Virgin Trains gets go ahead to run services to Europe in new blow to Eurostar monopoly
Virgin Trains has received regulatory approval to operate cross-Channel rail services to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam starting in 2030. This move aims to challenge Eurostar's long-standing monopoly on the route, potentially offering more competition and choice for passengers.
Why it matters
Ending a 30-year monopoly on a major international rail route could lead to significant changes in pricing and service availability for European travelers.
Is this the future? A computer-generated photo of what could be a Virgin Trains service at St Pancras International station, though not until at least 2030. Photograph: Virgin Trains/PA Is this the future? A computer-generated photo of what could be a Virgin Trains service at St Pancras International station, though not until at least 2030. Photograph: Virgin Trains/PA Virgin Trains Virgin Trains gets go ahead to run services to Europe in new blow to Eurostar monopoly Operator wins track access approval for up to 20 daily return trains through tunnel to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam in 2030
Prefer the Guardian on Google Virgin Trains has been granted track access by the rail regulator to run new services between London and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030, moving forward its plans to break’s Eurostar’s passenger monopoly on the cross-Channel route.
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