In a bold move to expand its footprint, Eurostar is gearing up to connect London directly to Frankfurt and Geneva, two of Europe’s busiest financial and travel hubs. This marks a major evolution for the high-speed train operator, which until now has only served Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
While the new routes won’t launch until the early 2030s, the company is already making headlines by committing a £1.7 billion investment into 50 brand-new high-speed trains. The goal? Quicker, greener, and smoother journeys across Europe — without the chaos of airport travel.
💼 Planning to explore Germany soon? Check out this Germany budget travel deal — just €2/day and start dreaming today.
Compare & Book Transport Options
🛬 Trip.com: Flights, hotels & bundles
🌍 The Future of Travel Is Slower — and Smarter
Forget the old debate of train vs. plane — this is about changing how we travel altogether. Eurostar’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, called the move a step toward a “golden age of sustainable travel,” and she’s not wrong. As more travellers turn away from short-haul flights due to environmental concerns, demand for high-speed, low-hassle rail travel is climbing.
The new lines are expected to cover London to Frankfurt in about five hours and to Geneva in just over five and a half. For city-centre to city-centre travel, that’s seriously competitive — and far more relaxed than flying.
🛤️ What’s the Route? And Will There Be Stops?
While Eurostar hasn’t confirmed the full journey map yet, there’s talk of possible stops in cities like Cologne, which would make the route even more useful for business and leisure travellers alike. What is confirmed is that Eurostar will need to tackle some infrastructure challenges in London, particularly around train storage and maintenance space.
And it’s not just Eurostar looking to cross the Channel. Other rail companies like Virgin, Evolyn, and Gemini Trains are also eyeing the route, as the UK’s grip on the Channel Tunnel monopoly begins to loosen. That could mean more competition — and even better deals for passengers.
Want more scenic European train travel inspiration? Here’s our guide to the best train rides in Switzerland.
Switzerland Tour Widget
✈️ Why Choose Train Over Plane?
When it comes to short European trips, flying might still be quicker in the air, but it’s not always faster overall. With airport queues, security, and travel to terminals, flights often lose their time advantage. Trains offer central city departures and arrivals, minimal check-in hassle, and plenty of space to work or unwind.
Looking to compare flights and trains? Try Skyscanner or Omio for the best deals.
And let’s talk about comfort. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting in Frankfurt or sipping Swiss hot chocolate in Geneva, travelling by train offers a smoother, quieter, and far more scenic experience.
For even more ideas, check out the best time to visit Switzerland or explore with a Swiss Travel Pass.
♻️ A Greener Way to Explore Europe
Sustainability is more than a buzzword — it’s becoming a dealbreaker for travellers. Eurostar’s expansion is a clear response to the call for eco-friendly alternatives to flying. Trains produce a fraction of the carbon emissions that planes do, and when combined with comfort and efficiency, they offer a compelling case for change.
The UK and Swiss governments have even signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve cross-border connectivity — another sign that rail is being taken seriously as the future of European travel.
For more low-impact travel inspiration, here’s how you can explore Italy by train or read our budget Italy guide.
🧳 Ready to Ride the Rails?
While these routes won’t go live for a few more years, it’s never too early to start dreaming — or planning. Here are a few tools to help get your next trip in motion:
- ✈️ Compare flights & trains
- 🏨 Find places to stay in Frankfurt or Geneva
- 📲 Stay connected with an eSIM
- 🚄 Explore Europe by train
Whether you’re a frequent flyer looking to switch up your routine or a traveler keen on greener journeys, Eurostar’s expansion is good news for all of us. It’s the start of a future where trains don’t just connect cities — they connect priorities: comfort, convenience, and climate responsibility.
United Kingdom Tour