Eurostar makes Pride travel easy across Brussels, Paris and WorldPride Amsterdam this summer

With Pride season on the horizon, we caught up with three Eurostar team members to talk about the ultimate trifecta of celebrations within easy reach of London St Pancras: Brussels, Paris, and the highly anticipated WorldPride Amsterdam in late July.

With five daily direct services to the brand-new terminal at Amsterdam Centraal, Eurostar offers a seamless and comfortable journey to the heart of the festivities, as well as a generous luggage allowance – perfect for those glamorous Pride looks.

And as well as boasting excellent green travel credentials, Eurostar has recently launched a gender-inclusive uniform collection, so you can be sure that the team that serves you looks and feels their best.

David on Amsterdam Pride and WorldPride: Amsterdam route manager

Amsterdam is, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, like a village; the longer you live here, the more you feel you know everyone. At the same time, there’s definitely a lot of diversity among the different circles and communities.

Pride is one of the city’s largest events, attracting well over a million people. I’ve been involved in coordinating two Pride parade boat entries with my former swimming club and have spent many sunny days – and a few rainy ones too – canal-side watching the cacophony of riotous barges float by.

The best part is always the various groups of my friends coming together, staking our spot on the quay, and letting the day fade eventually into night. It’s one of the few days of the year where I don’t have my typically Dutch agenda locked down, because you never know where you’ll end up afterwards.

The street parties by gay bar Prik and the Homomonument are great meeting spots. Go early because they get crowded very quickly. I expect WorldPride to be bigger and even more international, which will make finding that canal-side spot even more competitive. I love the fact that for two whole weeks the entire city embraces the party, the pageantry and the pomp.

As project lead for the new Amsterdam terminal, I’d obviously invite everyone to come and see my baby in person. And if you spot me around town, go Dutch and feel free to share your unvarnished feedback directly. All joking aside, taking the train with your group of friends beats flying hands down. Compared to a flight from London, you’ll cut your carbon emissions by up to 96 per cent, and you’ll arrive a stone’s throw from the parade route and Dam Square.

When it’s all over, we have five departures a day, three in the afternoon, to get you back to reality in good time. Another great perk of travelling with Eurostar for WorldPride is the 2-for-1 entry offer at some of Amsterdam’s best museums and exhibitions. This includes De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam’s upcoming exhibition, Queer Amsterdam, the Pink City. Opening in July, it’s set to be the flagship exhibition for WorldPride 2026, celebrating the city’s LGBTQ+ community and history.

This year marks 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. Eurostar is truly an international company with over 35 nationalities represented, colleagues from all walks of life, living across Europe, sharing that travel bug and a love of what’s possible. Eurostar has always embraced its people regardless of who they are, who they love, or where they’re from. It’s genuinely freeing to work somewhere where our differences and shared lived experiences enrich every working day.

Like Amsterdam, we’re a global village where everyone is family.

When is WorldPride 2026 and Amsterdam Pride?

Combined into a huge 15-day celebration from 25 July to 8 August 2026, you can visit WorldPride 2026 and Amsterdam Pride via the official Eurostar Amsterdam page.

Jean on Paris Pride: International train manager, based in Paris

I did my first Pride last year in Paris. I went with my friends and found it joyful and incredibly welcoming. We followed the parade, which moves through the city to the rhythm of music and cheers. Colourful floats and groups set the pace as flags wave and people sing and dance. Locals watch from balconies and windows, joining in from above, while others step into the march for a while before drifting back into the crowd.

As the procession winds along so many iconic streets and monuments of Paris, it feels both like a celebration and a shared moment of pride in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

After the parade, Le Marais, the historic heart of our LGBTQ+ community, is where to head to soak up the sun and atmosphere. There are so many options, so I’d just start at Place des Vosges and barhop through the side roads, depending on what vibe and music you’re feeling. Everywhere will be so busy that the overflowing bar crowds merge.

I’ve heard some great stories about the different Prides on Eurostar’s network, each with different vibes, and we always have colleagues at each one. I’m doing everything I can to make WorldPride Amsterdam. Everyone at Eurostar is excited for it – fingers crossed I’m managing a train heading up there.

Working for Eurostar as an LGBTQ+ person feels very positive and supportive. There’s a real sense that the company lives by the idea of “come as you are, stay who you are.” I’ve always felt able to be myself at work without having to explain or justify who I am. That openness makes it easy to focus on what matters: helping passengers have a great journey. There’s a strong team spirit across the company, and that feeling of “together we go further” really reflects the staff culture.

When is Paris Pride 2026?

Scheduled for its main march on 27 June 2026, Paris Pride will feature a parade from Palais Royal to Place de la Nation, following a week of celebrations across the French capital starting on 20 June. Attitude invites you to book tickets for the Prideful soirée via the official Eurostar Paris page.

Hugo on Brussels Pride: Route supervisor at the Operations Control Centre in Brussels and part of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

My best Brussels Pride experience was in 2024. I was with friends near the main stage at Mont des Arts; it was sunny, warm and the music was great. I remember looking around and seeing everyone dancing, singing and smiling.

What I love most about Pride is the energy in the city, seeing thousands of people from different backgrounds unite to celebrate diversity, freedom and inclusion. It’s a very powerful and positive atmosphere. The past few years, we’ve been lucky with beautiful sunny weather, so don’t forget sunscreen.

In the evening, I would start at La Flash, one of the best LGBTQ+ clubs in Brussels. During Pride, it organises the closing party, so it’s definitely the place to be if you want to meet people and enjoy an unforgettable night. I would also recommend Chez Maman, a legendary LGBTQ+ club in the centre of Brussels – go there for good music, to watch a drag show and feel the spirit of the community.

Last year, I travelled to Amsterdam and completely by chance discovered it was Pride weekend when we arrived. We ended up enjoying a concert on the main stage and the atmosphere was fantastic. We travelled by Eurostar because in only about two hours from Brussels, you’re in the heart of Amsterdam.

I’m really proud to be part of the DEI Committee at Eurostar, which has made a lot of progress in recent years by actively promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Through initiatives, employee networks and events, the company is creating spaces for dialogue and awareness. It’s really encouraging to see the commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, represented and supported.”

When is Brussels Pride 2026?

Taking place on 16 May 2026, Brussels Pride will kick off with a march in Pride Village at Mont des Arts, decorated with numerous events throughout the city. To make your journey to Brussels one to remember, please visit the official Eurostar Brussels page.

Visit Eurostar to plan your European Pride adventure today.