Eurostar has resumed direct services between Amsterdam and London after introducing a state-of-the-art terminal featuring carbon-negative flooring and innovative low-stimulus passenger areas. Olivia Palamountain reports

After launching three daily weekday services on between Amsterdam and London, Eurostar is continuing an expansion that will see passenger capacity triple by September 2025. The service connects Amsterdam Centraal directly to London St Pancras, eliminating the previous requirement for passengers to change trains in Brussels.

The new UK Terminal at Amsterdam Centraal represents a significant advancement in sustainable travel infrastructure, achieving an A+ energy efficiency rating through recycled plating, felt ceilings and carbon-negative flooring materials.

The terminal introduces ultra-fast wifi, smart lighting systems and what Eurostar describes as a "low-stimulus space" designed to provide additional comfort for passengers with sensory sensitivities.   Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of Eurostar, says: "We are delighted that direct Eurostar services between Amsterdam and London are back. This is more than just a train journey - it is a seamless connection between two vibrant capitals, offering our customers an efficient, comfortable, and sustainable way to travel. Eurostar is proud to unveil this state-of-the-art terminal, reinforcing our commitment to providing a seamless, sustainable, travel experience."The terminal renovation required a complete closure of Amsterdam Centraal's international departure facilities, reflecting the scale of infrastructure upgrades implemented to support the enhanced service. Beyond capacity improvements, the terminal offers barista-made coffee, fresh pastries and free chilled water within spaces designed for both relaxation and productivity.Eurostar's long-term vision extends to five daily services between London and Amsterdam by 2026, positioning the route as a cornerstone of the operator's European network expansion. The restored service provides a sustainable alternative to air travel between the two capitals, with journey times of approximately four hours.

Seema Malhotra MP, minister for migration and citizenship, says: "Working closely with our European neighbours is a priority for this government, as we continue to ensure seamless passenger travel for those travelling to and from the UK, while protecting our borders. I am pleased to see the reinstatement of the direct Eurostar connection to London from the Netherlands."The service resumption comes as European rail operators increasingly position high-speed rail as an environmentally conscious alternative to short-haul flights, with Eurostar's sustainable terminal design reinforcing this positioning through tangible environmental innovations including the carbon-negative flooring technology.