Let’s be real. Schiphol Airport is a mess. If it’s not the endless security queues that make you want to weep into your overpriced latte, it’s the guilt of that short-haul flight carbon footprint. I’ve done the flight. I’ve done the bus (never again). But the Netherlands to London train? That’s the actual cheat code.
Most people think it’s slower. It isn't. When you factor in the "two hours before departure" rule at airports, the trek from Heathrow into Central London, and the soul-crushing baggage reclaim wait, Eurostar usually wins on total travel time. You’re looking at about 3 hours and 52 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal to London St Pancras International. From Rotterdam, it’s even faster—just over three hours.
You sit down. You open a laptop. You drink a decent coffee. Suddenly, you're under the English Channel. It’s kinda magical, honestly.
The direct return is finally a thing
For a long time, the Netherlands to London train had a massive, annoying caveat. You could go to Amsterdam directly, but coming back required a platform change and a security check in Brussels. It was clunky. It felt unfinished.
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Thankfully, the Dutch and British governments finally sorted their paperwork. Now, you go through passport control right at Amsterdam Centraal or Rotterdam Centraal. You clear UK Border Force on Dutch soil. Once you board, that’s it. You don't get off the train until you see the Victorian bricks of St Pancras.
Wait, I should mention the construction. Amsterdam Centraal is undergoing a massive renovation. For a chunk of 2024 and 2025, there were some capacity issues and temporary closures of the cross-channel terminal. If you’re traveling right now, check the specific departure terminal. Sometimes you have to use a slightly different entrance than the main domestic platforms, but the signage is actually pretty good. Don't panic if your usual shortcut is blocked by plywood and Dutch workmen.
What it actually costs (and how to not get ripped off)
Pricing for the Netherlands to London train is basically "the early bird gets the worm, and the latecomer gets a mortgage-sized bill." Eurostar uses dynamic pricing. If you book six months out, you can snag a seat for around €44 or £39. If you try to book for tomorrow morning? You might be looking at €200 plus.
It’s not just about the date, though.
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are usually the sweet spots for cheap fares. Friday evenings and Sunday nights are when the prices skyrocket because of the weekend trippers. If you’re flexible, use the Eurostar fare finder on their website—it shows a calendar view that makes it painfully obvious which days are the "expensive" days.
Classes of service: Is it worth the upgrade?
- Standard: It’s fine. Seriously. You get two bags, a seat, and Wi-Fi that works about 60% of the time. The legroom is better than any budget airline.
- Standard Premier: This is the middle child. You get a light meal served at your seat and more spacious chairs. It’s nice if you want to work, but honestly, unless the price difference is less than €30, I usually skip it.
- Business Premier: This is for the folks whose companies are paying. You get 10-minute check-in, lounge access, and a multi-course meal designed by a Michelin-starred chef (Raymond Blanc has been the long-time consultant here). The lounge in Amsterdam is a bit small compared to the London one, but the gin bar is a nice touch.
The security dance at Amsterdam Centraal
You can't just rock up 5 minutes before the Netherlands to London train leaves. This isn't a domestic hop to Utrecht. You have to go through the Eurostar terminal.
Currently, they recommend arriving 60 to 90 minutes before departure. You’ll scan your ticket, put your bags through an X-ray (liquids are fine! Bring all the wine you want, within reason), and then hit the passport desks. You do the Dutch exit stamp and the UK entry check back-to-back.
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Once you’re in the departure lounge, you’re basically in "purgatory." It can get crowded. There’s a small shop and some toilets, but don't expect a full shopping mall experience. My advice? Eat a massive stroopwafel before you enter the terminal area because the food options inside are limited.
Through the windshield: The route itself
Leaving Amsterdam, you’ll glide past the industrial outskirts before hitting the high-speed line toward Rotterdam. This is where the train really opens up, hitting speeds of up to 300 km/h (about 186 mph).
The scenery through the Netherlands and Belgium is... well, it's flat. Lots of cows. Lots of wind turbines. It’s peaceful in a way. You’ll bypass the main stations in Antwerp and Brussels, staying on the dedicated high-speed tracks.
The tunnel part? It’s only about 20 minutes long. Most people expect a long, dark ordeal, but you barely have time to finish a chapter of your book before you’re popping out into the light of Kent. The English countryside is noticeably hillier than the Dutch polders. You’ll see the "White Horse" carved into the hill near Folkestone if you’re looking out the right side of the train.
Common myths about the train to London
"It’s always more expensive than flying."
False. If you add the cost of a train to Schiphol (€6), the flight (€60), and the Heathrow Express (€30), you’re already at €96. The train is often cheaper if you factor in the "hidden" transit costs.
"The Wi-Fi is great."
Blatant lie. It’s okay for emails. Don't try to stream a 4K movie while you're hurtling through Northern France. The signal drops out frequently, especially in the tunnel and rural stretches. Download your Netflix shows beforehand.
"You have to weigh your bags."
Nope. Unlike airlines that charge you for an extra kilogram, Eurostar just cares that you can carry your own bags. You get two large suitcases and one piece of hand luggage. No liquid restrictions means you can bring back that fancy bottle of Dutch gin without checking a bag.
Real talk on delays
Look, it’s not perfect. Sometimes a cow wanders onto the tracks in Belgium. Sometimes the overhead lines in France decide to stop working. If your Netherlands to London train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, you are entitled to compensation under the "L’Assistance" rules or the Rail Passengers' Rights and Obligations.
If it’s a big delay (over 120 minutes), you can usually get 50% of your ticket price back in a voucher. It’s a bit of a faff to claim, but worth it. The train is generally more reliable than flights during stormy weather, as planes get grounded long before the trains do.
Luggage and the "Big Liquid" advantage
This is the biggest win for the train. You can bring your own coffee. You can bring a bottle of water. You can bring a full-sized shampoo bottle.
I once saw a guy bring a massive wheel of Gouda cheese in his carry-on. No one blinked. In an airport, that cheese might be flagged as a "solid/liquid hybrid" (yes, that’s a real thing security agents argue about). On the train, it’s just lunch.
Just make sure you can actually lift your bag into the overhead racks. The staff won't always help you, and those racks are surprisingly high. If you have heavy gear, try to snag the luggage racks at the end of each carriage, but keep an eye on them—though theft is rare, it’s just good practice.
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Why St Pancras is the best ending
Arriving in London via St Pancras is a vibe. You walk off the train into this massive, breathtaking Gothic cathedral of a station. You’re immediately connected to six London Underground lines. You’re across the street from King’s Cross.
Compare that to landing at Stansted or Luton, where you then have to endure a 90-minute bus ride or an expensive train just to get to "actual" London. At St Pancras, you can be in a pub in Soho within 20 minutes of stepping off the platform.
Actionable steps for your trip
If you’re planning to take the Netherlands to London train soon, here is exactly how to do it right:
- Book 120-180 days out: This is when the €44 fares live. They vanish fast.
- Pick your seat: Use the seat map on the Eurostar website. Avoid the "window" seats that are actually just a wall. Carriage 8 and 9 are usually near the bar buffet (Cafe Metropole).
- The "Rotterdam Trick": If Amsterdam tickets are sold out or weirdly expensive, check the price from Rotterdam Centraal. Sometimes it’s cheaper, and it’s only a 40-minute domestic train ride from Amsterdam anyway.
- The App is better: Download the Eurostar app. It stores your ticket, but more importantly, it gives you live platform updates before they’re even announced on the station boards.
- Eat before security: The food options in the Amsterdam Eurostar waiting area are "functional" at best. There’s a HEMA and a Starbucks in the main station—get your snacks there.
- Check the "Holiday" calendar: UK bank holidays and Dutch school holidays will double the price. If you see a random Tuesday that costs €150, that’s probably why.
Taking the train isn't just about getting from A to B. It’s about not being treated like cattle in a pressurized metal tube. It's civilized. It's fast. And honestly, watching the French countryside blur past while you eat a sandwich is just a better way to live. Skip the airport. Take the train. You'll see what I mean when you're sipping a drink in London while the people on your "cheaper" flight are still waiting for their gate to open at Schiphol.
One last thing: keep your passport handy even after you board. Occasionally, French or Belgian police do a quick walk-through, though it's rare. Just keep it in your pocket or the seatback in front of you. Enjoy the ride.