Eurostar progressing towards connecting Germany and UK. When can we expect direct trains to start running?

Eurostar is advancing its plans to establish direct train services linking Germany and the United Kingdom. Earlier this year, the high-speed rail operator revealed intentions to broaden its network with new routes connecting London to major European cities, including Frankfurt and Geneva. In response to growing demand for international rail travel, Eurostar plans to invest approximately 2 billion in up to 50 new trains to support this expansion.

In June, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signed a landmark agreement aimed at dismantling legal and logistical barriers that currently hinder direct rail travel between the two nations.

Collaboration with Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germanys national railway company, has partnered with Eurostar to address complex framework conditions that could slow the project. In early December, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore joint long-distance services between London and Frankfurt. Eurostar will contribute its expertise in cross-Channel operations, while DB brings its extensive network and local presence within Germany. Together, they will examine potential schedules and station arrangements to accommodate international border and security controls. For the first time, a direct route from London to Cologne has also been proposed.

Impact on Travelers

The new services, expected to operate with Eurostars double-decker Celestia trains, are targeted for launch in the early 2030s, provided all technical, operational, and legal requirements are met. Currently, rail travel between London and Frankfurt takes roughly eight to nine hours with at least one transfer. A direct connection could cut this travel time to around five hours.

Patrick Schieder, Germanys Federal Minister of Transport, emphasized that the partnership represents a strong signal for the future of European rail. He stated that a dedicated task force is already working on legal, infrastructure, and political aspects to ensure the new service benefits train passengers across Europe. UK Prime Minister Starmer highlighted that the project will place Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe, supporting increased trade, tourism, and investment.

Future London-Berlin Connections

While Cologne and Frankfurt are set to be the first German cities connected directly to London, discussions are also underway for a London-Berlin route. Travel between the two capitals currently takes up to 11 hours with multiple transfers. With Berlins major attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, demand for a direct link is significant. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander indicated that a direct London-Berlin train could become a reality in just a matter of years.

Author: Noah Whitman