Eurostar International, a UK-based high speed rail service between the UK and mainland Europe, has announced the suspension of its ticket sales for the London to Amsterdam, via Brussels, route.
Previously, Eurostar passengers were travelling to Brussels Midi and switching to high-speed Thalys or regular trains for the final journey to Amsterdam. In December 2012, the company launched the new Fyra service to replace the earlier slower trains, which has created a problem with the company’s ticketing system. Following this the company has decide to temporarily suspend selling tickets to Amsterdam, or any Dutch destination, through its website.
A Eurostar spokesperson said, ‘We are currently in discussion with both Thalys and Fyra regarding arrangements for travel between London, Amsterdam and beyond into the Netherlands. We hope to be able to offer an update on arrangements in the near future.
In the interim, our advice to passengers is to book tickets for travel between London and the Netherlands via Rail Europe.’
The company is also offering a twelve-day express sale until January 14 this year, for travel from January 17, to March 27, 2013. Around 150,000 seats are available for London to Paris, Brussels or Lille. Fares commence from £159 return for Standard Premier travel, with more space and meals included. Travel from London to any Belgian destination is available from £69 return in standard class.
Mary Walsh, the company director of communications for Eurostar, said, ‘We’re encouraging people to start the New Year in style with a great value city escape to Paris, Lille or Brussels. With our lowest fares available for travel up until late March, there is ample opportunity for passengers to indulge in a mini break on the Continent next year.’