NL
A weekend trip to London by train from the Netherlands is the most comfortable and efficient way to reach the heart of the British capital. You travel from city centre to city centre in roughly four hours, without the hassle of airports. Curious how to go about it and what you need to keep in mind? Read on for all the practical tips for your city break.
Why the train is a smart choice for your trip to London
For anyone planning a trip with care, the train to London offers not just transport, but also comfort and sustainability that immediately enhance the experience of your weekend away. Unlike flying, where you have to deal with long waiting times, strict baggage rules and transfers to and from the airport, with Eurostar you step off the train right in the middle of the city. You have more legroom, can use your electronic devices without restriction and the journey itself becomes a relaxed part of your holiday. On top of that, the ecological footprint is considerably smaller – an important advantage for the conscious traveller.
‘ The procedure is a lot quicker than at an airport. ’
How do you travel to London by train?
Eurostar is the high-speed train that connects the Netherlands directly with the United Kingdom. This train takes you to your destination smoothly and quickly. The journey is straightforward and requires minimal preparation, as long as you know which steps to follow.
Departure stations and journey times
In the Netherlands you can board at two stations for a direct connection to London:
- Amsterdam Centraal: The journey time from here is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.
- Rotterdam Centraal: From Rotterdam you reach London more quickly, with a journey time of just 3 hours and 29 minutes.
The train arrives at London St Pancras International. This station is a beautiful historic building and a hub for public transport, including the Underground (the Tube). You are right in the centre, ready to explore the city. For travellers who do not live near Amsterdam or Rotterdam, NS offers an add-on ticket at a fixed, low fare. This allows you to travel cheaply from any station in the Netherlands to the Eurostar departure station.
The check-in procedure: what can you expect?
Travelling with Eurostar requires a little preparation at the station. The procedure is a lot quicker than at an airport. Make sure you arrive around 30 minutes before departure. The process consists of a few simple steps: you scan your ticket, your luggage goes through a security check and then follows passport control. Don’t forget to bring a valid passport; an identity card is not sufficient for travel to the United Kingdom. After these checks you wait in the departure lounge until you can board.
What are the cheapest train tickets to London?
The price of your train ticket strongly depends on when you book. Just like with flights, the rule is: the earlier you book, the lower the price. One-way fares often start at around 55 euros. By being flexible with your travel dates and times you can often find the best deals. Travelling on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually cheaper than at the weekend.
Keep an eye on Eurostar’s special offers, but above all rely on booking early for the most affordable fares. Tickets can usually be reserved several months in advance. By planning your trip well ahead of time, you secure yourself a budget-friendly and relaxed start to your city break.
Tips for a child-friendly city break by train
London is a fantastic city to visit with children, and the train journey itself adds to the fun. The journey is comfortable and offers more freedom than a flight, which makes it ideal for families.
- Freedom to move: Children have more space to move around on the train. A walk to the bar carriage can be a welcome change of scenery.
- Bring your own entertainment: There is plenty of space at your seat for a game, a sketchbook or a tablet. The journey is a perfect moment to do something together.
- Food and drink: You are allowed to bring your own food and drink on board. That way you always have your children’s favourite snacks to hand.
- No baggage stress: The baggage rules are more relaxed than with airlines, which is convenient when you are travelling with a family.
For many children the train journey itself is already an adventure. The passing scenery and the ride through the Channel Tunnel make the journey part of the overall experience.
A weekend trip to London by train is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to travel smart, comfortably and consciously. On the Traveler Tips website you will find many more articles about train travel in Europe, road trip routes and practical guides for planning your perfect holiday. Discover more and turn your next trip into an unforgettable experience.
Frequently asked questions
The most comfortable and efficient train route from the Netherlands to London is the direct Eurostar service. From Amsterdam the journey takes around 4 hours and 19–20 minutes, and from Rotterdam just 3 hours and 29 minutes, both to London St Pancras International. There are several direct trains available daily, and changing trains in Brussels Midi is an option if you are not travelling from Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
Book your Eurostar tickets as early as possible to secure the lowest fares, with returns starting from €88. For flexibility, Standard tickets can be exchanged up to 1 hour before departure. You travel comfortably from city centre to city centre (Amsterdam/Rotterdam to London St Pancras International) in about 3.5 to 4 hours, without the hassle of airports. Consider Rotterdam as your departure station for a shorter journey time.
Use an Oyster card or contactless payment (debit/credit card) to travel easily and cheaply on the Underground, buses and trains; daily caps ensure you never pay more than a set maximum. Plan your routes with apps such as Citymapper or Google Maps and be aware of rush hours, as the Tube and major hubs such as King’s Cross/St Pancras are extra busy then. For short distances, opt for the bus or go on foot: you see more of the city and avoid busy interchanges underground. Check timetables and any disruptions in advance via the Transport for London (TfL) website or app so you don’t get any unwelcome surprises.
For a stress-free weekend in London by train, booking early is essential to get the best fares. Don’t forget your valid passport and make sure you are on time for check-in and security, around 30 minutes before departure. Check train times in advance, especially at weekends, and consider strategic departure stations such as Rotterdam for a shorter journey.
Visit lesser-known neighbourhoods such as Hackney Wick or Deptford for street art, independent galleries and creative places to eat and drink away from the crowds. Head to one of the historic city markets outside the very centre, such as Maltby Street Market or Walthamstow’s Wood Street Indoor Market, for local food and vintage finds. Explore the Lea Valley walking and cycling path along the river and canals in East London for a different perspective on the city. Join a small-scale themed walking tour (for example Hidden Rivers of London or radical history in Soho) for more depth than standard highlights tours.
