Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Eurostar have confirmed joint plans to develop a direct high-speed rail connection between Germany and London.
The rail operators signed an agreement this week “to explore options” for a long-distance rail service between London and major German cities, such as Cologne and Frankfurt.
The partnership aims to leverage the combined assets of Eurostar and DB, promising “better solutions” for travellers and “mutual benefits” for the companies. According to a joint statement, Eurostar will contribute its experience in cross-Channel rail operations, while DB will offer its extensive network and strong presence throughout Germany.
Pending intergovernmental agreements, entry approvals and infrastructure readiness, the new route is expected to launch in “the early 2030s”, with services to be operated by Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet.
Commenting on the partnership, Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said: "It’s a big step towards making travel between London and Germany more sustainable and effortless... we’re creating a whole new level of connectivity and convenience for our customers."
Michael Peterson, a member of DB’s management board for long distance passenger transport, added: “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 partnership follows the signing, in July, of the 'Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation' treaty between the German and UK governments. Both governments have each since established a task force to support the new cross-border rail connection.
Germany’s federal minister for transport Patrick Schnieder said: “In a task force set up specifically for this project, we are already working intensively on the legal, infrastructural and political requirements for this new rail connection.”
Heidi Alexander, UK Transport Secretary, added: “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."