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Traveling from London to Antwerp by train
Planning to travel from London to Antwerp by train? You’ve come to the right place!
The fastest journey from London to Antwerp takes around 2 hours and 49 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 194 miles. The main train operators on this route are Eurostar and SNCB.
As there are no direct trains from London to Antwerp, you'll need to make at least 1 change during the journey. Hop on a Eurostar train at London St Pancras International, followed by a quick change in Brussels to board an Intercity (IC) train operated by SNCB to Antwerp. Both trains allow you to travel in style, with comfortable seating, plug sockets and WiFi.
Arriving in the centre of the city, Antwerp’s best attractions await, from the famous diamond district (make sure you bring all your pocket money) and the MAS museum, where you can take in fabulous views while learning all about the city.
Ready to book? Start your search for train tickets from London to Antwerp in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you want to learn more about the train journey first, keep reading for more information on:
- Eurostar and SNCB classes
- Services on board Eurostar and SNCB
- How to get to London St Pancras International
- All about London St Pancras International station
- Changing your train in Brussels
- Arriving in Antwerp
- Using public transport in Antwerp
- Things to see and do in Antwerp
- See even more of Belgium by train
- Explore Europe with an Interrail Pass
- Where to travel next after visiting Antwerp.
FAQs about the train journey from London to Antwerp
Want to know more about your journey from London to Antwerp? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How far is the train ride from London to Antwerp?
Can I take a flight-free trip from London to Antwerp?
What is the best way to travel to Antwerp from London?
What time does the first train run from London to Antwerp?
How late does the train from London to Antwerp run?
How many trains go from London to Antwerp per day?
When do tickets from London to Antwerp go on sale?
Planning a round trip from London to Antwerp?
Cheap train tickets from London to Antwerp
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from London to Antwerp by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Learn more about Eurostar classes
When travelling from London to Antwerp, you’ll take a Eurostar train to Brussels first. Keep reading for more information on the different classes available on board.
Standard
Travel to and from London without any fuss.
💺 Spacious seats
📶 Free WiFi
🧳 Two pieces of luggage (each up to 85 cm long) + 1 piece of hand luggage
☕ Snacks and drinks available at the Eurostar Café.
Standard Premier
Travel in style with this premium service.
💺 More spacious seats
🍽️ Light meal and drinks served at your seat
📶 Free WiFi
🧳 Two pieces of luggage (each up to 85 cm long) + 1 piece of hand luggage
Business Premier
Ultimate comfort for your business travel.
🍾 Access to the Business Premier lounge
🚆 Express check-in: check-in gates close later
💺 More comfortable seats
🍽️ Meals designed by a Michelin-starred chef served at your seat
📶 Free WiFi
🧳 Three pieces of luggage (each up to 85 cm long) + 1 piece of hand luggage
How many bags are allowed in the different Eurostar classes?
Standard/Standard Premier
- 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Business Premier
- 3 pieces of luggage up to 85cm long for rucksacks, suitcases, golf clubs or ski equipment
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. handbag, laptop bag or briefcase
Children (for all classes)
- 1 piece of luggage up to 85cm long
- 1 hand luggage, e.g. backpack or laptop bag
Learn more about SNCB classes
Compare the different travel classes offered by SNCB when travelling from Brussels to Antwerp.
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of luggage storage and power sockets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
🔌 Power sockets
🧳 Luggage storage
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfier seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
💺 More legroom
🔌 Power sockets
🧳 Luggage storage
Services on board Eurostar and SNCB trains
Eurostar
SNCB
How to get to London St Pancras International station
Before your journey to Antwerp, you’ll need to make your way to London St Pancras International station. Keep reading for more information on how to get there.
Located in the heart of the capital, London St Pancras International station is in the King’s Cross area and can be easily reached by National Rail trains, London Underground, bus, car or bike
- Train: If you’re travelling by train, you can get to London St Pancras International from some of the city’s main stations, including Euston, Victoria, and Paddington stations, in around half an hour.
- London Underground: King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines, including Victoria (light blue line), Piccadilly (dark blue line), Northern (black line), Metropolitan (purple line), Circle (yellow line) & Hammersmith and City (pink line).
- Buses: From most places across the city, there are various buses that go to London St Pancras International station.
- Car: If you’re driving to the station, you can park your car at the 24-hour Click and Park car park at London St Pancras International – it has 315 spaces and staff on hand.
Bike: If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of spaces to store your bike safely.
Everything you need to know about London St Pancras International station
After you’ve arrived at London St Pancras International station, you’ll need to check in. Read on for more information on checking in, station facilities and First Class lounges.
How far ahead of time do you need to arrive?
Where are Eurostar check-in gates?
How does Eurostar check-in work?
What’s on offer at London St Pancras International?
Which facilities are in the Eurostar Departure Lounge?
Which facilities are in the Business Premier Lounge?
Changing your train in Brussels
As there’s no direct train from London to Antwerp, you’ll need to get off your Eurostar train at Brussels Midi station and board an IC (Intercity) train operated by SNCB. Keep reading for more details.
After travelling for about 2 hours from London to Brussels, you’ll need to get off your Eurostar train at Brussels Midi train station and change onto the IC train to Antwerp Central station.
To do this, take the stairs down to the main station, check the departure boards (if you see ‘Anvers’ or ‘Antwerpen Centraal’, it means that the train is going to Antwerp) and follow the signs to get to the platform where your train is travelling from. You’ll reach your destination in less than an hour.
Arriving in Antwerp from Brussels
Your SNCB train from Brussels Midi will arrive at Antwerp Central station. Read on for more information on how to get from the station to the city centre.
Antwerp Central station is centrally located, and reaching the city centre from there is quite easy thanks to an extensive tram and bus network. Alternatively, you can also walk or cycle from the station to the city centre:
- Walking: If you fancy a stroll, you can walk for about 10-15 minutes, and you’ll reach the city’s main shopping streets and landmarks.
- Tram: Antwerp has an extensive tram network. Tram lines 3, 5, 9, and 15 often connect the station to the city centre.
- Bus: There are several bus lines serving Antwerp. You can take one of the buses that go to the city centre from the bus station near Antwerp Central station.
- Bike: Antwerp is a bike-friendly city, and you can find bike-sharing stations near the station. If you enjoy cycling, it's a quick and efficient way to explore the city.
Using public transport in Antwerp
Antwerp boasts an efficient public transport system, making it a breeze for both residents and visitors to explore the city.
The city’s extensive network of 13 tram lines and 79 bus lines makes it easy to travel smoothly to and from Antwerp, even from different districts and surrounding municipalities.
You can buy your tram or bus ticket at a newsagent’s, supermarket or at the vending machines you’ll find at various stops. If you buy a single ticket, you’ll be able to take the tram or bus for an unlimited number of times within 60 minutes. After that time, you’ll need a new ticket.
Alternatively, you can buy an Antwerp City Pass, which includes the use of public transport in the city for the time your card is valid.
Things to see and do in Antwerp
With its rich history and cultural heritage, Antwerp offers several attractions that are worth exploring. Here are our top 3 favourites:
- Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal): One of Antwerp's most iconic landmarks, the Cathedral of Our Lady is a stunning Gothic cathedral that houses an impressive collection of artworks, including several masterpieces by the renowned artist Rubens.
- MAS (Museum aan de Stroom): The MAS Museum focuses on Antwerp's maritime history, as well as the city's cultural, economic, and social development. The MAS building itself is an architectural gem, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its rooftop.
- Antwerp Zoo (Zoo Antwerpen): Established in 1843, Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Featuring a diverse range of animals and beautiful habitats, the zoo is a great place to spend a day, especially if you're travelling with your family.
See even more of Belgium by train
Thinking of exploring more of Belgium by train? Great choice! Let’s look at what else there is to see and do in this beautiful country:
Explore Europe with an Interrail Pass
After visiting Antwerp, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use an Interrail Pass if you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country (this includes UK citizens). If you’re not a European citizen or someone legally resident in Europe, such as an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Where should you travel next after Antwerp?
Sure, you might have had a good time in Antwerp, but your European adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips below?
Travel from Antwerp to Brussels
It can take just 34 minutes to get from Antwerp to Brussels on the fastest train services. Home to beer, waffles, fries and much more, there's plenty to see and do in the Belgian capital.
Plan a trip to Amsterdam
Want to visit the Dutch capital? Travel from Antwerp to Amsterdam in a little over an hour on the fastest services – before you know it, you’ll be right in the city centre, ready to enjoy the city’s picturesque canals and tulip fields.
Take the train to Bruges
If you want to explore another Belgian city, why not take the train to Bruges? SNCB’s Intercity trains run directly from Antwerp to Bruges and can take less than an hour and a half. Once you arrive, you’ll be ready to enjoy the city’s medieval architecture, charming canals, and rich history right away.