Eurostar to launch high-speed trains from London to Frankfurt and Geneva

Eurostar has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce three new direct routes in the early 2030s. These routes, London to Frankfurt, London to Geneva, and Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva, will be made possible by the addition of up to 50 new trains, expanding Eurostar’s network and enhancing international rail connectivity. The reinstatement of direct services between London, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam in February 2025 will see a fourth daily service added from September 9 and a fifth from mid-December. Eurostar also shared its 2024 financial results, reporting an EBITDA of €346 million despite economic challenges, including high inflation and increased fixed costs. Passenger numbers rose to over 19.5 million, a 5 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting the continued demand for international rail travel across Europe. This brings Eurostar closer to its target of carrying 30 million passengers annually. To support this growth, Eurostar plans to invest approximately €2 billion in the new fleet, which will operate across its entire network alongside the existing 17 e320s, bringing the total fleet to 67 trains, a 30 per cent increase from today. Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar CEO, said, “We’re seeing strong demand for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to go further by rail than ever before and enjoy the unique experience we provide. Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future. Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality, notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time. A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.” Alain Krakovitch, President of the Eurostar Group, Director of TGV-INTERCITÉS at SNCF Voyageurs, said, “2024 is an exceptional year, crowned by the successes of the Olympic Games.  Eurostar is in good shape to serve 30 million passengers and the ambition to develop our European services remains strong.” Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “I am pleased to welcome this exciting investment into Eurostar services, which is a huge step in promoting green travel across Europe and boosting our international rail connections. Last month, I signed a landmark agreement to deliver a direct rail link between London and Switzerland, paving the way for direct commercial services. Today’s announcement by Eurostar shows that the government’s plan for change is rapidly strengthening the links between major cities in countries across Europe, creating more opportunities to travel, work, and socialise.”