Eurostar Adds Direct London to Antwerp Rail Service
New route launching December 14 aims to significantly cut travel time between the two cities.
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Eurostar has confirmed the introduction of a new direct train service connecting London St Pancras International with Antwerp, Belgium. The service is scheduled to commence on December 14, with up to four services operating each day.
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Currently, travelling from London to Antwerp by train involves a journey of approximately three hours and 15 minutes, requiring passengers to take a Eurostar to Brussels before transferring to a separate Belgian National Rail Company (SNCB) train. The new direct route is set to significantly reduce this travel time, cutting it by more than half an hour to around two hours and 45 minutes. This enhancement aims to provide a more efficient and comfortable city centre to city centre travel experience, as stated by Eurostar.
One-Way Direct Service
The direct service will exclusively operate from London to Antwerp. This limitation is due to the absence of UK border and customs facilities at Antwerp Centraal station. Consequently, passengers wishing to travel back from Antwerp to London will need to book a combined ticket that includes a connection via Brussels-Midi, as reported by Time Out London.
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The introduction of this route follows a period of speculation regarding new Eurostar destinations. While agreements for potential routes to Switzerland and Germany have been signed, those services are not expected until the 2030s. The Antwerp connection, however, represents a confirmed new direct service before the end of the current year.
Questions this report answers
+When does the new London to Antwerp service start?
The new direct London to Antwerp Eurostar service launches on December 14. This marks the first confirmed new direct route before the end of the current year, offering faster travel between the two cities.
+How much quicker is the new direct route?
The direct service cuts travel time by more than 30 minutes, reducing the journey from around three hours and 15 minutes to about two hours and 45 minutes. This makes the trip quicker and more convenient for passengers.
+Can I travel back from Antwerp to London on the same direct train?
No, the direct service only operates from London to Antwerp due to the lack of UK border facilities in Antwerp. Travellers returning must book a combined ticket via Brussels-Midi for the return journey.
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