Latest news with #UKtoSwitzerland
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The UK could soon get a direct train to one of Europe's prettiest destinations
A brand new direct train route could be set to connect the UK to Switzerland in just five hours. Currently, tourists who want to travel by train have to get the Eurostar to Paris and change to reach Geneva, with the total journey taking around seven hours. The proposed direct train route between London and Geneva would shave about two hours off the current travel time. The UK and Switzerland have signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to work to set up the rail link. Both countries are set to work together to deal with obstacles such as Channel Tunnel regulations and border controls. Each country will also share expertise under the agreement and meet with potential operators. Heidi Alexander, the UK's transport secretary, told PA: 'It's not going to be within the next 12 months, but if we can make this happen I think it will be a fantastic thing for our two countries.' Meanwhile, Alexander's Swiss counterpart, Albert Rosti, said the route wouldn't be opened 'as fast as I would like' but added that it was 'really likely' that the service could launch in the next five to 10 years. He said: 'I'm convinced that it's a good opportunity. It will be competitive to flights. If you can fill one train with 1,000 people, you can reduce the number of flights from Switzerland by five.' And Switzerland isn't the only destination that Brits could soon reach in a direct journey by train. A planned expansion at London St Pancras could also lead to direct routes to Frankfurt and Milan. Robert Sinclair, chief executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, said: 'This exciting announcement brings us one step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland, building on the preliminary work already undertaken to ensure that station access and routes are in place to make this a reality.'
Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Times
UK to Switzerland in five hours by high-speed train? Not so fast
Direct trains between the UK and Switzerland are a step closer after the two countries agreed to work together to make it happen. The journey time between London and Geneva could be cut to about five hours, without the need to change trains in Paris. At present the journey takes about seven and a half hours. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, held talks with Albert Rösti, her Swiss counterpart, at St Pancras station on Thursday. They signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing a joint effort to establish the route including border controls at either end and meeting Channel Tunnel safety rules. Alexander said direct railway services to Switzerland would offer 'an incredible passenger experience' but acknowledged there was 'a lot of detail to work through'.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Direct trains from UK to Switzerland move step closer
Efforts to establish direct train services between the UK and Switzerland have moved a step closer after the countries reached a co-operation agreement. A memorandum of understanding has been signed in an attempt to address barriers to the rail link, such as establishing border controls and meeting Channel Tunnel safety rules, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander held talks on the issue with Swiss transport minister Albert Rosti at London's St Pancras station on Thursday. Most passengers travelling by rail between St Pancras and Switzerland change trains and stations in Paris, leading to a total journey time to and from Geneva of around seven-and-a-half hours. This could be reduced to around five hours if services were direct. Flights from Heathrow to Geneva take one hour and 40 minutes. Ms Alexander hailed the signing of the agreement as 'an important day' but acknowledged there is 'a lot of detail to work through' before services begin. She told the PA news agency: 'It's not going to be within the next 12 months, but if we can make this happen I think it will be a fantastic thing for our two countries.' The Transport Secretary said direct train services to Switzerland would offer 'an incredible passenger experience' and be 'really convenient'. Mr Rosti predicted that progress in opening the route will not be 'as fast as I would like' but insisted it is 'really likely' that services will launch in five to 10 years. He went on: 'I'm convinced that it's a good opportunity. 'It will be competitive to flights. 'If you can fill one train with 1,000 people, you can reduce the number of flights from Switzerland by five.' The memorandum of understanding includes intentions to share information and expertise, understand the practical requirements for border and security controls, and facilitate dialogue with interested operators to develop commercial arrangements. A joint working group will be established bringing together government and industry experts from the UK and Switzerland to examine how to overcome commercial and technical barriers to launching train services. It will hold its first meeting in the coming months, according to the DfT. Robert Sinclair, chief executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, which owns St Pancras station and the high-speed line to the Channel Tunnel, said: 'This exciting announcement brings us one step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland, building on the preliminary work already undertaken to ensure that station access and routes are in place to make this a reality.' Eurostar boss Gwendoline Cazenave said the operator has introduced the ability for passengers to buy tickets for travel between London and several Swiss cities in a single booking, adding: 'This is a first step in a wider plan with our partners to grow connections in the greenest way.' Eurostar holds a monopoly in running passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel, but several organisations are developing plans to launch rival services. Virgin Group stated in March there were 'no more major hurdles to overcome' before it can begin operating. It made the claim after regulator the Office of Rail and Road said some capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London could be made available to other operators. Ms Alexander said the Government 'wants to see a competitive and thriving international rail market' and is keen to work with London St Pancras Highspeed to 'maximise the opportunities' of the Channel Tunnel. London St Pancras Highspeed has said the line to the tunnel is operating at about 50% capacity.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
New direct train set to connect UK to popular European holiday spot
A potential direct train link between the UK and Switzerland promises significantly shorter journey times, following a landmark agreement between the two countries. The Department for Transport announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding, initiating crucial discussions to address the key obstacles hindering a seamless rail connection. Currently, passengers travelling by train between London St. Pancras and Switzerland face a time-consuming interchange in Paris. This new initiative aims to eliminate this hurdle, streamlining the journey and offering a more convenient travel experience. However, several challenges remain before the direct link can become a reality. Negotiations will focus on implementing efficient border controls and ensuring full compliance with the stringent safety regulations governing the Channel Tunnel. A trip to Geneva, for example, currently takes approximately seven and a half hours. A direct route could reduce this to around five hours, making rail travel a more competitive option compared to the one hour and 40-minute flight from Heathrow. The agreement follows a meeting between UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander and Swiss transport minister Albert Rosti at St Pancras station. While the agreement signifies progress, considerable work remains before direct trains become a reality. The focus now shifts to resolving the practical and regulatory challenges to unlock the potential of this new rail connection. Ms Alexander hailed the signing of the agreement as 'an important day' but acknowledged there is 'a lot of detail to work through' before services begin. She said: 'It's not going to be within the next 12 months, but if we can make this happen I think it will be a fantastic thing for our two countries.' The transport secretary said direct train services to Switzerland would offer 'an incredible passenger experience' and be 'really convenient'. Mr Rosti predicted that progress in opening the route will not be 'as fast as I would like' but insisted it is 'really likely' that services will launch in five to 10 years. He went on: 'I'm convinced that it's a good opportunity. 'It will be competitive to flights. 'If you can fill one train with 1,000 people, you can reduce the number of flights from Switzerland by five.' The memorandum of understanding includes intentions to share information and expertise, understand the practical requirements for border and security controls, and facilitate dialogue with interested operators to develop commercial arrangements. A joint working group will be established bringing together government and industry experts from the UK and Switzerland to examine how to overcome commercial and technical barriers to launching train services. It will hold its first meeting in the coming months, according to the DfT. Robert Sinclair, chief executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, which owns St Pancras station and the high-speed line to the Channel Tunnel, said: 'This exciting announcement brings us one step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland, building on the preliminary work already undertaken to ensure that station access and routes are in place to make this a reality.' Eurostar boss Gwendoline Cazenave said the operator has introduced the ability for passengers to buy tickets for travel between London and several Swiss cities in a single booking, adding: 'This is a first step in a wider plan with our partners to grow connections in the greenest way.' Eurostar holds a monopoly in running passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel, but several organisations are developing plans to launch rival services. Virgin Group stated in March there were 'no more major hurdles to overcome' before it can begin operating. It made the claim after regulator the Office of Rail and Road said some capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London could be made available to other operators. Ms Alexander said the Government 'wants to see a competitive and thriving international rail market' and is keen to work with London St Pancras Highspeed to 'maximise the opportunities' of the Channel Tunnel. London St Pancras Highspeed has said the line to the tunnel is operating at about 50% capacity.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Direct trains from UK to Switzerland move step closer
Efforts to establish direct train services between the UK and Switzerland have moved a step closer after the countries reached a co-operation agreement. A memorandum of understanding has been signed in an attempt to address barriers to the rail link, such as establishing border controls and meeting Channel Tunnel safety rules, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander held talks on the issue with Swiss transport minister Albert Rosti at London's St Pancras station on Thursday. Most passengers travelling by rail between St Pancras and Switzerland change trains and stations in Paris, leading to a total journey time to and from Geneva of around seven-and-a-half hours. This could be reduced to around five hours if services were direct. Flights from Heathrow to Geneva take one hour and 40 minutes. Ms Alexander hailed the signing of the agreement as 'an important day' but acknowledged there is 'a lot of detail to work through' before services begin. She told the PA news agency: 'It's not going to be within the next 12 months, but if we can make this happen I think it will be a fantastic thing for our two countries.' The Transport Secretary said direct train services to Switzerland would offer 'an incredible passenger experience' and be 'really convenient'. Mr Rosti predicted that progress in opening the route will not be 'as fast as I would like' but insisted it is 'really likely' that services will launch in five to 10 years. He went on: 'I'm convinced that it's a good opportunity. 'It will be competitive to flights. 'If you can fill one train with 1,000 people, you can reduce the number of flights from Switzerland by five.' The memorandum of understanding includes intentions to share information and expertise, understand the practical requirements for border and security controls, and facilitate dialogue with interested operators to develop commercial arrangements. A joint working group will be established bringing together government and industry experts from the UK and Switzerland to examine how to overcome commercial and technical barriers to launching train services. It will hold its first meeting in the coming months, according to the DfT. Robert Sinclair, chief executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, which owns St Pancras station and the high-speed line to the Channel Tunnel, said: 'This exciting announcement brings us one step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland, building on the preliminary work already undertaken to ensure that station access and routes are in place to make this a reality.' Eurostar boss Gwendoline Cazenave said the operator has introduced the ability for passengers to buy tickets for travel between London and several Swiss cities in a single booking, adding: 'This is a first step in a wider plan with our partners to grow connections in the greenest way.' Eurostar holds a monopoly in running passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel, but several organisations are developing plans to launch rival services. Virgin Group stated in March there were 'no more major hurdles to overcome' before it can begin operating. It made the claim after regulator the Office of Rail and Road said some capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London could be made available to other operators. Ms Alexander said the Government 'wants to see a competitive and thriving international rail market' and is keen to work with London St Pancras Highspeed to 'maximise the opportunities' of the Channel Tunnel. London St Pancras Highspeed has said the line to the tunnel is operating at about 50% capacity.
