Eurostar Launches Direct Service Between London and Amsterdam
by Daine Taylor /The high-speed rail company introduced its London-Amsterdam service, which will officially launch on Apr. 30. Photo: Eurostar
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service connecting the UK and mainland Europe, announced that it would be introducing a direct service between London and Amsterdam that will operate both to and from the Netherlands.
“Our services from the UK to the Netherlands have proved very popular with over half a million travelers since launch,” said Mike Cooper, chief executive for Eurostar. “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.”
There are currently three outbound services a day from the UK to the Netherlands, and after the introduction of the direct service, Eurostar will offer two inbound services from Amsterdam to London, with plans to expand to a third and fourth service down the line.
In addition to the added convenience factor, the direct journey between London and Amsterdam will also result in 80% less carbon released into the atmosphere per passenger than its flight equivalent, making Eurostar the most sustainable option for short-haul European travel.
“We’re continuing to invest in modern, efficient transport links with the continent so our businesses and tourism industry can flourish,” said Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport in the UK. “The days of passengers being forced to decamp from the train at Brussels to file through passport control will soon be over, as we look forward to direct, return, high-speed services to Amsterdam and beyond.”
Tickets for the direct service will cost $46 each way, and will go on sale beginning Feb. 11, with the official launch scheduled for Apr. 30.
