If you’ve traveled the world, even a little bit, chances are you’ve flown in an airplane before. You may also have ridden in a train, maybe even an overnight train or a high-speed train. But have you traveled in a train that goes under water? The high-speed train from London to Amsterdam does just that. It connect the two European cities via a 31.5-mile long tunnel (known as the Channel tunnel, Eurotunnel, or the Chunnel) that runs 246 feet below the sea level. Why would anyone want to fly when they can ride the world’s longest undersea tunnel instead?
Photo: Anna Krasnopeeva/Shutterstock
This High-Speed Train Goes Underwater to Connect London to Amsterdam Directly
- Is there a high-speed train from London to Amsterdam?
- Does the Eurostar go direct from London to Amsterdam?
- How much does it cost to travel from London to Amsterdam by train?
- How long is the train from London to Amsterdam?
- Is it cheaper to fly or take the train from London to Amsterdam?
- Where to stay in London to be near London St. Pancras International
Is there a high-speed train from London to Amsterdam?
Photo: Anna Krasnopeeva/Shutterstock
Eurostar is a high-speed train operator that connects London to Amsterdam several times per day. More specifically, it links the two train stations of London St. Pancras International and Amsterdam Centraal (see map below).
The train between London and Amsterdam stops in two cities in England (Ebbbsfleet and Ashford) before reaching France and stopping in Calais and Lille. From there, the train goes to Belgium and stops in the capital of Brussels before making its way to the Netherlands where it stops in Rotterdam before arriving in Amsterdam.
The Eurostar also connects London to Paris and directly several times a day.
Eurostar trains are easily recognizable in train stations around England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands — they are blue, yellow, and grey with a Large stylized “E” and the word “Eurostar” scripted on the locomotive and the train cars.
Does the Eurostar go direct from London to Amsterdam?
There are both direct and indirect trains from London to Amsterdam.
In a direct journey, passengers ride the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam, stopping in the cities mentioned above, but without changing trains.
In an indirect journey, passengers ride the Eurostar from London to Brussels in Belgium and then connect with a Thalys train from Brussels to Amsterdam. Thalys is a reliable European high-speed train operator that runs in France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Thalys trains connect Paris and Amsterdam directly.
There are several direct and indirect trains going from London to Amsterdam daily. The Eurostar booking system clearly mentions if a train is direct or indirect so you can choose the ride that suits you best.
How much does it cost to travel from London to Amsterdam by train?
The price of a ticket to ride the train between London and Amsterdam varies according to your dates of travel and the class of service you want, from $68 to $583.
In general, just like when booking flights, the earlier you book, the better the price. If you know the dates you wish to travel, book your trip as soon as you can. If you don’t know exactly when you want to travel between London and Amsterdam, enter some dates in Eurostar’s booking system and study the calendar and prices associated with the dates — you can probably find a good price if you’re flexible.
Eurostar trains have three classes of service: Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier:
- Standard: includes two pieces of luggage and one hand luggage.
- Standard Premier: includes two pieces of luggage and one hand luggage; a spacious seat; and a light meal and drinks served at your seat.
- Business Premier: includes three pieces of luggage and one hand luggage; a spacious seat; hot meals designed by Raymond Blanc, served with champagne at your seat; as well as access to lounges in London so you can wait for your train in comfort.
Note that the higher the class, the better the exchange and refund conditions.
How long is the train from London to Amsterdam?
Direct trains from London to Amsterdam take between three hours and 57 minutes and four hours and seven minutes.
Indirect journeys between London and Amsterdam involve connecting with a Thalys train in Brussels, therefore they take longer to link the two cities, i.e. between four hours and 40 minutes and five hours and 19 minutes.
Is it cheaper to fly or take the train from London to Amsterdam?
Photo: Benson Truong/Shutterstock
If you book early enough, it is hard for any airlines, even the cheapest, to beat Eurostar’s lowest fare ($68), considering it includes two pieces of luggage and one hand luggage. Also, note that because the train stations of London St. Pancras International and Amsterdam Centraal are located in the center of those two cities, you won’t have to pay a train, taxi, Uber, etc. to get to and from the airport, which in a city as expensive as London can save you big.
Even if you still need to arrive at the train station 90 minutes before the departure of your train, riding the Eurostar still saves you time. International flights require that passengers arrive two hours early at the airport, and you’ll need time to get to the airport, too. If you ride the train, you may just have enough time in your day to visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam or London’s best museums before you go.
In terms of practicality, comfort, and carbon footprint, riding the train is the best option.
Where to stay in London to be near London St. Pancras International?
For places to stay in Amsterdam, review Matador‘s list of Airbnbs in the Amsterdam’s coolest neighborhoods or take a look at the hotels near Centraal Station that we selected.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend in London! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
The luxurious St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is located a five-minute walk away from the St. Pancras international train station, making travels between London and Amsterdam easy and stress-free. This property originally opened in 1873 and the grand decor in the lobby and in the common areas reflect the historic nature of the hotel, but the suites and rooms are much more subdued with simple, yet elegant decor. The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London has a spa, gym, and a stunning indoor pool, as well as several restaurants and bars to satisfy everyone’s cravings, from afternoon teas to wood-fired pizzas, cocktails, and more. The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is located less than 20 minutes away from the free and amazing British Museum.
Great Northern Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, London
The Great Northern Hotel is located only a two-minute walk away from St. Pancras international train station so travelers can enjoy every minute they have in this luxurious London hotel before departing for Amsterdam. This property dates back to 1854 and it is visible in its architecture and carefully decorated interior. While the rooms and suites are chic and classic, the common areas are a little fancier, with artworks on display and large and glittering light fixtures. This hotel has views on St. Pancras international train station, one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. There are two bars and one restaurant on site.
Megaro Hotel
The Megaro hotel is located only a five-minute walk away from St. Pancras international train station, in the ever trendy London borough of Camden. And like the neighborhood, this property is colorful and fun; the exterior is covered in a bright murals, and the rooms and suites are all carefully decorated with loud colors, unusual artworks, unique textiles, funky furniture, and extravagant art. This property has a cocktail bar and a modern Italian restaurant on site.