Rotterdam Centraal
Stationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam
From 15 June until early 2025 there won't be any direct trains from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London because of major track works at Amsterdam Centraal station.
Don't worry, you can still travel from the Netherlands to London by taking the Eurostar to Brussels-Zuid/Midi, where you'll go through border control and then catch the train to London.
The direct trains will be back up and running early next year, with a bigger terminal for an even better travel experience.
Departing from Rotterdam Centraal station
There are different departure processes at Rotterdam Centraal depending on whether you’re travelling to London or any of our other destinations. You'll find everything you need to know below.
Direct trains to London
When travelling to London on a direct train, your luggage and passport will be checked before you board.
| Standard & Standard Premier | Business Premier | Special Assist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How long before departure should I arrive? (mins) | 60-90 | 30-45 | 60 |
| How long before departure does the gate close? (mins) | 30 | 20 | 30 |
Finding our direct Eurostar trains
Make your way to the Eurostar departures building in the middle of platform 2 where you’ll be welcomed by our staff. Have your Eurostar ticket ready to be checked.
You'll need to scan the barcode of your train ticket at the NS gates to enter and exit the station. To prevent accidental charges when using bank cards stored on your phone, store your Eurostar ticket in your mobile wallet or the Eurostar app.
When to arrive at the Eurostar departures building (direct trains only)
For a smooth departure, please arrive at Eurostar departures at the time recommended on your ticket.
Each of our trains can carry nearly 900 passengers, so there are sometimes queues at busy times. Don't worry though, our station team will be on hand to guide you through the departures process and off on your cross-Channel trip.
Security before boarding a direct train
Once you’ve had your tickets checked, there's a security check for you and your luggage.
Please make sure that you don’t go over the luggage allowance and that you don’t bring anything which is prohibited.
If you have a pacemaker, please inform the security team before going through the metal detector. You may be asked to show your medical device ID card.
The security checks will take place in Brussels-Midi/Zuid if you're travelling to London via Brussels.
Passport/border control when travelling to London
Direct trains: your passport will be checked twice – first by the Dutch authorities and then by the UK Border Force.
Indirect trains: border control checks will take place in Brussels-Zuid/Midi before you change onto the Eurostar to London.
NS International Lounge
Before departing, Business Premier ticket holders and Carte Blanche travellers can relax in the Regus NS International Lounge. It’s located on platform 2a, not within the Eurostar departures building. You’ll find the following facilities:
- Comfortable workplaces
- Free wi-fi
- Meeting rooms
- Free (non-alcoholic) drinks
Find out more about the Regus NS International Lounge.
Make sure you head over to the Eurostar departures building in time for ticket, security, and border checks.
Trains to Paris, Brussels, and Antwerp
For the Eurostar to Paris, Brussels and Antwerp, there are no passport or security checks, so you don't need to arrive extra early. However, make sure you have enough time to find the right platform.
Trains to Antwerp, Brussels and Paris from Rotterdam Centraal
Please arrive at the station 20 minutes before your train leaves.
- Scan your ticket at the NS gates to get to the platform. To prevent accidental charges when using bank cards stored on your phone, store your Eurostar ticket in your mobile wallet or the Eurostar app.
- Check the departure board for your train and find the correct platform.
- When the train arrives, get on and find your seat.
To make sure we leave on time, be ready to board five minutes before the scheduled departure.
Travelling to London with a change in Brussels?
Your train will usually depart from platform 2 or 3, but check the station screens just to be sure.
Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, and board your train at least five minutes before it leaves.
Luggage and passport checks will take place in Brussels before you get on your train to London.
Booking accessible travel in Rotterdam Centraal
Find everything you need to know about accessible travel, including how to book, help with your luggage, parking and station facilities and much more on our accessible travel page.
Station details and facilities
- Cafés, shops and supermarkets
- Cash machines
- The NS International ticket office. See opening hours
- The NS International Lounge. See opening hours
- Baggage storage
- Self-service ticket machines
- Toilets with baby-changing facilities
- Bike rental and storage
You'll need to scan the barcode of your train ticket at the NS gates to enter and exit the station.
Using a mobile ticket?
To avoid accidental charges, don't scan a PDF or screenshot of your Eurostar ticket if your bank cards are stored on your phone. Save your ticket in Apple Wallet or Google Pay Wallet instead, and disable contactless payments (NFC).
The ticket gates can read both ticket barcodes and digital bank cards. Sometimes, they might read a bank card on your phone instead of the ticket barcode, resulting in an incorrect payment of up to €20.
If you're charged in error, visit the OVpay website to find out how to get a refund.
Tickets issued by other carriers may not have a barcode, so you'll need to speak to a member of staff or press the (i) button next to the ticket gates for assistance.
The station is easily accessed by foot, bike or by public transport. It’s served by both metro and tram lines as well as a number of bus routes. To find out how to drive to Rotterdam Centraal, see Google Maps.
Find out more about onward connections within the Netherlands, including information about train times and tickets. For local connections within Rotterdam, see Google Maps.
Please speak to a member of staff at the OV Service & Tickets Shop.
Or call NS Customer Service on +31 (0) 30-7515155.
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When to arrive at the station
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London to Rotterdam trains
With our trains direct from St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal, it takes just 3hrs 13 mins to speed from city centre to city centre.