Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar will work jointly on technical and operational conditions for a future direct London–Germany rail connection. The cooperation is based on a newly signed MoU and includes timetable planning, terminal arrangements and solutions for cross-border security and border control.
Eurostar plans to deploy its next-generation double-deck Celestia fleet for the route, while DB will provide access to its national long-distance network. Both operators stress that successful implementation will require coordinated regulatory, infrastructure and border frameworks.
DB board member Michael Peterson said the potential is significant but highlighted that cross-border long-distance operations remain complex and often only feasible through partnerships. Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave noted that the cooperation could create a more seamless and sustainable alternative to air travel between the UK and Germany.
The initiative has political backing in both capitals. The UK and Germany have established a joint task force to address customs, entry procedures and station infrastructure requirements, following the bilateral cooperation treaty signed in July.
Initial planning foresees service launch in the early 2030s, subject to technical approvals, border facilities and operational alignment. Proposed routes include London–Cologne–Frankfurt, offering city-centre connectivity on high-speed tracks and reducing aviation dependency on a key European corridor.
