New London-Paris high-speed trains ordered for 2029 launch
Trenitalia France will run 19 Hitachi-built trains on the Channel Tunnel route from 2029
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Residents travelling between London and Paris will have a second high-speed rail operator from 2029. Trenitalia France, a subsidiary of Italian state rail group Ferrovie dello Stato (FS Group), has ordered 19 new trains from Hitachi Rail in a deal worth £1.7 billion. The fleet will run through the Channel Tunnel, ending Eurostar’s three-decade monopoly on the route.
Each train will feature next-generation Wi-Fi, an on-board bistro and improved seating. FS Group said the upgrades are intended to provide a more comfortable journey. The trains will also serve existing routes from Paris to Lyon, Milan and Marseille.
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Why the Channel Tunnel is open to competition
The Channel Tunnel has operated at roughly half its capacity for years. Eurostar, the sole operator since 1994, has not filled the available slots. FS Group’s chief executive, Gianpiero Strisciuglio, told Time Out that the new service is part of a wider plan to create a high-speed network connecting major European cities.
In January, FS Group formed a partnership with US investment firm Certares to develop the London-Paris route. The same month, it announced an €80 million storage facility near Paris. The depot removes the need to use UK train storage sites, such as the Temple Mills International depot in east London, which Virgin Trains had previously secured for a planned rival service.
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What happens next for London travellers
The first Trenitalia France trains are due to enter service in 2029. Until then, the company will finalise timetables, ticketing and station access agreements with Eurotunnel and UK rail regulators. No details have been released on fares or how the service will integrate with London’s existing transport network, including connections at St Pancras International.
Residents can sign up for updates on Trenitalia France’s website. The company has not yet confirmed whether it will offer advance bookings or loyalty schemes. Eurostar has not commented on potential changes to its own services in response to the new competition.
Questions this report answers
+When will the new London-Paris trains start running?
The new Trenitalia France service is scheduled to launch in 2029. The 19 Hitachi-built trains will begin operating between London and Paris that year, providing a second high-speed option alongside Eurostar.
+How much will tickets cost on the new service?
Trenitalia France has not yet released fare details. The company is expected to announce pricing closer to the 2029 launch. Competition with Eurostar may lead to lower fares for passengers.
+Will the new trains stop in Barnet?
The new service will not stop in Barnet. Trains will run directly between St Pancras International in London and Paris, with no intermediate stations in the UK.
+What happens if the new service causes delays for Eurostar?
Eurotunnel manages train paths through the Channel Tunnel. It will allocate slots to both operators to prevent conflicts. Any delays would be handled under existing rail regulations, with compensation schemes for affected passengers.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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