A memorandum of understanding for a possible direct rail connection between Switzerland and London in the United Kingdom was signed today by SBB-CFF-FFS, SNCF Voyageurs and Eurostar. The agreement marks a significant step towards meeting the growing demand for international rail travel, with London being the most popular destination from Switzerland.
High demand and market potential
Studies indicate that direct connections with travel times of 6 hours between Zurich and London, 5 hours between Basel and London, and 5.5 hours between Geneva and London would align with market demand and international travellers’ expectations. The partners see considerable potential in connecting Switzerland directly to the UK capital.
Strengthening cooperation
In March, SBB-CFF-FFS and SNCF Voyageurs signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening their partnership and developing new links, including a potential connection between Switzerland and England. The involvement of Eurostar, a subsidiary of SNCF Voyageurs, is a natural fit, given its 30 years of experience operating high-speed links between continental Europe and Great Britain via the English Channel.
The memorandum of understanding outlines the framework for collaboration on this project. The next phase involves analysing possible timetables and operating concepts, which will inform the key measures required for introducing the direct connection.
Challenges and next steps
While the partners are eager to launch the service as soon as possible, several hurdles remain. These include finalising entry formalities, clarifying infrastructure and intergovernmental agreements, and ensuring the availability of suitable trains and routes. The earliest possible implementation is not expected until the 2030s.
This initiative builds on previous studies and the memorandum of understanding for an intergovernmental agreement signed on 8 May 2025 in London by Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander.
SBB-CFF-FFS continues to conduct studies on behalf of the Federal Office of Transport, while Eurostar and SNCF Voyageurs are advancing their plans for new international connections.
Independent commentary
Independent railway commentator Jon Worth shared his thoughts on the development: “I suppose this means Eurostar will then not stand in the way of whatever SBB-CFF-FFS does, and it might make stopping at Lille (Rijsel) easier. This allows one trainset to then go to Brussels, splitting there.”
“Eurostar has so many headaches currently I think they would not stand in the way of it. It won’t impact their cash cows.”
About the partners: SNCF Voyageurs
SNCF Voyageurs, the passenger transport arm of the SNCF Group, was established in January 2020. It transports 5 million passengers daily across 15,000 trains, serving 230 destinations in France and Europe through brands like TGV inOui, Ouigo, Eurostar and TGV Lyria. The company, which employs 65,000 people, generated sales of €20.9 billion in 2025. It provides low-carbon transport solutions, technical services, rolling stock maintenance, and digital platforms such as SNCF Connect.
Eurostar
Eurostar operates Western Europe’s largest international high-speed network, connecting over 20 destinations in Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK with a fleet of 51 high-speed trains. In 2025, it carried 20 million passengers.
To support future growth, Eurostar has ordered up to 50 Celestia double-decker trains from Alstom, set to enter service from May 2031. Its shareholders include SNCF Voyages Développement (55.75%), CDPQ (19.31%), NMBS / SNCB (18.50%) and Federated Hermes Infrastructure Fund (6.44%).
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