Written by Jesper Luten
For a London to Amsterdam city break, Eurostar is now the easiest all-round option if you live close enough to St Pancras. It runs direct to Amsterdam Centraal, so you arrive in the middle of the city without an airport transfer. Flying is faster in the air, but once you add travel to a London airport, security, boarding and the journey from Schiphol into Amsterdam, the time difference is much smaller than the flight time suggests.
The best choice depends on where you live in London, how much luggage you have and how important city-centre-to-city-centre travel is to you.
London to Amsterdam by train or plane?
| Option | Best for | Typical journey | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Eurostar | City-centre travel, light luggage, weekend breaks | About 4 hours 20 minutes from St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal | Can be expensive if booked late |
| Flight | Travellers near a London airport or with very cheap fares | About 1 hour 20 minutes in the air | Airport time and Schiphol transfer add considerably to the total |
| Coach | Lowest-cost trips when time matters less | Much longer, often overnight or most of a day | Slow and less comfortable for a short weekend |
Eurostar from London to Amsterdam
Eurostar runs direct from London St Pancras International to Amsterdam Centraal. The current timetable shows several direct departures each day, with most journeys taking roughly four hours and twenty minutes. That makes the train particularly attractive for a weekend because the trip starts and ends in the city centre.
Eurostar currently advertises London–Amsterdam fares from £39 one way when booked as part of a return trip, subject to availability and travel dates. Those lowest fares are limited, so booking early matters much more than chasing a last-minute deal.
Check current Eurostar times and fares
Why the train works so well for a weekend
The biggest advantage is not just the journey time. You avoid travelling out to Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton or Stansted, then repeating the same process at Schiphol. Once you arrive in Amsterdam, you are already next to the historic centre, Jordaan and canal belt.
That makes the train especially useful if you only have two days in Amsterdam. The less time you spend on airport transfers, the more of Friday evening or Sunday afternoon you can actually use in the city.
Flying from London to Amsterdam
A direct flight from London to Amsterdam takes about one hour and twenty minutes in the air. British Airways, KLM and easyJet are among the airlines serving London–Amsterdam routes, with departures depending on airport and schedule.
The mistake is comparing only flight time with train time. Add your trip to the London airport, security and boarding time, baggage collection if relevant, then the journey from Schiphol to your hotel. For many central London travellers, the total door-to-door difference becomes much smaller.
If you do fly, use our Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam guide before travelling. The train is usually fastest for the centre, while Airport Express bus 397 can be more convenient for Museumplein and Leidseplein.
Which is cheaper, Eurostar or flying?
There is no permanent winner. Low-cost flights can look much cheaper until you add airport trains, cabin-bag rules, checked luggage and the Schiphol transfer. Eurostar can be expensive on popular Friday and Sunday services, but the fare already gets you from central London to central Amsterdam.
Compare the full trip cost, not just the headline ticket. For a realistic weekend budget, include:
- transport from home to the London departure point;
- luggage charges;
- airport transfers in London and Amsterdam;
- seat or booking fees where relevant;
- the value of arriving in the city centre rather than at an airport.
Our separate guide to the cost of a city trip to Amsterdam from England covers hotels, food, attractions and the rest of the weekend budget.
What about luggage?
Eurostar is often easier if you travel with more than a small cabin bag because you do not have the same low-cost airline baggage structure. Flying can still work well if you travel light, but check the fare conditions before comparing prices.
For a two- or three-night city break, travelling with one compact bag makes either option easier and reduces the temptation to overpack.
Where should you stay after arriving from London?
If you arrive by Eurostar, Amsterdam Centraal, the canal belt and Jordaan are particularly convenient. You can often reach your accommodation on foot or with one short tram ride.
If you fly, your ideal area can also influence the transfer. Hotels around Museumplein and Leidseplein can work well with Airport Express bus 397, while central hotels are easy from the Schiphol train.
Use our guide to where to stay in Amsterdam before booking.
Check Amsterdam hotel availability
Is Eurostar better for a first trip to Amsterdam?
For many travellers starting in central London, yes. It is simple, direct and removes the need to understand Schiphol immediately after landing. You arrive at Amsterdam Centraal and can start the trip almost at once.
Flying is still completely sensible if Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton or London City is more convenient for you, or if you find a fare that remains cheaper after adding all the extras.
If this is your first visit, read our first-time Amsterdam guide before deciding. It connects your arrival choice with where to stay, what to book and how many days you need.
What about travelling by coach?
Long-distance coach services can be considerably cheaper, but they take much longer and are harder to justify for a short weekend. They make more sense for travellers prioritising the lowest possible fare over time and comfort.
For a normal two- or three-day city break, Eurostar or a direct flight is usually the more practical choice.
Our practical choice
- Choose Eurostar if you live near central London, value convenience and want to arrive directly in the city centre.
- Choose a flight if a London airport is much easier for you, the fare is substantially lower or your schedule works better.
- Choose a coach if keeping the fare as low as possible matters more than travel time.
Once your transport is booked, continue with our 2-day itinerary, 3-day itinerary or Practical Amsterdam guide.