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Eurostar tickets from London to Amsterdam on sale after IT glitch
Customers were only able to purchase a two-leg train journey - changing at Bruxelles Midi
TICKETS for the new Eurostar London to Amsterdam direct service are now available.
Due to a glitch, Brits looking to buy fares after the launch of the new train service yesterday were only purchase a two-leg train journey - changing at Bruxelles Midi.
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But a spokesperson for Eurostar said that they were hoping the problem would be solved by today at the latest.
Even after direct tickets go on sale from London to Amsterdam - passengers will still have to purchase a two-leg journey for the return to the UK.
Bureaucratic wrangling between UK and Dutch governments mean for now, passengers returning to the UK will have to change trains and go through passport control in Brussels, adding an hour to the return journey.
It is hoped proper customs facilities will be in place at Amsterdam and Rotterdam by the end of 2019.
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The first ever direct Eurostar service from London to Amsterdam arrived in the Dutch capital yesterday - the same day that direct tickets were supposed to go on sale to the public.
Departing St Pancras International at 8:30am, the historic inaugural train smashed a speed record for the journey to Brussels - 1hr 46mins - before continuing on to Amsterdam via Rotterdam.
The journey took just 3hours 41minutes with the Eurostar travelling at speeds of up to 300kph to the heart of the Netherlands.
The route starts running on April 4 with tickets from £35 each way .
Two trains will depart the UK at 8:31am and 5:31pm.
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Nicolas Petrovic, Chief Executive, Eurostar, said: “Today’s inaugural service heralds an exciting new chapter in the expansion of high speed rail, strengthening the trading and tourism links between the UK and mainland Europe.
“With just six weeks to go until the start of service we are looking forward to providing customers with a fast, comfortable connection from London to Amsterdam and transforming travel between these important capital cities.”
Eurostar opens gateway to Europe with launch of new London to Amsterdam service
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Onboard, passengers in standard class will be able to buy Dutch treats including Stroopwaffle biscuits, beer and gin from the buffet car.
Those treating themselves to Standard or Business Premiere tickets will get complimentary Dutch tapas snacks and gin and tonic as well as a cooked breakfast or evening meal.
With fast WiFi, passengers will also be able to access special onboard entertainment including 300hours of Amazon Prime TV shows and movies in English, French and Dutch.
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