Virgin Trains gets go ahead to challenge Eurostar’s monopoly of cross-channel passenger services

Virgin Trains plans to launch rail services through the Channel Tunnel from 2030 following  UK rail regulator approval for the company to share Eurostar’s east London depot.

The decision by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to use the key Temple Mills railway storehouse gives Virgin the green light for a rival international train service from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, said: “It’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.”

The British entrepreneur added: “Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again. We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.” 

Virgin plans to run services from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal, with ambitions to expand further across France and into Germany and Switzerland, it said in a press statement.

The company also confirmed that its rail services would stop at either Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International station in Kent if the two stations were to reopen. It is working with Kent County Council and other local stakeholders to explore this possibility. 

Eurostar has enjoyed a monopoly on passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel since its inauguration in 1994. It recently announced a €2bn investment in new double-decker trains.

The ORR said Virgin needed to complete a number a steps before new international services could run. These include agreeing a commercial agreement with Eurostar, securing finance, accessing track and stations and getting safety approvals from UK and EU authorities.

But the regulator described the move as "a win for passengers, customer choice, and economic growth".

Photo: ©Virgin Group