Eurostar has revealed ambitious plans to introduce direct train services to Frankfurt and Geneva as part of its strategy to enhance international rail travel. The announcement comes on the heels of the company reporting a record 19.5 million passengers in 2024, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Eurostar aims to capitalize on this growth by launching a new fleet of up to 50 trains, estimated to cost around €2 billion (£1.7 billion), with operations expected to begin by the early 2030s.
The proposed new routes will connect London to both cities, drastically reducing travel times. Passengers can expect a journey of approximately five hours to Frankfurt and about five hours and 20 minutes to Geneva. This move aligns with Eurostar’s ongoing commitment to providing sustainable travel options across Europe, as it already operates services within France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of Eurostar, said that this represented a “historic moment” in every sense. Breaking the news, she declared, “A new golden age of international sustainable travel has arrived!” This announcement indicates the seriousness with which the company is approaching its service expansion. Cazenave noted that customers are increasingly “wanting to go further by rail than ever before,” indicating a growing demand for international rail options.
In addition to the new routes, Eurostar plans to increase the frequency of its most popular service between London and Paris. This decision reflects the company’s intent to cater to the burgeoning interest in train travel across Europe and improve overall customer experience.
London St Pancras Highspeed, which owns the station and manages the track leading to the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone, is actively seeking to attract various train operators. This initiative aims to provide a broader range of services for travelers in Europe, further solidifying London’s position as a key hub in international rail connections.
The introduction of new trains may facilitate direct services to Frankfurt and Geneva with or without stops, offering flexibility for travelers. Eurostar’s future plans underscore its commitment to sustainability and align with the growing trend towards greener modes of transportation.