Trains from London to Rotterdam
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Taking a Eurostar train from London to Rotterdam
Want to jump on the Eurostar and travel from London to Rotterdam by train? Start your journey with us!
It usually takes around 5 hours and 22 minutes to travel the 196 miles between London and Rotterdam by train. However, you can get there in just 3 hours and 13 minutes on the fastest direct Eurostar services. Generally, you’ll find around 9 trains running on this route each day, with all trains departing from London St Pancras International and arriving at Rotterdam Centraal station – most services are direct, however some may require a quick change in Brussels.
Connecting the United Kingdom to Europe via the Channel Tunnel, high-speed Eurostar trains are modern and comfortable, offering free WiFi and an onboard café for hot snacks and drinks as standard. Fancy travelling in style? Upgrade to Standard Premier and enjoy a free meal.
Once you’ve arrived at Rotterdam Centraal station, you can start exploring! There are so many things to do in Rotterdam, it can be difficult to know where to start. You can make your way to Rotterdam Zoo to meet the exotic animals, or you can head to Erasmusbrug – an iconic bridge nicknamed “the Swan”.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Rotterdam in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Or find out more here, including:
- Eurostar classes from London to Rotterdam
- Services on board Eurostar trains from London to Rotterdam
- Eurostar luggage allowance
- How to get to London St Pancras International
- All about London St Pancras station
- Arriving in Rotterdam
- Things to see and do in Rotterdam
- See even more of the Netherlands by train
- Explore Europe with an Interrail Pass
- Where to travel next after visiting Rotterdam.
London to Rotterdam by train
It takes an average of 5h 6m to travel from London to Rotterdam by train, over a distance of around 196 miles (316 km). There are normally 11 trains per day travelling from London to Rotterdam and tickets for this journey start from £51 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 19:34 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Rotterdam | |
| Journey time | From 3h 16m | |
| Distance | 196 miles (316 km) | |
| Frequency | 11 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £51 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Eurostar trains from London to Rotterdam
Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for luggage, and onboard food and beverage carriage. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On 1st October, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red colour scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
Eurostar classes from London to Rotterdam
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar when travelling from London to Rotterdam.
Standard
In Standard class, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard café-bar.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
Standard Premier
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Standard Class, in Eurostar Standard Premier you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Instead of Standard Premier, Red trains travelling around Europe have Comfort Class. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat (1)
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains travelling to or from the United Kingdom.
Business Premier
For trains to and from London, Business Premier gives you the freedom to travel in your own time, with speedy boarding and Eurostar's exclusive Business Premier lounges where you can relax before your trip. In Premium Class, exclusively on trains in Europe, you'll benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Catering at your seat
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access (2)
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
- (2) Access to the Business Premier lounge is only available for passengers travelling between the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
Onboard services on Eurostar
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from London to Rotterdam.
Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).
Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard Class, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.
Travel in Business Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks.
In Premium class, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.
Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.
You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.
The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.
Trains in the rest of Europe:
- Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:
- Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
- If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
- Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
- There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.
Sports equipment:
- You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm long.
- Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
- Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 75 mm long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
- You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
Cheap train tickets from London to Rotterdam
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from London to Rotterdam by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
How many bags are allowed in the different Eurostar classes?
Standard/Standard Premier
- 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Business Premier
- 3 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Children (for all classes)
- 1 piece of luggage up to 85cm long
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. backpack or laptop bag
How to get to London St Pancras International station
Before your journey to Rotterdam, you’ll need to make your way to London St Pancras International station. Continue reading for more information on how to get there.
Located in the heart of the capital, London St Pancras International station is conveniently located in the King’s Cross and can be easily reached by National Rail trains, London Underground, bus, car or bike:
- Train: If you’re travelling by train, you can get to London St Pancras International from some of the city’s main stations, including Euston, Victoria, and Paddington stations, in around half an hour.
- London Underground: King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines, including Victoria (light blue line), Piccadilly (dark blue line), Northern (black line), Metropolitan (purple line), Circle (yellow line) & Hammersmith and City (pink line).
- Buses: From most places across the city, there are various buses that go to London St Pancras International station.
- Car: If you’re driving to the station, you can park your car at the 24-hour Click and Park car park at London St Pancras International – it has 315 spaces and staff on hand.
- Bike: If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of spaces to store your bike safely.
Everything you need to know about London St Pancras International station
After you’ve arrived at London St Pancras International station, you’ll need to check in. Read on for more information on checking in, station facilities and First Class lounges.
How far ahead of time do you need to arrive?
Where are Eurostar check-in gates?
How does Eurostar check-in work?
What’s on offer at London St Pancras International?
Which facilities are in the Eurostar Departure Lounge?
Which facilities are in the Business Premier Lounge?
Arriving in Rotterdam from London
When travelling from London to Rotterdam by train, you will arrive at Rotterdam Centraal train station. Read on for more information on how to get from the station to the city centre.
Rotterdam Centraal station is located right in the heart of the city – if you want to reach the main attractions, you can either walk or travel by metro, tram or bus:
- Metro: There are 5 metro lines (A-E) that allow you to travel quickly and easily in Rotterdam and the surrounding areas. Beurs station is the biggest metro hub, where all the lines intersect. Line E (RandstadRail) connects Rotterdam with The Hague.
- Tram: Tram lines 8, 7, 21, 23, 21, 23, 24 and 25 all travel through the centre. All trams converge at Central station, the perfect place to get on the tram.
- Bus: Several bus routes connect the station with different city districts, neighbourhoods, and the greater metropolitan area.
Rotterdam is also fairly walkable, so why not wander around, soak up the atmosphere and get lost in its streets?
Things to see and do in Rotterdam
With its rich maritime heritage and modern architecture, Rotterdam offers several attractions that are worth exploring. Here are our top 3 favourites:
- Euromast Tower: Head to the very top of the Euromast Tower for some stunning views over Rotterdam. If you’re feeling brave, you can also zip line from the tower itself!
- Markthal Rotterdam: Located in the historic Laurenskwartier in the heart of Rotterdam, the Markthal houses over 100 stalls and cool bars in an iconic building.
- Kijk-Kubus (Cube Houses): Envisioned and conceptualised by Piet Blom, the Cube Houses are cool spaces tilted at a 45-degree angle. You can also go inside and discover the furniture they have.
See even more of the Netherlands by train
Thinking of exploring more of the Netherlands by train? Great choice. Let’s look at what else there is to see in the Netherlands.
Explore Europe with an Interrail Pass
After visiting Avignon, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use an Interrail Pass if you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country (this includes UK citizens). If you’re not a European citizen or someone legally resident in Europe, such as an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Where to travel next after visiting Rotterdam
Whether you’re heading to the UK after your trip to Rotterdam or you’re looking to explore somewhere else on the continent, we’ve got you covered.
Speed away to Amsterdam
It takes less than an hour to get from Rotterdam to Amsterdam by train. Home to tulip fields, beautiful canals and much more besides, there’s plenty to see and do in the Dutch capital.
Plan a trip to Brussels
Want to visit another of Europe’s bustling capitals? Brussels might be the place for you. The journey from Rotterdam to Brussels can take a little over an hour on the fastest Eurostar services – you’ll get to enjoy Belgian waffles, beer and fries before you know it!
Head to Paris
If you’re looking to explore more of Europe by train, why not head from Rotterdam to Paris? Eurostar trains run direct on this route – it can take less than 3 hours to travel to the French capital on the fastest services. So, what are you waiting for?
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from London to Rotterdam? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from London to Rotterdam take?
The average journey time by train between London and Rotterdam is 5 hours and 6 minutes, with around 11 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Rotterdam by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Rotterdam is 3 hours and 16 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Rotterdam cost?
Train ticket prices from London to Rotterdam can start from as little as £51 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from London to Rotterdam?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Rotterdam without having to change trains. There are 4 direct trains from London to Rotterdam each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from London to Rotterdam leave?
The first train from London to Rotterdam leaves at 06:16. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Rotterdam leave?
The last train from London to Rotterdam leaves at 19:34. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between London and Rotterdam by train?
Trains travelling from London to Rotterdam cover a distance of around 196 miles (316 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Rotterdam to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Rotterdam.