Virgin Trains wins approval for 20 daily London-Paris return services from 2030
Office of Rail and Road grants track access for decade-long Channel Tunnel operations, but safety and network deals still needed
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Includes named ORR deputy and direct official statement, with specific dates and figures sourced from the regulator.
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Explains competition impact, quotes responsible parties, gives clear next steps, and provides precise dates and service numbers.
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Uses mild promotional phrasing but overall language remains proportionate to the factual announcement.
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Virgin Trains has secured regulatory approval to run up to 20 daily return services between London and three European cities from October 2030. The Office of Rail and Road granted track access for the Channel Tunnel route on 15 May 2026, covering a ten-year period ending in December 2040.
The decision marks a step toward ending Eurostar’s 30-year monopoly on passenger services through the tunnel. Virgin will operate from London St Pancras to the same stations in Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam currently used by Eurostar.
Virgin Trains to run London-Paris trains from 2030, ending Eurostar monopoly
Office of Rail and Road approves 20 daily return services from St Pancras to three European cities
Depot access secured, but further hurdles remain
Virgin Trains will use Eurostar’s Temple Mills depot in Stratford, east London, for train maintenance and storage. The depot is the only facility accessible from High Speed 1, the line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel. The Office of Rail and Road granted Virgin access to the depot in October 2025.
Martin Jones, deputy director of access and international at the Office of Rail and Road, said the decision was an important next step for competition. He told *The Standard* that the regulator was supporting Virgin and the wider industry to grow international services.
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This is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services.
Martin Jones, deputy director of access and international, Office of Rail and Road
Before services can begin, Virgin must secure access to other rail networks and obtain safety approvals from both the Office of Rail and Road and EU regulators. The company has not yet confirmed the exact number of services it will run or the ticket prices.
What happens next for residents and travellers
Virgin Trains aims to launch services on 1 October 2030, but the timeline depends on securing the remaining approvals. The Office of Rail and Road has not set a deadline for these, and it is unclear how long the process will take.
Residents in Stratford and the surrounding areas may see increased rail activity at Temple Mills depot once services begin. No changes to local roads or public transport links have been announced in connection with the depot’s expanded use.
Travellers using St Pancras International should expect additional services from 2030, though no construction or platform changes have been confirmed. Virgin has not yet published a timetable or booking details.
Questions this report answers
+When will Virgin Trains start running services to Paris?
Virgin Trains plans to start services on 1 October 2030, but this depends on securing safety approvals and access to other rail networks. The Office of Rail and Road has not set a deadline for these remaining steps.
+How many trains will Virgin run each day?
The Office of Rail and Road has approved up to 20 daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Virgin has not yet confirmed how many it will operate or the exact timetable.
+Where will Virgin Trains maintain its trains?
Virgin will use Eurostar’s Temple Mills depot in Stratford, east London. The depot is the only facility accessible from High Speed 1, the line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel.
+Will this affect local residents in Stratford?
Residents near Temple Mills depot may see increased rail activity once services begin in 2030. No changes to local roads or public transport links have been announced in connection with the depot’s use.
WE FILE
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