A direct Eurostar service between London and Switzerland has moved a step closer to becoming reality — though passengers are unlikely to board trains before 2030.
Eurostar, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and France’s SNCF Voyageurs have all signed a new agreement to explore launching direct trains between London and cities in Switzerland.
Under the proposals, trains could run from London to Zurich in around six hours, while journeys to Basel would take around five hours and Geneva roughly five and a half hours.
Although flights between London and Switzerland are faster — taking around one hour and 45 minutes — the overall journey times are similar when you take into account airport transfers and waiting times.
The project remains at an early stage, as rail operators say there are still hurdles to overcome before services can begin.
If the new train services do go ahead, it is likely they will be launched in the 2030s, though a date has not yet been confirmed.
Further work is needed on timetabling, operational planning, border controls, infrastructure and international agreements.
And operators must find suitable trains and capacity on already congested rail routes through France and the Channel Tunnel.
Companies say demand is strong, though, noting that London is Switzerland’s busiest flight destination, with Swiss, British Airways and easyJet all operating direct services.
The latest agreement follows a an intergovernmental memorandum signed in London last year by Swiss transport minister Albert Rösti and UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander, which was aimed at improving rail links between the two countries.
© The Standard Ltd