The new direct train line set to connect the UK to a European city for the first time

The Sun

17-07-2025

THE Government has revealed plans for a new rail link between London and a new European country.
The UK and Germany have joined forces to create a direct rail route to Berlin.
5
The new direct train would allow both Brits and Germans a flight-free way of getting to each country.
For Brits, this meant they could be exploring the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie "in just a matter of years", according to Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
The secretary added: "This landmark agreement – part of a new treaty the Prime Minister will sign with Chancellor Merz today - has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying.
"A new task force will bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange, building on a landmark deal we signed earlier this year to explore introducing direct services to Switzerland."
The plans are also set to give the UK a big economic boost, with the creation of jobs and strengthened trade links.
Alexander added: "This is central to our Plan for Change – breaking down barriers, thinking boldly about the future, and making long-term decisions that better connect Britain to the world.
"Working with Germany, we're building bridges between our people and paving the way for a more sustainable, connected future."
It has not been made clear where the new train service would depart from in London.
Currently, St Pancras International is the only London station that provides direct international passenger trains, including ones that connect to Germany - via a change in Brussels.
This is due to St Pancras being the terminus for High Speed 1 (HS1) - the only high-speed rail line in the UK that connects to the Channel Tunnel.
The Sun reviews business class travel on the Eurostar
5
Berlin is known for its vibrant culture and top class beer, which includes Prater Garten, the city's oldest beer garden having first opened in 1837.
Currently, St Pancras International is the only London station that provides direct international passenger train services, including those that connect (via a change in Brussels) to Germany.
This is because St Pancras is the final station for High Speed 1 (HS1) - the only high-speed rail line in the UK that connects to the Channel Tunnel on the UK side.
However, Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International stations both sit on the HS1 line.
In theory, both of these places could handle international services.
However, the Eurostar - which is the main operator through the Channel Tunnel - has not served these stations since the Covid-19 pandemic.
5
Eurostar has also announced plans to create direct trains from London to Frankfurt in Germany and Geneva in Switzerland in the early 2030s - which would still likely depart from St Pancras International.
A new high-speed line known as High Speed 2 (HS2) is under construction in the UK.
Whilst the line will primarily be used for travel within the UK, such as linking London to the West Midlands, there have been some discussions about a link between HS1 and HS2.
If this link were to be built, it could allow for direct international services from other parts of the UK via HS2.
New European rail service
A NEW European train service, launching next year, will connect Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen, marking the first direct route between Prague and Copenhagen in a decade.
Operated by Czech, German, and Danish rail companies, the service will primarily run twice daily.
The journey from Prague to Copenhagen will take around 11hours - a duration expected to decrease with the completion of the Fehmarn Belt Undersea Tunnel.
Onboard, passengers can enjoy a dining car, a children's cinema, and improved mobile signal.
The ComfortJet trains will also offer space for bikes and be wheelchair accessible.
This initiative is one of 10 pilot projects supported by the European Commission to enhance cross-border rail travel.
The construction of HS2 is also behind schedule and the Government confirmed in June that the completion of the line would now be delayed beyond the target date of 2033.
Plus, a gamechanger new budget train line is to launch from London next year.