In partnership with Gemini Trains, Uber is expected to launch a new service connecting the UK with Europe as early as 2029, pending regulatory approval. Gemini Trains has submitted proposals to the rail regulator for the service, expected to use 10 high-speed trains. This would offer direct routes from Stratford International Station in east London to major cities like Brussels, Lille, and Paris via the Channel Tunnel.
For a long time, Eurostar has had a monopoly on cross-Channel travel, with return tickets to Paris often costing a hefty price, even when booked weeks in advance. In recent years, the company has faced criticism for unreliable service, frequent delays, and misleading advertisements. Uber Trains’ arrival in the market could lead to more competition, resulting in lower prices and better service for passengers.
“We believe there is a significant opportunity for a dynamic and innovative operator offering mixed ‘economy’ and ‘business’ seats at a competitive price to Eurostar,” Gemini Trains wrote on its website.
Stratford International, the chosen hub for Uber Trains, is strategically positioned to serve as a less congested alternative to St Pancras, which often suffers from overcrowding in its international departures area. Using Stratford as an endpoint of the route will set Gemini Trains’ proposal apart from other companies that want to compete with Eurostar, such as Virgin Trains Europe and Trenitalia.
“The centre of gravity of London has moved eastwards making Stratford, which has become a city within the city, the perfect location for us,” said Adrian Quine, chief executive of Gemini Trains. “It has, with some alterations, the infrastructure in place and it means that we avoid St Pancras, which is becoming increasingly and unpleasantly crowded in the international departures area at peak times.”
Gemini Trains also plans to reopen Ebbsfleet station in Kent as one of the stops of international operations. This move is expected to give 18 million people access to cross-Channel rail services. According to Quine, this would allow a significant portion of people in the Southeast to avoid travelling into central London to begin their journeys.
Stratford International was built with the necessary facilities for international travel, including passport control, customs, and Border Force checks. Although Eurostar never made scheduled stops there, the station’s connectivity has since been significantly improved by the addition of the Elizabeth line.
Additionally, the station is especially convenient for international travel because it already offers several inter-city routes. It is also linked to the existing Overground, DLR, and Southeastern connections, making it easily accessible for travellers across London and the Southeast.
