Virgin Trains: Eurostar's future rival under the Channel
Virgin Trains: a new train between London and Europe
Virgin Trains is preparing high-speed services from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam through the Channel Tunnel. In August 2026, the UK regulator (ORR) granted it access to the HS1 high-speed line for up to 20 return services a day, from 1 October 2030.
It will be the first direct competitor to Eurostar on these routes. Trenitalia is also preparing a Paris → London train, targeting a launch in 2029.
Until then, Eurostar is the only direct train between London and Paris. On Kombo, you compare its fares with flights and coaches for your London → Paris trip.
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What we know about the Virgin trains
Planned routes
London ↔ Paris, from St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord
London ↔ Brussels, to Brussels-South (Midi)
London ↔ Amsterdam, to Amsterdam Centraal
On the UK side, only St Pancras is planned at this stage. The access rights granted by the ORR run from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040.
The trains
12 Avelia Stream trainsets ordered from Alstom (firm order in October 2026)
7 carriages per train
Speeds of up to 320 km/h, according to Alstom
A design derived from the Pendolino used on the UK West Coast Main Line
The depot
The trains will be maintained at Temple Mills depot in east London, shared with Eurostar.
Fares
Virgin has not announced any fares yet. With 3 operators on the route in the coming years, competition should put pressure on ticket prices.
What still needs to happen before 2030
The ORR approval only covers the UK part of the journey. Before launching, Virgin Trains still needs to:
sign access agreements with Getlink (the Channel Tunnel), SNCF Réseau in France, Infrabel in Belgium and ProRail in the Netherlands
get its trains approved in the UK and the European Union
finalise its access contract for Temple Mills depot
Eurostar has appealed the ORR decision, so the timeline is still to be confirmed.
For comparison, Trenitalia is targeting a London ↔ Paris service in 2029, with 10 return trips a day and 10 new dedicated Frecciarossa trains. Travellers between London and Paris could go from one operator to 3 within a few years.
Travelling between London and Paris until Virgin arrives
By train: Eurostar
Eurostar links London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in about 2h20. It also serves Brussels and Amsterdam. Tip: tickets go on sale months ahead, and booking early often pays off.
Compare with flights and coaches
On Kombo, a single search for London → Paris, London → Brussels or London → Amsterdam compares trains, flights and coaches. Planning your stay? See our Paris and London pages.
Frequently asked questions about Virgin Trains
When will Virgin Trains start running between London and Paris?
Virgin Trains has access rights to HS1 from 1 October 2030. The launch still depends on other approvals in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Which cities will Virgin Trains serve?
London St Pancras, Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-South and Amsterdam Centraal, with up to 20 return services a day in total.
Which trains will Virgin Trains use?
12 Alstom Avelia Stream trainsets, with 7 carriages each and a top speed of up to 320 km/h.
Can I book a Virgin Trains ticket on Kombo?
Not yet: Virgin trains are not running. For London → Paris, Kombo compares Eurostar with flights and coaches.
Will Virgin Trains be cheaper than Eurostar?
Virgin has not announced any fares yet. The arrival of Virgin and Trenitalia on the route should increase competition on prices.
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