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Eurostar Launches Direct Journey Between London And Amsterdam

Eurostar Launches Direct Journey Between London And Amsterdam

Tickets go on sale next week and start from just £35

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Eurostar is launching direct journeys between London and Amsterdam.

A route from London to Amsterdam already exists on Eurostar but at the moment, passengers need to change at Brussels where they undergo security and passport checks.

However, now thanks to a change in border procedures, from 30 April travellers will be able to go direct to Amsterdam and from 18 May direct to Rotterdam.

PA

Eurostar chief executive Mike Cooper said: "Our services from the UK to the Netherlands have proved very popular with over half a million travellers since launch.

"Our fully direct service marks an exciting advance for high-speed rail and provides consumers with a comfortable, environmentally friendly alternative to the airlines on one of Europe's busiest leisure and business routes."

He added: "It's a huge market, 4.3 million air market at the moment. What's interesting is that there's a precise parallel to when we started Paris back in 1994, it was the same size air market, and look what's developed since.

"We think it's going to be a hugely credible alternative to flying and a sustainable alternative to flying as well."

You can get tickets for the new direct journey starting from just £35; they'll be on sale from 11 February.

Mark Smith, founder of Seat61.com, told PA: "Eurostar has been tackling one of the biggest air routes in Europe with one hand tied behind its back.

"Now they can go all-out for a large chunk of that air market."

The new route will offer a city centre to city centre journey in around four hours, according to the Independent. To begin with there will be two journeys 'most days' - one in the morning and one in the evening.

PA

The trips may prove popular with people who want to cut down on their carbon footprint by taking fewer flights.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps 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."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, uk news