Book Train Travel Between London and the Netherlands
Here is how to book train travel between London and Brussels, including onward travel to other Belgium stations and the Netherlands.
Contents
[hide]Steps
- Go to the web-site of Eurostar. The only train company operating on the London to Brussels route via the Eurotunnel. Onward connections are provided by Thalys (high speed operator) and local trains.
- Select the departure and arrival stations. It is important that you select the correct destination for your booking.
- If your final destination is Brussels then select London to Brussels Midi.
- If your destination is further into Belgium; for example Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent you will need to select the Belgium tab and select the option 'Any Belgium Station'. This option will include the Eurostar and local rail travel to all stations in Belgium.
- If your destination is to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague or Schiphol within The Netherlands; you will need to select the Netherlands tab and select the specific station you require. This will include the Eurostar and Thalys services.
- For all other Dutch stations or for a cheaper fare you need to select 'Any Dutch Station'. This will show fares for the Eurostar to Brussels and local classic services to other Dutch stations, including those listed above.
- Enter traveler information. Once you have selected your destinations and dates, enter the traveler information. Adults (26-59), Children (4-11), Youths (12-25) and Seniors (60+)
- Click Search.
- All trains for your selected travel date will appear.
- Select the fare of your choice. There are 3 classes of service for the Eurostar and 2 for Thalys. There are also 3 different types of ticket flexibility.
- Select the appropriate fare for your preferred class of service and ticket type located next to the train time you wish to travel on.
- Take time to read the other information on this page. This will tell you train information including connection information and what is included in your class of service from both train operators.
- Click Continue.
- Select your return journey if applicable.
- Log into your account. The next pages allow you to log into your online account if you have one or continue as a guest. Enter the name of the travelers. Passport information is not required. You can also select meal preferences on this page if applicable.
- Choose the ticket collection method. This varies depending on which services you have selected. See Warning below for full details.
- Select a seat. This applies for the Eurostar journey only. Seats for the Thalys trains are selected as per your seating preference earlier in the booking process.
- Read the train and ticket information. The review page includes the train and ticket information. Read through this information to ensure it is correct. If all is well tick the T&C's box.
- Make payment. Enter your card information, contact details and e-mail address.
- Click Continue. A final review page will appear, showing the full booking details. Carefully review all information on this page.
- If all is correct, click the continue button at the bottom of the page.
- The next page is the Verified by Visa or MasterCard secureCode page.
- If your payment is successful, your final screen will show you your full booking details including your important 6 letter booking reference.
- You will also receive a confirmation e-mail.
Tips
- If you select the Any Belgium/Dutch options you cannot use your ticket on Thalys trains.
- Seats are pre-booked on Thalys trains. You may contact Eurostar to select a particular coach and seat but they are not able to view the seating plan.
- Seats cannot be pre-booked on local services.
- Your onward Any Belgium/Dutch tickets can be used up to 24 hours from your arrival or departure in Brussels.
- For onward services using the Any Belgium/Dutch use the ticket you have been provided with. You do not require another ticket.
- A slight perk for Belgium residence. You have 7 days to change your mind and obtain a refund if: Your address is in Belgium, if you made your booking 7+ days in advance of travel and no part of your ticket has been used.
Warnings
- If your journey starts by using a Thalys service. i.e. you depart from Amsterdam, ensure you book well in advance and have the tickets posted to you. Better still book direct with Thalys. Thalys stations do not have ticketing facilities for Thalys bookings made with other companies. You will not be able to collect them.
- Any Belgium/Dutch tickets can only be used once.
- Ticket collection: If you have selected a journey that includes the Thalys you will only have the option to collect the tickets from a Eurostar station. Thalys does not provide a Print at Home facility.
- Tickets collection: If you have selected Brussels Midi or Any Belgium/Dutch you may select either collection from the station or Print at Home.
