Stratford International, despite its name, currently does not run cross-Channel rail services, instead serving passengers across the southeast, from London to Kent and Dover. That could soon change as Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has submitted an application for a Business Rate Retention Zone (BRRZ) in the area, a step toward making the station 'truly international'.
Plans for a second international rail stop
Khan wants to make Stratford the host of a second international rail stop in the capital. Currently, London St Pancras International is the only London railway station with direct international passenger trains. The BRRZ would give the East London location clout and support delivery of the infrastructure needed to get the rail scheme moving.
Khan, whose officials are reportedly meeting with train operators and authorities in Paris to get backing, recently told The Standard that the 'case for creating a Stratford International worthy of the name is clear and compelling.' He explained that as the rail renaissance continues to gain momentum, it only makes sense to expand London's European rail services.
Mayor's lobbying and economic impact
He said: 'The popularity of international rail continues to grow in London, which is why my team and I have been lobbying for cross-channel rail services from Stratford for many years – and I'm hoping that our efforts are close to paying off.'
Khan added that landing international services to Stratford 'would bring in an additional £1.3 billion in tourist spending for the UK.'
Virgin Trains' interest
This is not the first time proposals like this have been made. Last month, Virgin Trains confirmed they had their eye on the station. Sir Richard Branson's rail company is currently gearing up to launch its own Eurostar rival and has reportedly explored options for an East London hub.
A Virgin Group spokesperson previously said the company is 'looking forward to exploring additional stops, including Stratford International.' They added that 'Virgin's ambition extends beyond its initial launch plans,' and that the company has been 'actively engaging with stakeholders to explore future expansion.'
The operator secured approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in July 2025 to run around 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel from 2030. The new services would connect London to classic Eurostar locations like Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. East Ham MP Sir Stephen Timms also backed this in September and 'urged' Virgin to use Stratford for its 'fast-growing commercial opportunity.'
