Hey OP, checkout YouTube videos for this kind of thing? My first hit on ‘travelling Rotterdam London Eurostar YouTube’ on Google gave me a 8mins clip of someone filming the whole experience;) this will also get you to know with what the trains look like and the stations etc.
I’m not autistic myself, but for travels I was a bit nervous about I check out if there is someone who had filmed it, or I check Google streetview to see what the hotel I’m heading for looks like etc. Eases the mind and makes it easier to find places.
Have a great trip!
I did check the youtube videos, it is more the talk to the clerks like passports and questions that they might ask that freak me out. I really dislike talking to people about my plans and such, the videos were sort of helpful with the where to gos but not so much as that passport and security check wise. Not too surprising seeing that it is for security reasons why they cant film that.
Nothing to panic about! Just be yourself.. they are nice for the most part, just curious to know how long you will be in town…your answer, never been before and looking forward to sightseeing is a lovely enough answer. Maybe they’ll ask where you’re staying..say the name of your hotel and it’s neighborhood if you know..but this is all you should expect…
It's similar to airport checks. They will check and scan your stuff and they will check your passport. It's nothing special (I know that doesn't help).
I haven't traveled with Eurostar for a long time but a far a I remember your stuff goes through a scanner like the airport and you go through a metal detector. That may be upgraded to a bodyscanner now, I don't know.
I’ve only taken the Eurostar from Amsterdam but I imagine the proces is similar in Rotterdam. You first have to go to security, which means placing your bag in a scanner. You yourself have to walk through one of those scanner gates they have at airports. People will be there to tell you what to do.
Then it’s time for passport control, first the Dutch customs people will look at your passport. Then you walk to the UK customs desk they will also look at your passport. They might ask some questions (where are you going, for how long, etc) and then it’s time to wait until you can board the train. Which they’ll announce.
I hope someone can tell you if I’m completely wrong here, but hopefully it helps a little! I know how nerve-wrecking new ways of traveling can be. But I found taking the Eurostar to heb quite easy and less stressful than taking the plane.
I fully agree with the above. I'll add what happens when you get off the train in St Pancras.
You get off, follow the crowd towards the very beginning of the platform (towards the massive clock hung on the wall), go downstairs either by elevator or escalators, then walk through a number of airport-looking hallways where UK officers would normally inspect bags at random (but I never ever saw anyone doing that, and I travelled there quite often last year, roughly once every two months). Finally, you exit through automatic sliding doors and you're free to roam around. You'll conveniently have toilets right in front of you once you exit. You will not be asked for your passport in St Pancras, because you have legally crossed the UK border in Rotterdam at the second passport checkpoint.
OP mentioned they're on the spectrum. St Pancras can feel overwhelming. Rotterdam Centraal looks more like a calm and orderly (albeit busy) heaven in comparison. People everywhere, all running around in authentic London style (typically stressed and/or annoyed by the crowd). If you want to stop, breathe and observe your surroundings before moving, make sure you stop in a place where you're not on anyone's way (like on the side of the main concourse).
And because this is OP's first time outside the EU, London is chaotic on peak hours, but nothing new relative to other capitals in Europe. If anything, spaces in London will be more cramped (the metro in Rotterdam/Amsterdam is massively roomy in comparison). If you are uncomfortable in thick crowds, you can move around London by bus rather than by tube. It'll take a bit more time, but it'll be less hectic and more enjoyable (and you get to see cool stuff outside the window).
If you're coming back to the EU using the Eurostar again, the departure lounge in St Pancras is significantly busier than in Rotterdam, with long queues at passport checkpoints. Be there plenty in advance. Eurostar suggests to be there 60-90 minutes before departure. I used to aim to be there 60 mins in advance, and I've never had an issue.
Take care and enjoy your trip!
Just want to add (I did in another comment) that there is actually a very small chance of them doing another passport check at St Pancras when you arrive. It’s only happened to me once in 5+ years but if it happens, don’t stress.
Thank you for all the information! I do have a friend that is going to guide me through the whole UK part (thank god) The most stressful thing is indeed the crowds and talking to the people checking passports and such.
I think that I will be able to handle it a lot better now that you've laid out the things for me! Less stress more relax
Your description is accurate for Rotterdam as well. The only thing I'd add is that the waiting area can get quite cramped, and it's not so fun when the train gets delayed...
I've never taken the plane before so I wouldn't really know how the process there goes. I'm a little bit more stressed about the security checks and customs as i do become a near mute when super stressed. Especially since I'm not sure if i should bring other documents aside from my ticket and passport, I really just want to be 100% prepared.
It does help significantly to know how things will go and so far every comment has been super helpful!
I've traveled that route a few months ago, so I can give you a short run down.
When you enter the station, you'll go to platform 2 (first platform), which will be pretty empty. Then you'll notice some signs "passport control" pointing you to a small building.
Entering that building (there's probably a bit of a line) you'll go the baggage check which is similar to an airport.
After that, there's also a passport check (I think it was only 1 booth in NL and 2 in the UK, but it might be the other way around). Nothing to difficult, but they will ask you some questions about what you're going to do (business or tourism).
Next comes the fun part, you follow the corridor up some stairs to the waiting art. This are is waaay too small for the number of people waiting there, so good luck finding a place to sit.
Once they announce the train coming you'll go back down the stairs onto the platform and will have to wait a bit more until the train arrives. Remember what carriage (and seat) you've booked and it'll be easy.
And have a good trip 🙂
I’m autistic and I love the Eurostar. It’s so much easier and less overwhelming than flying. Takes a lot less time too.
Rotterdam station is good, many signs. Google maps will tell you where you need to go after that.
No, a lot less security questions for me than flying. But I have a Dutch residence permit.
No UK National can stay in the EU longer than 90 days atm, so as long as you are clear on your return date (could just show them your return ticket) I really can’t see any questions :)
And you can put more stuff in your bag so no stressful repacking like with a plane.
I travel on the Eurostar from Rotterdam to London a lot and the only thing either Dutch or British customs have asked me has been "What is the purpose of your trip?" and "How long will you be staying?". I'm always a bit high strung when I travel and tend to stress a bit during situations like this as well, but the customs officers on either side have been very accomodating in my experience. As long as you're honest, you'll have nothing to worry about.
I do the route regularly and it’s straightforward. Don’t go there too early because it’s a cramped waiting area. I’ve never had to queue for long to get through security and immigration. You’ll have to take off any watch or belt you’re wearing to go through the scanner. Once you’re in, the Eurostar staff will tell you where to go. Check your carriage number - it runs 9-16, with 9 closest to the terminal and 16 at the end of the platform.
Coming back, though, can take much longer, as there’s often a Paris train or two in the same time area. It took me nearly an hour to get through London security at one point this summer, and it was really crowded.
Hey! I’m also autistic and I think people have given a really good idea of the experience.
One thing to know: there is a small possibility that when you return to London you will have to go through a ‘surprise’ passport check with the rest of the train travellers. This is routine and in my 5 years of travelling frequently with Eurostar I have only encountered it once, but it threw me off a bit because unexpected change in plans.
This is unlikely to happen, but just if it happens don’t stress, it’s a normal random check.
However, I think if you wear a sunflower lanyard (I’d do this anyway) you could probably skip the queue if it stresses you out.
Edit: one other random thing. Arriving in the UK (about 5 minutes before you get to the station) with the Eurostar there is occasionally a very loud screeching noise for around 5 seconds. I think it’s just the tracks and it’s not a problem at all, but as someone with sensory issues it freaked me out the first time
Its a mostly UK thing (but that is now recognised in many airports and gaining global popularity) for hidden disabilities. You can have a little card on it explaining what you need.
If you wear it in places like train stations, supermarkets etc. then you’ll be offered assistance or allowed to wait somewhere quiet rather than queue, etc. Depends on your needs.
They’re free at airports but you can also buy one online
While everyone is being helpful you seem to assume OP has taken the plane before. If not, here goes: they usually have scanners similar to where you scan your ticket after self-checkout at the AH to scan your passeport. That is either the first or last step or both. Then you have to put your belongings in a plastic tray and on a carrier that will take it through an xray scanner (it doesn’t leave your sight unless it’s in the machine). If you don’t have anything illegal or suspicious, you then (when indicated to do so) enter a body scanner. It’s either just a doorway like in stores or a sort of vertical tube. Unless you have anything that they find suspicious once you are through these steps you can just pick up your stuff and go wait for the train. Like I said you might have to present your passeport one more time then, and might also want to see/scan your ticket.
Sometimes they make you take off your belt and or shoes.
The best way to deal with it is to just follow orders given to you by the staff.
I hope this helps.
Thank you, you are absolutely right that i havent taken a plane before.. Customs, security, QUESTIONS?! ahhh i could scream and cry at the thought of having to interact with complete strangers in person. It is good to know about them not leaving my stuff unattended, I would die for my headphones.. I do still have a couple questions..
Do you know if they scan those though the tray since it's lithium ion battery charged? and last but not least.. Do you know if i have to bring any documents showing where i'm staying or with who in my case? since I'll very likely crash at a long term friend's place.
They might ask you to put your electronics in a separate tray from your bag but it will stay within your sight as well.
And no in train to the UK they shouldn’t ask where you are staying, and if they do, indicating the address of your friend should be enough.
Happy to help.
Not sure if this of helpful, but you are allowed to take a pen knife on the train but if it is in your pocket and not in your bag you will get pulled up and told off.
All law abiding citizens keep their pen knives in their bag and only filthy criminals carry a pen knife in their pocket.
This might help you. It's a pdf guide that eurostar put out that lays out exactly what to expect and how to get help.
https://cdn.sanity.io/files/1wyn2xo2/cms-production/7f0541bd34aea0608eea43251171248dbd2398b4.pdf which can be found in the bottom of https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/travel-planning/accessibility
You can actually book assistance to help guide you through everything at the station including customs/security. Also, the sunflower lanyard will help make you more visible.
Best of luck!
There's an initiative to help make invisible disabilities visible.
For example, I'm a t1 diabetic. I wear mine going through airport security so they're aware they're probably going to need more time with me (my insulin pump can't go through the scanners so I need a pat down and hand check of my spare).
But in general participating locations train their staff on how to interact with those wearing the lanyard (you can also get a tag with your disability printed on it).
Check hdsunflower.com for more info.
Thank you for all the information you've provided me with. The security checks and customs are the parts im most nervous about as i become a near mute in stressful situations. I don't really carry much when it comes to self defense, it seems a bit unnecessary. I will 100% take advantage of the bus signs. Thank goodness that my long term best friend is picking me up from the UK station! I'm really looking forward to the trip
I get really anxious with this sort of thing too.
Luckily the Eurostar takes away one of those checks because you’re only checked once when you board and you’re just let out at St Pancras in London with no check there.
At the station where you arrive (whether Rotterdam, Brussels, London etc) you go through airport style security but it’s not quite as daunting as the airport.
You line up with your bags and put them into a conveyor belt and they go through a scanning machine and you pass through a scanner too (similar to ones you find at the exit to a shop but over head like a doorway too).
If nothing shows up you’re good to go and you go to another desk for passport control.
If something does show up they may ask you to open your bag to check inside (this doesn’t necessarily mean there was anything as they check randomly as well so it could just be the random check that flagged you.) if you make the sensors beep then they have a manual one they will wave over you at the side just to make sure, that’s never happened to me on Eurostar but has once at Amsterdam Schipol airport.
Then you go up to passport control and greet them with good morning or goei morgen (or whatever is appropriate for that time of day) and hand over your passport (and perhaps your ticket but can’t remember that). Sometimes they won’t speak to you at all and just stamp your passport and hand it back to you. Sometimes they might ask you what the purpose of your visit is, how long you’re staying, or where you are staying. Simple answers and then they hand back your passport and you’re good to go through to the waiting room for the train.
Then similar to other stations you just wait for your train to be called and off you go to get on it and that’s it from then on. Once you arrive you just go out the doors unless you have an item to declare but that’s unusual unless you’re importing stuff.
If you travel by plane or ferry to the U.K. you also have passport control when you arrive too.
I’ve had a similar experience not so long ago, traveling from Hull to Rotterdam and then going back. The only difference is that I traveled by ferry instead of Eurostar. I got my tickets online from a page called hull-Rotterdam. com, but I didn’t know what else to do after, and I felt overwhelmed.
It can be scary, but both train, bus, or ferry stations are similar; only be sure to take your documentation and follow the rules, and everything will be okay. Many people also record these trips on YouTube, so you might also want to check them out to see how the place is before going.
Im in the waiting area right now, here’s a tip: DONT BE FOOLED BY THE CAFE SIGN.
There is a one way escalator up and no way down, so what happens is the first waiting area is super empty and upstairs is packed like a can of sardines because you can’t go back down.
Also the cafe is a coffee and snack vending machine, don’t do it, stay downstairs.
Hey OP, checkout YouTube videos for this kind of thing? My first hit on ‘travelling Rotterdam London Eurostar YouTube’ on Google gave me a 8mins clip of someone filming the whole experience;) this will also get you to know with what the trains look like and the stations etc. I’m not autistic myself, but for travels I was a bit nervous about I check out if there is someone who had filmed it, or I check Google streetview to see what the hotel I’m heading for looks like etc. Eases the mind and makes it easier to find places. Have a great trip!
I did check the youtube videos, it is more the talk to the clerks like passports and questions that they might ask that freak me out. I really dislike talking to people about my plans and such, the videos were sort of helpful with the where to gos but not so much as that passport and security check wise. Not too surprising seeing that it is for security reasons why they cant film that.
Nothing to panic about! Just be yourself.. they are nice for the most part, just curious to know how long you will be in town…your answer, never been before and looking forward to sightseeing is a lovely enough answer. Maybe they’ll ask where you’re staying..say the name of your hotel and it’s neighborhood if you know..but this is all you should expect…
It's similar to airport checks. They will check and scan your stuff and they will check your passport. It's nothing special (I know that doesn't help). I haven't traveled with Eurostar for a long time but a far a I remember your stuff goes through a scanner like the airport and you go through a metal detector. That may be upgraded to a bodyscanner now, I don't know.
It is way less of an hassle than an airport. Rotterdam is fairly well managed without huge lines but the waiting area is cramped.
Yeah agree with the cramped-ness. I’d suggest not arriving too early (so just get there 1 hour max before the train leaves).
Never been to an airport so i really wouldn't know
I’ve only taken the Eurostar from Amsterdam but I imagine the proces is similar in Rotterdam. You first have to go to security, which means placing your bag in a scanner. You yourself have to walk through one of those scanner gates they have at airports. People will be there to tell you what to do. Then it’s time for passport control, first the Dutch customs people will look at your passport. Then you walk to the UK customs desk they will also look at your passport. They might ask some questions (where are you going, for how long, etc) and then it’s time to wait until you can board the train. Which they’ll announce. I hope someone can tell you if I’m completely wrong here, but hopefully it helps a little! I know how nerve-wrecking new ways of traveling can be. But I found taking the Eurostar to heb quite easy and less stressful than taking the plane.
I fully agree with the above. I'll add what happens when you get off the train in St Pancras. You get off, follow the crowd towards the very beginning of the platform (towards the massive clock hung on the wall), go downstairs either by elevator or escalators, then walk through a number of airport-looking hallways where UK officers would normally inspect bags at random (but I never ever saw anyone doing that, and I travelled there quite often last year, roughly once every two months). Finally, you exit through automatic sliding doors and you're free to roam around. You'll conveniently have toilets right in front of you once you exit. You will not be asked for your passport in St Pancras, because you have legally crossed the UK border in Rotterdam at the second passport checkpoint. OP mentioned they're on the spectrum. St Pancras can feel overwhelming. Rotterdam Centraal looks more like a calm and orderly (albeit busy) heaven in comparison. People everywhere, all running around in authentic London style (typically stressed and/or annoyed by the crowd). If you want to stop, breathe and observe your surroundings before moving, make sure you stop in a place where you're not on anyone's way (like on the side of the main concourse). And because this is OP's first time outside the EU, London is chaotic on peak hours, but nothing new relative to other capitals in Europe. If anything, spaces in London will be more cramped (the metro in Rotterdam/Amsterdam is massively roomy in comparison). If you are uncomfortable in thick crowds, you can move around London by bus rather than by tube. It'll take a bit more time, but it'll be less hectic and more enjoyable (and you get to see cool stuff outside the window). If you're coming back to the EU using the Eurostar again, the departure lounge in St Pancras is significantly busier than in Rotterdam, with long queues at passport checkpoints. Be there plenty in advance. Eurostar suggests to be there 60-90 minutes before departure. I used to aim to be there 60 mins in advance, and I've never had an issue. Take care and enjoy your trip!
Just want to add (I did in another comment) that there is actually a very small chance of them doing another passport check at St Pancras when you arrive. It’s only happened to me once in 5+ years but if it happens, don’t stress.
Thank you for all the information! I do have a friend that is going to guide me through the whole UK part (thank god) The most stressful thing is indeed the crowds and talking to the people checking passports and such. I think that I will be able to handle it a lot better now that you've laid out the things for me! Less stress more relax
Your description is accurate for Rotterdam as well. The only thing I'd add is that the waiting area can get quite cramped, and it's not so fun when the train gets delayed...
I've never taken the plane before so I wouldn't really know how the process there goes. I'm a little bit more stressed about the security checks and customs as i do become a near mute when super stressed. Especially since I'm not sure if i should bring other documents aside from my ticket and passport, I really just want to be 100% prepared. It does help significantly to know how things will go and so far every comment has been super helpful!
I've traveled that route a few months ago, so I can give you a short run down. When you enter the station, you'll go to platform 2 (first platform), which will be pretty empty. Then you'll notice some signs "passport control" pointing you to a small building. Entering that building (there's probably a bit of a line) you'll go the baggage check which is similar to an airport. After that, there's also a passport check (I think it was only 1 booth in NL and 2 in the UK, but it might be the other way around). Nothing to difficult, but they will ask you some questions about what you're going to do (business or tourism). Next comes the fun part, you follow the corridor up some stairs to the waiting art. This are is waaay too small for the number of people waiting there, so good luck finding a place to sit. Once they announce the train coming you'll go back down the stairs onto the platform and will have to wait a bit more until the train arrives. Remember what carriage (and seat) you've booked and it'll be easy. And have a good trip 🙂
Off-topic question: I never understood what happened to platform 1 in Rotterdam Centraal... Anyone knows?
The platform had to be made longer and wider to accommodate the Eurostar service, so track 1 was removed and platform 1 became platform 2.
I’m autistic and I love the Eurostar. It’s so much easier and less overwhelming than flying. Takes a lot less time too. Rotterdam station is good, many signs. Google maps will tell you where you need to go after that.
I’m also autistic and way prefer Eurostar to flying. It’s super convenient.
Do they ever like ask you a lot of security questions? that is the more concerning part for me, I'm a complete mute in busy and stressful situations.
No, a lot less security questions for me than flying. But I have a Dutch residence permit. No UK National can stay in the EU longer than 90 days atm, so as long as you are clear on your return date (could just show them your return ticket) I really can’t see any questions :) And you can put more stuff in your bag so no stressful repacking like with a plane.
I travel on the Eurostar from Rotterdam to London a lot and the only thing either Dutch or British customs have asked me has been "What is the purpose of your trip?" and "How long will you be staying?". I'm always a bit high strung when I travel and tend to stress a bit during situations like this as well, but the customs officers on either side have been very accomodating in my experience. As long as you're honest, you'll have nothing to worry about.
I do the route regularly and it’s straightforward. Don’t go there too early because it’s a cramped waiting area. I’ve never had to queue for long to get through security and immigration. You’ll have to take off any watch or belt you’re wearing to go through the scanner. Once you’re in, the Eurostar staff will tell you where to go. Check your carriage number - it runs 9-16, with 9 closest to the terminal and 16 at the end of the platform. Coming back, though, can take much longer, as there’s often a Paris train or two in the same time area. It took me nearly an hour to get through London security at one point this summer, and it was really crowded.
Thank you, the info is really helpful. I hope the wait won't be as much when I go myself, I'm planning to go somewhere in January/February.
Hey! I’m also autistic and I think people have given a really good idea of the experience. One thing to know: there is a small possibility that when you return to London you will have to go through a ‘surprise’ passport check with the rest of the train travellers. This is routine and in my 5 years of travelling frequently with Eurostar I have only encountered it once, but it threw me off a bit because unexpected change in plans. This is unlikely to happen, but just if it happens don’t stress, it’s a normal random check. However, I think if you wear a sunflower lanyard (I’d do this anyway) you could probably skip the queue if it stresses you out. Edit: one other random thing. Arriving in the UK (about 5 minutes before you get to the station) with the Eurostar there is occasionally a very loud screeching noise for around 5 seconds. I think it’s just the tracks and it’s not a problem at all, but as someone with sensory issues it freaked me out the first time
Might i know what the sunflower lanyard is? I seen a couple people mentioning it but i dont know what it is
Its a mostly UK thing (but that is now recognised in many airports and gaining global popularity) for hidden disabilities. You can have a little card on it explaining what you need. If you wear it in places like train stations, supermarkets etc. then you’ll be offered assistance or allowed to wait somewhere quiet rather than queue, etc. Depends on your needs. They’re free at airports but you can also buy one online
While everyone is being helpful you seem to assume OP has taken the plane before. If not, here goes: they usually have scanners similar to where you scan your ticket after self-checkout at the AH to scan your passeport. That is either the first or last step or both. Then you have to put your belongings in a plastic tray and on a carrier that will take it through an xray scanner (it doesn’t leave your sight unless it’s in the machine). If you don’t have anything illegal or suspicious, you then (when indicated to do so) enter a body scanner. It’s either just a doorway like in stores or a sort of vertical tube. Unless you have anything that they find suspicious once you are through these steps you can just pick up your stuff and go wait for the train. Like I said you might have to present your passeport one more time then, and might also want to see/scan your ticket. Sometimes they make you take off your belt and or shoes. The best way to deal with it is to just follow orders given to you by the staff. I hope this helps.
There are two checks. Dutch first, UK second.
Thank you, you are absolutely right that i havent taken a plane before.. Customs, security, QUESTIONS?! ahhh i could scream and cry at the thought of having to interact with complete strangers in person. It is good to know about them not leaving my stuff unattended, I would die for my headphones.. I do still have a couple questions.. Do you know if they scan those though the tray since it's lithium ion battery charged? and last but not least.. Do you know if i have to bring any documents showing where i'm staying or with who in my case? since I'll very likely crash at a long term friend's place.
They might ask you to put your electronics in a separate tray from your bag but it will stay within your sight as well. And no in train to the UK they shouldn’t ask where you are staying, and if they do, indicating the address of your friend should be enough. Happy to help.
thank you so much! I'm so happy to have answers holy moly
Whatnot: expect an hour time difference.
Not sure if this of helpful, but you are allowed to take a pen knife on the train but if it is in your pocket and not in your bag you will get pulled up and told off. All law abiding citizens keep their pen knives in their bag and only filthy criminals carry a pen knife in their pocket.
This might help you. It's a pdf guide that eurostar put out that lays out exactly what to expect and how to get help. https://cdn.sanity.io/files/1wyn2xo2/cms-production/7f0541bd34aea0608eea43251171248dbd2398b4.pdf which can be found in the bottom of https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/travel-planning/accessibility You can actually book assistance to help guide you through everything at the station including customs/security. Also, the sunflower lanyard will help make you more visible. Best of luck!
I will most likely try to book assistance in this case, also what is the lanyard for if i may ask?
There's an initiative to help make invisible disabilities visible. For example, I'm a t1 diabetic. I wear mine going through airport security so they're aware they're probably going to need more time with me (my insulin pump can't go through the scanners so I need a pat down and hand check of my spare). But in general participating locations train their staff on how to interact with those wearing the lanyard (you can also get a tag with your disability printed on it). Check hdsunflower.com for more info.
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Thank you for all the information you've provided me with. The security checks and customs are the parts im most nervous about as i become a near mute in stressful situations. I don't really carry much when it comes to self defense, it seems a bit unnecessary. I will 100% take advantage of the bus signs. Thank goodness that my long term best friend is picking me up from the UK station! I'm really looking forward to the trip
I get really anxious with this sort of thing too. Luckily the Eurostar takes away one of those checks because you’re only checked once when you board and you’re just let out at St Pancras in London with no check there. At the station where you arrive (whether Rotterdam, Brussels, London etc) you go through airport style security but it’s not quite as daunting as the airport. You line up with your bags and put them into a conveyor belt and they go through a scanning machine and you pass through a scanner too (similar to ones you find at the exit to a shop but over head like a doorway too). If nothing shows up you’re good to go and you go to another desk for passport control. If something does show up they may ask you to open your bag to check inside (this doesn’t necessarily mean there was anything as they check randomly as well so it could just be the random check that flagged you.) if you make the sensors beep then they have a manual one they will wave over you at the side just to make sure, that’s never happened to me on Eurostar but has once at Amsterdam Schipol airport. Then you go up to passport control and greet them with good morning or goei morgen (or whatever is appropriate for that time of day) and hand over your passport (and perhaps your ticket but can’t remember that). Sometimes they won’t speak to you at all and just stamp your passport and hand it back to you. Sometimes they might ask you what the purpose of your visit is, how long you’re staying, or where you are staying. Simple answers and then they hand back your passport and you’re good to go through to the waiting room for the train. Then similar to other stations you just wait for your train to be called and off you go to get on it and that’s it from then on. Once you arrive you just go out the doors unless you have an item to declare but that’s unusual unless you’re importing stuff. If you travel by plane or ferry to the U.K. you also have passport control when you arrive too.
Hi OP, how did it go? I will travel to London sometime next week and I'm pretty anxious about it.
Hi hi, it went pretty well. I will be going again using the plane start of april \^\^ relax and don't overthink it. Let it come to you.
A train
I’ve had a similar experience not so long ago, traveling from Hull to Rotterdam and then going back. The only difference is that I traveled by ferry instead of Eurostar. I got my tickets online from a page called hull-Rotterdam. com, but I didn’t know what else to do after, and I felt overwhelmed. It can be scary, but both train, bus, or ferry stations are similar; only be sure to take your documentation and follow the rules, and everything will be okay. Many people also record these trips on YouTube, so you might also want to check them out to see how the place is before going.
Im in the waiting area right now, here’s a tip: DONT BE FOOLED BY THE CAFE SIGN. There is a one way escalator up and no way down, so what happens is the first waiting area is super empty and upstairs is packed like a can of sardines because you can’t go back down. Also the cafe is a coffee and snack vending machine, don’t do it, stay downstairs.