All aboard for savings: European train fares set to drop by a third
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 13
- 7 min read
A wave of new competitors is set to shake up the Channel Tunnel rail route — and that could mean big savings for travelers heading to Europe.
Train ticket prices from the UK to destinations across Europe may drop by up to 30% in the coming years, thanks to new plans by European rail companies to challenge Eurostar’s long-standing monopoly. With new operators preparing to enter the market, travelers could soon enjoy more choice, better service, and lower fares on high-speed trains. This is according to The Times.
Since 1994, Eurostar has been the sole operator of high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel, connecting London to cities like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. But now, after years of holding a near-total monopoly, new players are preparing to enter the market — and shake things up.
For now, Eurostar remains the only option for direct high-speed travel between the UK and mainland Europe. But within the next few years, passengers could have multiple operators to choose from — with better prices, more frequent departures, and perhaps even new routes into southern Europe.
In other words, Eurostar’s solo act is nearing its final curtain — and a new era of competitive, climate-friendly train travel is ready to depart.
Eurostar has acknowledged the emergence of new competitors like Virgin Group, Evolyn, and Gemini Trains aiming to enter the cross-Channel rail market. While Eurostar has expressed support for the growth of rail services in Europe, it has raised concerns about infrastructure capacity, particularly at the Temple Mills depot in London, which is essential for train maintenance.
A Eurostar spokesperson stated to The Sunday Times:
We wholeheartedly welcome the growth of rail services in Europe—it’s a positive step for the environment, society, and mobility.
However, regarding the Temple Mills depot, Eurostar emphasized:
The real challenge we face isn't about restricting access, but rather the limited capacity at [London terminus] St Pancras and Temple Mills to accommodate everyone's growth ambitions.
Eurostar has also highlighted its investments in expanding services and improving customer experience, including ordering 50 new trains and enhancing onboard offerings.
As the cross-Channel rail market evolves, Eurostar appears open to competition but underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address infrastructure constraints and ensure sustainable growth for all operators involved.
New players on the tracks
Italy’s state-owned rail giant Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) has announced its intention to launch high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel by 2029, connecting the UK with France and eventually Italy. FS has set aside €1 billion to expand its services into northern Europe and may partner with Spanish newcomer Evolyn, which is also planning to enter the UK–France rail market.
Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), is spearheading a transformative agenda for Italy's state railway group, focusing on sustainability, digital innovation, and international expansion.
Donnarumma emphasized, «By expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure... More competition will create a more efficient and customer-oriented industry, offering a real alternative to air travel.»
Other contenders include Virgin Trains and Gemini, a new British start-up aiming to begin service in the next few years. All hope to run trains along HS1, the UK’s high-speed line between London and the Channel Tunnel, breaking Eurostar’s decades-long grip on cross-Channel travel.
High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. By expanding our presence on key corridors, we’re investing not just in infrastructure, but in the future of European transport. Stefano Donnarumma CEO of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS)
Stations and services set to expand
To support this future growth, discussions are underway to reopen Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations, which have been closed to international services since the pandemic. Both are seen as vital for relieving pressure on St Pancras International, currently the UK’s only station serving high-speed trains to continental Europe.
A recent study commissioned by London St Pancras Highspeed (LSPH) estimates that international train travel through London could triple to 35 million passengers a year within the next 15 years. Upgrades to St Pancras and nearby rail depots are also being planned to handle increased traffic.
Virgin Trains
Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is aiming to re-enter the rail market by launching high-speed services between London and major European cities. The company plans to raise £700 million to fund this venture, with services potentially starting by 2029. Virgin intends to offer frequent connections from London to Paris, Brussels, and eventually Amsterdam, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Eurostar. Recent regulatory developments have cleared significant hurdles, such as access to maintenance facilities, paving the way for Virgin's entry into the market.
Gemini Trains
Led by former Eurotunnel executive Lord Tony Berkeley, Gemini Trains is a new entrant aiming to offer competitive, high-quality services between the UK and continental Europe. The company plans to launch operations by 2029, initially focusing on routes from London to Paris and Brussels, with potential expansions to cities like Strasbourg, Cologne, and Geneva. Gemini emphasizes innovative ticketing and customer service, seeking to provide a fresh alternative to existing offerings.
Evolyn
Spanish-backed startup Evolyn has announced plans to introduce high-speed rail services between London and Paris, aiming for a launch as early as 2026. The company has ordered 12 new trains and is working on securing the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals. Evolyn's entry is expected to provide additional options for travelers and increase competition on the cross-Channel route.
Why it matters for travelers
More competition usually means better prices — and rail experts agree.
This could be a real game-changer, With more operators on the tracks, passengers will likely benefit from cheaper fares, more frequent departures, and a better overall travel experience. Mark Smith Founder of The Man in Seat 61, a popular train travel guide.
Rail travel is also increasingly seen as a green alternative to flying, especially on short and medium-haul routes. Many hope the shift will help Europe meet its environmental goals while also offering travelers more relaxing, scenic, and city-center-to-city-center journeys.
Rail has huge potential to be the first choice for European travel. But it only works if the market opens up — and that’s finally starting to happen. Robert Sinclair CEO of HS1 Ltd.
All aboard for 2029
If timelines hold, travelers could start seeing new operators and better prices on the London–Europe route within the next four years. With major investment, new trains, and renewed stations, the age of expensive, limited Eurostar-only services may be coming to an end — and the golden era of European train travel might just be ahead.
Facts - Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS)
Full name: Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane S.p.A.
Founded: 1905 (as a state agency), restructured in 2001 as a joint-stock company
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
Ownership: 100% owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance
CEO (2025): Stefano Antonio Donnarumma
Employees: Over 80,000 (as of 2023)
Annual revenue: Approx. €13–14 billion (recent years)
Core activities: High-speed rail, regional passenger services, freight transport, infrastructure management, urban mobility
Subsidiaries
Trenitalia – passenger train operations, including high-speed Frecciarossa
RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) – manages rail infrastructure
Mercitalia – freight and logistics
Italferr – engineering and project management
FS International – manages overseas projects and services
Key highlights
High-Speed Rail Leader: Trenitalia operates the Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) service, which connects major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Naples at speeds up to 300 km/h.
European Expansion: FS is expanding across Europe, with services or partnerships in countries such as France, Germany, the UK, Greece, and Spain.
Sustainability: FS has committed to major investments in sustainable mobility, electrification, and reducing emissions across its networks.
Global Projects: Through FS International, the group is involved in international rail projects in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Colombia, and India, among others.
Facts - Eurostar
Launched: November 14, 1994
Route: High-speed train service through the Channel Tunnel, connecting London (St Pancras International) with Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and other European cities
Journey time:
London–Paris: approx. 2h 15m
London–Brussels: approx. 2h
London–Amsterdam: approx. 3h 55m
Train type: Eurostar uses Class 373 and e320 (Class 374) trains, reaching speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph)
Passenger numbers: Over 11 million passengers per year (pre-COVID peak), with international demand now rebounding
Operator: Eurostar Group (formed by a 2022 merger of Eurostar International and Thalys)
Ownership:
SNCF (France) – majority shareholder
CDPQ and Hermes Infrastructure (Canada/UK)
SNCB (Belgium)
Stations served:
UK: London (St Pancras)
France: Paris, Lille, Marseille (seasonal), Lyon (seasonal)
Belgium: Brussels, Antwerp (some Thalys connections)
Netherlands: Rotterdam, Amsterdam
Seasonal routes: Alps, Avignon, Disneyland Paris
Environmental note: Eurostar claims that a journey from London to Paris by train emits over 90% less CO₂ than an equivalent short-haul flight
Recent news: Faces new competition from operators like FS (Italy), Evolyn (Spain), Virgin, and Gemini (UK) planning to enter the Channel Tunnel market between 2026–2029
