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Virgin Trains Approved to Link London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
Virgin Trains has secured access to operate international train services between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam starting in 2030. The authorization permits up to 20 daily return journeys through the Channel Tunnel under an agreement running from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040. The company must still obtain access to additional railway networks and receive multiple safety approvals from UK and European regulators before launching services. Virgin plans to invest £700 million in the project and create approximately 400 jobs in the UK.
- Services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam planned from 2030
- Up to 20 daily return journeys authorized through the Channel Tunnel
- Agreement runs from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040
- Additional network access and safety approvals still required
- Virgin planning £700 million investment in the cross-Channel project
What we know
The Office of Rail and Road, Britain's rail and roads regulator, has granted Virgin Trains access to operate international train services from 2030 between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, according to The Guardian.
The authorization allows up to 20 daily return journeys through the Channel Tunnel. The agreement covers the period from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040.
Virgin plans to link London's St Pancras station to the same Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam stations served by Eurostar.
Approvals still needed
The granted access is not yet sufficient to launch services. Virgin must secure operating rights on other railway networks before 2030.
The company must also receive safety approvals from the UK regulator and competent authorities in the European Union.
A depot accessible from the high-speed line
Last October, Virgin secured shared access to a depot in east London. The company plans to maintain and store its trains there.
This site is the only depot accessible from High Speed 1, the 109.9-kilometre high-speed line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel.
Eurostar has held monopoly since 1994
Eurostar has held the monopoly on passenger rail services through the Channel Tunnel since its opening in 1994.
Eurostar, once partly owned by the British government, is now controlled by French state railway operator SNCF.
Last year, Eurostar announced plans to operate double-deck trains through the Channel Tunnel.
Meanwhile, Eurotunnel operates a separate service transporting vehicles across the Channel.
A £700 million investment
Virgin Trains plans to invest £700 million in its cross-Channel project. The company also announces the creation of approximately 400 jobs in the UK.
£700 million
Planned investment in the cross-Channel project
Around 400
Jobs Virgin plans to create in the UK
Up to 20
Daily return journeys authorized through the tunnel
The company has previously operated intercity trains in Britain, including services between London and Glasgow.
Other international rail projects under study
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