Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn Advance Plans for Direct UK–Germany Rail Link

Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have agreed to develop proposals for a direct high-speed rail service between the UK and Germany. This marks a further step towards restoring cross-border routes through the Channel Tunnel beyond France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

This week, the two operators signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining their intention to explore a joint service linking London with major German cities, including Cologne and Frankfurt.

The announcement follows the first meeting of a UK–Germany rail connectivity taskforce, held in Berlin on 25 November, which brought together officials and industry representatives to consider the operational, regulatory and technical requirements for such a service.

Under the plan, trains would begin running in the early 2030s, subject to meeting border, security and interoperability conditions. Eurostar expects to use its forthcoming double-deck Celestia fleet, which offers increased capacity and reduced energy consumption compared with the operator’s existing trains.

Indicative journey times suggest around four hours between London and Cologne, and just over five hours to Frankfurt.

Both governments have framed the development as part of wider efforts to expand international rail links. UK ministers have highlighted the potential for improved access to European markets, tourism flows and employment associated with rail operations and supporting services. The announcement coincided with a State Visit to the UK by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during which economic cooperation featured prominently.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism and investment.

From establishing pioneering cross-continent routes to freezing domestic rail fares for the first time in 30 years, transport is just one of the many ways this Government is investing in international relationships to cut the cost of living back home.

The planned cooperation will focus on developing possible timetables, assessing terminal facilities for international checks, and determining the arrangements necessary to support a direct service operated jointly by the two companies.

Both operators have pointed to the Treaty of Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation signed in July as a key political foundation for the work.

Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave 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.

Further studies will continue over the coming years as Eurostar and DB assess feasibility, with any launch dependent on government approvals and the completion of technical and security preparations.