Travelling from London to Amsterdam by coach
Travelling from London to Amsterdam by coach is considerably easier than many travellers expect. Today, several operators offer coach travel between the British and Dutch capitals, including FlixBus, TopBus and BlaBlaCar Bus. For most travellers, FlixBus is currently the best overall option thanks to direct coach services, shorter journey times, higher frequencies and generally simpler travel arrangements.
Depending on the day of travel, you may choose between direct coaches or coach journeys with planned changes within the same operator network. In practical terms, travelling between London ↔ Amsterdam has become considerably more straightforward than in the days of multiple independent operators and fragmented international coach tickets. Previously, companies such as Eurolines and Megabus played a major role on international routes between London and mainland Europe. Today, FlixBus has effectively become the leading coach operator on this corridor, offering the strongest combination of journey time, frequency and convenience.
For many travellers, coach travel remains an attractive alternative to flying — particularly for luggage-heavy travel, avoiding airport security, city-centre to city-centre convenience, weekend breaks or simply travelling across Europe overland.
Quick Summary — London to Amsterdam by coach
- Best overall option: FlixBus — fastest journey times and direct coaches available.
- Direct coach available? Yes — both FlixBus and TopBus offer direct services.
- Typical journey time: around 10–14 hours, depending on operator and timetable.
- Coach changes: direct journeys available, although some services may involve 1 planned change.
- Main departure point: London Victoria Coach Station.
- Typical Amsterdam stop: Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station.
- Additional Amsterdam stop: Amsterdam Central Station is available with TopBus.
Quick navigation
- Book coach tickets
- Why travel from London to Amsterdam by coach?
- FlixBus London to Amsterdam
- TopBus London to Amsterdam
- BlaBlaCar Bus London to Amsterdam
- How to choose the best coach connection
- Travelling from Amsterdam to London by coach
- London Victoria Coach Station & Amsterdam coach stops
- Luggage allowance
- Seat reservations
- Travelling from outside London
- FAQ
- Final thoughts
Book coach tickets from London to Amsterdam
Use the links below to check live fares, current timetable options and available coach connections between London and Amsterdam. For most travellers, FlixBus is the best first place to search. INFOBUS can be useful for comparing coach options and for checking availability with operators such as TopBus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
FlixBusRecommended for most London ↔ Amsterdam journeys, especially direct coaches and shorter travel times. |
INFOBUSUseful for comparing coach options and checking TopBus or BlaBlaCar Bus tickets where available. |
Tickets are completed directly with the operator or INFOBUS. EuropeBus may receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Why travel from London to Amsterdam by coach?
Travelling from London to Amsterdam by coach may not be the fastest way to travel, but for many passengers it remains one of the most practical and affordable city-centre to city-centre options. Unlike air travel, coach journeys often feel considerably less stressful, particularly when it comes to airport transfers, baggage restrictions, security queues and expensive last-minute flight pricing. Coach travel works particularly well for weekend breaks, short city trips, students, luggage-heavy travel, budget-conscious travellers or passengers who simply prefer overland travel. Another major advantage is city-centre convenience. Rather than travelling city → airport → airport → city, many coach journeys simply operate between London city centre and the Amsterdam city area with minimal additional transport required. For some travellers, the journey itself becomes part of the experience as passengers travel gradually through England, mainland Europe, Belgium or northern France and the Netherlands before arriving in Amsterdam.
EuropeBus Tip:
For London to Amsterdam, paying slightly more for a direct coach is often worth it. Some cheaper itinerary options may take significantly longer due to unnecessary transfers, longer waiting times or less practical travel timings.
FlixBus — the best way to travel from London to Amsterdam?
For most travellers: yes. At the time of writing, FlixBus offers the strongest coach network between London and Amsterdam, with direct coach services, frequent departures and additional connecting options. In practical terms, FlixBus usually provides the shortest overall journey times while also offering the simplest travel experience. Depending on timetable availability, you may find direct London → Amsterdam coaches or services with one planned change within the same FlixBus network. For most passengers, direct services remain the preferred option because they reduce waiting time, transfer uncertainty and travel fatigue. Typical journey times generally range between 10–13 hours depending on traffic, Channel crossing timings, departure time and operational conditions.
EuropeBus Recommendation:
If available on your travel date, a direct FlixBus coach is usually the best London ↔ Amsterdam option.
TopBus — a direct weekly coach between London and Amsterdam
For travellers looking for a simple direct coach between London and Amsterdam, TopBus can also be worth considering. Unlike FlixBus, TopBus currently operates a fixed weekly timetable with one direct coach service per week between London and Amsterdam. For some passengers, this may be attractive because the journey is direct, without requiring coach changes, transfer waiting times or navigating large interchange hubs. However, because services operate only once per week, availability is naturally more limited than with FlixBus. For this reason, FlixBus remains the better option for most travellers, particularly if flexibility matters, you want more departure choice or you are booking around specific dates.
Amsterdam stops used by TopBus
One practical advantage of TopBus is that passengers can usually choose between two Amsterdam arrival points, depending on where they prefer to arrive.
- Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station
- Amsterdam Central Station
For many city-break travellers, Amsterdam Central Station is often the most convenient arrival point thanks to its location close to hotels, canals, tourist attractions and the historic city centre. Meanwhile, Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station may work better for onward train travel, accommodation outside the centre or travellers continuing elsewhere.
EuropeBus Tip:
If your travel date matches the weekly schedule, TopBus can be a good direct alternative, particularly if arriving at Amsterdam Central Station matters to you.
BlaBlaCar Bus — worth considering?
BlaBlaCar Bus, formerly known as BlaBlaBus, can also occasionally appear in journey searches between London and Amsterdam. However, for this specific route, we generally do not recommend it for most travellers. Why? Because journeys commonly involve a coach change in Paris, which usually makes the overall trip considerably longer than FlixBus — sometimes almost twice the travel time. In practical terms, while a direct FlixBus coach may take around 10–13 hours, some BlaBlaCar Bus itineraries can take 18–20+ hours depending on waiting times in Paris. For many passengers, the additional travel time simply does not justify the savings unless price is the main priority, you specifically want to stop in Paris or timetable availability leaves limited alternatives.
Amsterdam stop used by BlaBlaCar Bus
In Amsterdam, BlaBlaCar Bus typically uses Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station, which is also one of Amsterdam's principal international coach hubs.
EuropeBus Recommendation:
For most travellers, FlixBus remains the stronger London ↔ Amsterdam option due to significantly shorter travel times, direct coach availability and simpler travel arrangements.
How to choose the best London to Amsterdam coach connection
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is choosing the cheapest ticket automatically. In reality, for London ↔ Amsterdam coach travel, the cheapest option is not always the best one. Sometimes, paying slightly more can mean a direct coach instead of a transfer, fewer delays, shorter journey times and a much easier overall experience.
1. Direct coach services
Whenever available, direct journeys are usually worth it because they remove transfer stress, waiting times and additional travel uncertainty.
2. Shorter journey times
As a general rule, the shorter itinerary is usually the better option, particularly on international coach routes. A 10–12 hour direct journey will usually feel considerably easier than an 18–20 hour itinerary with a transfer.
3. Practical arrival times
Before booking, always check when you actually arrive in Amsterdam. Sometimes a cheaper fare may arrive very late at night or extremely early in the morning, which may make hotel check-in or local transport less convenient.
EuropeBus Tip:
For most travellers, our advice is simple: choose a direct coach where possible and prioritise shorter travel times over minor ticket savings.
Travelling from Amsterdam to London by coach
Travelling from Amsterdam to London by coach works in very much the same way as travelling in the opposite direction. Passengers can travel using FlixBus, TopBus or BlaBlaCar Bus. For most travellers, FlixBus remains the best overall option thanks to direct coach services, faster journey times and better frequency. Most departures typically operate from Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station, while TopBus may additionally offer departures from Amsterdam Central Station. Journey times are usually similar to London → Amsterdam, although actual timings may vary depending on border procedures, Channel crossing schedules, traffic conditions and departure times. For most passengers, travelling by coach between Amsterdam and London feels considerably easier than expected, particularly when booked as one straightforward coach journey.
London Victoria Coach Station & Amsterdam coach stops
London Victoria Coach Station
Almost all coach journeys between London and Amsterdam depart from London Victoria Coach Station, which remains the UK's principal international coach terminal for mainland Europe. Located in central London, Victoria offers convenient connections via London Underground, National Rail services, local buses and wider coach connections across Britain. For international journeys, we usually recommend arriving 30–45 minutes before departure, particularly during weekends, holidays or busy travel periods.
Amsterdam coach stops
Different operators use slightly different arrival points in Amsterdam. For most passengers, understanding where your coach arrives can make a meaningful difference, particularly when choosing accommodation or planning onward travel.
FlixBus & BlaBlaCar Bus
Most services typically stop at Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station, which acts as Amsterdam's main international coach hub. Sloterdijk is practical thanks to convenient train services, metro connections, trams and local buses.
TopBus
TopBus typically offers two Amsterdam stop options, depending on your preference:
- Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station
- Amsterdam Central Station
For city breaks, Amsterdam Central Station is often the easiest arrival point thanks to its proximity to hotels, canals, restaurants, tourist attractions and the historic city centre. For onward travel or accommodation outside the centre, Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station may work better.
Luggage allowance on London ↔ Amsterdam coach routes
For many passengers, luggage remains one of the biggest advantages of coach travel compared with flying. Unlike budget airlines, coach travel often feels less restrictive, particularly for short city breaks, shopping trips, luggage-heavy travel or passengers travelling for longer stays. On most London ↔ Amsterdam coach routes, passengers commonly receive one checked luggage item plus one hand luggage item included within the standard fare. Depending on operator, additional luggage may sometimes be available for an extra fee.
FlixBus luggage
FlixBus typically includes one hold luggage item and one hand luggage item, with optional additional luggage sometimes available during booking.
TopBus luggage
TopBus luggage allowances may vary depending on service conditions. We recommend checking your ticket details before travel, particularly on fixed weekly services.
BlaBlaCar Bus luggage
BlaBlaCar Bus generally includes standard luggage allowances, although conditions may vary depending on route combinations and transfer arrangements.
EuropeBus Tip:
For a 10–14 hour coach journey, travelling lighter can often make boarding and arrival considerably easier, particularly if you plan to explore Amsterdam immediately after arrival.
Can you reserve seats on London to Amsterdam coaches?
Often, yes. Many operators increasingly offer optional seat reservations, particularly on international routes.
FlixBus seat reservations
FlixBus commonly allows passengers to choose a preferred seat during booking. Depending on availability, options may include window seats, front seats, table seating or seats with additional legroom. For many passengers, paying a little extra for a preferred seat can be worthwhile on a 10+ hour journey.
TopBus & BlaBlaCar Bus
Seat reservation policies may vary depending on operator conditions and service availability.
EuropeBus Recommendation:
For overnight or longer journeys, a reserved seat is often worth considering, particularly if travelling overnight, carrying hand luggage or wanting a quieter journey.
Travelling from outside London
One common misconception is that you must already be in London to travel to Amsterdam by coach. In reality, many passengers begin their journey from towns and cities across Britain before connecting into London Victoria Coach Station or directly into wider international coach services. Depending on your location, journeys may often begin from cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Leicester, Coventry, Northampton, Liverpool or Glasgow. For many travellers, searching from your nearest departure city first can sometimes reveal easier itineraries, fewer changes or more practical departure times.
EuropeBus Tip:
Before automatically booking from London, try searching from your local city first. Sometimes through tickets can make the overall journey easier than travelling separately to Victoria.
FAQ — London to Amsterdam by coach
Is there a direct coach from London to Amsterdam?
Yes. Both FlixBus and TopBus offer direct coach services between London and Amsterdam. Availability varies depending on travel date, timetable and operator.
What is the best coach from London to Amsterdam?
For most travellers, FlixBus is currently the best overall option thanks to direct services, shorter journey times, more departures and simpler travel arrangements.
How long does the coach from London to Amsterdam take?
Typical journey times usually range between 10–14 hours depending on operator, traffic, Channel crossing timings and border conditions.
Is BlaBlaCar Bus worth considering?
Sometimes, but for this route we generally recommend FlixBus instead because BlaBlaCar Bus often requires a transfer in Paris, which can make the journey significantly longer.
Which Amsterdam coach stop is best?
It depends on your plans. Amsterdam Central Station is often best for city breaks and central hotels. Amsterdam Sloterdijk Bus Station is often better for onward travel or accommodation outside the centre.
Can I travel from Amsterdam to London by coach?
Yes. Coach travel is available in both directions using FlixBus, TopBus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
Can I take luggage?
Usually yes. Most operators include hold luggage and hand luggage within the standard ticket, although conditions may vary.
Can I reserve a seat?
Often yes, particularly with FlixBus. Availability varies depending on operator, seat type and travel date.
Final thoughts
Travelling London ↔ Amsterdam by coach is now much easier than many travellers initially expect. For most passengers, FlixBus currently represents the strongest overall option thanks to direct coaches, faster journey times and greater flexibility. Meanwhile, TopBus can work well as a weekly direct alternative, particularly if Amsterdam Central Station is your preferred arrival point. For most travellers, our recommendation remains simple: choose direct services whenever possible and prioritise shorter journey times over small ticket savings.