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Virgin Trains has taken another major step towards launching international rail services from London to mainland Europe, with the UK rail regulator approving track access for proposed services from 2030.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has pre-approved an agreement allowing Virgin Trains to operate up to 20 daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 1 October 2030.
The move could introduce the first major new competitor to Eurostar's cross-Channel passenger services in decades, giving UK travellers another option for reaching popular European destinations by train.
The approval covers access to High Speed 1 (HS1), the railway linking London St Pancras with the Channel Tunnel. However, Virgin Trains still has several hurdles to clear before passengers can book tickets.
The company needs to secure access to the Channel Tunnel and rail networks in mainland Europe, purchase suitable trains and obtain safety approvals from UK and EU regulators.
Virgin has said it plans to invest around £700 million in its international rail project and expects to create approximately 400 jobs in the UK.
If the plans go ahead, UK travellers could have more choice when travelling to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Greater competition could also encourage operators to compete on fares, schedules and passenger experience, although it is too early to know what Virgin's ticket prices will look like.
For travellers considering a European city break, direct rail services can offer an alternative to flying, with departures from central London and arrivals directly into major European cities.
For now, Eurostar remains the established operator on these routes. Virgin's proposed services are still subject to further approvals, with the company targeting a 2030 launch.
The latest decision nevertheless marks an important development in UK-Europe travel and could signal a more competitive future for cross-Channel rail journeys.
