Key facts
- Eurostar is launching a new direct route from London to Antwerp.
- The service begins on December 14.
- The journey will take 2 hours and 41 minutes.
- There will be four direct services daily.
- Direct return services are not planned due to a lack of UK border facilities in Antwerp.
Eurostar is set to launch a new direct high-speed rail service connecting London St. Pancras to Antwerp, Belgium, beginning December 14. This new route aims to reduce travel time to the Belgian port city to approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes, a significant decrease from the current journey of around 3 hours and 15 minutes which requires a transfer in Brussels.
The service will operate four direct trains daily. However, Eurostar has stated that there are currently no plans to introduce direct return services from Antwerp to London. This is attributed to the absence of dedicated UK border and customs facilities at Antwerp's central station.
Antwerp, often overshadowed by Brussels and Bruges, is known for its fashion industry, influenced by the 'Antwerp Six' designers, and its status as the world's largest diamond district. The city also offers attractions such as the ModeMuseum Antwerpen, numerous diamond merchants, renowned frites stands, and artisanal chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini.