- Direct train journey to London without requiring a change?
Moreover, venturing from Germany to London by train currently necessitates a changeover. The concept of direct journeys has been on the table for quite some time, but progress is finally being made. Train travel between Germany and the UK might soon become less complicated. As reported by "The Times," proposals for direct trains from Cologne and Frankfurt to the British capital, London, have gained traction following the signing of a new collaborative agreement between the Eurotunnel operators and the British high-speed rail line. However, the exact launch date for these trains remains unclear.
As of now, commuting from Germany to London by train involves up to ten daily trips through Brussels, as per Deutsche Bahn. The aspiration for direct connections has been prevalent for years. Currently, only high-speed trains operated by the Franco-British company Eurostar traverse the Channel Tunnel in passenger service.
Getlink, the administrator of the Channel Tunnel, has revealed "novel destinations" in Germany, Switzerland, and France. This announcement stems from London's St Pancras International train station expansion plans, which will significantly boost its passenger capacity. The objective is to allow various railway companies to also cater to new destinations from London.
[Enrichment Data - 15%]Initially planned for 2013, direct train connections from Cologne and Frankfurt to London via the Channel Tunnel and High Speed 1 (HS1) have faced numerous setbacks. Deutsche Bahn (DB) faced difficulties in procuring the required Siemens Velaro D trains and faced high rental costs for the French rail network. Moreover, the availability of suitable rolling stock and addressing operational issues related to the Channel Tunnel remain challenges. Despite expressing interest in these services until 2024, DB has yet to provide a concrete timeline for implementation.
The expansion of London's St Pancras International train station is expected to enhance passenger experience and capacity, potentially supporting the introduction of new international services. Plans aim to double the current capacity for international rail services from 1,800 passengers per hour to nearly 5,000 passengers per hour by the time the expansion is completed, potentially by 2035 or 2040.[2][5] However, this expansion does not directly influence the timeline for the direct train connections from Cologne and Frankfurt. The feasibility of these services depends on resolving the technical and operational issues related to the Channel Tunnel and obtaining suitable rolling stock.[1][5]
Operators from Germany and the UK, including Deutsche Bahn and Eurotunnel, have announced plans for direct train journeys between Cologne and Frankfurt to London, aiming to reduce the complexity of current travel. The capacity of London's St Pancras International train station is set to increase significantly due to expansion plans, potentially allowing more railway operators to offer services to new destinations. Despite these developments, the exact launch date for direct trains between Germany and London via the Eurotunnel remains unclear.
