Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Eurostar, the international high speed rail company, are taking the next step towards a direct high-speed rail connection between Germany and London.
In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the first few days of December, both companies announced their intention to explore options to jointly offer a direct long-distance service between London and major German cities, such as Cologne and Frankfurt.
Eurostar will contribute its expertise in cross-Channel rail travel, while DB will bring its network and presence across Germany. The launch, which would use Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet, is targeted for the early 2030s, provided that the necessary technical, operational, and legal conditions are met.
Michael Peterson, Member of the Management Board for Long Distance Passenger Transport at DB: “Europe is coming together ever more closely by rail. In cooperation with Eurostar, we also want to bring Germany and the UK closer together at high speed.
“We are convinced of the great potential of such a direct connection.”
”However, this project also shows that new cross-border long-distance services are often only possible through partnerships like this, due to complex framework conditions.”
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO Eurostar: "We’re thrilled to kick off this partnership with DB. It’s a big step towards making travel between London and Germany more sustainable and effortless. By combining Eurostar’s cross-channel know-how and new fleet with DB’s strong presence in Germany, we’re creating a whole new level of connectivity and convenience for our customers. This partnership will help continue to power Eurostar’s growth and bring us closer to our goal of carrying 30 million passengers across our network."
Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister of Transport, Germany: “With this initiative, we are sending a strong signal for the future of European rail transport. In a task force set up specifically for this project, we are already working intensively on the legal, infrastructural and political requirements for this new rail connection. I very much welcome that the companies involved are now taking up this thread. I am certain that this project will be a great benefit for all rail passengers throughout Europe.”
Heidi Alexander, UK Transport Secretary: "This partnership between Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn has the potential to transform cross border rail travel in Europe for generations to come. I’m delighted that following productive discussions with my German counterpart in the summer, we are speeding ahead with our ambitions to change how millions of people travel between our two countries. A direct rail link will support the creation of jobs, strengthen vital trade links and build a sustainable connection that will make international travel easier and greener."
The purpose of this intended cooperation is to:
- Enable direct long-distance rail passenger services between the UK and Germany, which is considered highly challenging to be implemented by individual railway undertakings. Joint partnerships are therefore critical.
- Enhance sustainable connections for passengers taveling between London and Germany, offering more choice, more comfort, and a sustainable alternative to flying including a city centre to city centre connection.
- Leverage the expertise and resources of both Eurostar and DB for mutual benefit and to deliver better solutions for customers. Together, Eurostar and DB will explore potential timetables and terminal facilities permitting international border and security controls.
DB and Eurostar welcome the strong political support for a future direct connection between the UK and Germany, particularly as reflected in the treaty on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation signed on July 17th by the German Federal Chancellor and the UK Prime Minister. As a measure arising from this treaty, ministries of both countries have set up a task force aimed at jointly addressing the political challenges for a direct link between Germany and London, especially regarding entry formalities and the necessary infrastructure and intergovernmental agreements.
Image credit: iStock
