London St Pancras Highspeed, which owns St Pancras station and operates the track to the Channel Tunnel, has announced plans to significantly enhance its international rail services. In collaboration with Getlink the owner of Eurotunnel the company is looking to attract new train operators and launch direct routes from London to key European cities, including several in Germany, Switzerland, and France.
The proposal is centered on expanding the station's capacity from 1,800 passengers per hour to nearly 5,000, addressing growing demand for international train travel. By offering direct connections that allow passengers to reach many European cities in under six hours, the new services aim to present a highly competitive alternative to short-haul air travel.
Currently, Eurostar holds a monopoly on Channel Tunnel services with routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. However, the landscape is beginning to change. With Eurostar having dropped some services such as its route to Disneyland Paris the stage is set for fresh competition. Companies like Virgin Group and Evolyn are also developing plans to enter the market, which could create a more diverse and dynamic cross-Channel network.
Both London St Pancras Highspeed and Getlink emphasize the environmental benefits of expanding rail connectivity. "Many European cities could be reached directly by train in under six hours, making it a truly competitive alternative to air travel," said a spokesperson for London St Pancras Highspeed. Getlink’s CEO Yann Leriche added, "We are keen to drive forward attractive opportunities for low-carbon mobility with a range of new destinations."
Although no set timeline has been announced, the agreement between London St Pancras Highspeed and Getlink demonstrates a clear commitment to unlocking the potential of a fully connected Europe. As demand for international train travel continues to grow, the forthcoming competition among new and existing operators is expected to benefit passengers through increased capacity, improved services, and a greener travel alternative.
