Eurostar Launches New Direct London to Antwerp Route This December

The service expands the rail operator’s connectivity within Belgium, providing a direct link to the city of Antwerp for passengers traveling from the United Kingdom, according to reporting from the London Evening Standard and Euronews.

The new route introduces Antwerp as a destination for travelers departing London. However, the service is not bidirectional for all stops; Railway PRO reports that the new Eurostar stop in Antwerp will operate in one direction only.

Eurostar Route Expansion to Antwerp

The addition of Antwerp to the network allows passengers to reach the Belgian city without transferring at other hubs. This development follows Eurostar’s existing service patterns that connect London to Brussels and Amsterdam.

The London Evening Standard notes that the service will depart from London St Pancras, the primary terminus for Eurostar services leaving the UK. By adding Antwerp, Eurostar is increasing the number of accessible European destinations available via direct rail from London.

Operational Details and Route Logistics

While the service increases accessibility to Belgium, the specific operational structure differs from standard round-trip routes. Railway PRO specifies that the Antwerp stop is configured for one direction of travel. This means passengers can travel from London to Antwerp, but the return leg or other directional patterns may require different routing or stops.

Time Out Worldwide confirms the launch of the brand-new direct route to Belgium, positioning the move as a significant update to the company’s current timetable.

Context of Eurostar’s Belgian Network

Belgium has long served as a central node for Eurostar, with Brussels acting as a primary gateway to the rest of Europe. The introduction of a direct stop in Antwerp reduces the reliance on Brussels-Midi for those visiting the northern part of the country.

This expansion occurs as Eurostar continues to integrate its services across the high-speed rail corridors of Western Europe, linking the UK more closely with the economic centers of Belgium and the Netherlands.