Direct UK–Germany rail link to be introduced by the early 2030s

Millions of passengers could benefit from quicker and more convenient travel across Europe as Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have confirmed joint plans for a direct high-speed rail connection between Germany and London.

In a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week, both companies announced their intention to explore options to offer a direct service between London and major German cities, such as Cologne and Frankfurt.

The announcement follows the very first meeting of a joint UK-Germany taskforce in Berlin on 25 November – bringing together transport experts from both governments and industries to pave the way for direct international rail and to examine how to address barriers to services.

Set to start in the early 2030s, the routes would use Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet, which offers 20% more capacity and makes up to 50% in energy savings compared with its existing fleet.

Offering direct city centre to city centre connection, passengers could soon travel between London and Cologne in around four hours and Frankfurt in just over five hours, providing more choice, more comfort and a sustainable alternative to flying.

It would also support the creation of British jobs, kickstart the UK economy and strengthen the vital trade links between the two countries – providing better access to European markets and easier investment opportunities in the UK.

This comes as the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier finishes a three-day state visit to the UK, bolstering economic ties between the two close countries. President Steinmeier joined the Prime Minister and the Chancellor in hosting a roundtable with British and German business leaders at No. 10 on Wednesday.

“This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism, and investment,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“From establishing pioneering cross-continent routes to freezing domestic rail fares for the first time in 30 years, transport is just one of the many ways this government is investing in international relationships to cut the cost of living back home.”

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