Eurostar launches its first direct return train journey between London and Amsterdam

Eurostar has launched its first direct return train journey between London and Amsterdam.

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The service will start running at the end of April, with tickets available from February.

The new direct link to Amsterdam will begin on 30 April and other journeys to Rotterdam will commence on 18 May.

There are currently three outbound services a day from the UK to the Netherlands. The direct inbound journey from Amsterdam to London will start with two services, with the aim of increasing to a third, and then a fourth.

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No more passport checks

A route between Amsterdam and London was launched in 2018, but passengers travelling to the UK have previously had to change trains in Brussels for passport checks.

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “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.”

Sustainable travel

It is hoped this new service will offer a more sustainable choice for European travel with Eurostar estimating their trains produce between 80 and 90 per cent fewer emissions than the equivalent short haul flight.

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Eurostar are also pledging to contribute to the reforestation of woodland in Europe by planting a tree for every service that it operates across its routes.

Services from the UK to the Netherlands have had over half a million travellers since its launch.

Mike Cooper, Chief Executive of Eurostar, said: “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.”

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Roger van Boxtel, Chief Executive of Nederlandse Spoorwegen said: “Brexit or not, London will be closer from 30th April. Eurostar will take travellers from the centre of Amsterdam to the heart of London in four hours."