Eurostar to go direct on Amsterdam/London route

Eurostar will begin a direct rail service from Amsterdam to London in April. The route was launched in April 2018 but passengers were forced to change trains in Brussels to complete passport checks and security screening. Now border procedures are to be allowed to be carried out in the Netherlands, with a deal struck before the date mooted for the first direct service, 30 April. Eurostar is also hopeful of opening up a Rotterdam route in May. Eurostar Chief Executive Mike Cooper said half a million travellers had used the London Amsterdam route since its launch and now this can become ‘direct’. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’re continuing to invest in modern, efficient transport links with the continent so our businesses and tourism industry can flourish. “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.” The direct inbound journey from Amsterdam to London will begin with two daily services, with the aim of increasing it to four. Analysts have said the move means Eurostar can now attack what is a huge air market offering city centre to city centre journeys in three hours and 52 minutes, not to mention much shorter check-in and security times compared to airports. The Eurostar website is advertising tickets for the new direct services for sale starting 11 February and priced from £35 (€41.30).