Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn Partnerโ to Launch Direct UK-Germany Rail Services
LONDON – Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have signed โคa Memorandum of Understanding to explore joint operation of long-distance railโ services between Londonโ and โGermany,potentially โขrevolutionizingโ travel between the two countries. Theโ partnership, announced in early December, aims to streamline cross-Channel rail travel by combining Eurostar’s expertise with DB’s extensive German network.
Currently, a rail journey from London to frankfurt averages eight to nine hours with at leastโฃ one transfer. Direct services, anticipated to utilize Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestiaโ fleet, could reduce travelโ time to approximately five hours. โคInitial plans focusโฃ on direct routes between London and Frankfurt, โขwith aโข potential extension to Cologne also underโฃ consideration.
“In a task force set up specifically for this project, we’reโข already working intensively on the legal, infrastructure and political requirements for โthis new rail connection,” stated Patrick Schieder, Federal Minister of Transport for Germany. “I’m certain that this project will be a great benefit for all train โฃpassengers throughout Europe.”
A direct London-Berlin route is also being discussed, potentially shortening the current 11-hour journey with two to three transfers. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander suggests this โconnectionโค could become a reality “in just a matter โฃof years.”
However, the launch of these services, slated for the early 2030s, is contingent on meeting “necesaryโค technical, operationalโ and legal conditions.” The collaboration seeks to remove “complex framework โขconditions” hindering progress.
The initiative hasโข been welcomed by both governments,โค with UK Laborโ leader Keir Starmer arguing it will position โBritain “at the โheart of a better-connected Europe,” fostering increased trade, tourism, and investment.
