Plans for a direct high speed rail connection between the UK and Germany have taken a significant step forward after Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn signed a memorandum of understanding that sets out a shared ambition to link London with major German cities for the first time.
The partnership was confirmed following the inaugural meeting of a joint UK Germany taskforce in Berlin where government officials and industry experts discussed how to remove existing barriers to long distance European rail and expand international rail connectivity in the decade ahead.
If delivered, the new routes would launch in the early 2030s and provide direct services between London, Cologne and Frankfurt using Eurostar’s incoming double decker Celestia fleet, which offers increased capacity and up to 50 percent energy savings compared with current trains.
Passengers could travel between London and Cologne in around four hours and reach Frankfurt in just over five, offering a sustainable alternative to short haul flights and a city centre to city centre connection that avoids airport transfers and lengthy security queues.
Both companies say the partnership has the potential to boost tourism, create jobs and strengthen vital trade links by improving access to European markets and making travel between two of Europe’s largest economies faster and more reliable.
The confirmation of joint working comes at the end of a three day state visit by German President Frank Walter Steinmeier who met business leaders in London alongside the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to discuss economic ties and future cooperation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the agreement moves Britain closer to being fully connected to a modern European rail network.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism and investment.
“From establishing pioneering cross continent routes to freezing domestic rail fares for the first time in 30 years, transport is just one of the many ways this Government is investing in international relationships to cut the cost of living back home.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the partnership as a milestone for cross border travel at a moment when demand for greener international journeys is growing.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“This partnership between Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn has the potential to transform cross border rail travel in Europe for generations to come.
“I’m delighted that following productive discussions with my German counterpart in the summer, we are speeding ahead with our ambitions to change how millions of people travel between our two countries.
“A direct rail link will support the creation of jobs, strengthen vital trade links and build a sustainable connection that will make international travel easier and greener.”
Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave said the partnership combines the strengths of both operators to deliver a new level of connectivity for passengers.
CEO Eurostar Gwendoline Cazenave said:
“By combining Eurostar’s cross channel know how and new fleet with DB’s strong presence in Germany, we’re creating a whole new level of connectivity and convenience for our customers.”
DB board member Michael Peterson said the collaboration demonstrates the potential of partnerships in delivering new long distance European routes under complex cross border conditions.
