Gemini Trains, a start-up operator, is set to challenge Eurostar's near-monopoly on Channel Tunnel services by offering new direct routes from London to several European cities, including Paris, Disneyland Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Brussels, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Düsseldorf, with services expected to begin from 2030.
Planned Routes and Pricing
Initial services will include London to Paris Nord, Disneyland Paris, and Charles de Gaulle Airport, with introductory fares reportedly starting at £59. The company also plans to offer links to Brussels-Midi and Cologne, later expanding to Frankfurt and Düsseldorf. A direct train from London to Cologne is estimated to take around four hours, compared to the current six hours with at least one change.
Stations and Infrastructure
Unlike Eurostar, Gemini Trains will not operate from St Pancras due to capacity constraints. Instead, it plans to create a hub at Stratford International, with stops at Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International—stations that previously hosted Eurostar services but were suspended in March 2020 due to Covid-19 and never resumed. Kent locals have campaigned for the return of these continental services.
Fleet and Features
Gemini plans to lease eight Siemens Velaro Novo trains, each capable of carrying 550 passengers, featuring comfortable seats, good WiFi, and mood lighting. A business class with privacy screens will also be available.
Competition and Challenges
Gemini is not the only challenger to Eurostar. Virgin Trains has ordered 12 Alstom trains and secured access to Temple Mills depot in East London, the only site that can house cross-channel trains. Gemini did not secure access to Temple Mills and is considering a depot in Ashford or basing it in Belgium or Germany. Trenitalia and Spanish start-up Evolyn are also considering cross-channel services.
Adrian Quine, CEO of Gemini Trains, said: “The forecast growth through the Channel Tunnel is enormous, yet only 50 per cent of the slots on the track are currently used. Eurostar, a monopoly operator, has become lackluster and very expensive. We will shake things up by offering new routes, new stations, new trains, new interiors, new cheaper fares and encouraging people to shift from plane to train.”
Eurostar's Response
Eurostar is reportedly investing £1.7 billion into 50 new double-decker trains and plans to launch direct services to Geneva and Frankfurt via Cologne, with an estimated start date of 2031.
