Train operator Eurostar announced in September 2013 plans for a through-train service from London to Amsterdam, with a start date of December 2016. Those plans are still on, but the timeline has been revised with the goal now for opening the line by the end of 2017.

When it comes online, the route will run twice a day between the two cities with possible stops in Antwerp, Rotterdam and at Amsterdam Schiphol. The company is betting on the fact the London to Amsterdam trip is one of Europe’s busiest air routes and passengers may be interested in taking the train rather than flying.

Trains on the route will be 900-seat Siemens outfitted with WiFi. The trip will take around four hours, though there is a one-hour time difference between the two cities.

“The Amsterdam service is expected to start at the end of 2017 and that has been the case for some time. Work is progressing well, with on track testing of the e320s having started in April of this year. We continue to work closely with the relevant authorities to advance discussions on border checks, with the aim of finding a solution which will allow us to provide a fast and efficient service for our customers,” Eurostar told Business Traveller.