DIRECT trains to Germany from the UK are closer than ever – and it will be the first time ever the two countries are linked by train.
Eurostar has confirmed that they are in talks with Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German train operator.
This would mean that direct trains would be able to run from London St Pancras to a number of German cities.
This includes both Cologne and Frankfurt.
The new routes would be operated by the new double-decker Celestia fleet which Eurostar revealed earlier this year.
These are set to be rolled out by 2030.
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO Eurostar said: “We’re thrilled to kick off this partnership with DB. It’s a big step towards making travel between London and Germany more sustainable and effortless.
“By combining Eurostar’s cross-channel know-how and new fleet with DB’s strong presence in Germany, we’re creating a whole new level of connectivity and convenience for our customers.”
“This partnership will help continue to power Eurostar’s growth and bring us closer to our goal of carrying 30 million passengers across our network.
The UK’s Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander backed this up, saying it would “transform cross border rail travel in Europe for generations to come”.
She added: “I’m delighted that following productive discussions with my German counterpart in the summer, we are speeding ahead with our ambitions to change how millions of people travel between our two countries.
“A direct rail link will support the creation of jobs, strengthen vital trade links and build a sustainable connection that will make international travel easier and greener.”
Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder, said they were setting up a task for “specifically for the project” which will hand the “e legal, infrastructural and political requirements for this new rail connection”.
The announcement comes after it was confirmed that Virgin would be launching direct trains from the UK to Europe.
Not only is it the first time for Virgin – who previously had UK trains until 2019 – but it will be the first competitor for Eurostar since it launched in 1994.
Virgin first revealed plans to launch to Europe in January 2025, with plans to run from the UK to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
They hope to start running trains from 2030, with future plans also including Germany and Switzerland.
They could also restart trains from both both Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International in Kent as well, which previously had Eurostar trains.