostar Plus start from £97/€111 one-way or £168/€192 return.

Like Standard you can change your ticket up to 1 hour in advance by paying the difference in fare. Refunds are possible up to 7 days out at a charge of €25/£25 per leg.

Eurostar Premier

Eurostar Premier ticket prices are by no means cheap, priced from £335/€385 one-way or £580/€667 return.

Premier tickets are exchangeable and refundable up to 48 hours before travel. You still need to pay the fare difference if your new ticket is more expensive.

See below for the difference between the classes in terms of seat and service.

As a guideline, let’s look at Amsterdam-London one-way fares (checked Sep 2025 for the afternoon departure) when booking at various periods before travel:

  StandardPlusPremier
2 days out€225€265€385
1 week out€121€236€365
1 month out€121€236€365
2 months out€98€127€365
4 months out€57€110€365

Children’s tickets on Eurostar

Small children aged 0-3 travel for free but must sit on an adult’s lap throughout the journey. Baby changing facilities are available on board.

Children aged 4-11 get a discounted fares on Standard and Plus tickets. The reduction is 30% on peak period tickets and 30-50%  during off-peak periods.

Children’s meals in Plus and Premier class can be pre-ordered through your booking up to 24 hours before travel.

Book your Amsterdam-London Eurostar tickets

Amsterdam-London Eurostar train tickets can easily be booked at the Trainline site (UK based) which offers payment in multiple currencies. Check trains here:

Or book at the NS International site – this is the official Dutch Railways international arm which offers payment in euros only.

London-Amsterdam Eurostar train

Eurostar operates its modern E320 trains on the London-Amsterdam route. These trains are also known as British Rail Class 374 and are a variant of the Siemens Velaro. These were first introduced on the Eurostar network in 2015.

eurostar train at london st pancras station
Eurostar train at London St Pancras

The E320 trains are 390m long and have 16 carriages with a total capacity of 892 seats plus 4 wheelchair spaces.

Standard carriages have 76 seats whilst Plus/Premier carriages have 32, 36 or 40 seats.

The Plus/Premier carriages are the first and last 3 of the train (coach 1-3 and 14-16). Standard class is found in coaches 4-13 with the Eurostar Café taking up half each of coaches 8 and 9.

The coach numbers are marked on a display near the external doors. Seat numbers in each carriage are also clearly marked above the window.

eurostar seat numbers
Eurostar seat numbers

Seats on the Eurostar

Let’s look at the seating in the 3 classes on Eurostar.

Eurostar Standard – This is effectively 2nd class with the normal 2-2 configuration seating, seat pitch of approximately 32.5″ (82.5cm) and food/drink available for purchase at the Eurostar Café.

eurostar standard class seats
Eurostar Standard class seats

This is the seat plan for a Standard carriage on the Eurostar:

Eurostar Standard carriage seat plan e320
Eurostar Standard seat map (source: Eurostar)

Eurostar Plus – A first class “lite” product using dedicated carriages with 1-2 configuration and seat pitch of approximately 37″ (94.5cm). A complimentary light meal and drinks are served at your seat and a selection of magazines is available.

eurostar plus/premier carriage
Eurostar Plus carriage and seating
eurostar premier/plus seats
Eurostar Plus/Premier seats
eurostar plus meal
Eurostar Plus meal

Eurostar Premier – A flexible fare business product using dedicated carriages with similar 1-2 config and seat pitch as Eurostar Plus.

This is the seat plan for a Plus/Premier coach 2 on the Eurostar E320:

Eurostar Plus/Premier carriage seat plan e320
Eurostar Plus/Premier seat map (source: Eurostar)

Premier passengers get a full 3 course meal with drinks including champagne and selected fine wines served at their seat.

Premier passengers get fast-track check-in and lounge access at the main Eurostar stations.

Facilities on board the Eurostar

  • The windows on the Eurostar trains are medium size though there is quite a blank wall space between each window.
eurostar train window (view amsterdam centraal)
View from the window as Eurostar departs Amsterdam Centraal
  • Free WiFi is available at to all passengers.
  • UK and European power outlets are available at the seats.
eurostar train power outlets (london-amsterdam)
Power outlets at Eurostar seats
  • Toilet facilities are available at the ends of each carriage.
  • The Eurostar Café in carriage 8/9 offers a range of drinks and snacks for sale.
  • For those with accessibility needs please contact Eurostar in advance. Assistance can be arranged at both ends of your journey.

Luggage on Eurostar

Unlike flying there are no extra charges for bringing luggage with you on your Eurostar journey. The train has overhead luggage racks above the seats and also some extra racks at the end of the carriages.

Eurostar carriage with overhead luggage racks
Overhead luggage racks in Eurostar Standard carriage
eurostar luggage racks
Luggage racks at the end of carriage

Standard and Plus passengers can bring 2 pieces of regular luggage up to 85cm long and 1 small item of hand luggage. Children are allowed 1 piece of luggage and 1 hand luggage.

Premier passengers can bring 3 pieces of luggage and 1 item of hand luggage.

There are no weight limits but you must be able to carry these on board yourself and they must be able to fit into the luggage racks. You cannot leave your luggage in the aisles.

eurostar train arrival at london st pancras - passengers with luggage
Eurostar arrival at London St Pancras

If you require extra luggage this can be purchased as an extra.

There are no restrictions on liquids apart from the customs limits for alcohol.

Bicycles on the London-Amsterdam Eurostar

It is possible to bring a disassembled bike onboard the Eurostar train. This must be handed in at the luggage area and can be collected on the platform when you arrive. This is charged from €45.

Folding bikes can be brought on board as long as they are completely covered and are within the 85cm luggage limit.

Note, fully assembled bikes can only be taken on the Eurostar between London and Brussels.

Amsterdam-London train trip scenery

The rail journey between Amsterdam and London is not particularly renowned for its scenery though there are a few points of interest!

  • Views of Rotterdam’s modern skyline.
sklyine views at rotterdam centraal
Skyline views at Rotterdam Centraal
  • Crossing the Hollandsch Diep by bridge.
Hollandsch Diep
Hollandsch Diep
  • Coming into Antwerp, crossing the Albertkanaal railway bridge with distant views of the spectacular Port Authority Building designed by architect Zaha Hadid.
  • Passing through Mechelen with fleeting views of the St Rumbold’s Tower on the Grote Markt.
  • Sweeping views of Brussels.
  • Rolling plains of northern France.
  • Crossing the viaduct over the river Medway near Rochester.
eurostar river medway crossing
Eurostar trip – crossing the river Medway near Rochester UK

Amsterdam Central Station

The magnificent Amsterdam Centraal station was completed in 1889. It was designed by Pierre Cuypers who was the noted architect of the city’s Rijksmuseum.

amsterdam central station
Amsterdam Centraal station

The modernised section of the station at the IJ waterfront side features shops, restaurants and some great views.

amsterdam central station - Ij side (waterfront)

A new Eurostar terminal was opened at Amsterdam Central in early 2025 which sits under the platforms and is accessed from the city side. After security and immigration there is a compact waiting area for passengers with a STACH cafe outlet.

uk terminal for eurostar passengers at amsterdam centraal
UK Terminal entrance at Amsterdam Centraal
eurostar terminal waiting area amsterdam
Eurostar terminal at Amsterdam Centraal

1st class passengers can theoretically get access to the basic NS International/Regus lounge at Amsterdam Centraal. You can only get a hot drink or soft drink and no food is served.

ns international lounge amsterdam
NS International lounge at Amsterdam Centraal

Note however, this is within the station on platform 1 (passengers only, through the gate barriers) and is a bit of a walk from the Eurostar terminal which is entered from the public area.

Rotterdam Central Station

The strikingly modern Rotterdam Centraal station was reopened in its current form in 2014.

For some London passengers it is more convenient to travel to/from Rotterdam by Eurostar. The Rotterdam-London journey time is around 45 minutes shorter than Amsterdam-London.

rotterdam central station
Rotterdam Centraal
rotterdam centraal station hall
Main station hall at Rotterdam Centraal

There is a small Eurostar terminal at platform 2 of Rotterdam Centraal where you undergo security and immigration. There is a small waiting area upstairs.

To access the terminal you need to pass through the NS gate barriers with your ticket barcode.

eurostar terminal rotterdam
Eurostar terminal at Rotterdam

There is a small NS International/Regus lounge for 1st class passengers found on platform 2. Only good for a hot drink or soft drink, no food is served.

ns international lounge rotterdam
NS International lounge at Rotterdam Centraal

London St Pancras station

The Eurostar to Amsterdam departs from its dedicated terminal at the beautiful London St Pancras International station. This is located in the north of London next to Kings Cross station and a short walk from Euston station.

The station dates from 1868 and has been handling Eurostar services since 2007. Eurostar previously operated at London Waterloo between 1994-2007.

st pancras station london
St Pancras Station in London

You can arrive by tube via any of the Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City or Metropolitan lines.

The public area inside the station contains quite a decent range of shops, cafés and restaurants.

london st pancras station - the arcade
Lonson St Pancras station – The Arcade
st pancras champagne bar
Champagne bar at London St Pancras station

Upstairs you will find a champagne bar, the John Betjeman Statue, the famous Dent clock and Paul Day’s 9m tall statue of an embracing couple known as “The Meeting Place”.

St Pancras station in London - John Betjeman statue
Betjeman statue by Martin Jennings at St Pancras
london st pancras station
Eurostar trains at London St Pancras station

At the Eurostar departures check-in hall at London St Pancras there are ticket machines if you need to pick-up, purchase or change tickets at the station.

eurostar departures london
Eurostar departures check-in area at London St Pancras
eurostar ticket machines at london st pancras
Eurostar ticket machines at London st Pancras

At London St Pancras you need queue to go through a check-in gate (where you simply scan or insert your ticket) and then there is an immediate security check of your luggage. This is followed by a UK exit check and then French border control.

You are then in the main departures lounge area which is used by all Eurostar passengers going to Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels. This area has a newsagent, a bar and café. Free WiFi is available here as well as on board the trains.

eurostar departure lounge
Eurostar departures lounge area at London St Pancras
eurostar departures lounge waiting are - london st pancras
Eurostar departures lounge seating (empty) at London St Pancras

Boarding is called about 20 minutes before departure and you go up the escalators to the platform. Check your boarding pass for the coach number as there are different escalators for coaches 1-5 and 6-18.

The Eurostar Premier lounge in London St Pancras is open to Premier passengers but not Plus passengers.

Access is also granted to Carte Blanche and Étoile members of the Club Eurostar program and American Express Platinum cardholders (UK, Belgium and France-issued cards but unfortunately not Netherlands-issued).

eurostar premier lounge at london st pancras
Eurostar Premier Lounge in London
Eurostar Premier lounge at London St Pancras
Upstairs at Eurostar Premier lounge in London

What are the other options for Amsterdam-London travel?

You can find out more on our Amsterdam-London travel page which overviews all trains, flights, ferries and buses between the cities.

Amsterdam-London Eurostar: Summary

The Eurostar service is a fast and comfortable way to travel between Amsterdam and London. If you wish to avoid the hassle of flying or sitting on a bus for 12 hours then the Eurostar is an excellent choice.

With its roomy seats and light meal/drinks we highly recommend booking a Plus ticket. It’s a civilised way to travel in a quiet cabin and will make a good start/end to your trip.

You can check timetables, prices and make bookings for Eurostar and other international train services at the Trainline site or at the NS International site

Sources: our own trips provided the main context in addition to info from Eurostar

This article was originally published on 23 September 2025 and replaced a Eurostar trip report which was published 2011-2025.

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