Eurostar has resumed direct train services between Amsterdam and London after nearly a year due to renovation work at the Dutch capital’s station.

The high-speed rail operator has been forced to run services to Amsterdam via Brussels since June 2024.

Direct services resumed on Monday (January 10) following the opening of a new UK departure terminal at Amsterdam Centraal. 

Eurostar will now operate three daily services on weekdays and Sundays between Amsterdam and London St Pancras, while two trains will run on Saturdays. 

The reopening marks a significant upgrade to the connection between the two European capitals. 

Eurostar has also announced plans to expand the service in the next few months, with plans to increase the number of trains to five a day by next year. 

Initial passenger capacity on Amsterdam-London trains has also increased by 10%, to an impressive 400 passengers per journey. 

Amsterdam’s new terminal boasts a cafe, seating areas and wifi, as well as facilities for UK Border Force immigration officials.

Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said: “This is more than just a train journey – it is a seamless connection between two vibrant capitals, offering our customers an efficient, comfortable and sustainable way to travel.”

The direct service will face another brief interruption between March 30 and April 22, when passengers will once again travel via Brussels. This is to allow for platform work in Amsterdam. 

After this, however, the passenger capacity will immediately increase to 600 per train. 

A further capacity boost is planned for September, when trains will reach their full capacity of 650 passengers from Amsterdam.

UK Migration Minister Seema Malhotra said: “I am pleased to see the reinstatement of the direct Eurostar connection to London from the Netherlands.”

“Our hard-working UK Border Force officers based in the Netherlands will ensure that our border security remains robust.”

The Eurostar train from St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal takes around three hours and 52 minutes, while the return takes just over four hours, passing through three countries on the journey. 

Return tickets for mid-February start from as little as £86 for standard tickets, which allow for two pieces of luggage and one small handbag. Drinks, meals and snacks are available on board, as well as free Wi-Fi and UK and EU plug sockets. 

The first Eurostar service from London to Amsterdam departed in April 2018.