Eurostar plans direct trains to Frankfurt and Geneva from London St Pancras

Eurostar has unveiled ambitious plans to extend its high-speed rail network directly to Frankfurt and Geneva from London St Pancras, marking the most significant expansion of cross-Channel passenger services since the company’s inception. The railway operator announced intentions to deploy up to 50 state-of-the-art trains worth approximately €2bn (£1.7bn) by the early 2030s.

The proposed German route would connect London to Frankfurt in roughly five hours, while the Swiss service to Geneva would take approximately five hours and 20 minutes. These additions would complement existing services to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, significantly broadening Eurostar’s European footprint.

Chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave expressed confidence in the expansion despite economic headwinds, declaring the arrival of “a new golden age of international sustainable travel.” She cited growing passenger appetite for extended rail journeys across Europe, noting that travelers are “wanting to go further by rail than ever before.”

The fleet renewal program would replace aging rolling stock while increasing London-based train capacity by 30%. Additionally, the new trains are earmarked to operate direct Geneva services from both Amsterdam and Brussels, creating a comprehensive network of high-speed connections across northwestern Europe.

However, the expansion faces a critical infrastructure bottleneck. Temple Mills depot in east London remains the sole UK facility capable of housing and maintaining the specialized trains required for continental European operations. This government-owned facility, operated under Eurostar’s exclusive long-term lease, has become a coveted resource as multiple competitors seek market entry.

Spanish startup Evolyn, Richard Branson’s Virgin group, and a Gemini Trains-Uber partnership have all submitted proposals to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for Temple Mills access. The regulator has determined the depot can accommodate either Eurostar’s expanded fleet or rival operators’ equipment, but lacks capacity for both scenarios.

This regulatory decision, expected by October’s end, could fundamentally alter Eurostar’s expansion timeline. Should Temple Mills access be restricted, the company has indicated willingness to pursue “private investment in new depot facilities beyond Temple Mills, of which there are many options.”

The announcement coincides with strong operational performance, as Eurostar reported record passenger numbers of 19.5 million in 2024, representing a 5% year-over-year increase. The company also plans to boost frequency on its flagship London-Paris route, which remains its most commercially successful service.

Current Eurostar operations span multiple European countries, including domestic services within France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, alongside seasonal Alpine routes during ski season. The proposed Frankfurt and Geneva expansions would represent the first new international destinations from London since Amsterdam service launched several years ago.

Infrastructure developments support the expansion ambitions, with Getlink, the Channel Tunnel operator, having signed agreements in February with London St Pancras Highspeed to accommodate increased European service frequency through the undersea link.