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Rail legs (approximate journey times)
| Leg | Approx. time | Notes | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| London St Pancras → Paris Gare du Nord | from about 2 hrs 16 mins | Frequent daily trains | Trains on Trainline Compare on Omio |
| London St Pancras → Brussels-Midi | from about 1 hr 53 mins | Change here for many Belgian and German trains | Trains on Trainline Compare on Omio |
| London St Pancras → Amsterdam Centraal | from about 3 hrs 52 mins direct | Some direct trains a day | Trains on Trainline Compare on Omio |
Times are approximate, from published 2026 timetables and guides (Eurostar, Seat61, Deutsche Bahn, NS International). Always check live times before booking.
Good to know
- Paris: city break ideas; easy onward TGV connections from Paris stations.
- Brussels: a great base for Bruges and Ghent day trips.
- Amsterdam: return direct, or ride on to Berlin (see below).
Booking tips
- Book ahead. Eurostar, TGV and ICE fares rise as trains fill up; the cheapest seats go first. Bookings usually open several months ahead.
- Allow time at St Pancras for security and passport checks before Eurostar.
- Check engineering works. Long-distance routes sometimes run slower during trackwork (for example Amsterdam–Berlin in autumn 2026).
- Seat reservations are compulsory on TGV, Eurostar and most high-speed trains in France, Spain and Italy, including for rail pass holders.