Virgin Trains authorized to launch international rail services

Virgin Trains has received authorization from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to launch international rail services, challenging Eurostar’s long-standing monopoly on routes through the Channel Tunnel. The permission allows for up to 20 daily round-trip services between London and destinations including Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

The proposed services are scheduled to operate from October 1, 2030, through December 31, 2040. Implementation remains subject to several conditions, including the acquisition of necessary rolling stock, access to various rail networks, and obtaining safety approvals from both the United Kingdom and the European Union. Virgin Trains must also finalize an agreement with London St Pancras High Speed by September 4.

To facilitate operations, the company intends to share a depot with Eurostar and has reportedly secured maintenance land near the London 2012 Olympic Village. Martin Jones, the ORR’s Deputy Director of Access and International, stated that the move is a “significant step toward bringing competition and growth to the international rail services market.”