Eurostar has announced the launch of a new direct route between the UK and Belgium from December.
From 14 December, rail travellers will be able to book direct journeys from London St Pancras to Antwerp-Centraal.
Up to four trains a day, that already run between London and Amsterdam, will introduce the direct connection with existing stops at Lille-Europe, Brussels-Midi, Rotterdam-Centraal and Amsterdam-Centraal.
However, the route will only be direct on the outward leg from London.
According to Eurostar, there are no current 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 instead book a combined SNCB and Eurostar ticket through the Channel Tunnel operator connecting via Brussels-Midi, where UK border and security checks take place.
Eurostar said: “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 international high-speed train service is also preparing for unprecedented heat across Europe with a new fleet of trains designed to withstand temperatures of up to 55C.
Following intense heatwaves, including a record-breaking high of 37.7C in the UK in June, Eurostar has said it will upgrade its new fleet with air conditioning capable of operating at 55C.
The Channel Tunnel rail operator upgraded its order with French manufacturer Alstom earlier this month to “be prepared for the future”.
Last year, Eurostar announced a €2 billion (£1.7 billion) investment in up to 50 new double-decker all-electric Celestia trains.
It said: “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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