Virgin Trains has been granted approval to run passenger services through the Channel Tunnel, enabling it to compete directly with Eurostar on the lucrative London-Paris and London-Brussels routes. The first services are expected to begin in 2029.
Approval and timetable
The approval, announced on Monday, follows a lengthy application process. Virgin Trains plans to operate up to three trains per hour in each direction at peak times, with journey times comparable to Eurostar's current schedules.
The company, which previously ran the West Coast Main Line franchise, says it will offer a “premium but affordable” service, with fares starting at £39 one-way. It also plans to serve destinations beyond Paris and Brussels, including Amsterdam and Cologne, subject to further approvals.
Competition and impact
The move ends Eurostar's monopoly on direct rail links between the UK and mainland Europe, which has been in place since the service began in 1994. Eurostar currently carries around 10 million passengers a year.
Industry analysts say the new competition is likely to lead to lower fares and improved services for passengers. However, Eurostar has warned that sharing the tunnel's infrastructure could lead to congestion and delays, a claim Virgin Trains disputes.
Virgin Trains has said it will invest in new rolling stock and create around 500 jobs. It also plans to run services from regional UK stations, such as Birmingham and Manchester, with direct connections to the Continent.
Next steps
The company now needs to secure final safety certifications and access agreements. It expects to announce its full timetable and booking details in 2028.
