Virgin plans 20 daily international train services from 2030
The Virgin Group has ordered 12 new trains and secured track access for routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
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The Virgin Group is preparing to launch 20 daily return international train services connecting London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam from 2030. This initiative aims to add nearly 7.5 million seats annually to the cross-Channel route. The new trains will have a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour.
Services are planned to operate out of St Pancras International, with Virgin Group also examining the possibility of a second London station at Stratford International. London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan has indicated that plans for Stratford International to accommodate cross-Channel services are nearing finalisation. Virgin has released images depicting the design of its proposed fleet, which features black and red trains.
Virgin plans 2030 cross-Channel rail launch
New trains ordered from Alstom will be maintained at Temple Mills depot, with track access confirmed until 2040.
New Train Fleet and Maintenance Agreement
The Virgin Group has commissioned 12 Avelia Stream trains from the French rail manufacturer Alstom. This agreement includes a 30-year contract for Alstom to service the trains. Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, stated that the company intends to connect London with major European cities and offer travellers a distinct alternative for cross-Channel journeys. He added that Virgin aims to apply its approach of challenging norms and enhancing customer experience to this new route, making the journey itself an anticipated part of the travel.
Rail minister Lord Hendy has previously advocated for international trains to include stops at both Stratford and St Pancras International. The Office of Rail and Road has now granted Virgin the necessary track access approval. This authorisation permits the company to operate up to 20 new daily return services through the Channel Tunnel between October 1, 2030, and December 31, 2040. The access agreement pertains to tracks managed by London St Pancras High Speed.
Rail regulator rejects new London train services over line pressure
Office of Rail and Road cites insufficient capacity on the west coast main line for proposed routes to Wrexham and Rochdale.
Furthermore, Virgin has secured an arrangement with Eurostar that will allow its trains to be maintained at the Temple Mills International depot, located in east London. Eurostar has stated it has no current plans to use Stratford International as a departure or arrival point. A spokesperson for Eurostar commented that while they are not planning services from Stratford, the expansion of international rail travel presents a significant opportunity for the UK, and enhanced infrastructure capacity is key to realising this potential. They have urged the government to facilitate discussions among infrastructure providers, operators, and public bodies to address station and depot capacity limitations.
Sir Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham, has for over three decades supported the inclusion of Stratford and another London terminus for international rail services to the capital.
Questions this report answers
+When will Virgin's new international train services begin?
Virgin Group plans to introduce 20 daily return international train services from 2030. The track access granted by the Office of Rail and Road covers the period from October 1, 2030, to December 31, 2040.
+How many new trains has Virgin ordered?
Virgin has ordered 12 Avelia Stream trains from French rail group Alstom. These trains are designed to reach a top speed of 186 miles per hour.
+Will the trains stop at more than one London station?
Services are planned to operate out of St Pancras International. Virgin is also exploring Stratford International as a potential second stop within London.
+Where will the trains be maintained?
Virgin has signed an agreement with Eurostar to maintain its trains at the Temple Mills International depot in east London.
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