Italy's state railway group, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), has announced plans to launch a high-speed rail service between Paris and London by 2029, directly challenging Eurostar's three-decade monopoly on the cross-Channel route, according to Reuters.
The move is part of a broader European expansion strategy and could extend service to Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Milan, and potentially Ashford in the UK's Kent region.
A New Player Enters the Tunnel
FS is developing this ambitious project in partnership with Spanish startup Evolyn, with both companies signing a memorandum of understanding to explore future collaborations aimed at redefining trans-Channel travel. While technical and infrastructure approvals are still pending, FS has reportedly secured the necessary licenses and permits in France.
As part of its 2025–2029 development plan, FS aims to integrate its signature Frecciarossa trains—already in use on high-speed routes between Paris, Lyon, and Milan—into the Paris–London corridor. These sleek, modern trains offer a competitive edge in comfort and speed.
Since 2021, FS has operated Frecciarossa services between Milan and Paris, clocking in at just under seven hours. This made FS the first alternative to France's national railway operator (SNCF) on that route.
Boosting Green Travel in Europe
"High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient, eco-friendly mobility," said FS executive Luigi Ferraris, as quoted by The Independent. "By expanding our presence along key corridors, we're investing not just in infrastructure and innovation, but in the future of European transportation."
The growing competition isn't limited to FS. Virgin Group is also entering the race, planning to raise £700 million to launch its own cross-Channel train service by 2029, with potential expansion to Amsterdam.
A Station Upgrade for a Competitive Future
To support this surge in competition, upgrades are already underway at London St Pancras International, aiming to nearly triple passenger capacity from 1,800 to 5,000 per hour. The station has introduced infrastructure cost discounts for operators planning new routes. Additionally, Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, has offered €50 million in incentives for any new player launching a cross-Channel route.
Access to Temple Mills Depot, once exclusively used by Eurostar for train maintenance, has also been opened up, further lowering the barriers for new entrants.
More Routes and Greater Reach
In addition to the Paris–London project, FS plans to restore Frecciarossa service between Milan and Paris and launch a new Paris–Marseille line by June 15, 2025.
FS's footprint in the UK is growing, too. Through its subsidiaries c2c and Avanti West Coast—which together serve over 3 million passengers—FS has already established a solid foundation. The company also holds a 30% stake in the joint venture with FirstGroup that operates Avanti West Coast.
Travelers Could Win Big
Industry leaders are optimistic about the shake-up. Robert Sinclair, CEO of London St Pancras Highspeed, welcomed the increased capacity and competition, while Mark Smith, aka The Man in Seat 61, described the expanding high-speed rail network from London to cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Milan as "exciting."
According to Susanne Kries, co-author of Europe by Rail, "Frecciarossa will likely be the first real competitor to Eurostar." With the EU's liberalization of rail services helping to drive down ticket prices, travelers stand to benefit from more choice, better service, and greener travel options.
Technical assessments are already in motion to ensure seamless integration through the Channel Tunnel and with national rail networks. Notably, Getlink confirmed the tunnel could handle up to 1,000 trains per day, suggesting that the race for high-speed, cross-border travel is just heating up.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
