The governments of the United Kingdom and Switzerland have formalized plans to spur train operators to run direct services linking London with Switzerland. On Friday, officials announced a memorandum of understanding designed to “lay the groundwork for future commercial services” through the Channel Tunnel rail network.
Under the proposed arrangement, passengers could travel from London to Geneva in about five hour down from the current roughly 7½-hour trip that requires a change in Paris. For business and leisure travelers seeking greener transport options, this nonstop link would offer a compelling alternative to the one-hour-forty-minute flight between the two capitals.
Establishing the route will require overcoming logistical hurdles, notably the installation of border controls at Swiss termini and the procurement of trains compliant with the Channel Tunnel’s stringent safety regime. One potential solution under discussion is the deployment of modular, easily installed passport and security checkpoints at stations in Geneva, Zurich and Basel to minimize upfront capital outlay.
Industry insiders cite a post-pandemic surge in appetite for intercity rail in Europe driven in part by environmental concerns as a key motivator for the governments’ initiative. “We welcome steps to strengthen sustainable travel between the UK and Switzerland… This is a first step in a wider plan with our partners to grow connections in the greenest way,” said Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of Eurostar.
Despite the enthusiasm, executives note that launching a cross-Channel operation remains complex and capital-intensive, meaning that passenger services are unlikely to begin until the latter half of this decade. Albert Rösti, a Swiss federal councillor, described the goal as “ambitious” but “realistically achievable” within the next five to ten years.
Switzerland’s transport ministry will present detailed proposals next year on how to equip its stations with the necessary border infrastructure. Meanwhile, Eurostar which currently holds the only Channel Tunnel passenger rail concession to France, Belgium and the Netherlands faces potential competition. State railways from Italy and Virgin Group, among others, have already applied for links to the continent, and London St Pancras Highspeed has offered financial incentives to encourage new operators.
Robert Sinclair, chief executive of the St Pancras rail line owner, said the UK-Swiss accord “brings us one step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland,” marking a significant milestone in the evolution of European rail travel.
