Virgin Trains has moved a major step closer to launching international rail services between London and continental Europe after receiving regulatory approval to run up to 20 daily return journeys through the Channel Tunnel from 2030.
The UK Office of Rail and Road has approved track access covering the period from October 1, 2030, to December 31, 2040. The decision allows Virgin to continue developing plans for services from London St Pancras to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, using the same major stations currently served by Eurostar.
If the project reaches launch, it would introduce one of the most significant competitive changes in cross-Channel rail travel since the tunnel opened in 1994. Eurostar has held the passenger monopoly on the route for more than three decades.
Virgin still faces several hurdles before tickets can go on sale. The company must secure safety approvals from regulators in both the UK and European Union, obtain access to rail networks in mainland Europe and finalize its rolling stock plans.
Virgin is expected to acquire 12 high-speed trains from Alstom for the new operation.
The company cleared another important obstacle last year when regulators approved its access to the Temple Mills depot in east London. The facility is currently the only UK maintenance and storage depot suitable for the larger continental trains that can connect directly to High Speed 1 and the Channel Tunnel.
Founder Richard Branson has previously argued that competition is overdue on the route, positioning Virgin as an alternative to Eurostar on both service and pricing.
The timing could be favorable. Demand for international rail travel from the UK has been growing, while Eurostar has faced criticism over high fares and a smaller route network than before the pandemic. The operator has also announced plans to introduce new double-decker trains from 2031 as it prepares for higher passenger volumes and increased competition.
Virgin is not the only challenger. Italy’s FS Italiane Group is also exploring cross-Channel passenger services through Trenitalia France, raising the prospect of multiple operators eventually competing for traffic between Britain and mainland Europe.
Virgin has previously said it could invest around £700 million in the project and create roughly 400 UK jobs.
For passengers, the most important outcome could be greater choice. Additional operators could bring more departure times, more competitive fares and new onboard products on some of Europe’s busiest international rail routes.
But regulatory approval is only one piece of the puzzle. Virgin still needs trains, infrastructure agreements and safety clearances before it can begin operations.
Even so, the latest decision makes the prospect of a genuine Eurostar rival look more realistic than it has in years.
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