EUROSTAR has taken a major step towards developing the international rail market from London, by announcing that it will be providing two direct trains a day from London to Rotterdam and Amsterdam from December 2016.

The services will use Eurostar’s new e320 trains, which will be compatible with the Dutch signalling system. They will also call at Antwerp and Schiphol Airport en route between Brussels and Amsterdam.

Eurostar has been one of two main contenders to provide new rail routes from London through the Channel Tunnel, the other being Deutsche Bahn. Although DM announced its intentions in principle three years ago, there is no starting date for DB services through the Tunnel, which are expected to serve Frankfurt and Cologne, among other destinations.

Eurostar chief executive Nicolas Petrovic said: “We have long been ambitious for expansion to new destinations so today’s announcement marks a major advance in our growth plans.

“With over three million passengers travelling by air between London and Amsterdam, this is one of Europe’s most popular routes.  Our fast, comfortable, point-to-point service will greatly enhance the links between the UK and the near continent, revolutionising travel between these important financial and tourist hubs.”

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