Eurostar will start high-speed train service between London and Amsterdam

Train fans will have more travel options in April when Eurostar adds service between London and the Dutch cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Starting April 4, travelers will be able to take the train from St. Pancras station in London to Rotterdam in three hours, and to Amsterdam in three hours and 41 minutes, a news release said.

As the service rolls out, passengers will travel directly to the Dutch cities. But on the return, there will be a stop for passport checks in Brussels, Belgium.

Eurostar hopes to capture some of the estimated 4 million fliers between London and Amsterdam each year with its 200-mph trains. The rail service launched in 1994 with London-Paris service.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday and start at 35 British pounds ($48) each way.

How does Eurostar compare time-wise to flying? Nonstop flights between London and Amsterdam take one hour; flights with one stop take about three hours.

If you add the amount of the time you spend getting to and from airports (generally at least an hour each way) and arriving early for screening, the train journey may be a more enjoyable option.

Eurostar travelers may board as late as 30 minutes before the train departs, and are allowed two suitcases and one carry-on bag for free.

Info: Eurostar

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