A groundbreaking new Eurostar UK Terminal has officially opened at Amsterdam Central Station, marking a significant milestone in international rail connectivity between London and Amsterdam. The 2,300-square-meter facility, completed in 2025, represents a major advancement in cross-border transportation infrastructure and offers travelers a spacious, sustainable, and accessible border crossing experience in the heart of Amsterdam.
The terminal was designed through a collaborative effort between two renowned architectural firms: Superimpose Architecture and Architectural Studio ZJA. Commissioned by NS Stations, Eurostar, and ProRail, the architects faced the unique challenge of integrating modern transportation facilities into Amsterdam Central Station, which is designated as a national monument. The project required careful consideration of historical preservation while meeting the demanding requirements of contemporary international travel.
The new terminal is housed within the former Amstelpassage, one of five north-south tunnels at Amsterdam Central Station. This location provided the architects with the opportunity to create what they describe as a 'terminal of the future' that seamlessly blends different time periods, technologies, aesthetics, and operational efficiency. The facility is up to four times larger than the previous terminal located on platform 15 and functions as a Schengen external border with comprehensive passport and baggage screening capabilities.
Mallika Arora, architect at ZJA Architects & Engineers, emphasized the project's commitment to historical preservation: 'We have taken great care to develop an architectural concept that restores the lost monumental layers to their full glory, and makes them an integral part of the spatial experience. Anyone entering the new terminal will be able to traverse the entire timeline of Pierre Cuypers' monument. From the Cuypers building, which was built in 1889, to the IJhal, which was realized as recently as 2017.'
The interior design philosophy connects past and future through carefully considered architectural elements. Ruben Bergambagt, architect at Superimpose Architecture, explained the design approach: 'The interior connects past and future: curved ceilings reference the barrel vaults of Cuypers' design, while the Eurostar 'Spark' logo is reflected in the design language. Subtle terrazzo floors with green tones guide the traveler through the space and form a visual bridge between the historical character and the contemporary aesthetic of the brand.'
The terminal's circulation strategy forms the foundation of the design and is consistently applied throughout the entire space. Travelers enter through the main entrance facing the city, then proceed through baggage check and both Dutch and British passport controls, with adjacent border force facilities, before arriving in the waiting area. This clear flow ensures efficient processing while maintaining security requirements for international travel.
One of the most striking features is the waiting room, which serves as the culmination of the interior concept. The design centers around the relationship between earth and sky, a theme that connects with train travel and draws inspiration from both Dutch and British landscape paintings from the Golden Age. The space features a floating ceiling with dynamic lighting and projections of moving clouds that correspond to the boarding process, creating an atmosphere that is both calming and energizing for travelers.
The most recent addition to the terminal includes the integration of vertical circulation through the historic Cuypers building. Since April 2025, passengers have been able to ascend to the platform via escalators and staircases that glide along a beautiful historic brick wall. This wall, together with the vaulted ceiling above, not only forms a remarkable architectural element but also contributes to orientation and wayfinding throughout the space. Carefully designed lighting accentuates the textures and details of the intricate brickwork, breathing new life into the station experience.
Sustainability played a crucial role in the terminal's development. The architects made a conscious decision to repurpose existing structures rather than build entirely new facilities. By retaining existing structures and reusing technical installations such as the sprinkler system, the project limited material waste and retained stored CO2. The choice of materials further demonstrates the commitment to environmental responsibility: bio-based insulation, terrazzo with a negative CO2 footprint, and recycled felt and aluminum all contribute to a long lifespan and minimal environmental impact.
The project's flexible design approach ensures future adaptability. Temporary components of the construction phases are modular and suitable for reuse, making the project adaptable to future developments in and around the station. This forward-thinking approach reflects the evolving nature of transportation infrastructure and the need for facilities that can adapt to changing requirements over time.
The design and construction process presented significant operational challenges. The UK Terminal interfaces with several parallel ongoing construction projects aimed at future-proofing the central station. The architects developed a cleverly devised phasing strategy that allowed for operational continuity of the terminal throughout the construction process, ensuring that travelers could continue to use the facility without major disruptions.
The opening of the new UK Terminal represents more than just an architectural achievement; it meaningfully shortens the distance between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands while contributing to stronger rail connections and closer European integration. At a time when sustainable mobility, European cooperation, and the revaluation of rail transport are becoming increasingly important global priorities, this project demonstrates how infrastructure can contribute to both climate goals and cultural integration. The terminal stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating spaces that honor the past while embracing the future of international travel.
