Eurostar, the high-speed rail operator, has announced ambitious plans to launch new direct train services connecting the UK with Germany and Switzerland, marking a significant expansion of its European network. Scheduled to be introduced by the early 2030s, the new routes, departing from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, are set to enhance travel options for passengers and strengthen Eurostar’s position as a key player in international rail transport.
The move, described by Eurostar’s CEO Gwendoline Cazenave as heralding “a new golden age of international sustainable travel,” aims to expand the company’s network and offer greener travel alternatives to major European financial hubs. These routes will be supported by a €2 billion (£1.7 billion) investment in a fleet of up to 50 new trains, increasing Eurostar’s total fleet to 67, a 30% increase on today.
Currently, Eurostar operates services from the UK to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as seasonal routes to the French Alps. The proposed direct routes mark a significant expansion, offering journeys of approximately five hours to Frankfurt and five hours and 20 minutes to Geneva. This time is competitive with air travel when factoring in airport transfers and security checks, making rail a compelling sustainable option for both leisure and business travellers, as Eurostar promises seamless journeys without the need to switch trains along the way.
“We’re seeing strong demand for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to go further by rail than ever before and enjoy the unique experience we provide,” Cazenave said.
We will invest in up to 50 new trains, increasing our fleet by 30%. From the early 2030s, these new trains will unlock exciting new direct routes:
— Eurostar Newsroom (@NewsEurostar) June 10, 2025
🚄 London – Frankfurt
🚄 London – Geneva
🚄 Amsterdam/Brussels – Geneva
The announcement comes amid rising competition in the Channel Tunnel rail sector, with rivals like Virgin Trains, Gemini, and FS Italiane in a joint venture with a Spanish company Evolyn eyeing opportunities to challenge Eurostar’s three-decade monopoly. Recently, the UK Office of Rail and Road opened up access to Eurostar’s maintenance depot at Temple Mills in the east of London, potentially allowing competitors to operate services. Despite this, Eurostar is planning to fill a niche leveraging the demand for sustainable travel among passengers. In 2024, Eurostar reported 19.5 million passengers, a 5% increase from the previous year, boosted by events like the Paris Olympics.
“2024 is an exceptional year, crowned by the successes of the Olympic Games. Eurostar is in good shape to serve 30 million passengers and the ambition to develop our European services remains strong,” emphasized Alain Krakovitch, President of the Eurostar Group and director of TGV-INTERCITÉS at SNCF Voyageurs.
The new routes are part of a broader strategy to enhance Eurostar’s offerings. The company also plans to increase the frequency of its popular London-Paris route from 17 to 20 daily return services and add more trains to Amsterdam, with a fourth daily return service starting 9 September 2025, and a fifth from mid-December. Specifics on intermediate stops on the Frankfurt and Geneva routes, such as Cologne, remain undecided as Eurostar still evaluates if passengers can board or alight in transit.
The initiative has garnered support from governments, with the UK and Switzerland signing a memorandum of understanding in May 2025 to facilitate direct rail links. This agreement addresses logistical challenges like border controls and Channel Tunnel safety regulations. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander hailed the deal as a step toward “efforts to strengthen international rail connections and promote greener travel to Europe», adding that: “A direct rail link between the UK and Switzerland has the potential to boost tourism, grow our economy and bring people closer together – all while offering a greener option for passengers.”
As seen in a recent survey by Hitachi Rail, the public is showing strong support for rail travel in Europe and North America, with a clear majority favouring its expansion. The findings underscore growing enthusiasm for sustainable and efficient travel options across both regions.
Gwendoline Cazenave recognized the intricacies of opening up new international routes, as it takes “time, investments, expertise, a huge amount of energy, and partnerships.” Nevertheless, she remained optimistic about the project’s success with the willingness of Eurostar, passengers, and governments to adopt sustainable travel. The direct links to Frankfurt and Geneva are anticipated to attract those who prioritize lower carbon emissions, especially as passengers more and more choose rail instead of short-haul flights.
While the early 2030s timeline may seem distant, Eurostar’s investment in its fleet and infrastructure signals a bold commitment to redefining cross-border travel. As competition heats up and sustainability remains a priority, these new routes could transform how Brits connect with Europe’s key cities, fostering closer economic and tourism ties. Aiming to provide a more convenient and sustainable alternative to air travel, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly transport options, the new services are expected to be a hit among holidaymakers and commuters.
