Eurostar has introduced the launch of a new direct route between the UK and Belgium from December.
From 14 December, rail travellers shall be in a position to e book direct journeys from London St Pancras to Antwerp-Centraal.
Up to 4 trains a day, which already run between London and Amsterdam, will introduce the direct reference to current stops at Lille-Europe, Brussels-Midi, Rotterdam-Centraal and Amsterdam-Centraal.
However, the route will solely be direct on the outward leg from London.
According to Eurostar, there aren’t any present plans to introduce a direct return service from Antwerp to London as “this would require dedicated UK border and customs facilities at Antwerp-Centraal”.
Customers can as an alternative e book a mixed SNCB and Eurostar ticket by means of the Channel Tunnel operator connecting by way of Brussels-Midi, the place UK border and safety checks happen.
Eurostar mentioned: “Adding Antwerp as a direct stop on our London-Amsterdam services will make journeys to the city quicker and more convenient, providing customers with a more comfortable city centre to city centre travel experience.”
The worldwide high-speed prepare service can also be preparing for unprecedented heat across Europe with a new fleet of trains designed to stand up to temperatures of up to 55C.
Following intense heatwaves, together with a record-breaking high of 37.7C in the UK in June, Eurostar has mentioned it should improve its new fleet with air conditioning able to working at 55C.
The Channel Tunnel rail operator upgraded its order with French producer Alstom earlier this month to “be prepared for the future”.
Last 12 months, Eurostar introduced a €2bn (£1.7bn) funding in up to 50 new double-decker all-electric Celestia trains.
It mentioned: “We’ve confirmed an order for 30 trains, with an option for a further 20, marking a significant step in our growth journey to 30 million annual passengers.”
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