Eurostar Commits to Launching Direct UK Routes to Germany and Switzerland

Eurostar has announced plans to introduce direct train services from the United Kingdom to both Germany and Switzerland, aiming to outpace rising competition that has shown interest in its London depot space.

The chief executive of the cross-channel rail operator, Gwendoline Cazenave, expressed complete confidence that these direct routes would be operational by the early 2030s. This optimism comes despite earlier unsuccessful efforts to link London with Frankfurt.

According to Eurostar, the conditions are now aligned for progress. The company described the current moment as the beginning of a "new golden age of international sustainable travel". It reiterated its intention to invest in as many as 50 new trains.

Passenger numbers rose by 5 per cent last year. At the same time, new players have signalled interest in entering the market, challenging Eurostar’s long-standing control over train connections between Britain and France.

However, the Office of Rail and Road, which serves as the rail regulator, has stated that London has space for only one additional operator at its key depot, Temple Mills, located in East London. Alternatively, that space could be used by Eurostar itself for future expansion.

In light of this, the regulator has requested that Eurostar and its rivals submit detailed proposals. A final decision on depot allocation is expected later in the year.

Virgin, the group founded by Sir Richard Branson, has unveiled plans to launch a cross-Channel service involving 12 trains. Another potential contender, Gemini Trains, is a British startup chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley and is reportedly planning a similar-scale operation. Meanwhile, the Italian state railway, FS Italiane, has expressed interest in entering the market in partnership with Evolyn, a Spanish company.

Eurostar maintains that the existing depot is already at full capacity, particularly if its expansion plans proceed as envisioned. The company has signalled a willingness to contribute financially toward the development of a new depot while also urging the UK government to establish a comprehensive strategy for fostering international rail links.

As part of its expansion roadmap, Eurostar is targeting direct routes from London to both Frankfurt and Geneva. The proposed travel time to Frankfurt is approximately five hours, with Geneva expected to take just twenty minutes longer.

The company noted that the heavy volume of air traffic on these routes underscores strong demand. Many travellers, especially those on business or leisure trips, are increasingly inclined to choose train travel for its environmental benefits. The upcoming generation of trains will be capable of managing different railway systems, making longer journeys more viable.

Nonetheless, several logistical challenges remain. These include the need to implement border control measures, upgrade station infrastructure, and secure timetable paths. A company spokesperson acknowledged that these complexities must be resolved for the routes to proceed.

Despite such obstacles, Cazenave told the PA news agency that she was fully confident the new direct lines would be established. She cited the shared commitment of Eurostar, travellers, and governments as a driving force behind the initiative.

Last month, the United Kingdom and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding, marking an important step toward realising direct train services between the two nations.

Eurostar reported a two per cent increase in revenue last year, reaching two billion euros or approximately 1.7 billion pounds. The total number of passengers across its network, which includes France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, rose to 19.5 million. The company has not yet chosen a manufacturer for its planned fleet expansion.

In a separate development, Eurostar confirmed it will soon increase the frequency of its direct services to the Netherlands. This change follows the completion of construction at the international terminal in Amsterdam. Once operational in February, the station will be able to accommodate the full capacity of 850 passengers per train. A fourth daily round-trip between London St Pancras and Amsterdam is scheduled to begin on 9 September, with a fifth one launching in mid-December.