Eurostar to launch direct Amsterdam to London trains in April uk.news.yahoo.com

Eurostar will begin direct commercial services from Amsterdam to London in April, the cross-Channel rail operator has announced. The route was launched in April 2018 but passengers travelling to the UK have been forced to change trains in Brussels to complete passport checks and security screening. Eurostar was assured that the UK and Dutch governments would agree to allow border procedures to be carried out in the Netherlands by the end of 2019, but progress has been slower than expected. The Department for Transport said the UK Government is “finalising an agreement”. Commercial direct services from Amsterdam will begin on April 30, with trains also serving Rotterdam from May 18. peaking ahead of the arrival of a direct preview Train from Amsterdam to London St Pancras, Eurostar chief executive Mike Cooper said: “Our services from the UK to the Netherlands have proved very popular, with over half a million travellers since launch. “Our fully direct service marks an exciting advance for high-speed rail and provides consumers with a comfortable, environmentally friendly alternative to the airlines on one of Europe’s busiest leisure and business routes.”