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Planning to take the train from London to Amsterdam? Start your journey with us.
The train from London to Amsterdam usually takes 4 hours and 52 minutes but can take just 4 hours and 10 minutes on the fastest services. You'll be travelling direct on this route with Eurostar.
From the moment you step on the train at London St Pancras station, you'll enjoy comfortable seating with plenty of legroom, free WiFi, power sockets and snacks and drinks from the Eurostar Café (Eurostar’s onboard bar buffet). Fancy travelling in style? Upgrade to Plus or Premier for a complimentary meal served at your seat.
Once you arrive at Amsterdam Centraal station, it’s easy to walk or take the tram to some of the city’s top neighbourhoods and attractions. Not sure where to begin? Some of our favourite things to do in Amsterdam include:
So what are you waiting for? Search for cheap train tickets from London to Amsterdam in our Journey Planner today.
Alternatively, you can read a review from one of our travel writers if you want to know more about what it’s like to travel from London to Amsterdam by train.
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 luggage, 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).
NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.
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.
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.
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.
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of luggage storage and power sockets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfier seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
What luggage limits are there? | Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself. Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe). |
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What food and drink is available? | Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling 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 sweet and savoury snacks. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat. You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage. 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 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits. |
Can I bring pets on board? | The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel: Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
Trains in the rest of Europe:
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What special assistance is available? | 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 the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you. If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:
If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
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What else do I need to know? | Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom: Liquids:
Sports equipment:
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What luggage limits are there? | When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage on board for free:
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What food and drink is available? | Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains or at stations. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | As long as they are travelling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children travelling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re travelling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey. When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Guide and assistance dogs Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket. Pets Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables. |
What special assistance is available? | Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class. |
What luggage limits are there? | There are no luggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself. |
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What food and drink is available? | There is no onboard catering on NS trains. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a lead - you must also buy a dog train ticket. |
What special assistance is available? | If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22. |
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Your Eurostar train to Amsterdam will depart from London St Pancras International station. Check out our dedicated page for information on facilities, how to get there, and Eurostar lounges.
Your Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam will arrive right in the heart of the Dutch capital at Amsterdam Centraal station.
Once you get 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.
If you’re 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.
Amsterdam Centraal Station is extremely well-connected to the rest of the city by the local tram, metro and bus networks and is within walking distance from most of the top neighbourhoods.
Yes. Trains from London to Amsterdam do go underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel” if you prefer its nickname) is just over 31 miles (50 km) in length and is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world. At a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Chunnel, it takes a Eurostar train around 35 minutes to travel this underwater stretch between London and Paris.
The Channel Tunnel is 31.3 miles (50.56 km) in length and it takes a Eurostar train approximately 35 minutes to travel its full length. In total, the fastest journey time from London to Amsterdam is 3 hours and 55 minutes.
When visiting Amsterdam, there are so many things to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start! To help you find inspiration, here are some ideas for things to do in Amsterdam:
Once you’ve finished exploring Amsterdam, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail 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.
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. If you’re not a European citizen or resident, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Amsterdam and want to explore more of the Netherlands and Europe, you can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, we’ve picked some of the most popular train journeys from Amsterdam for you to choose: