Direct Train Routes from St Pancras to Germany and Switzerland in the Works

Swiss National Railways (SBB) is planning a new five-hour Eurostar service from London's St Pancras to Basel, while Spanish company Evolyn aims to set up direct routes to Frankfurt, Cologne, and Zurich.

These initiatives could extend London's direct train connections to Europe, with London to Basel currently requiring a seven-hour trip with multiple train changes.

The proposed routes would offer a more streamlined journey with a single train ride and a unified security and passport check at the starting station, but no specific launch date has been provided. Philipp Mader of SBB highlighted the potential challenges, including the costly infrastructure through the Eurotunnel.

Swiss MP Matthias Aebischer encouraged the Swiss government to explore these direct connections, while Eurotunnel’s owner, Getlink, hinted that new direct high-speed lines to cities like Geneva and Zurich could materialize within five years. The direct distance between London and the Swiss capital, Bern, is 464 miles, with a 616-mile driving route.