Virgin takes on Eurostar for high-speed London-Europe trains
Unlocking Eurostar’s monopoly promises to deliver lower fares and new routes
By Staff Writers, October 31 2025
Eurostar’s monopoly on international trains from the UK is set to end, with Virgin Trains on track to launch its own high-speed services via the Channel Tunnel from 2030.
British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson vowed to “shake up” cross-Channel train services after UK regulators approved the bid by his Virgin Group.
“It’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route,” he said, “and give consumers the choice they deserve.”
“I’ve always believed competition drives innovation, and that’s exactly what we will bring to the Channel Tunnel.”
“This is what we do best. Just as we’ve challenged incumbents in the air, on the seas, and just as we’ve led the UK rail market before – we’re ready to do it all over again.”
American Express Business Travel says that 75% of business trips between the UK and France are now made on Eurostar.
With the backing of heavyweight infrastructure investors and private equity firms, Virgin Trains has placed a £760 million order with global manufacturer Alstom for 12 Avelia Stream trains capable of an estimated 300km/h.
Virgin will initially duplicate the same routes as Eurostar, starting with London to Paris, with Brussels and Amsterdam following shortly after.
American Express Business Travel says Eurostar claims 75% of business trips between the UK and France.
Eurostar already plans to add Cologne, Frankfurt and Geneva to its network, and Virgin Trains says it has “ambitions” to expand “further across France, and into Germany and Switzerland.”
While all Channel Tunnel trains depart from St Pancras International, Virgin is also looking to add intermediate UK stops at Kent’s Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations – both of which were served by Eurostar before their closure during the Covid pandemic.
Also on the list is Calais, Disneyland Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Alstom's mock-up of the Avelia Stream's onboard cafe lounge.
The UK government’s Office for Rail and Road chose Virgin Trains over rival bids from Uber-backed startup Gemini Trains, Spanish operator Evolyn and Italian operator Trenitalia.
Virgin Trains provided “the highest confidence level of being operationally viable,” said the ORR, based on its proposal being “more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants.”
“Its plans are more detailed, and it has provided clear evidence of an exclusive agreement to deliver the necessary rolling stock by 2030.”
Virgin Trains will compete on all Eurostar routes.
UK rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said the debut of Virgin Trains on UK-EU routes “will give passengers greater choice, better value and improve connectivity for millions, as well as drive innovation, lower fares and promote greener connections with Europe.”
Knowing that competition was on the way, Eurostar last week announced plans to run double-decker trains through the Tunnel from 2031, in a move which will boost capacity by 20%.
The new Eurostar Celestia trains represent a €2 billion investment, with firm orders for 30 and options for 20 more.
The double-deck Eurostar Celestia trains will debut in 2031.
“It’s about flexibility, increasing frequencies and expanding destinations,” says Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave, adding that “this is a golden age for international sustainable travel – and Eurostar is leading the race.”
”We’ll add three more daily frequencies to Paris, adding around 2 million seats, and increase Amsterdam services from four to seven daily.”
“We’ll also launch new direct services to Cologne, Frankfurt, and Geneva, with three to four frequencies per day.”
So what does all this mean for passengers? In a word: choice.
Until now, Eurostar’s lack of competition has allowed it to control pricing and schedules with little pressure to innovate.
New entrants will disrupt that balance, spurring better pricing and more competitive products - from lounges to seats and onboard service – along with more flexible booking options and loyalty perks.
Also read: Eurostar to join SkyTeam in 2026
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 870
Let's just hope that this time Sir Richard has 'skin in the game', and I do mean 'skin in the game' with serious financial consequences for failure. Chances of . . . ??
10 Dec 2024
Total posts 2
I detest double stack trains...looks like Virgin will be the train of choice.
02 Nov 2017
Total posts 27
I traveled on Eurostar recently and was unimpressed. The train was old with poor leg room and the “cafe” was basic. The fare was expensive and we were outside peak times. I flew back to New York on Virgin Atlantic A350 and it was the best international flight I’ve taken in Coach. I’ll definitely book on Virgin trains next time if they’re up and running
QFF
17 May 2017
Total posts 16
To use Double Decker trains to add 20% capacity is all good in theory for Eurostar however they first need increase the capacity at check-in/security and the “cattle yard” waiting areas at departures for both London and Paris as they are already horribly congested. The crammed waiting areas, with limited seating and room to hold on to luggage etc, are the biggest negative of using the Tunnel.
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 612
I read somewhere that the stations are being upgraded to allow for this, with larger security areas and waiting areas. Did London-Paris on the Eurostar a while ago and these changes are definitely needed!
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 612
Shades of Virgin Atlantic vs British Airways, Virgin Australia vs Qantas etc etc. Always good to see competition, especially when it replaces a monopoly.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Virgin takes on Eurostar for high-speed London-Europe trains