London To Switzerland Via A Direct Train By 2030
Imagine taking a train from London to Geneva, a direct rail link that would transport you between these cities in five hours via the Channel Tunnel. That's the intention behind a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the UK and Switzerland, a significant first step in making this rail link a reality.
This has been announced as Europe is in the midst of a rail boom, thanks to new high-speed trains, overnight sleeper trains, and environmental concerns.
'A direct rail link between the UK and Switzerland has the potential to boost tourism, grow our economy and bring people closer together – all while offering a greener option for passengers.'
The current rail trip between London and Geneva takes about seven and a half hours, traveling on the Eurostar train from London to Paris, changing trains (and often requiring that you change train stations), and continuing to Geneva. While you can fly that same route in about an hour and 40 minutes, Europe is making a concerted effort across the continent to boost train ridership and reduce carbon emissions from short-haul flights.
This proposal also promises greater convenience. The London to Geneva route would run from city center to city center, eliminating the need to travel to and from airports. Considering you must arrive about two hours before a flight for a security clearance, the time difference between taking the new train and flying would be pretty competitive. It would also be a lot greener and far more comfortable.
Eurostar at St.Pancras station in London, United Kingdom.
Heidi Alexander, the UK's Secretary of State for Transport, met with Albert Rösti, Switzerland's Federal Councilor and head of the Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, on May 9, 2025, to sign the memorandum of understanding.
'This is an exciting and important milestone in our efforts to strengthen international rail connections and promote greener travel to Europe,' Alexander said in a press release. 'A direct rail link between the UK and Switzerland has the potential to boost tourism, grow our economy and bring people closer together – all while offering a greener option for passengers.'
'A direct rail connection between Switzerland and the United Kingdom is an ambitious goal.'
Rösti of Switzerland said, in the same release, that 'A direct rail connection between Switzerland and the United Kingdom is an ambitious goal. With today's memorandum of understanding, we are establishing the basis to jointly examine concrete next steps. Such a connection would send a strong signal for international public transport.'
There are, of course, lots of hurdles before this train becomes a reality. The two countries have agreed to deal with a variety of logistical issues, which include security and border controls. While Switzerland is part of the Schengen Agreement, which abolished most internal border checks between European countries, England is not. Switzerland would have to set up security checkpoints at rail stations in Geneva, as well as Zurich and Basel, which are expected to eventually be part of the route.
St Pancras International Station, London
Eurostar already allows passengers to book a single ticket from London to several Swiss cities, including Geneva, Zurich, and Lausanne. These journeys still require changing trains in Paris, yet they indicate the move towards a better alignment of various independent European rail systems. The inauguration of the London to Switzerland direct train route would also benefit the Channel Tunnel, which is estimated to be operating at less than half its current capacity.
This proposed rail expansion is just the tip of the iceberg. Eurostar has outlined plans to extend travel from London's St. Pancras International Station to other new routes to cities such as Milan and Frankfurt.
The earliest estimate for the direct UK-Switzerland train to begin running is 2030.
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