Accessible London to Amsterdam Train
Accessibility :
Assistance from Boarding Gate to Train,
Wheelchair Accessible Train,
Wheelchair Accessible Toilet on Train,
Amsterdam in under 4 hrs,
Meal/drinks served at your seat,
Assistance at Amsterdam Centraal Too
More....
For details of wheelchair accessible hotels, wheelchair-friendly eating and drinking options and wheelchair accessible attractions in central Amsterdam, see the Accessible Amsterdam Guide
London to Amsterdam by Accessible Train
Eurostar run direct wheelchair accessible trains between London St.Pancras and Amsterdam Centraal train stations, taking just 3hrs 52mins (4hrs 09mins on way back). The rail distance from London to Amsterdam is 585 km (363 miles).
And one of the main advantages of taking the Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam, or just train travel in general, is that travel is from city centre to city centre.
There are also no hidden charges for luggage, or limits on liquids (although there are limits to the amount of alcohol a passenger can consume on board: typically 4 bottles / cans of beer, or 1 bottle of wine, per person - with no large bottles of spirits allowed to be consumed on board).
To allow time for your assistance boarding your wheelchair accessible London to Amsterdam Eurostar train, and in clearing the customs and immigration formalities, you must check-in at London St.Pancras 75 minutes before the departure time of your Amsterdam train.
The biggest advantage of taking the wheelchair accessible Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam though?
Wheelchair accessible seats are only available in Standard Premier or Business Premier classes. But don't worry. These seats are available to wheelchair using travellers at a reduced Standard Class fare.
There is no free seat for assistants though - but they too travel at the same reduced Standard Class rate.
So, overall, it is slightly more expensive than if you were simply just another able-bodied Standard Class passenger on Eurostar trains. But Eurostar make up for this, by accommodating you both in Standard Premier or Business Premier classes - at a reduced Standard Class fare.
Making an Accessible Booking on the Eurostar Train to Amsterdam
Booking a wheelchair space on the London-Amsterdam train cannot be done using the standard Eurostar online booking system!
Booking a wheelchair space on the London to Amsterdam Eurostar train can only be done by either completing the Eurostar contact form (at least 48 hours before departure - click the Special Assistance buttons - if Eurostar require any further information, they will call you directly); or by calling Eurostar on +44 (0)3432 186 186 (select your language, then option 4).
[True, reserving wheelchair spaces to certain other Eurostar destinations can simply be done online, but arranging wheelchair assistance on the London to Amsterdam train can only be done by contacting Eurostar first - so that Eurostar staff can ensure that there’s a wheelchair ramp, and assistance, available at both London St.Pancras and Amsterdam Centraal stations - as assistance at Amsterdam is actually provided by the local assistance team there].
Taking Luggage to Amsterdam?
Normally, each adult can take two bags (each up to 85cm long) and one small item of hand luggage.
However, if you require assistance with your luggage, you can carry just one bag each (that weighs up to 15kg - as this is the maximum weight that Eurostar's assistance staff will carry for you - so best leave the kitchen sink at home).
And when you arrive in Amsterdam Centraal station, the local assistance team there (English-speaking), although they WILL assist you from the train, and through customs/immigration/security - they will not carry any luggage at all. So bear this in mind.
Travelling to Amsterdam with a Mobility Scooter on the Eurostar Train
Mobility scooters can be taken on the London to Amsterdam Eurostar train. But there are conditions:
Mobility scooters must be battery-operated only (mobility scooters that use combustible fuel are not permitted on any Eurostar trains);
If you book a wheelchair space, you’ll need to sit in your scooter all the way to Amsterdam. So your mobility scooter must have the same maximum dimensions as the wheelchair spaces (70cm wide by 120cm long);
Accessible London St.Pancras Station
Arriving at London St.Pancras Station from London Kings Cross Station:
London Kings Cross Station and London St.Pancras Station are located right beside each other.
So if your train, from elsewhere in the UK, arrives in London at London Kings Cross Station, then simply follow the signs to "St.Pancras International" (a 2-minute trundle - completely level).
Arriving at London St.Pancras Station from London Euston Station:
Both London Euston Station and London St.Pancras Station are on the same side of Euston Road. So you can easily roll between the two. There are a few sidestreets to cross on the way, but lights and dropped kerbs are always available where required. The trip between both stations will take no more than 10 minutes.
Arriving at London St.Pancras Station by Taxi:
If arriving in London at any other mainline train station, then I would simply recommend getting to London St.Pancras Station by wheelchair accessible taxi (these can always be found at all mainline arrival stations in central London).
When your taxi arrives at London St.Pancras Station, the taxi drop-off point is on Pancras Road, near to the Eurostar departure gates [MAP].
From the taxi drop-off point, it is then a short, and completely level, distance to the Eurostar Assist meeting point by the Eurostar departure gates.
Accessible Parking (London St.Pancras)
There are 12 Blue Badge parking spaces in the car park at London St.Pancras.
However, they are charged at the normal rate (which is currently an eye-watering £42.60 for each 24 hours) [further details].
Your Wheelchair Accessible Train Journey to Amsterdam
If you have booked a wheelchair space on the London to Amsterdam train, then you’ll remain in your wheelchair on board.
In a forward-facing wheelchair space with a table, near the wheelchair accessible toilet. Your companion will be seated beside you.
If you’d rather sit in a normal seat on board the train though, you need to be able to walk 200m unaided (and board the train using the steps). In this case, just book a regular ticket in the travel class required (and if you have a folding wheelchair, you can put it in the luggage rack at the end of the coach).
Accessible Toilets on the Amsterdam Train
Both wheelchair spaces on the London to Amsterdam train, are located near wheelchair accessible toilets (in the same carriage).
Accessible Dining on the London to Amsterdam Train
This is one of the major advantages of the wheelchair accessible London to Amsterdam train:
As all wheelchair passengers are seated in either Standard Premier or Business Premier classes, as well as enjoying the extra extra space, a meal and drinks will be served to you at your wheelchair space.
Accessible Amsterdam Centraal Station
When you arrive at Amsterdam Centraal Station, you’ll be met by the local special assistance team. They’ll help you off the train (there will be a ramp to help you disembark the train), and they'll accompany you through all immigration and customs checkpoints, until you finally reach the ticket gates.
The return journey from Amsterdam Centraal Station to London St.Pancras Station
For your return journey from Amsterdam Centraal you should arrive at the Eurostar departures building at Amsterdam Centraal train station 60-75 minutes before the departure time of the London St.Pancras-bound train.
The Eurostar departures building isn’t under the main station roof though. But it's very easy to find:
You’ll find the Eurostar departures building at the far end of platform 15b (to get there, just follow the signs to platform 15);
Once on the platform, continue to follow the London signs.
When you finally arrive at the Eurostar departures building, you’ll be welcomed by Eurostar staff.
More....
For details of other wheelchair accessible visitor attractions, eating and drinking options and hotels in Amsterdam see the Accessible Amsterdam Guide
Eurostar London to Amsterdam News
Get the latest accessibility news from Eurostar (the London to Amsterdam train operator), on their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube social media channels.