Eurostar will connect London and Antwerp with direct trains in December 2026: route and schedule

In December 2026, Eurostar will launch the first direct rail service between London and Antwerp. Learn more about the route’s launch date, travel time, frequency of service, and important restrictions for passengers

Starting December 14, 2026, passengers will be able to travel from London to Antwerp on a direct Eurostar train. According to Euronews, the carrier plans to operate four daily trips from London St Pancras International to Antwerpen-Centraal.

The travel time will be 2 hours and 41 minutes, and a transfer at Brussels-Midi/Zuid station will no longer be necessary. However, the direct service will only be available in the direction of Belgium.

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Eurostar Launches Direct Trains from London to Antwerp

The new route will be Eurostar’s first direct rail service between London and Antwerp. Trains will begin running on December 14, 2026, departing from London St Pancras International Station to Antwerpen-Centraal Station.

The carrier will operate four direct trips daily. The journey will take 2 hours and 41 minutes, which is approximately 34 minutes faster than the current route.

Currently, passengers must take the Eurostar to Brussels-Midi/Zuid station and then transfer to a domestic train operated by the Belgian carrier SNCB to Antwerp. The total duration of this trip is about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Once the new service launches, travelers will arrive directly in central Antwerp without any transfers.

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Why won’t there be a direct train from Antwerp to London?

In the initial phase, the route will operate in one direction only: from London to Antwerp. The launch of direct return Eurostar services has not yet been announced.

The reason is the lack of specialized infrastructure at Antwerpen-Centraal station for British border and customs control. Eurostar passengers traveling to the United Kingdom must undergo document and security checks before boarding, but Antwerp Central Station is not equipped for this.

Therefore, the return journey will still require a transfer:

- SNCB train from Antwerpen-Centraal to Brussels-Midi/Zuid

- Undergoing the necessary checks in Brussels

- Transfer to the Eurostar to London St Pancras International

When booking tickets, be sure to allow enough time for the transfer and check the current schedules of both carriers before your trip.

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What to see in Antwerp?

The train will arrive at Antwerpen-Centraal, located in the city center. From here, you can walk to the shopping streets, historic neighborhoods, and the famous diamond district.

For a short trip, be sure to include the following in your itinerary:

1. Antwerpen-Centraal—a monumental train station with a dome, stone halls, and multi-level platforms

2. The Diamond District—an area near the station where hundreds of jewelry companies and workshops are concentrated

3. ModeMuseum Antwerpen (MoMu) – a museum of Belgian fashion, featuring the work of the Antwerp Six designers

4. Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat – streets lined with shops featuring local designers and independent brands

5. Sint-Anna Tunnel – a pedestrian underpass beneath the Scheldt River with preserved wooden escalators

6. Het Zuid – a neighborhood with museums, galleries, restaurants, and evening lighting

In the evening, you can also take a stroll near Operaplein and the central train station. After sunset, key buildings are illuminated, and there are fewer tour groups on the popular streets.

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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