Eurostar plans direct trains from the UK to Germany and Switzerland
Europe's rail renaissance is showing no signs of slowing as high-speed rail operator Eurostar reveals ambitious plans to expand its network.
The company says it will introduce direct train connections from London to Germany and Switzerland, in what it calls the dawn of a "new golden age of international sustainable travel".
The operator is also enhancing its existing offering by increasing services on popular routes.
Here's what travellers can look forward to.
Eurostar's proposed expansion includes establishing direct rail links between London St Pancras International and two key European destinations: Frankfurt in Germany and Geneva in Switzerland.
The company plans to invest approximately €2 billion to acquire a substantial fleet of up to 50 new trains for the routes.
These new services are expected to begin operating during the early 2030s and aim to rival air travel for the same trips.
And journey times make the rail alternative attractive. Passengers travelling between London and Frankfurt can expect to arrive in approximately five hours, while those heading to Geneva will make the journey in around five hours and 20 minutes.
Eurostar has not yet released details on intermediate stops and whether passengers will have the flexibility to get on and off at various points along the route.
The new services are particularly aimed at business travel, with Eurostar's Chief Executive, Gwendoline Cazenave, highlighting that the destinations are 'big financial hubs'.
Frankfurt and Geneva are also tourist hotspots, filled with culture, striking architecture and international events.
Dates for the launch remain approximate as there are still several logistical challenges to implementing these new routes.
These include expanding passenger facilities at destination stations, establishing new border control checkpoints, and securing track access agreements.
Despite these hurdles, Cazenave remains optimistic about the project's success, citing strong commitment from Eurostar, passenger demand, and government support.
Eurostar's expanded fleet will also enable it to increase frequency on popular routes.
This includes boosting daily return services between London and Paris from 17 to 20.
The company has also confirmed plans to introduce a fourth daily return service between St Pancras and Amsterdam beginning on 9 September, with a fifth service added from mid-December.
Currently, Eurostar operates services connecting London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and seasonal routes to the French Alps during the winter sports season. It also runs train links within Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.
The operator transported 19.5 million passengers last year - a five per cent increase from 18.6 million in 2023. The London-Paris route proved most popular with 280,000 passengers, followed by London-Brussels with 250,000 passengers.
While Eurostar currently enjoys a monopoly on passenger services through the Channel Tunnel, several competitors are developing plans to challenge this, including Virgin Group, Italy's FS Italiane Group, and Gemini Trains.
If you're looking for a paradisiacal seaside escape this summer, this new ranking might help you choose between Europe's myriad coastal delights.
Each year, Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, releases a list of the world's top beaches based on reviews left by travellers on their website.
Four European beaches made the top ten of their Travellers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025 - including one that took the top spot.
Here's where to find the best beaches in Europe for 2025.
The analysis of Tripadvisor reviews concluded that travellers' favourite seaside spot in Europe for 2025 is Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete.
The Greek beach is back on the list for the first time in four years, soaring up 23 places to secure the number one spot.
It is famous for its pale pink sand, which one reviewer described as 'breathtaking' at sunset.
The beach has shallow lagoons perfect for paddling with children and deeper waters for swimming and snorkelling.
Nature-lovers can take a cool hike in the surrounding forest of cedar trees or spot birds on the sandbanks.
The fifth spot was taken by Praia da Falésia in Portugal's Algarve region.
The beach is known for its sweep of dramatic, ochre cliffs, rising up 70 metres above the sand in some places. A scenic footpath runs along the top with sensational views.
Down by the shore, the six kilometres of golden sands are perfect for sunbathing while beachgoers can take to the sparkling blue waters for swimming and body surfing.
According to Tripadvisor reviews, the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall.
The shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October also offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Playa de Muro Beach in Mallorca, Spain, came in eighth place. Fringed by pine trees, it is a family-friendly spot with long stretches of golden sand and plenty of options for watersports.
You can easily spend an entire day here, strolling, sunbathing, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or swimming in the warm sea.
There are toilets, showers, and lifeguards on duty, and parking is free, or you can arrive by public transportation.
With a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild winters, the best time to visit is between July and August.
Another Greek coastal spot came in 10th place.
Surrounded by mountains, Myrtos Beach on the island of Kefalonia is the perfect scenic spot for a peaceful beach day.
Travellers recommend taking a dip in the cobalt blue waters or going snorkelling, then grabbing a bite at a coffee shop nearby.
It rarely gets crowded, so there's plenty of space to hang out and just enjoy the vibe. Visit in the spring from May to June or in early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
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