Eurostar rival unveils plans for trains from UK to 2 new European destinations

A trainline is set to launch a rival service to Eurostar, with services across the Channel in the works with new destinations in France. Virgin is planning new operations that will take British passengers to Europe, breaking Eurostar's 30-year monopoly on the Channel Tunnel.

This challenge to Eurostar could lead to cheaper fares and routes from other parts of the UK. Virgin said that the first services to be set up will be to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi, and Amsterdam Centraal. After that, the company said it has "ambitions to expand further across France, and into Germany and Switzerland". In particular, Virgin has its sights set on two new destinations in France.

It is reportedly in talks with Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France's busiest airport, about running services there. Eurostar doesn't currently go directly to the airport, with passengers needing to swap to local services at Lille. Branson also stated that he hopes to run limited trains to Disneyland Paris. Eurostar stopped serving the theme park in 2023, allowing it to focus on its core routes. He said: "I'd like to go. I was just (thinking), I'd like to bring my grandkids, but by the time we're there, they'll be bringing me, they'll be teenagers. But anyway, we should definitely do a day or two in Disneyland, even if it's not a regular service."

Virgin Trains received approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to move into Eurostar's Eurostar's rail depot in East London, Temple Mills, meaning they are a step closer to running UK to Europe services. The depot is the only place equipped to service the large high-speed trains that traverse the Channel.

The ORR said the approval is "a win for passengers, customer choice and economic growth", estimating that the project could unlock £700 million in investment and create around 400 jobs.

Virgin founder Richard Branson also celebrated the decision, saying: "This decision is the right one for consumers. It's time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the route."

Virgin has said that services across the Channel will hopefully begin in 2030. In the meantime, the operator will build and test trains, and seek track access and safety approval.

It will also need to reach a commercial agreement with Eurostar to share the Temple Mills depot. Eurostar said it was still "reviewing the decision and considering our next steps", stressing that its priority remains "delivering the benefits of our new fleet, jobs and depot investments."

Rail Minister Lord Hendy called the decision "a significant step forward", adding: "Allowing Virgin Trains to share this vital facility will give passengers greater choice, better value and improved connectivity. It will also drive innovation, lower fares and strengthen greener links with Europe."