Eurostar is set to enhance travel connectivity between the UK and Belgium with the introduction of its first direct train service between London and Antwerp. Launching on December 14, this new route aims to make journeys between the two cities more efficient and convenient for passengers. Travelers departing from London St. Pancras will soon have the option of four direct services daily to Antwerp, bypassing the current need to transfer at Brussels-Midi.
The introduction of this direct service promises to significantly cut down on travel time, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. This marks a noteworthy improvement compared to the existing route that requires a change in Brussels. Eurostar’s move is poised to offer a seamless experience for those heading to Antwerp, a city celebrated for its vibrant fashion scene, bustling diamond trade, rich historical sites, and diverse culinary offerings.
Despite these advancements, the service will initially offer direct routes only from London to Antwerp. Due to the lack of necessary UK border and customs facilities at Antwerp Central Station, direct return journeys to London will not be available at the onset. Passengers traveling back to the UK will still need to make a stop in Brussels to complete their return.
The launch of this new service underscores an important development in cross-border travel, aiming to bolster the ease of access between the UK and Belgium. By eliminating the need for a train change, Eurostar is addressing a significant travel bottleneck, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience for commuters and tourists alike.