Direct Eurostar Service to Antwerp Launches in December
New route offers convenience for outward journeys, but return trips will require a connection through Brussels-Midi.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
Direct Eurostar journeys from London St Pancras to Antwerp-Centraal are set to launch on December 14, marking a significant expansion of the high-speed rail network.
Eurostar will operate up to four trains daily, establishing a direct link for passengers departing from London. This addition of Antwerp as a direct stop on its London-Amsterdam services promises quicker, more convenient travel, delivering a comfortable city-centre to city-centre experience.
The return journey from Antwerp to London, however, will not run directly. Existing customs and border issues mandate a connection.
Passengers traveling back to London must book a combined SNCB and Eurostar ticket. This arrangement requires connecting via Brussels-Midi for essential border and security checks.
Eurostar confirms no immediate plans exist to introduce a direct return service from Antwerp to London. This limitation stems from the absence of dedicated UK border and customs facilities at Antwerp-Centraal.
The introduction of this route builds on Eurostar's extensive operational history, a testament to its enduring impact since 1994. The company has transported 400 million customers across its network, solidifying its role in European transit.
This expansion arrives as the company continues to invest in its infrastructure. Eurostar upgrades its new fleet of trains to withstand temperatures reaching 55C, preparing for future climate challenges.
The operational decision illuminates the complex interplay of international agreements and logistical challenges inherent in cross-border rail travel. The absence of a direct return service highlights ongoing political and public pressure to streamline international travel post-Brexit, a concern for stakeholders.
For now, the new direct outward service offers a clear benefit for travelers heading to Antwerp, significantly enhancing the landscape of European rail connectivity. This move reshapes travel options.
The future of a fully direct return service hinges on potential infrastructure investments. Bilateral agreements to establish the necessary border facilities in Belgium remain critical, demanding political will and economic commitment.