London to Amsterdam: Eurostar vs Flights

1. Eurostar: London St Pancras to Amsterdam CentraalAbout 4 hours on a direct train, stopping at Brussels and Rotterdam. There are a few direct trains a day, plus more journeys with a change in Brussels (about 5–5½ hours). Check the timetable for your date.
2. Arrive in the centreAmsterdam Centraal is right in the city centre, a short walk or tram ride from most hotels. There are no passport checks on arrival.

Advance one-way fares start from around £40–£50 on some trains, but typical fares are more like £70–£130 each way, and Friday and Sunday trains cost most. For last-minute trips, Eurostar Snap can be cheaper: book 14 days to 48 hours ahead, choose a morning or afternoon slot, and get your exact train 48 hours before. Snap tickets can't be changed or refunded.

1. London to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)About 1h 15m in the air. easyJet, British Airways and KLM are the main airlines, flying from Luton, Gatwick, Heathrow and London City, and some routes from Stansted. Check current schedules for your airport.
2. Schiphol to Amsterdam CentraalTrains run about every 10 minutes from the station under the airport and take around 15 minutes. You can tap in and out with a contactless bank card.

easyJet fares can start around £25–£40 one way if you book early, but add bags and the trip to the airport. London City is the quickest airport if you live or work in east London.

1. Train from London Liverpool Street to Harwich InternationalAbout 1h 20m. Stena Line's Dutchflyer ticket includes this train and the ferry, from about £75 each way.
2. Stena Line: Harwich to Hook of HollandTwo sailings a day: a day crossing of about 7 hours and an overnight crossing of about 8 hours. A cabin is compulsory at night.
3. Hook of Holland to AmsterdamMetro line B to Schiedam Centrum, then a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal (about 1h 10m). Buy this part separately.

The overnight sailing saves a hotel night and gets you to Amsterdam by mid-morning.

1. FlixBus or National Express: London to AmsterdamAround 9½ to 12 hours, crossing the Channel by ferry or tunnel, with day and overnight departures from Victoria Coach Station.
2. Into the centreMost coaches stop at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, a few minutes from Centraal by train. Check your ticket for the exact stop.

Fares can be very low if you book early, but it's a long day or night.

1. Folkestone to Calais on Le Shuttle35 minutes under the Channel, and you stay with your car. Allow time for check-in and border checks.
2. Calais to AmsterdamAbout 4 hours, usually via Ghent and Antwerp.

Parking in central Amsterdam is expensive. Use a Park + Ride on the edge of the city and take the tram or metro in, and check the city's environmental zone rules if you drive an older diesel.