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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Travel from London to Amsterdam by direct Eurostar train
Planning a trip to the Dutch capital and need more information on how to travel by train from London to Amsterdam? Start your journey with us!
On average, the journey time by train between London and Amsterdam is 5 hours and 28 minutes, but it can take just 3 hours and 59 minutes on the fastest services. On this route, you can travel directly with Eurostar, so you don’t need to worry about changing along the way.
As soon as your train leaves London St Pancras station, you can start to enjoy the free WiFi, comfortable seating, power outlets and snacks from the Eurostar Café (Eurostar’s onboard bar buffet). If you enjoy traveling in style, why not upgrade to a First Class experience in Premier? You’ll receive a complimentary meal served at your seat.
Before you know it, your train will arrive at Amsterdam Centraal station, in the heart of the city. Once you’ve stepped off the train, you can begin your Amsterdam adventure! There are so many things to see and do it can be difficult to know where to begin. For inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam. If you're visiting in winter, you could check out the Amsterdam Light Festival.
Keen to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Amsterdam in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’d like to read more information first, keep reading for:
- Today’s train times
- FAQs about London to Amsterdam
- Eurostar baggage limits
- Traveling from the airport to central London
- How to get to London St Pancras International
- All about London St Pancras station
- Arriving at Amsterdam Centraal
- Using public transport in Amsterdam
- Things to do in Amsterdam
- Explore Europe with a Eurail Pass
- Return to London by train
London to Amsterdam by train
It takes an average of 5h 33m to travel from London to Amsterdam by train, over a distance of around 220 miles (355 km). There are normally 11 trains per day traveling from London to Amsterdam and tickets for this journey start from $71.72 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from London to Amsterdam
Want to know more about your journey from London to Amsterdam? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Amsterdam by train?
Can you take a train directly from London to Amsterdam?
How close is London to Amsterdam by train?
Which train companies operate from London to Amsterdam?
Is it possible to get from London to Amsterdam without flying?
What is the best way to travel from London to Amsterdam?
What time does the first train from London to Amsterdam leave?
What time does the last train from London to Amsterdam leave?
How often are trains from London and Amsterdam?
Do you need to book the train from London to Amsterdam in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from London to Amsterdam?
Eurostar trains from London to Amsterdam
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). Eurostar also runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for baggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Eurostar Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included).
Eurostar classes from London to Amsterdam
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar when traveling from London to Amsterdam.
Eurostar Standard
In Eurostar Standard, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
Eurostar Plus
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Eurostar Standard, in Eurostar Plus you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal (1)
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains traveling to or from the United Kingdom.
Eurostar Premier
Eurostar Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with same-day boarding guaranteed and Eurostar's exclusive lounges (where available) where you can relax before your trip. In Eurostar Premier, you'll also benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
Onboard services on Eurostar
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from London to Amsterdam.
Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).
Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.
- Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
- Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
- If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
- Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
- 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
- You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.
The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.
Trains in the rest of Europe:
- Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:
- Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
- If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (300 kg).
- Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
- There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.
Sports equipment:
- You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches long.
- Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
- Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 3 inches long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
- You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
Cheap train tickets from London to Amsterdam
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from London to Amsterdam by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs about the train trip from London to Amsterdam
Is the London to Amsterdam train scenic?
Is it faster to fly or take the train from London to Amsterdam?
How can I save money on my Eurostar tickets from London to Amsterdam?
Is Amsterdam a day trip from London?
How many bags are allowed in the different Eurostar classes?
Standard/Plus
- 2 pieces of baggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Premier
- 3 pieces of baggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Children (for all classes)
- 1 piece of baggage up to 85cm (33.4 inches) long
- 1 carry-on bag, e.g. backpack or laptop bag
Traveling from the airport to central London
Visiting London from abroad? Chances are you'll be arriving at one of London's airports. If you want to know how to get to central London from the airport, keep reading for more details.
In total, London has six major airports:
- Heathrow Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Stansted Airport
- London City Airport
- Luton Airport
- London Southend Airport
Each airport is linked to central London through the city's comprehensive train and bus system. Typically, the fastest way to get from any airport to the city center is by taking the train.
How to get from Heathrow Airport to central London
How to get from Gatwick Airport to central London
How to get from Stansted Airport to central London
How to get from London City Airport to central London
How to get from Luton Airport to central London
How to get from London Southend Airport to central London
How to get to London St Pancras International station
Before your journey to Amsterdam, you’ll need to make your way to London St Pancras International Station. Scroll down for more information on how to get there.
London St. Pancras International station is conveniently located in the center of the capital and is easy to reach via National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
Thanks to its central location, King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines, including the Hammersmith & City (pink line), Circle (yellow line), Metropolitan (magenta line), Northern (black line), Piccadilly (dark blue line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
If you’re planning to travel by train to London St Pancras, you can get there from Euston, Victoria, and Paddington stations in around half an hour.
Driving to St Pancras International? You’ll find a Click and Park car park at the station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely.
Everything you need to know about London St Pancras International station
Once you’ve arrived at London St Pancras International station, you’ll need to check in. Read on for more information on checking in, station facilities and First Class lounges.
How far ahead of time do you need to arrive?
Where are Eurostar check-in gates?
How does Eurostar check-in work?
What’s on offer at London St Pancras International?
Which facilities are in the Eurostar Departure Lounge?
Which facilities are in the Premier Lounge?
Arriving at Amsterdam Centraal station from London
Once you’ve arrived in Amsterdam, you can begin to explore the city’s most famous landmarks!
When traveling from London to Amsterdam with Eurostar, you’ll arrive in the city center at Amsterdam Centraal station.
Once you’ve hopped off the train, you won’t need to go through passport checks again as these are done before leaving the UK. You’ll just need to scan the barcode on your ticket to pass through NS ticket gates and exit the platform area at Amsterdam Centraal station, so make sure you keep your ticket handy when you arrive.
Psst: the ticket gates at Amsterdam Centraal station might detect a card in your phone’s virtual wallet when you scan your ticket. To avoid being charged, download your ticket and scan the PDF or disable NFC in your phone’s settings.
Looking for local information? Head to the Amsterdam Tourist Office outside the main entrance – you’ll find it in a traditional white wooden Dutch coffee house.
Using public transport in Amsterdam
If you want to use public transport, Amsterdam Centraal Station is extremely well-connected to the rest of the city by the local tram, metro and bus networks. The station is also within walking distance of most of the top neighborhoods.
Taking the tram in Amsterdam
Taking the metro in Amsterdam
Taking the bus in Amsterdam
Things to see and do in Amsterdam
When visiting Amsterdam, there are so many things to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start! Check out our blog articles to help spark inspiration for your trip:
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Amsterdam, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
Heading back to London?
If you’re heading back to London after your stay in Amsterdam, you can take the train! Check out our page dedicated to the journey from Amsterdam to London for more details.
Important: There are currently no direct trains from Amsterdam to London because of track works at Amsterdam Centraal station. These works are due to be completed in early 2025. To travel from Amsterdam to London, you’ll need to take a train from Amsterdam to Brussels and transfer here onto a train to London.
You can still book your tickets on Trainline - we'll show you journeys with transfers in Brussels in our Journey Planner.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
Standard
Plus
Standard Premier on a Eurostar train was a dream!
In April 2024, I got to go on a solo trip to Amsterdam. I’m a keen traveler, so I jumped at the chance! I took a Eurostar train directly to Amsterdam from London – and even got to try out Standard Premier for the first time.
Catching the train at London St Pancras station
I’m a semi-frequent Eurostar traveler, so I’m well-acquainted with the boarding process. Luckily, it’s easy – whether you’ve traveled with Eurostar before or not.
I arrived at London St Pancras station around an hour before my train was due to depart. This gave me enough time to queue for security (it often gets quite busy, so be prepared to wait a few minutes!)
The security process means your bags must be scanned, but there are no liquids limits on Eurostar, which keeps things simple. I then had to go through passport control – both British and French – and that was it!
Once I was through security and passport control, I took a seat in the waiting area. Here, there are a couple of shops and cafés if you want to grab a bite to eat. In Standard Premier, a light meal is served at your seat shortly after the train departs – plus there’s the Eurostar Café onboard for all passengers – so I decided to hold off.
One thing about the waiting area at London St Pancras station is that there are often not enough seats for all the passengers, so you might find yourself standing while you wait for the platform to be announced (around 20 minutes before departure).
Traveling in Eurostar Standard Premier
When the platform for my train was announced, I made my way to the train. One of the train crew checked my ticket as I stepped onto the train and welcomed me on board.
Standard Premier and Business Premier cars have solo seats, two seats facing one another, and tables of four. Standard, on the other hand, doesn’t have the luxury of solo seating.
I was happy to see I’d been allocated a solo seat for the journey. I got settled and plugged my phone into the power outlet at my seat.
Not long after we left the station, the onboard staff began serving drinks and a light meal to everyone in Standard Premier class. As I was taking an early morning train, I was offered a pastry, some fruit, a yoghurt and some juice, as well as tea and coffee.
The train journey from London to Amsterdam takes around 4 hours, so I had plenty of time to get stuck into the knitting I’d brought with me. There’s also free WiFi on board, so I could let my family know how the journey was going.
Arriving at Amsterdam-Centraal station
At 1:45 pm, 4 hours and 29 minutes after we’d left London St Pancras, the train pulled into Amsterdam-Centraal station. As the name might suggest, this is Amsterdam’s central station – so it’s well-connected to other parts of the city by public transport. You could even walk or take a bike – it's the Dutch way, after all!
I was staying on the other side of the IJ from the station, so I walked off the train, made my way through the station and caught a free ferry across the water to begin my weekend trip in the Netherlands.
Overall, I loved my experience traveling to Amsterdam in Eurostar Standard Premier. The service on board was great, and it felt like I was making a good choice for the environment too. I’d definitely recommend it.
About Kristina
Kristina, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between London and Amsterdam. This review was written before Standard Premier was rebranded as Plus.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.