Direct UK–Germany rail link plans move forward
Plans for a direct high-speed rail link between the UK and Germany have taken a major step forward after Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB) confirmed a new partnership agreement.
The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore direct passenger services connecting London with major German cities, including Cologne and Frankfurt.
Announced following the first meeting of a UK–Germany transport taskforce in Berlin on 25 November, the partnership aims to tackle the technical and regulatory barriers that have so far prevented a through service between the two countries.
The new routes, expected to launch in the early 2030s, would use Eurostar’s upcoming double-decker Celestia fleet, which offers 20% more capacity and up to 50% energy savings compared with current trains. Passengers could travel from London to Cologne in around four hours and to Frankfurt in just over five, providing a sustainable and convenient alternative to flying.
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.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This partnership between Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn has the potential to transform cross-border rail travel in Europe for generations to come.
“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.”
Eurostar CEO 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.”
Michael Peterson, DB’s Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transport, said: “Europe is coming together ever more closely by rail. In cooperation with Eurostar, we also want to bring Germany and the UK closer together at high speed. We are convinced of the great potential of such a direct connection.
“However, this project also shows that new cross-border long-distance services are often only possible through partnerships like this, due to complex framework conditions.”
The announcement follows German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s three-day State Visit to the UK, during which he joined the Prime Minister and Chancellor at a Downing Street roundtable with business leaders to discuss trade and economic cooperation.
The proposed services are part of the UK Government’s wider plan to improve international rail connectivity, boost tourism, and create green economic growth.
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