Eurostar Passenger Numbers Soar: Amsterdam-London Route Hits Record High

London / Amsterdam – The “Green Travel Wave” is officially here. Eurostar, the high-speed rail operator linking the UK with mainland Europe, has shattered its own records in 2025. With a staggering 18.3% surge in passenger numbers on the Amsterdam-London route alone, the train is rapidly replacing the plane as the preferred mode of transport for cross-channel commuters and tourists alike.

Table of Contents

• The 2025 Surge: Breaking Down the Numbers
• The “Amsterdam Effect”: Why the Boom?
• New Rivals: Virgin and Heuro Enter the Race
• Train vs. Plane: The Carbon Equation
• What to Expect in 2026: Direct Lines & Pricing
• Key Takeaways
• Dutch Learning Corner
• Community Discussion

The 2025 Surge: Breaking Down the Numbers

Eurostar carried a total of 20 million passengers across its network in 2025, adding half a million new travelers compared to the previous year. While growth was seen across the board—with London-Germany routes up by 10% and London-Paris by 5%—the star performer was undoubtedly the connection to the Netherlands.

According to data cited by Flemish media and confirmed by NS International, the 18.3% spike on the Amsterdam-London line is unprecedented. This growth is attributed not just to tourism, but to a significant return of business travel, with companies opting for rail to meet their corporate sustainability goals.

The “Amsterdam Effect”: Why the Boom?

Several factors created the perfect storm for this success:

• The End of the “Stopover”: The full resumption of direct services after the completion of the Centraal Station renovations meant passengers no longer had to disembark in Brussels for passport checks, shaving nearly an hour off the journey.
• Capacity Upgrades: Eurostar deployed longer trains on this route, increasing seat availability per trip.
• Schiphol Constraints: Continuing flight caps and higher taxes at Schiphol Airport made the 4-hour train journey a more reliable and often cheaper alternative.

New Rivals: Virgin and Heuro Enter the Race

Eurostar’s monopoly on the Channel Tunnel might be coming to an end. The soaring demand has attracted heavy hitters.

Virgin Group, led by Richard Branson, has reportedly received initial approvals to launch a competing service. Additionally, the new Dutch challenger Heuro and Italian state operator Trenitalia have expressed concrete ambitions to run high-speed trains between Amsterdam, Paris, and London.

Transport analysts predict that this “Open Access” competition could lead to a price war as early as 2027, potentially lowering ticket prices by up to 15% for consumers.

Train vs. Plane: The Carbon Equation

The environmental argument is winning over travelers. A journey from Amsterdam to London by Eurostar emits approximately 90% less carbon dioxide per passenger than a short-haul flight.

“Passengers are voting with their wallets and their values,” notes a recent report by the European Passenger Federation. “The convenience of city-center-to-city-center travel, combined with the low carbon footprint, makes high-speed rail the logical choice for distances under 600km.”

What to Expect in 2026: Direct Lines & Pricing

Looking ahead, Eurostar is focusing on “seamless travel.” The operator plans to introduce biometric facial recognition gates at Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal to speed up border controls. However, experts warn that until competitors actually put wheels on the track, ticket prices for peak-hour trains will likely remain high due to the sheer volume of demand outstripping supply.

Key Takeaways

• Record Growth: Amsterdam-London route grew by 18.3%, outpacing Paris and Brussels lines.
• Direct Service: The removal of the Brussels stopover was the key driver of this success.
• Competition: Virgin and Heuro are preparing to challenge Eurostar’s monopoly.
• Green Travel: Sustainability is becoming a primary factor in travel booking decisions.

Dutch Learning Corner

Source / Data: Eurostar International & NS International