Eurostar cancels direct UK-Netherlands services after fire damage

Eurostar has cancelled direct services between the UK and Netherlands up to and including Thursday (July 2) because of fire damage to the railway near Rotterdam.

The train operator said on its website: “Unfortunately, it means that Amsterdam and Rotterdam stops have been cancelled and trains on this route are running between London and Brussels only.

“A small number of trains will run between France/Belgium and Amsterdam. However, none of them will stop at Schiphol or Rotterdam.

“As these trains need to take an alternative route around the damaged area, journey times will be significantly longer, and seat availability is reduced.

“We strongly advise that you postpone or cancel plans where possible. Exchanges can be made for free and full refunds are available. We apologise for the inconvenience the situation has caused.”

More: Eurostar cancels services as heatwave continues

Dutch news outlet NL Times said the fire was in a cable duct which caused a major power failure that shut down rail traffic south of Rotterdam. Power is expected to return on Thursday, added the report.

The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the Netherlands to warn travellers about the incident.

“Eurostar services between the UK and the Netherlands are severely disrupted following a fire near Rotterdam Central station,” said the FCDO.

“Eurostar has advised passengers not to attempt to travel to, or from, the Netherlands on the Eurostar until 3 July 2026.

“If you are planning to travel between the UK and the Netherlands, check the latest information with your travel operator before you travel and the latest updates on the Eurostar website.”

Last week, Eurostar cancelled several departures between London and Paris because of the heatwave conditions across England and France.