Eurostar has announced plans to operate direct train services from the UK to Germany and Switzerland in the early 2030s, in an effort to compete against potential rivals. The company’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, remains confident about the success of these routes despite past failures to connect London and Frankfurt. Eurostar claims that the current conditions are right for a “new golden age of international sustainable travel” and has revealed plans to purchase up to 50 new trains.
Passenger numbers for Eurostar grew by 5% last year, while other companies, including Virgin and Gemini Trains, have also expressed interest in breaking Eurostar’s monopoly on train services between Britain and France. However, the rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), states that there is only space for one more operator at the Temple Mills depot in London.
Eurostar has insisted that there is insufficient depot space for new entrants, especially if its own growth plans materialize. The company has hinted at assisting in the development of a new depot, though it calls on the UK government to establish a “clear national strategy for supporting international rail.”
London to Frankfurt and Geneva are targeted as the main destinations, with travel times projected to be around five hours and seven hours respectively. Eurostar also points out that the demand for these routes is evidenced by existing flight numbers, indicating a preference for sustainable travel options for both business and leisure passengers.
Despite the potential challenges of implementing direct services, including border controls, station infrastructure, and timetable paths, Eurostar remains optimistic. The company’s CEO believes that cooperation from Eurostar, passengers, and governments ensure the success of the new route.
Eurostar recently reported revenues of €2bn with passenger numbers reaching 19.5 million across its services. The company has not yet selected a manufacturer for its €2bn train order. Additionally, Eurostar will increase the frequency of its direct trains to the Netherlands following the completion of construction work at Amsterdam’s international terminus, opening up capacity for up to 850 passengers per train.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/10/eurostar-vows-to-run-direct-trains-from-uk-to-germany-and-switzerland
