Eurostar's new London to Belgium route
will start running by the end of 2026.
There’s been plenty of excitement around new international train routes lately, from Lumo’s budget European ambitions to Eurostar’s plans for direct services to Switzerland, Cologne and Frankfurt in the 2030s.
But you don’t have to wait that long for your next new European rail adventure because Eurostar is launching a brand-new direct service from London to Antwerp later this year.
Everything You Need To Know About Eurostar's New London To Belgium Route
What Is The New Eurostar Route?
Eurostar will launch a direct London St Pancras to Antwerp service on the 14th of December 2026, with up to four trains running each day.
The new service will extend existing London to Amsterdam journeys, calling at:
- Lille-Europe
- Brussels-Midi
- Rotterdam-Centraal
- Antwerpen-Centraal
How Long Will The Journey Take?
The direct journey from London to Antwerp will take around two hours and 45 minutes, which is more than half an hour quicker than the current train journey.
And most importantly, you won't have to switch trains to get there.
Can You Get The Direct Train Back To London?
While it's still really exciting news, there’s one small catch. The direct service only runs from London to Antwerp. There are currently no UK border and customs facilities at Antwerpen-Centraal, meaning you'll need to connect via Brussels-Midi when you're heading home.
Eurostar and SNCB will offer combined tickets for the return journey.
When Does The New Eurostar Route Start?
The first direct London-to-Antwerp services will run from the 14th of December, 2026.
So, if you fancy swapping out London for Belgium for a few days, this new route could make your Antwerp trip way easier.
Got the travel bug? Check out the best day trips from London to try in 2026.
