Eurostar UK Terminal
Program
/ International Train TerminalLocation
/ Amsterdam, The NetherlandsSize
/ 2300Client
/ NS / EurostarScope
/ Architecture and Interior ArchitectureStatus
/ Phase 1 Completed February 2025Photographs
/ Marc GoodwinThe first passengers were able to cross the border again in the heart of Amsterdam, through the brand-new Eurostar UK Terminal, located within the historic Amsterdam Central Station. Commissioned by NS Stations and Eurostar, the architects of ZJA Architects & Engineers and Superimpose Architecture have carefully woven the new terminal into the monumental station. This 'terminal of the future' not only connects London with Amsterdam but also seamlessly integrates different historical layers, technology, aesthetics, and efficiency.
A Brand-New Terminal in a Monumental Building
Eurostar’s new UK Terminal is situated in the heart of the national monument Amsterdam Central, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations. The design blends seamlessly into this large-scale station transformation, honoring the monument by integrating it into the spatial experience of the building.
Ruben Bergambagt (partner architect, Superimpose) and Mallika Arora (architect, ZJA):
"We have devoted great care to developing an architectural concept that restores the lost monumental layers to their former glory, making them an integral part of the spatial experience. Anyone entering the new terminal will traverse all the historical layers of Pierre Cuypers’ monumental station—from the original Cuypers building of 1889 to the IJ Hall of 2017."
The new UK Terminal is up to four times the size of the previous terminal at platform 15 and serves as a Schengen external border, complete with passport and baggage controls. Featuring advanced technologies and innovative solutions—including the dynamic ‘cloud ceiling’—the design meets the functional requirements of the modern traveler while serving as a sustainable and iconic link between Amsterdam and London.
Beyond Borders
The terminal is located in the former Amstelpassage, one of the five tunnels running from south to north through Amsterdam Central Station. Travelers enter through the main entrance on the city center side, proceed through baggage screening and border controls for both the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and then move into the waiting area. The interior concept of the waiting area is fully realized, reflecting the balance and relationship between earth and sky—an intrinsic characteristic of train travel, inspired by the connection between Dutch and British landscape paintings from the Golden Age. Passengers then continue their journey via the staircases leading to the platform on the IJ Hall side of the station.
One of the most striking elements of the interior concept is the dynamic lighting in the floating ceiling, which can project clouds to respond to different scenarios throughout the day and during the boarding process. The use of diverse textures, colors, and materials contributes to a pleasant and well-organized travel experience.