Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Eurostar are taking the next step towards a direct high-speed connection between Germany and London. Both train companies announced the plans in a press release. 

In a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two companies announce that they will explore options for a joint long-distance service between London and major German cities such as Cologne and Frankfurt.

Eurostar will contribute its expertise in rail travel through the Channel Tunnel, while DB will bring its capabilities as a nationwide network operator. The launch of the new direct service, which would use Eurostar’s new double-deck Celestia trains, is planned for the early 2030s. However, this will require the necessary technical, operational, and legal conditions to be met.

Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transport: “Europe is growing ever closer together by rail. In cooperation with Eurostar, we want to bring Germany and the United Kingdom closer together at high speed. We are convinced of the great potential of such a direct connection. But the project also shows that new cross-border long-distance services are often only possible through partnerships like this due to the complex framework conditions.”

Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar: “We are delighted to begin this partnership with DB. This is a major step towards making travel between London and Germany more sustainable and easier. By combining our expertise in Channel Tunnel rail travel and our new fleet with DB’s strong presence in Germany, we are creating a whole new level of connectivity and comfort for our customers. This partnership will help drive Eurostar’s growth and bring us closer to our goal of carrying 30 million passengers across our network.”

Patrick Schnieder, German Federal Minister of Transport: “With this initiative, we are sending a strong signal for the future of European rail transport. We have already been working at full speed in a task force created specifically for this project on the legal, infrastructural, and political prerequisites for this new connection. I very much welcome the fact that the companies involved are now picking up this thread. I am certain this project will be a major benefit for all rail passengers across Europe.”

Heidi Alexander, UK Transport Secretary: “This partnership between Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn has the potential to transform cross-border rail travel in Europe for generations to come. After constructive discussions with my German counterpart this summer, we are now accelerating our plans. This is about fundamentally changing how millions of people travel between our two countries. A direct rail connection will create jobs, strengthen important trade relationships, and provide a link that makes international travel even easier and more environmentally friendly.”

Goals of the planned cooperation

• Establishing a direct long-distance rail service between the United Kingdom and Germany. Implementing such a service by a single rail company is considered extremely difficult. Joint partnerships are therefore essential.
• Improved connections for travellers between London and Germany, offering more services, greater comfort, and city-centre-to-city-centre travel that provides a sustainable alternative to flying.
• Using the expertise and resources of DB and Eurostar to the benefit of both, and to provide better solutions for customers. DB and Eurostar will jointly develop potential timetables and examine terminal facilities that allow for international border and security controls.

DB and Eurostar welcome the strong political support for a future direct connection between the United Kingdom and Germany. 

“This is reflected in particular in the Treaty of Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation signed on 17 July by the German Chancellor and the British Prime Minister.”

“As one of the measures arising from this treaty, government ministries in both countries have set up a task force to jointly address the political challenges of a direct connection between Germany and London – especially with regard to entry formalities, the necessary infrastructure, and intergovernmental agreements.”

Channel Tunnel updates

• #CROSSCHANNELRAIL | Expanding UK-Europe train links most realistically leading to Switzerland.
• CHANNEL TUNNEL | Virgin Trains gains access to Temple Mills, ORR snubs links to Germany and Switzerland.
• Eurostar unveils €2 billion Alstom ‘Celestia’ fleet of double-decker sustainable trains.
• Channel Tunnel competition plans hinge on depot access as Gemini Trains reveals Siemens–Uber partnership.
• Gemini Trains partners with Uber for Stratford to France Channel Tunnel route.
• CHANNEL TUNNEL | UK and Germany renew London-Berlin vows, Virgin Trains promise Alstom Avelia Stream train sets.
• 2025 | The Channel Tunnel prepares for more trains, more competition and new destinations.
• United Kingdom and Germany are aiming for a direct London – Berlin train link.
• Eurostar and St. Pancras Highspeed back major station expansion to double capacity amid growing international demand.
• EUROSTAR | London – Frankfurt, London – Geneva and Amsterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Geneva from 2030?.
• Alstom wants its double-decker trains to ride through Channel Tunnel.
• CHANNEL TUNNEL | Uber Trains-branded Gemini Trains plan London-Brussels and London-Paris route via Stratford.
• London to Switzerland direct train moves a little closer with new bilateral agreement.
• Eurostar calls for UK national strategy and investment to shape future of Channel Tunnel Rail and promises 50 new trains.
• Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) plan to launch a new high-speed link between London and Paris.
• London St. Pancras Highspeed pledges financial support for cross-Channel rail services.
• Competition for Eurostar? Temple Mills International Depot has space for competitor’s trains.
• London St Pancras Highspeed and Getlink aspire to to triple train services to France, Belgium and the Netherlands and add services to Germany and Switzerland.
• Heuro wants to operate high speeds trains between Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Paris and London from 2028.

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