Eurostar has committed to launching direct train services from the UK to Germany (Frankfurt) and Switzerland (Geneva) by the early 2030s. This strategic move aims to fend off competitors eyeing its London depot space and capitalize on growing demand for sustainable international travel. The company also plans to acquire up to 50 new trains and increase the frequency of its direct services to the Netherlands, with a fourth daily return service to Amsterdam starting in September and a fifth in mid-December.
Eurostar vows to run direct trains from UK to Germany and Switzerland
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Eurostar has committed to launching direct train services from the UK to Germany (Frankfurt) and Switzerland (Geneva) by the early 2030s. This strategic move aims to fend off competitors eyeing its London depot space and capitalize on growing demand for sustainable international travel. The company also plans to acquire up to 50 new trains and increase the frequency of its direct services to the Netherlands, with a fourth daily return service to Amsterdam starting in September and a fifth in mid-December.
Trending- 1 Last month: The UK and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing direct train services.
- 2 2024: Eurostar's revenues grew 2% to €2bn, with passenger numbers reaching 19.5 million.
- 3 February (future): Building work at the Amsterdam international terminus is completed.
- 4 9 September (future): A fourth daily return service between London St Pancras and Amsterdam will begin.
- 5 Mid-December (future): A fifth daily return service between London St Pancras and Amsterdam will start.
- 6 Early 2030s (target): Direct trains from London to Frankfurt and Geneva are expected to run.
- Increased competition for Eurostar's monopoly on cross-Channel services
- Potential expansion of sustainable international rail travel options
- Need for new depot funding or a clear national strategy for supporting international rail in the UK
What: Eurostar plans to run direct trains from the UK to Germany and Switzerland.
When: Targeting early 2030s for new services; decision on London depot space expected later this year; UK and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding last month; Amsterdam terminus building work completes in February; fourth daily London-Amsterdam service starts 9 September; fifth starts mid-December.
Where: UK (London, Temple Mills depot, London St Pancras), Germany (Frankfurt), Switzerland (Geneva), Netherlands (Amsterdam), France, Belgium.
Why: To fend off competitors for its London depot space, meet strong demand for sustainable travel, and expand its international rail network.
How: By planning to buy up to 50 new trains, overcoming logistical hurdles like border controls and station infrastructure, and boosting existing services.