The direct return service from Amsterdam to London — now with full border control at Amsterdam Centraal.
Eurostar now operates a direct return service from Amsterdam Centraal to London St Pancras. Previously, passengers heading to London from Amsterdam had to change at Brussels for border control — that's no longer the case. Full UK immigration facilities are now available at Amsterdam Centraal.
The Eurostar has a dedicated check-in area at Amsterdam Centraal. Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure — 90 minutes is safer as this is a relatively new facility and queues can build. The process:
The train also stops at Rotterdam Centraal on its way to London. If you're in southern Netherlands, boarding at Rotterdam saves time and the check-in facilities tend to be quieter.
The train departs Amsterdam, stops at Rotterdam Centraal (about 40 minutes), then continues through Belgium with a brief stop at Brussels-Midi. It then enters the Channel Tunnel and arrives at St Pancras. The full journey is just under 4 hours — long enough to enjoy a meal, get some work done, or just watch the Dutch and Belgian countryside roll past.
No further border checks at St Pancras — you cleared everything in Amsterdam. Walk off the platform and into central London. See our St Pancras guide.
The direct Amsterdam → London service can be booked via Eurostar or through Trainline, which is often the simplest option for travellers connecting from elsewhere in the Netherlands or Germany via the Dutch rail network.
Check fares on Trainline →This link goes to Trainline's own booking site. Chunnel.uk may earn a small commission from bookings made via Trainline, at no additional cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.