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BRITS may soon travel to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam with Virgin Trains – and we now have a first look at the trains that will be utilized.
Virgin Trains has disclosed additional information about the services it aims to operate starting in 2030, featuring more affordable tickets and potential routes from Manchester and Birmingham.
Virgin Trains is poised to compete with Eurostar by offering services through the Channel Tunnel by 2030Credit: Alamy
In October, Virgin Trains announced that it had received permission from the Office of Rail and Road to access the Temple Mills depot in East London.
This approval essentially brings the operator closer to launching cross-channel services that will eventually compete with Eurostar.
While specific details regarding schedules and ticket prices have yet to be disclosed, Virgin Trains has indicated that it plans to initially deploy 12 trains for the European service, each consisting of seven carriages.
The operator has reached an agreement with Alstom for these trains, which will be Avelia Stream models—energy-efficient and modern, according to Virgin.
These trains will also showcase Virgin’s signature red and white colors.
Currently planned routes include St Pancras to Gare du Nord, Brussels Midi, and Centraal.
Virgin plans to operate 20 services each day, with 13 to Paris, four to Brussels, and three to Amsterdam.
In contrast to Eurostar, Virgin is considering stops at Ebbsfleet or Ashford, which are currently not utilized for international services.
In the future, there may be services from or to and/or.
The specific appearance of Virgin Trains at London St Pancras has yet to be revealed, but Virgin has stated that it will “enhance the experience” for passengers.
Virgin has previously expressed a desire to provide a direct service from London to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Additionally, there are hopes to reintroduce a route to destinations that Eurostar previously operated but discontinued in 2023.
The primary advantage for passengers could be the potentially lower ticket prices, as Virgin has frequently mentioned that fares are likely to be competitive, or even cheaper, than current options.
According to Eurostar, its lowest fare between and Paris is £39.
However, examining current prices, the cheapest fare in the next six weeks stands at £51.
While the pricing for Virgin Trains tickets remains unclear, Branson stated last month: “When competition is present, fares will naturally decrease.
Routes will include destinations in Paris, Brussels, and AmsterdamCredit: Getty
“If we have seats available, we will lower their prices.”
Passengers on Virgin Trains may also have the opportunity to earn Virgin Red loyalty points when booking through Virgin, similar to flights.
Before services can commence, Virgin Trains must establish a commercial agreement with (the current operator of Temple Mills), secure funding, access to tracks and stations, and obtain safety approvals from the ORR and EU authorities.
The Channel Tunnel is presently utilized exclusively by Eurostar and
However, a report from the summer indicated there is capacity for additional trains to access the Temple Mills depot, which is vital for cross-channel services.
At the time of the announcement in October, Martin Jones, deputy director of access and international at the said: “This decision supports customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700 million in private sector investment and fostering growth.
“While there is still a considerable distance to cover before the first new services can operate, we are prepared to collaborate with Virgin Trains as their plans evolve.”
In other rail news, a train service named as one of the best in the UK is introducing new direct trains to London.
Additionally, the – and tickets are priced at £33.
Fares may also be lower than existing Eurostar ticketsCredit: Virgin
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Virgin Trains begin operations to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam?
Virgin Trains plans to start operations in 2030, although specific dates and schedules have yet to be confirmed.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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