Thu, 30 Oct 2025

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 Virgin cleared to challenge Eurostar on Channel Tunnel route

Virgin Trains plans to start rival passenger rail services through the tunnel from 2030.

* Virgin Trains has been granted permission by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to share a depot with Eurostar, marking the end of Eurostar's monopoly on passenger services through the Channel Tunnel since 1994.
* The decision paves the way for Virgin to start running rail services from 2030, including routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
* The ORR's approval unlocks £700m of investment and could create 400 new jobs.
* Eurostar has said it is reviewing the decision and "considering its next steps".
* Virgin needs to secure finance, access to track and stations, and safety approvals from UK and EU authorities before starting operations.
* Rail Minister Lord Hendy welcomed the decision, saying it would give passengers greater choice, better value, and improve connectivity with Europe.
* The ORR rejected applications from other firms, including Evolyn and Gemini Trains, but approved Virgin's application.
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