Eurostar Unveils Plans for Direct Trains to Frankfurt and Geneva by 2030s

Eurostar has announced ambitious plans to introduce direct train routes from London to Frankfurt and Geneva, aiming to further connect the UK with central Europe through high-speed, eco-friendly rail services.

The expansion, projected for the early 2030s, includes the introduction of up to 50 new trains in a €2 billion (£1.7 billion) investment aimed at increasing capacity and replacing older models. Journey times are expected to be around five hours to Frankfurt and just over five hours to Geneva, placing both cities within easy reach of London by rail.

Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave described the move as part of a broader shift towards greener international travel. “A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here,” she said. “People are more eager than ever to explore further by train.”

The new fleet is expected to boost services from London by around 30%. In addition to the proposed links to Germany and Switzerland, Eurostar also plans to connect Geneva with Amsterdam and Brussels.

Despite the positive outlook, there are logistical challenges ahead. Key among them is whether Eurostar can retain exclusive access to Temple Mills, its maintenance depot in east London. The depot, which connects directly to the high-speed line from St Pancras, is currently the only facility in the UK equipped to service Eurostar’s continental fleet.

Several new operators—including Spain’s Evolyn, Virgin, and a Gemini Trains-Uber joint venture—are reportedly eyeing the same infrastructure to launch competing services. The UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has confirmed it is reviewing all proposals and expects to decide by October who will secure access to the depot.

The regulator has noted that Temple Mills only has capacity to serve either Eurostar’s expanded operations or a rival’s new fleet, but not both. Losing exclusive use of the depot could jeopardise Eurostar’s expansion timeline, though the company has said it is open to developing new maintenance facilities if necessary.

This announcement comes as Eurostar celebrates a record 19.5 million passengers in 2024, a 5% increase on the previous year. The firm also confirmed plans to add more trains on its popular London–Paris route to meet rising demand.

Currently, Eurostar services run between London and cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, with seasonal trips to the French Alps. The company also operates trains within parts of France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

The expansion vision was further bolstered earlier this year when Getlink, owner of the Channel Tunnel, signed a deal with London St Pancras Highspeed to increase train services between the UK and mainland Europe.

As competition for cross-border rail heats up, Eurostar’s strategy signals a renewed focus on long-distance, low-carbon travel across Europe’s major cities.