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…
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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?
Alstom wants its double-decker trains to ride through Channel Tunnel
French train manufacturer Alstom has confirmed that it is in discussions to supply its high-speed double-decker Avelia Horizon trains for use through the Channel Tunnel. While no contract has yet been signed, the move could significantly reshape rail services between London and mainland Europe, particularly on the heavily trafficked London–Paris route.
CHANNEL TUNNEL | Uber Trains-branded Gemini Trains plan London-Brussels and London-Paris route via Stratford
A new contender has entered the race to break Eurostar’s long-standing monopoly through the Channel Tunnel. Gemini Trains, a British start-up, has revealed on 21 May 2025 ambitious plans to launch high-speed international rail services linking London in England with Paris in France and Brussels in Belgium. In a move drawing significant attention, the company…
Eurostar calls for UK national strategy and investment to shape future of Channel Tunnel Rail and promises 50 new trains
Eurostar is calling for a long-term national strategy and significant infrastructure investment to support international rail growth, warning that without coordinated action, the United Kingdom could squander a major opportunity to expand sustainable cross-Channel travel. The appeal comes as competition to enter the Channel Tunnel rail market intensifies and pressure mounts to end Eurostar’s decades-long…
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) plan to launch a new high-speed link between London and Paris
FS Italiane Group, known through its brand Trenitalia, announces a plan to launch a new high-speed rail service connecting London and Paris by 2029. This was announced in a press release.
London St. Pancras Highspeed pledges financial support for cross-Channel rail services
London St. Pancras Highspeed, the operator of the high-speed railway line in the United Kingdom has pledged financial support for train companies running services between mainland Europe and London. The support scheme is expected to launch by the end of May 2025.