Eurostar’s spacious premium economy sure beats flying with kids

The Eurostar

• The route London to Amsterdam
• Distance 355 kilometres
• Operator Eurostar International Limited
• Duration Three hours, 52 minutes
• Frequency Three times daily
• Class Standard premier class

Amsterdam’s imposing Centraal Station.Credit: Alamy

The journey

Eurostar’s London to Amsterdam service has numerous daily departures, taking travellers in comfort from the UK to the Netherlands in just under four hours. The train passes through English, French, Belgian and Dutch countryside at up to 300km/h, so much of the journey is spent looking at blurred scenery, although we still catch glimpses of country and urban life.

From St Pancras bound for Amsterdam Centraal, the train emerges on the north bank of the Thames. In the hope that the children will remember at least something of the journey, my husband and I point out the QE2 road suspension bridge and Rochester Castle before we enter the Channel Tunnel. The train zooms through the 50-kilometre Chunnel in just 20 minutes, and we note that Wi-Fi and phone reception still work down here. As we exit the tunnel, our eldest loudly declares to fellow passengers that we are in France. We stop at Brussels Midi for a few minutes, and then it’s on to the Netherlands.

The class

Eurostar aims to run entirely on renewable energy by 2030.

We’re travelling in standard premier class, which shares its seating arrangement with business premier. It differs in reduced food and drinks options and the absence of priority boarding or access to business lounges. For us, the deciding factor is the spaciousness of standard premier seats. These typically are twice the price of standard seats, but business premier seats come at a significantly higher cost.

Carbon emissions

Eurostar makes much of its commitment to becoming the most sustainable form of international travel when it comes to carbon emissions. The goal is to switch entirely to renewable energy by 2030. Dutch trains have been powered by 100 per cent wind power since 2017, and as of last year, the UK figure was 40 per cent.

Checking in and boarding

St Pancras International is centrally located in London, and Eurostar departures are from the main concourse, just off Pancras Road. We arrive soon after 4am for our 6.16am departure. Recommended check in time is 60 to 90 minutes, but with children in tow we know an early arrival is always wise. After a toilet mishap and a very distant booked car park, we’re thankful we started early.

The seats

Seats in standard premier class.

Our youngest is three – and children under four travel for free – but we book seats for the whole family. We choose a booth of four with two facing pairs, so we can chat easily. Thankfully, you can get up and move about on a train – which we do frequently to stretch our legs and keep them occupied.

Baggage

Standard premier class passengers can bring two bags up to 85 centimetres in length and one piece of hand luggage. There’s no weight limit, but travellers need to ensure they can carry their own bags.

Food + drink

On standard premier, the included meal is breakfast, which today is a croissant, yoghurt and choice of coffee, tea or juice. The meal is as expected – fine, but nothing to write home about.

One more thing

Eurostar and Thalys merged in September 2023, and although that may not mean much to some, the unification and rebranding to just Eurostar means there’s now a single network connecting France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK, meaning customers can streamline bookings and have better opportunities to earn reward points.

The price

One-way adult fares start at $70 for standard seats and $130 for standard premier. Children’s tickets (ages four to 11) are 30 per cent cheaper in both classes, and those three and under travel free. Business premier seats start at $545.

The verdict

Efficient, eco-conscious and somewhat scenic, the Eurostar trip from London to Amsterdam is an excellent option for families. With its straightforward transit and spacious seating, it stands out as a top choice.

Our rating out of five

★★★★½

The writer travelled courtesy of Eurostar. See eurostar.com