Key facts
- High-speed trains between the UK and Europe may soon depart every 15 minutes.
- The number of daily services is projected to rise from 25 to 55 round trips.
- Virgin Trains has received UK regulatory approval for international services.
- Trenitalia plans to start services by 2029 with 10 daily round trips.
- Trenitalia has ordered 19 new high-speed trains from Hitachi.
- Eurostar plans to increase its services by 30% with new trains.
High-speed train services between the UK and continental Europe are poised for a significant expansion, with new operators aiming to increase departures to every 15 minutes by the end of the decade. This surge in competition is expected to challenge Eurostar's long-standing dominance on the Channel Tunnel route.
Virgin Trains has received initial approval from the UK's Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to operate up to 20 daily return services between London and European cities like Paris and Brussels, with a target start date of 2030. Italian state railway Trenitalia is also committed to launching services by 2029, promising 10 daily round trips. To support its ambitions, Trenitalia has placed a €2 billion order with Hitachi for 19 new high-speed trains and is constructing a new €80 million maintenance facility in France.
These new entrants aim to leverage the Channel Tunnel's underutilized capacity. The tunnel has operated below its potential since opening in 1994, prompting infrastructure owners to encourage new operators. Trenitalia's new facility in France will allow it to bypass capacity constraints at London's Temple Mills depot, where Eurostar and Virgin are expected to base their operations.
Industry experts suggest that competition has historically led to improved standards, increased capacity, and lower fares in other European rail markets, benefiting passengers. However, past attempts by companies like Deutsche Bahn to launch services have been thwarted by regulatory hurdles and strategic shifts. New operators must secure authorizations in each country and for the tunnel itself, and may not operate all services for which they receive authorization.
Despite these challenges, the London route is considered lucrative. Gemini Trains is also pursuing services, aiming for 11 daily trains by 2030 and exploring options for its own depot. Eurostar itself plans to increase its services by 30% with a new fleet of up to 50 train sets, potentially expanding to new destinations like Frankfurt and Geneva.
Successful expansion hinges on securing train paths in France and Belgium and increasing passenger capacity at London St Pancras station, which is already facing congestion. Architects have been commissioned to double the station's capacity by 2028.