Eurostar monopoly ends as Virgin announces Channel Tunnel trains

The Virgin Group has confirmed that it will launch a new high-speed rail service through the Channel Tunnel connecting London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with plans to expand further across Europe. 

Virgin confirms new Channel Tunnel rail service

This March, Virgin announced plans to introduce a new international high-speed train route connecting various European cities, but the company first wanted to secure funds from investors before making any promises. Now, Virgin is one step closer to bringing the route to life after the Office of Rail and Road greenlit plans to use the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London.

“This is a crucial step that puts us on track (mind the pun) to introduce competition through the Channel Tunnel,” wrote billionaire Virgin founder Richard Branson in an announcement by Virgin. Branson also confirmed that they plan to run trains from St. Pancras station in London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam by 2030. With Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam well connected to Germany, the development will give passengers looking to travel to or from the federal republic to the UK even more travel options.

Virgin Group trains will compete with Eurostar

The announcement also hinted at plans to expand further across Europe, without mentioning any cities in particular. However, if Virgin’s new high-speed line is going to be a true competitor for Eurostar, it will likely need to match Eurostar’s plans to operate direct train services between the UK, Germany and Switzerland.

Running the new international route would give travellers more options as it would be the first direct competitor to Eurostar’s monopoly of the Channel Tunnel. “It’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route,” said Branson.

Virgin is set to place an order for 12 Avelia Steam trains from Alstom, the same manufacturer that is producing Eurostar’s new double-decker trains. “These stunning, energy-efficient trains will deliver a modern, comfortable, and unmistakably Virgin travel experience.”