amynicole – Eurostar has announced ambitious plans to launch direct high-speed train routes from London to both Frankfurt and Geneva. The company revealed that a new fleet of up to 50 trains. Costing approximately €2 billion (£1.7 billion), will be introduced by the early 2030s. The journey from London to Frankfurt is expected to take around five hours. While the trip to Geneva should last about five hours and 20 minutes.
This expansion would mark a major milestone for Eurostar, which already connects London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The new services are part of the company’s long-term strategy to expand its European footprint and meet rising demand for sustainable travel options across the continent. However, questions remain about infrastructure readiness, particularly depot space in London, which may affect how smoothly the expansion proceeds.
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New Routes Reflect Growing Demand for Sustainable Rail Travel
Eurostar’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, stated that demand for rail travel across Europe remains strong, even with higher operating costs and inflation affecting consumer budgets. She described the upcoming expansion as part of a “new golden age of international sustainable travel.” noting that customers now want to travel farther by train than ever before.
The introduction of the new train fleet will replace some older models and increase the number of trains servicing. London by 30% Eurostar is also planning to extend the Geneva route. To start not only in London but also in Amsterdam and Brussels. The company said it is actively working with European partners to make these plans a reality.
Infrastructure and Depot Access Could Delay Eurostar Expansion
While Eurostar remains optimistic, its success in expanding services depends on securing access to critical infrastructure—specifically the Temple Mills depot in east London. This facility currently serves as the only UK site capable of housing the larger European-style trains. And it connects directly to the high-speed rail line that links to the Channel Tunnel.
Temple Mills is owned by London St Pancras Highspeed, a government body previously known as HS1. Eurostar operates the depot under a long-term lease. However the company now faces competition for depot access from several other players, including Spain’s Evolyn, Virgin Trains, and a partnership between Gemini Trains and Uber. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is currently reviewing all proposals and will decide by October who will gain access to the depot.
Potential Competition Threatens Eurostar’s Expansion Plans
The ORR stated that Temple Mills can support either an expanded Eurostar fleet or trains from a competing operator—but not both. If the regulator awards depot access to another company, it could significantly delay or even cancel Eurostar’s plans to increase train services to new European destinations.
In anticipation of this risk Eurostar has said it will seek private. Investment to explore new depot locations outside Temple Mills if necessary. The firm insists there are several alternative options under consideration. Still, loss of access to Temple Mills could slow the timeline for launching direct routes to Frankfurt and Geneva.
Eurostar Reports Record Passenger Numbers and Future Growth
Eurostar’s announcement coincides with strong performance figures from 2024. The company recorded a 5% year-over-year increase in passengers, reaching a record 19.5 million travelers. To accommodate demand, Eurostar plans to increase service frequency on its most popular route between London and Paris.
Currently, Eurostar operates trains to cities including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and seasonal services to the French Alps. It also runs domestic routes within France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. In February Channel Tunnel owner Getlink signed an agreement with London St Pancras Highspeed to boost the number of cross-Channel services in the future. Signaling a broader effort to expand rail connectivity across Europe.
