Eurostar will launch its first direct train service from London St. Pancras International to Antwerpen-Centraal on December 14, 2026.
The new route cuts one-way travel times to two hours and 41 minutes by eliminating the need to transfer in Brussels.
Up to four scheduled daily trains on the existing London-to-Amsterdam line will serve the new direct connection.
Stops include Lille-Europe, Brussels-Midi, Rotterdam-Centraal, and Amsterdam-Centraal.
Scheduled departures from London are set for 06:16, 08:16, 11:04, and 18:04. One-way ticket prices start at £51 ($65) or approximately €58.
Return Journey Still Requires Transfer
Eurostar confirmed the service will operate directly on the outward leg from London only.
Passengers returning from Antwerp to the United Kingdom must still transfer at Brussels-Midi to undergo British immigration, customs, and security checks.
The return journey time remains at approximately three hours and 30 minutes.
Company officials explained that the asymmetric setup stems from infrastructure limitations at the Belgian station, as reported by Head for Points and daily De Tijd.
"This would require dedicated UK border and customs facilities at Antwerp-Centraal," said Eurostar.
To assist inbound travelers, the operator provides combined SNCB and Eurostar ticketing options through its website, allowing seamless transfers via Brussels-Midi where security checks are conducted.
"Adding Antwerp as a direct stop on our London-Amsterdam services will make journeys to the city quicker and more convenient," said Eurostar.
The expansion comes as the Channel Tunnel operator prepares its network for severe climate conditions following extreme heat events.
Eurostar recently modified its order with French manufacturer Alstom to upgrade its upcoming fleet with air conditioning systems capable of functioning in ambient temperatures up to 55°C.
The upgraded fleet forms part of a €2 billion (£1.7 billion) investment initially announced last year to acquire up to 50 all-electric double-decker Celestia trains.
"We’ve confirmed an order for 30 trains, with an option for a further 20, marking a significant step in our growth journey to 30 million annual passengers," said Eurostar.
Tourism figures show Antwerp welcomed a record 3.18 million overnight stays in 2025, compared to 9.8 million in Brussels and 8 million in Bruges in 2024.
Rail analysts noted that while the new route enhances eastbound travel to Belgian fashion and diamond hubs, the lack of a direct return option could impact its competitiveness against alternative transit methods.
