A new independent analysis has laid out the most comprehensive roadmap yet for expanding direct high-speed rail services between London in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. The #CrossChannelRail Final Report, published on 17 November 2025, is the result of an unusually detailed investigation that included visits to sixty-three stations across the continent, technical assessments…
Tag: Virgin
Italo targets the German high-speed rail market
Germany’s long-distance rail market is about to see a shake-up. After decades of dominance by Deutsche Bahn, Italian private high-speed operator Italo is preparing to challenge the ICE with its own trains.
CHANNEL TUNNEL | Virgin Trains gains access to Temple Mills, ORR snubs links to Germany and Switzerland
On 30 October 2025, the United Kingdom‘s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has announced the approval of Virgin Trains’ application for access to Temple Mills International depot in East London. This is a key step towards launching future cross-border train services through the Channel Tunnel to France.
Channel Tunnel competition plans hinge on depot access as Gemini Trains reveals Siemens–Uber partnership
The British start-up Gemini Trains has taken its most deliberate step yet towards launching new Channel Tunnel services, announcing Siemens Mobility as its preferred manufacturer and Rock Rail as its financial partner for a fleet of Velaro Novo trains.
Gemini Trains partners with Uber for Stratford to France Channel Tunnel route
Gemini Trains in the United Kingdom has revealed ambitious plans to launch high-speed rail services beneath the Channel Tunnel from Stratford International in east London.
CHANNEL TUNNEL | UK and Germany renew London-Berlin vows, Virgin Trains promise Alstom Avelia Stream train sets
Summer break in politics? The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany signed a ‘Joint declaration of intent between DfT and Federal Republic of Germany: direct international rail connection‘ for a direct London to Berlin train. In the mean time, Virgin Trains‘ Richard Branson announced a contract with…
2025 | The Channel Tunnel prepares for more trains, more competition and new destinations
From Berlin to Geneva and beyond, so far – it’s July when this is written – 2025 has seen a wave of announcements shaping the future of international train services to and from the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom and Germany are aiming for a direct London – Berlin train link
On 17 July 2025, the United Kingdom and Germany signed a landmark bilateral treaty that could pave the way for direct train services between London and Berlin within the next decade.
Eurostar and St. Pancras Highspeed back major station expansion to double capacity amid growing international demand
Eurostar and London St. Pancras Highspeed have formally announced their joint ambition to significantly expand the international capacity at St. Pancras International, one of Europe’s busiest cross-border rail terminals. A letter of intent signed by the two parties on Wednesday 2 July 2025 marks the first step in a major revamp project aimed at more…
EUROSTAR | London – Frankfurt, London – Geneva and Amsterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Geneva from 2030?
In a press release on 10 June 2025, Eurostar announces the ambition to run direct high-speed trains from the United Kingdom to Germany and Switzerland and from the Netherlands via Belgium to Switzerland. But will it happen? Or when?
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