Starting December 14, Eurostar will introduce its inaugural direct train service connecting London and Antwerp, significantly enhancing travel efficiency between the two cities. Offering four daily departures from London St. Pancras, the new service will streamline the journey by eliminating the need for passengers to transfer in Brussels, reducing overall travel time.
The direct train will cover the distance in approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes, providing a quicker option compared to the current route that necessitates a stopover at Brussels-Midi. This development marks a significant improvement in connectivity, making Antwerp more accessible for travelers from the UK.
Despite this advancement, the return journey from Antwerp to London will not be direct at this point. Due to the absence of necessary UK border and customs facilities at Antwerp Central Station, passengers will still have to switch trains in Brussels when traveling back to London.
The launch of this service is anticipated to strengthen ties between the UK and Belgium, facilitating easier access to Antwerp. Known for its vibrant fashion scene, thriving diamond industry, rich historical sites, and culinary delights, Antwerp is expected to benefit from increased tourism and business travel as a result of this enhanced connectivity.