Eurostar has confirmed a new direct rail route from London to Antwerp, set to launch on 14 December. Passengers will be able to book direct journeys from London St Pancras to Antwerp-Centraal.
Up to four daily trains, which currently run between London and Amsterdam, will introduce this direct connection. These services will include existing stops at Lille-Europe, Brussels-Midi, Rotterdam-Centraal, and Amsterdam-Centraal.
However, the direct route will only be available for outward travel from London. Eurostar stated there are no current plans for a direct return service from Antwerp to London, as this would require dedicated UK border and customs facilities at Antwerp-Centraal. For return journeys, customers can book a combined SNCB and Eurostar ticket connecting via Brussels-Midi, where UK border and security checks are conducted.
Eurostar commented that adding Antwerp as a direct stop will make journeys to the city "quicker and more convenient," offering a "more comfortable city centre to city centre travel experience."
Separately, Eurostar is preparing for high temperatures across Europe by upgrading its new fleet of trains. The company has ordered air conditioning capable of operating at 55C, following a record UK high of 37.7C in June last year. This upgrade to its order with French manufacturer Alstom was made earlier this month to "be prepared for the future."