Paris-Amsterdam by train: the unexpected announcement which promises departures every hour

His name is starting to shake the corridors of Eurostar: the Dutch company Herotrain intends to put an end to the unchallenged reign of the historic operator between France and the Netherlands.

The company took a decisive step on October 23 by signing a ten-year framework agreement with SNCF Réseau, guaranteeing access to French rails between Gare du Nord and the Belgian border from December 2030. Subject to the actual capacities available on this strategic portion via Brussels, the countdown is on, even if the commercial deployment has yet to materialize.

Sixteen daily round trips to break the monopoly

The company wishes to offer departures every hour in each direction, from morning until late evening. It aims for journey times comparable to those of Eurostar. Currently, the latter connects Paris to Amsterdam in 3h30 at the fastest, according to SNCF Connect.

Herotrain also intends to differentiate itself on prices. The company says it wants to offer cheaper tickets than its competitor, especially for last minute reservations. However, no price has been communicated. For comparison, SNCF Connect currently displays Eurostar tickets from €45, depending on dates and availability.

The arrival of a new operator could thus offer more choice to travelers. However, the frequencies and prices announced by Heurotrain remain objectives, and not an offer already marketed.

An ambitious schedule still pending funding

The Paris-Amsterdam line represents an important market for Eurostar. According to the results communicated by the operator in June 2026, the number of passengers carried on this route increased by 6.7% in 2025 compared to the previous year. But before being able to welcome its first travelers, on its website, Herotrain indicates that it plans to finalize its financing in early 2027.

The company presents Paris-Amsterdam as the first step in its European development. It then plans to serve other destinations, including Frankfurt and Berlin. These projects do not yet have a launch schedule announced on its site. For travelers interested in this new connection, they will therefore have to wait. No opening date for reservations has yet been communicated.