Eurostar has taken a significant step toward launching high-speed cross-channel train services from London to Zurich and Geneva. The rail operator signed a memorandum of understanding with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and France's SNCF Voyageurs to explore a direct connection between the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
Key Milestone in Cross-Channel Rail
The agreement marks what Eurostar calls an 'important milestone' in long-term planning. A statement from the company noted: 'The signature of a memorandum of understanding... marks an important milestone in the long-term planning for the establishment of a potential new direct connection to the United Kingdom.' This follows a previous non-legally binding agreement between the UK and Switzerland, now expanded to include SNCF.
Why Switzerland?
Switzerland, often dubbed 'Europe's playground' for its Alpine adventures like skiing and hiking, attracts a high volume of British travelers. London is the number one flight destination from Switzerland, and there is strong customer demand for a direct rail link. Currently, a train journey from London to Zurich takes about seven and a half hours with at least one connection, while a flight takes one hour 40 minutes but involves airport transit time.
Eurostar studies suggest that direct connections with travel times of 6 hours to Zurich, 5 hours to Basel, and 5.5 hours to Geneva could meet market demand and traveler expectations.
Progress and Challenges
Discussions on the route have been ongoing. In May 2025, UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander held talks with Swiss transport minister Albert Rosti. Alexander acknowledged 'a lot of detail to work through' and said services would not launch within 12 months but would be 'fantastic' if realized. Rosti predicted progress might not be 'as fast as I would like' but deemed it 'really likely' within five to ten years.
Obstacles include border control arrangements, especially with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), and train availability. Meanwhile, Virgin is also progressing with plans to offer cross-channel services by 2030, having secured regulatory approval to use the Temple Mills depot in London for train maintenance.
