Amsterdam to London Eurostar - LIVE: What it's like onboard the first direct Netherlands-UK train service

Passengers no longer have to change at Brussels

The first direct service from Amsterdam-London previewed on 4 February (Eurostar)

After launching its first direct London-Amsterdam service in 2018, Eurostar is finally ready to offer a direct return train from the Dutch capital back to the UK.

The initial roll-out was pushed back several times due to red tape at the border – passengers were previously required to board a Thalys train on the return journey and change at Brussels to go through passport control.

Today marks the first preview train, which is expected to take 4hr and 9m, arriving at London St Pancras at 11.57am after departing Amsterdam at 7.48am (local time) – and The Independent has bagged a seat onboard.

Eurostar has said direct tickets between the two cities will go on sale on 11 February, with the first Amsterdam-London services starting on 30 April, and the Rotterdam-London train launching on 18 May.

Follow all the latest from the inaugural train service below.

Key Points

• Passengers will finally be able to catch a direct Eurostar from Amsterdam to the UK
• The first preview train journey takes place today
• Eurostar will launch two daily trains from 30 April

[4 February 2020 10:31 · helen.coffey]

We're through the tunnel and officially back in the UK. Where has the time gone?

[4 February 2020 10:36 · helen.coffey]

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has welcomed the new direct Eurostar rail connection between London and Amsterdam.

He said:

We’re continuing to invest in modern, efficient transport links with the continent so our businesses and tourism industry can flourish.

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.

[4 February 2020 10:42 · helen.coffey]

We've just been told that, when we get to London, we'll have to go through passport control again, because this is an "exceptional service" rather than a commercial one. Never fear - passengers won't have to do this come April.

[4 February 2020 10:58 · helen.coffey]

Not long until we hit London St Pancras, according to the announcements - I feel like I just got onboard. I'm guessing it won't be my last time taking this smooth-as-silk service though.

[4 February 2020 11:00 · helen.coffey]

And we're here! At precisely 11am: three minutes behind schedule. Not bad for a first go, Eurostar. I can't help but believe the hype - with a direct service both ways, rail travel can finally take on the airlines when it comes to the Amsterdam-London route.