London to Amsterdam by train

Thinking of planning a trip from London to Amsterdam by train? Here’s what you need to know to make a rousing success out of your London to Amsterdam train trip!

Overview of London to Amsterdam train services

High-speed train service from London to Amsterdam is operated by Eurostar.

Eurostar

Founded in 1994 to coincide with the opening of the Channel Tunnel (“Chunnel”), Eurostar is a joint venture of several European national rail companies to provide high-speed rail services through the Chunnel. It has since expanded its operations to serve more routes across Europe. Eurostar offers clean, modern trains with all the expected modern comforts, including in-seat chargers, wifi and comfortable seats with ample leg room across three classes of service. Eurostar is also committed to sustainable, eco-friendly operations.

Schedule details

London to Amsterdam train time

The quickest direct London to Amsterdam train on a Eurostar high-speed train is 3 hours and 41 minutes.

Total distance

The total distance covered by the Eurostar fast train from London to Amsterdam is approximately 357 kilometres. The London to Amsterdam train duration is approximately 3 hours and 41 minutes by high-speed Eurostar train.

Earliest and latest departure times

• The earliest weekday departure time for the Eurostar London to Amsterdam train departs London St Pancras International Train Station at approximately 06:04.
• The latest weekday departure time for the Eurostar London to Amsterdam train departs St Pancras at approximately 18:13.
• The earliest weekend departure time for the Eurostar London to Amsterdam train departs St Pancras at approximately 06:04.
• The latest weekend departure time for the Eurostar London to Amsterdam train departs St Pancras at approximately 18:13.

Average number of daily trains

Approximately 11 trains trains depart daily from London St Pancras International Train Station bound for Amsterdam Centraal.

Benefits of traveling from London to Amsterdam by train instead of plane

Going from London to Amsterdam by train is the best way to go. Why? Let’s get into it!

• You get to use the Chunnel! This marvel of engineering descends from Kent island of Britain, passes under the English Channel and emerges in mainland France near Calais.
• The journey takes a comparable amount of time when you consider the extra time commuting to airports, passing stringent security checks and the laborious boarding process on planes.
• Safety and security measures are less strict without compromise on safety.
• Train ticket price is almost always lower than a comparable itinerary by plane.
• Seats are more comfortable and roomier.
• Premium service classes are more reasonably priced.
• The train car is roomier, with more freedom of movement and more onboard amenities.

Ticket information

London to Amsterdam train cost

London to Amsterdam train fare can vary based on the time of year, itinerary, advanced notice and other factors. Our current estimates of ticket prices are as follows:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: US$38.00
• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$79
• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$246

Importance of booking in advance

While it can be possible to make a last-minute booking on an underwater train from London to Amsterdam, it's not advisable. If at all possible, book seven days in advance or – even better – 30 or more days in advance. If you give yourself this much advance notice, you will have access to:

• Lower prices
• Better seat selection
• More itinerary choices
• Selection of classes of service

How to set up booking alerts with Rail Europe

Train operators often stagger the release of seating across different dates, itineraries and fare classes. If you search Rail Europe but the itinerary you want isn’t available yet, you can set up a booking alert.

When your search returns no results, you will have the option to click the button “Alert me when booking opens up.” You can then enter your email address and get an automatic email when new availability comes up. If the new availability notification still isn’t what you’re looking for, you can always extend the alert or create a new alert.

You can manage your booking alerts from the account management dropdown menu in the upper right portion of the Rail Europe website. No account yet? No problem! If you create an account with the same email address as the booking alert you made, it will automatically appear in the booking alert management section of the new account.

London to Amsterdam train stations served

London St Pancras International

In operation since 1869, this impressive station with its famous Gothic facade was almost demolished in 1960 when it had fallen into disrepair. Restored, expanded and reopened in 2007, London St Pancras International Train Station now houses a fully modern high-speed transit hub with 15 platforms serving 33 million passengers a year.

Facilities and services available

• Free stationwide wifi
• Comfortable waiting areas
• Clean bathrooms
• Passenger information stations
• Ticket machines and staffed ticket counters
• Transit links to tubes, taxis and buses
• Boutique stores and restaurants
• Luggage storage and watching services
• Accessibility services

Amsterdam Centraal

A train station built on top of a river, the beautiful Gothic Renaissance structure known as Amsterdam Centraal Train Station is actually built atop three artificial “islands” — platforms on the Amstel River supported by 8,600 wooden piles. Not a bad way to make the most of your space — this sleek, modern train station serves 75 million passengers annually.

Facilities and services available

• Free stationwide wifi
• Comfortable waiting areas
• Clean bathrooms
• Passenger information centers
• Ticket machines and staffed ticket counters
• Transit links to trams, buses and river ferries
• Boutique stores and restaurants
• Luggage storage and watching services
• Accessibility services

Boarding process for Eurostar London to Amsterdam trains

The boarding process for Eurostar trains from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal are as follows:

• Find the Eurostar terminal on the upper level of St Pancras.
• Have your ticket ready, either on paper or e-ticket on your mobile device.
• Have your passport and, if necessary, your Schengen Visa checked at Eurostar passport control.
• Pass through a metal detector and put your luggage through the baggage screener.
• Report to your assigned departure platform up to 20 minutes in advance of departure.
• Follow staff instructions to your platform and assigned seat.

Tips for navigating the stations and boarding

• The Eurostar terminal is located on the upper level of St Pancras.
• Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your train to pass security screening and passport control.
• Use the departure boards to identify your departure platform.
• Feel free to ask station agents for help and directions if you are not sure where to go.

The train classes and services

Standard Class

Economical service class with comfortable seats, each equipped with a charger. Ample legroom, free wifi, access to “Café Métropole” onboard bistro. Allowance for two pieces of luggage and one handheld personal item. Perfect for cheap train tickets from London to Amsterdam.

Standard Premier

More spacious seats with extra amenities, including a light meal with beer and wine service at the seat; faster, priority check-in and boarding.

Business Premier

Most spacious, reclining seats with extra legroom and privacy. Chef-designed gourmet three-course meal served at the seat. Extra piece of luggage allowed, access to station Club Lounge. Priority boarding, complimentary taxi service at the destination station, flexible tickets eligible for refunding or exchanging without extra charges.

Luggage on Eurostar trains

All travellers can bring two pieces of luggage (the largest dimensions are: 75 x 53 x 30 cm) and a single piece of hand luggage. Any extra luggage will incur a fee of €30. There is no weight limit for luggage aboard Eurostar trains from Amsterdam to Brussels – you just have to be able to carry your luggage by yourself. There are also fewer limitations to what you can bring on board compared to air travel. For example, you can bring certain liquids aboard.

Upcoming changes in Classes of service with Eurostar that will go into effect in November 2024

In November 2024, Eurostar will introduce a new triage of fare classes to replace the old ones. Here are their names and how they will differ from the current service classes:

Eurostar Standard

Mostly the same as the original standard class.

Eurostar Plus

Like Standard Premiere, but with extra emphasis on working and relaxing space.

Eurostar Premiere

Similar to Business Premiere, but with more flexibility for schedule changes and ticket transfers.

🚆More details about travelling with Eurostar

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Necessary travel documents

The UK is not part of the Schengen Area, so the “border-free” travel experience enjoyed between many European countries is not available to passengers on the London to Amsterdam train. In addition to your ticket, you will need to present a valid passport with entry privileges for the EU/Schengen Area. If your nationality or travel purpose requires a Schengen visa, you will need your visa handy for the train trip and be ready to present it to officials at London St Pancras International Station.

Customs process

Once on the train you will be asked to make a customs declaration for any items or merchandise you may be bringing from London to Amsterdam. Train agents have the authority to check luggage at their discretion. If items in the luggage are subject to customs control, duties and other obligations may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a direct train from London to Amsterdam?

Yes, Eurostar operates direct London St Pancras to Amsterdam train service.

How long is the train from London to Amsterdam?

The Eurostar London to Amsterdam train ride takes approximately 3 hours and 41 minutes from station to station. That is the fastest direct London to Amsterdam train. There is no bullet train from London to Amsterdam, but the Eurostar high-speed train is the next best thing.

Is there a direct train from London Heathrow to Amsterdam?

No, there is no direct train from London to Amsterdam that leaves from London Heathrow Airport (LHR). You will need to connect to London St Pancras via tube, bus, taxi, or rideshare and board a Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam.

Is there a London Gatwick to Amsterdam train?

No, there is no direct train from London to Amsterdam that leaves from London Gatwick Airport (LGW). You will need to connect to London St Pancras via tube, bus, taxi, or rideshare and board a Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam.

What are the ticket prices and booking tips?

The London to Amsterdam train price can vary based on advanced notice, seasonality and other factors. Our live estimate of current ticket prices for the London to Amsterdam train are as follows:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: US$38.00
• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$79
• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$246

Make sure to book from a reputable seller like Rail Europe and book online in advance if possible. Create an account with your ticket seller to keep track of your tickets for easy recall.

Is there a night train from London to Amsterdam?

There is currently no London to Amsterdam night train. The London to Amsterdam train route is so short that there isn’t really a need for a sleeper train from London to Amsterdam.

Is the train ride from London to Amsterdam scenic?

The London to Amsterdam train route is not particularly scenic. On the London end you’re mostly passing through urban areas and then you’re in the Chunnel. Cool as it is that you’re in a high speed train from London to Amsterdam passing under a body of water, there’s not much to look at.

When you emerge into the French and Belgian countryside, the view is mostly agricultural land with the occasional village, followed by an urban approach into Amsterdam. So while the route is convenient and a marvel of engineering, other train routes are much more scenic.

Travelling around the Netherlands by train

Make “getting there” part of the joy of travelling by choosing to travel the Netherlands by train. Use Eurostar to get to the conveniently-located Amsterdam, then ride the reliable local train network to adventure through the diverse Dutch cities and regions.

🚆 Learn more about train travel in the Netherlands

Key destinations accessible by train from Amsterdam

With Amsterdam as a strategic home base, epic day trips are just a quick train ride away.

• Utrecht (30 minutes): A historic landmark in its own right, site of the Dom Tower, old town and yet more canals.
• Haarlem (15-20 minutes): A fantastic place to go to see the iconic windmills for which the Netherlands are famous.
• The Hague (Den Haag) (50 minutes): The other capital of the Netherlands, home of the International Criminal Court and Binnehof.
• Rotterdam (1 hour): Stomping grounds of Erasmus, location of the Cube Houses and the Maritime Museum.
• Delft (1 hour): Famous for its pottery and its most famous native son, Vermeer of Delft. A center is dedicated to him for the art lovers to explore.
• Leiden (35 minutes): Home of the National Museum of Antiquities and the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum.
• Gouda (55 minutes): Must-stop for cheese lovers. Don’t miss the Gouda cheese market, as well as the historic city hall and the picturesque St. Janskerk (St. John’s Church).

Connectivity to other parts of the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small country. Nearly every destination imaginable is accessible by less than an hour’s train ride. You could see the entire country in a matter of days or weeks if you set an ambitious schedule!

Tips for exploring the Netherlands by train

• Make use of short-distance regional trains.
• Consider storing some of your luggage in storage lockers at Amsterdam Centraal station. If you’re only taking a short trip (and nearly every trip in the Netherlands is short), it’s an opportunity to travel light.
• Consider a Benelux train pass to explore not only the Netherlands, but nearby Belgium and Luxembourg.

Train passes for tourists in the Netherlands

• Eurail Global Pass: Allows the passenger to take a set number of train trips, of any length, on national train operator trips to any of the 33 participating European nations for a set period of time (typically 1-3 months).
• Eurail Benelux Pass : Allows the passenger to take a set number of train trips, of any length, on national train operator trips to and from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (“Benelux”) for a set period of time (typically 1-3 months).
• Interrail Pass: Similar to the Eurail pass, but reserved for European Union residents.