Today, London to Antwerp means a change in Brussels — around 3¼ hours all in. From 14 December 2026, Eurostar cuts the change: a direct train from St Pancras to Antwerpen-Centraal in roughly 2 hours 40 minutes, with four departures a day and fares from £51 one-way, on sale now.
The planned timetable
Departures from London at 06:16, 08:16, 11:04 and 18:04, arriving Antwerp (local time) at 09:57, 11:57, 14:57 and 21:57. Belgium runs one hour ahead of the UK. The 06:16 is built for day trips — out for breakfast on the Grote Markt, home the same evening.
The return quirk
Coming home works differently: Antwerpen-Centraal has no UK border facilities, so returns are one combined SNCB + Eurostar ticket with a change at Brussels-Midi, where UK passport and security checks happen. Details on the Belgium entry rules page.
When you arrive
Your first sight is the destination: Antwerpen-Centraal is regularly ranked among the world's most beautiful stations. The diamond quarter sits next door, Rubens masterpieces hang in the Cathedral of Our Lady, the MAS museum's free rooftop has the best view in the city, and Belgium's best frites are never far away.
Every Eurostar journey starts with reaching the station on time. Rushxo runs fixed-fare private hire across London and the UK, 24/7 — the quote is the fare, with no surge for early starts or late arrivals. Book a St Pancras transfer, WhatsApp us, or call 020 8888 9988.
Official sources
Quick answers
When does the direct London to Antwerp train start?
14 December 2026, with four departures a day and fares from £51 one-way, on sale now at eurostar.com.
How long is the direct train to Antwerp?
About 2 hours 40 minutes — roughly 45 minutes quicker than today's journey via Brussels.
Is the return from Antwerp also direct?
No — returns change at Brussels-Midi, where UK border checks take place, because Antwerpen-Centraal has no UK border facilities. It's sold as one combined ticket.