Eurostar Is Launching a Direct Route From London to Antwerp This December

There's a new holiday destination from London worth knowing about. From 14 December, Eurostar will run four direct services a day from St Pancras International straight through to Antwerpen-Centraal — no changing trains, no faffing about in Brussels.

Right now, getting from London to Antwerp means catching the Eurostar to Brussels-Midi, then hopping on a separate Belgian train for the final leg. That journey takes around three hours and 15 minutes. The new direct Eurostar Antwerp service cuts that down to just two hours and 41 minutes.

What's changing

The new route is an extension of Eurostar's existing London to Amsterdam service — four of the ten daily Brussels-bound trains will simply continue onward through Antwerp on their way to Amsterdam.

• Launch date: 14 December

• Direct departures per day: 4 (from London)

• Journey time: 2 hours 41 minutes

• Fares: From £51 one-way, already on sale

• Departures from St Pancras: 06:16, 08:16, 11:04 and 18:04

• Arrivals in Antwerp: 09:57, 11:57, 14:57 and 21:57

One catch worth knowing: the route is currently outbound only. There's no direct return service yet, as Antwerpen-Centraal doesn't have UK border and customs facilities. Coming back, you'll need a combined ticket that changes at Brussels-Midi to clear UK checks.

Why Antwerp is worth the trip

Antwerp tends to get overlooked next to Brussels or Bruges, but it's arguably the more interesting stop — built around fashion, diamonds, and chocolate, with a station that's a sight in itself. Better still, the city is small enough to cover on foot, so a single weekend is genuinely enough to see the highlights.

Must-visit landmarks in Antwerp

Antwerpen-Centraal station. You'll see this one before you've even left the platform. Often ranked among the most beautiful railway stations in the world, its soaring domed roof and marble staircases make it a landmark in its own right — not just a place to pass through. Worth pausing for a few photos before heading into the city.

Grote Markt. Antwerp's historic main square and the natural starting point for any visit. It's lined with ornate guild houses and dominated by the striking City Hall (Stadhuis), dating back to the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its centre stands the Brabo Fountain, depicting the legend of the giant Antigoon and the hero Silvius Brabo — the story said to give Antwerp its name.

Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal). Dominating the skyline just off Grote Markt, this Gothic cathedral is another UNESCO-listed site and home to several works by Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp's most famous son. The bell tower and stained-glass windows alone make it worth the visit.

Rubens House. The former home and studio of Rubens himself, now a museum showcasing his life, work, and the artists he influenced. A must for anyone with even a passing interest in Flemish art.

MAS — Museum aan de Stroom. A striking modern building on the waterfront, MAS charts Antwerp's history as a port city across several floors — and the rooftop terrace offers one of the best panoramic views over the city and River Scheldt, free of charge.

The Diamond District. Right beside Antwerpen-Centraal station, this compact quarter has been at the heart of the global diamond trade for centuries. Even without buying anything, it's worth a wander to see the trading houses and polishing workshops that give the city its reputation.

Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA). Recently reopened after a lengthy renovation, the KMSKA is now considered one of the most important art museums in Belgium, with an outstanding collection spanning Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens through to Magritte and Van Gogh.

Meir. Antwerp's main shopping street, running from Antwerpen-Centraal towards the historic centre — a good option for anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with a bit of retail therapy, lined with both international brands and local boutiques.

Het Zuid. The city's fashion and design quarter, home to independent boutiques, galleries, and some of Antwerp's best restaurants — particularly atmospheric after dark when the district lights up.

Zurenborg. A short tram ride from the centre, this residential neighbourhood is known for its remarkable Art Nouveau architecture — a quieter, more local side of Antwerp that most first-time visitors miss entirely.

Round it all off with a stop at one of the city's chocolatiers — Pierre Marcolini's Antwerp branch is a good shout — before heading back to the station for your return leg via Brussels.

Getting to St Pancras for your Eurostar

With departures as early as 06:16, the last thing you want is to be worrying about parking or finding a cab at short notice.

UK Airport Transfer Services provides fixed-price transfers to St Pancras International for Eurostar passengers — including this new Antwerp route. Fixed price confirmed at booking, DBS-checked TfL-licensed drivers, and no early-morning premium, so a 6am departure costs the same as a midday one.