London to Switzerland direct train moves a little closer with new bilateral agreement

A new step toward a direct train link between Switzerland and the United Kingdom was taken last week, as Swiss Federal Councillor and Transport Minister Albert Rösti (Swiss People’s Party) and UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at London St. Pancras Railway Station.

The agreement aims to boost bilateral cooperation in international rail travel and lays the groundwork for a future direct service between the two countries—a journey of approximately 1,000 kilometres.

Both sides emphasised the potential of such a connection to encourage more sustainable transport, reduce short-haul flights, and strengthen tourism and economic ties.

Transport Secretary Alexander described the MoU as “an exciting and important milestone in our efforts to strengthen international rail connections and promote greener travel to Europe“, noting that a direct link could “boost tourism, grow our economy and bring people closer together”.”

Transport Minister Rösti called it an “ambitious goal,” but one that “lays the foundation for joint, concrete steps” and would send “a strong signal for international public transport and relations with the United Kingdom”.

Switzerland’s Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) highlighted that current demand for travel between the two countries is significant, as demonstrated by the high volume of air traffic. Officials argue that this demand suggests clear potential for a direct rail alternative.

A statement of intent

However, despite the political enthusiasm, the MoU is not an operational agreement, but rather a statement of intent.

It establishes an Anglo-Swiss working group to explore the major technical, regulatory, and commercial challenges that must be overcome. These include issues around border controls, since the UK is no longer part of the European Union and has never joined the Schengen Area.

While London St. Pancras already hosts passport and customs checks for Eurostar services, similar infrastructure would be needed at Swiss departure stations, which is a politically and logistically complex task.

Et les Français?

Additionally, any future service would require a trilateral agreement involving France, as trains would pass through French territory. That would necessitate coordinated customs and security protocols among all three countries. Rösti is expected to present a recommendation to the Swiss Federal Council in 2026 based on the working group’s findings.

The question of who would operate such a service remains open. Switzerland’s state-owned rail company SBB-CFF-FFS is preparing to procure up to 40 new high-speed trains capable of cross-border travel, with long-term ambitions to extend its international network.

However, these new trains would likely not enter service before the 2030s.SiemensHowever, these new trains would likely not enter service before the 2030s.

Eurostar?

In the shorter term, Eurostar remains the most likely operator. It is currently the only company running passenger services through the Channel Tunnel and already operates from London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Eurostar has expressed interest in strengthening connections with Switzerland, though it has not made any formal commitments. Its CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, welcomed the MoU and stated that the company’s existing ticketing options via Paris are “a first step in a wider plan” to expand rail connectivity.

Siemens?

Eurostar’s latest trains, the Siemens-built Velaro e320s, are technically capable of operating in Switzerland, being compatible with the country’s 15 kV AC system and equipped with ETCS Level 2 signalling. However, they would still require certification from the Swiss Federal Office of Transport and possibly adaptations for legacy signalling, language requirements, and safety protocols.

Platform availability at major Swiss stations such as Geneva and Zurich, particularly during peak hours, would also need to be resolved, especially with the additional space and time required for border controls.

Basel SBB?

“There is space in Basel SBB and Zürich HB for terminals, Genève is harder”, independent railway commentator Jon Worth says on BlueSky.

Basel SBB is a gateway to Switzerland and Swiss domestic trains and timetables are everyone’s goalpost. So Basel would be a good base.

A genuine desire

Despite these challenges, the momentum behind the project signals a genuine desire to make a direct rail link a reality. The signing of the MoU marks a significant political gesture, but turning it into a functioning cross-border service will require years of detailed planning, investment, and coordination between governments, rail operators, and infrastructure authorities.

As Rösti stated, the goal is ambitious. But with rising demand for sustainable alternatives to air travel and a shared commitment to deeper cross-border ties, a direct London–Switzerland train may one day become more than just an idea.

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