Eurostar, SBB and SNCF Voyageurs have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a direct rail connection between London and Switzerland, a significant step forward in long‑term route development.
The partners say demand for international rail travel is strong, with London currently the top flight destination from Switzerland and clear customer appetite for a direct train option . Studies indicate potential journey times of six hours to Zurich, five hours to Basel and 5.5 hours to Geneva, aligning with market expectations for faster, lower‑carbon travel between the two countries.
The MoU builds on a Cooperation Agreement signed in March between SBB and SNCF Voyageurs to strengthen their partnership and develop new international routes, including UK links. Eurostar brings more than 30 years of cross‑Channel operating experience, while SBB and SNCF Voyageurs already collaborate closely on European services.
Next steps include analysing timetables, operational concepts and the milestones required to introduce the service. However, several hurdles remain from entry formalities to infrastructure and rolling‑stock availability meaning the earliest feasible launch would be sometime in the 2030s.
The project builds on previous studies and 2025 intergovernmental MoU between Switzerland and the UK, with all three operators continuing to pursue expanded international connectivity
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