London could soon have Eurostar services to three new European destinations, as the cross-Channel train line announces plans to introduce direct journeys to Switzerland. Currently, travelers can reach Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, but new routes to Zurich, Basel, and Geneva are being explored.
New Direct Routes to Switzerland
Eurostar has signed a 'memorandum of understanding' with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and French SNCF Voyageurs to investigate direct connections between London and Switzerland's three main cities. The journey times are estimated at six hours to Zurich, five hours to Basel, and five and a half hours to Geneva, significantly reducing the current travel time of seven hours via Paris.
What to Expect in Each City
- Zurich: Visitors can explore the cobblestone Old Town (Altstadt) or climb the Grossmünster towers for panoramic views. The shores of Lake Zurich offer a serene day off.
- Basel: Known as Switzerland's cultural capital, Basel features the Basel Minster and Pfalz Terrace, where visitors can climb 800-year-old cathedral towers and enjoy stunning views of the Rhine River and Kleinbasel. Hand-operated ferries provide a unique Rhine experience.
- Geneva: A globally significant city, Geneva hosts the European headquarters of the United Nations (Palais des Nations) and the famous Jet d'Eau, a 140-meter-high water fountain on Lake Geneva.
Challenges and Timeline
While the memorandum is a first step, significant work remains. Infrastructure must be set up, and governments need to be on board. Services are not expected to begin until the 2030s, marking the first direct train connection between Switzerland and the UK. There are also plans to link the UK to other European cities such as Frankfurt in Germany and Milan in Italy.
Eurostar stated: 'This marks an important milestone in the long-term planning for the establishment of a potential new direct connection to the United Kingdom.'
