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The Eurostar Amsterdam London combines comfort, speed and convenience without the stress of an airport. In just over four hours you step out in the centre of London, ready to explore the city. Read on and discover how to plan and book this trip in the best possible way.
How do you book a Eurostar ticket smartly?
A well-planned journey starts with a smart booking. Eurostar prices are flexible and depend heavily on when you book. Booking early almost always pays off. Fares start from €44 for a single journey but increase as the departure date approaches. Use the fare finders on the Eurostar or NS International websites to find the cheapest days and times.
Keep the following points in mind when booking:
- Book in advance: The cheapest tickets are usually available if you book a few months ahead. Trips at weekends and during holiday periods are especially popular and therefore more expensive.
- Be flexible: If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can save considerably. Travelling on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper than on a Friday or Sunday.
- Direct versus indirect journey: A direct train from Amsterdam to London is the most comfortable. A route with a change at Brussels Midi is sometimes cheaper, but costs extra travel time.
- Advance Passenger Information (API): For travel to the United Kingdom you are required to provide passenger information in advance. You can fill this in online after your booking, which speeds up the process at border control.
‘ Preparing at the station is simple and stress-free. ’
What are the luggage rules and comfort tips?
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by Eurostar compared with flying is the smooth luggage policy. You do not need to worry about liquid restrictions and the amount of luggage you may take with you is generous. As standard, each passenger may take two pieces of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage at no extra cost. This makes the train an ideal choice for a city break when you want to bring a bit more.
For a comfortable journey there are various facilities on board. The seats are spacious and offer plenty of legroom. Almost every seat has a power socket so you can charge your devices. There is free wifi, although the connection can sometimes drop out, especially in the Channel Tunnel. In Standard Premier and Business Premier a meal is served at your seat. In Standard class you can go to the bar carriage for drinks and snacks.
Practical preparation at the station
Preparing at the station is simple and stress-free. At Amsterdam Central you follow the signs to the UK Terminal. This is where ticket, security and passport checks take place. Make sure you have a valid passport with you; an ID card is not sufficient for travel to the United Kingdom. We recommend arriving at the terminal about 30 minutes before departure.
Is Eurostar cheaper than flying?
When comparing the costs of Eurostar and flying, you need to look at the full picture. At first glance a plane ticket may sometimes seem cheaper, but there are often additional costs that push up the total price. Think of:
- Airport transfers: The costs of travelling to and from the airport can be considerable. By contrast, Eurostar stations are located in the city centre, so you arrive straight at your destination.
- Luggage costs: Airlines, especially budget carriers, often charge extra for checked baggage. With Eurostar this is included.
- Waiting time: The time you spend at an airport checking in and going through security is much longer than for the train. Time is money as well.
If you take these factors into account, Eurostar is often competitive for a weekend in London and sometimes even cheaper. Travelling from centre to centre immediately gives you more time in the city. CO₂ emissions per passenger are up to 80% lower than for a flight, which makes it a more sustainable choice.
The future of the service
The popularity of the rail connection between Amsterdam and London continues to grow. To meet the increasing demand, capacity will be expanded further over the coming years. From 2026, five trains a day will run on weekdays. This means more flexibility and availability for travellers who consciously opt for comfortable and sustainable travel.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find many more articles to help you plan your trip. Discover our guides on other train journeys, city breaks and smart travel planning. Get inspired and prepare your next holiday thoroughly.
Frequently asked questions
To book affordable Eurostar tickets from Amsterdam to London without sacrificing comfort, it is essential to book early, as prices rise the closer you get to the departure date. Flexible tickets can be exchanged up to 1 hour before departure. Fill in the Advance Passenger Information (API) online for smooth border checks. Standard Premier offers meals, while Standard is comfortable with free WiFi and power sockets.
Plan your Eurostar journey from Amsterdam to London in the best way by arriving 30 minutes (Standard/Plus) or 15 minutes (Premier) before departure for the checks. Fill in your Advance Passenger Information (API) online for smooth border controls. Although there is no strict luggage limit, make sure you have a valid passport with you, as an ID card is not valid for travel to the UK. From October 2025, fingerprints and a photo will also be required for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) on your first trip after Brexit.
You can expect a comfortable journey with Eurostar, with free WiFi and power sockets on board. For extra comfort and a better experience, you can opt for meals in Premier Class, book early for the best prices, and fill in your Advance Passenger Information (API) online for smooth border controls. Bring your own breakfast in Standard Class and enjoy the views, such as the QE2 Bridge. Arrive in good time for border and passport checks, especially for busy morning trains.
On arrival at London St Pancras International it is important to know that the station is well connected to the Underground (King’s Cross) and buses for your onward journey. Your passport control has already been done in Amsterdam, which makes arrival in London smoother. Check the current timetables and book early to secure the lowest prices and avoid busy periods. Also fill in your Advance Passenger Information (API) online in advance for swift border checks.
For a hassle-free Eurostar journey to London there are a few important travel documents and preparations you must not forget. Make sure you have a valid passport with you, as an ID card is not valid for travel to the UK. Fill in your Advance Passenger Information (API) online before departure to ensure smooth border checks. Take into account the required arrival time at the station (30 minutes for Standard/Plus, 15 minutes for Premier) for the mandatory QR scan, security and passport control. Be prepared for the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) from October 2025, where fingerprints and a photo will be taken on your first EU trip after Brexit.