Eurostar historically held a near-monopoly on London-to-Continent passenger rail services, but new operators are planning rivals. Deutsche Bahn, Evolyn and Virgin have announced cross-Channel ambitions, with Virgin targeting 2029. Gemini Trains, launched in March and led by Labour peer Tony Berkeley, is partnering with Uber to run international high-speed services from Stratford International on HS1. Plans call for a fleet of around ten high-speed trains offering direct services to Lille, Paris and Brussels bookable through the Uber app. Stratford is presented as a quicker, less crowded terminal, and services aim to operate by around 2030.
For a long time, the Eurostar has been the only passenger train ferrying Brits from London, under the Channel and onto the Continent. But not for long. In recent years cross-Channel ambitions have been revealed by the likes of Deutsche Bahn and Evolyn, while Virgin has announced a new service that will be a direct competitor with the OG London-Paris line, due to launch in 2029.
When the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (AKA High Speed 1, HS1) was built back in 2007 Stratford International station was fitted out to handle passengers heading across the Channel from London, but it was never used for this purpose. The HS1 Stratford station has only been used by domestic Southeastern trains using the high-speed track to stations in Kent. The most recent developments in Uber and Gemini's plans have revealed that wants a fleet of 10 high-speed trains.
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