London St. Pancras. Credit: Shutterstock, Skyshark Media
Eurotunnel and London St. Pancras Highspeed have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as reported by Getlink’s official press release, to strengthen international high-speed rail connectivity between London and Europe.
The partnership goals to reinforce services, reduce journey times, and encourage latest routes, making international train travel more efficient and accessible for passengers.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Eurotunnel and London St. Pancras
The MoU outlines several initiatives designed to enhance cross-Channel rail travel. First up is reduced journey times. There will even be increased capability. The expansion of train services at St. Pancras International will accommodate as much as 5,000 passengers per hour. More destinations shall be added into the combo – routes to major cities reminiscent of Frankfurt and Milan.
According to Euronews, citing market research from Eurotunnel, there is robust demand for train routes to Swiss cities, in addition to the South of France.
London St. Pancras Highspeed and Eurotunnel are committed to promoting sustainable, low-carbon travel, with rail journeys helping to offset emissions similar to 60,000 short-haul flights annually. Yann Leriche, CEO of Getlink, which owns Eurotunnel, stated within the Getlink press release: “We are keen to drive forward attractive opportunities for low-carbon mobility with a spread of latest destinations in Germany, Switzerland, and France.”
While the partnership lays the groundwork for expanding high-speed rail, infrastructure and train operators must align for these plans to turn into reality. Travel expert Mark Smith, founding father of train guide Man in Seat 61, told Euronews: “We need to do not forget that these aren’t plans by a train operator to really run trains. They are suggestions from infrastructure owners about what trains a future unspecified operator may or may not care to run. There’s an enormous difference!”
However, with increasing demand for alternatives to flying, latest rail operators reminiscent of Evolyn are exploring opportunities to launch services between London and major European destinations by 2030.
For expats, locals, and travellers throughout the EU, this partnership could mean faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable travel between the UK and mainland Europe within the near future.
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