Eurostar has finally launched a direct service from Amsterdam to London.
Since 2018, the train operator began to offer a route between London and Amsterdam but passengers returning to London have been made to take a quick pitstop at Brussels for passport and security checks.
That process, however, was a “temporary measure” as the British and Dutch governments have since been working on an agreement to change border procedures between the two cities.
Now, the UK and Holland have finalised an agreement which will allow passengers to travel direct to and from London St Pancras and Amsterdam Centraal from April 30th. Another direct service between Rotterdam and London will be launched a month after on May 18th.
Speaking on the new direct service, Eurostar’s Chief Executive Mike Cooper said:”Our services from the UK to the Netherlands have proved very popular with over half a million travellers since launch.
“Our fully direct service marks an exciting advance for high-speed rail and provides consumers with a comfortable, environmentally friendly alternative to the airlines on one of Europe’s busiest leisure and business routes.”
He added: “It’s a huge market, 4.3 million air market at the moment. What’s interesting is that there’s a precise parallel to when we started Paris back in 1994, it was the same size air market, and look what’s developed since.
“We think it’s going to be a hugely credible alternative to flying and a sustainable alternative to flying as well.”
Tickets for the new direct journey between London and Amsterdam will be priced from £35 and will be on sale from February 11th.