Virgin makes a major breakthrough in plan for Eurostar rival trains by 2030

| Lifestyle Reporter Published August 17, 2026 12:21pm Updated August 17, 2026 12:21pm Eurostar will no longer be the only train operator running trains beneath the Channel (Picture: Getty Images) Virgin Trains is one step closer to ending Eurostar’s 30-year monopoly of the Channel Tunnel — officially securing track access for new services between London and Europe. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has just granted approval for Sir Richard Branson’s company to run up to 20 new daily return journeys from the UK to the continent. The agreement, which covers the period between October 1 2030 to December 31 2040, means that in just over four years, passengers will be able to board a Virgin Train from London St Pancras to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. We only wish it was sooner. Virgin first launched its plans to knock Eurostar off its pedestal in January 2025. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Keen to rival the behemoth’s stronghold with some ‘Virgin magic’, Branson declared: ‘We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve’. Virgin Trains will start operating services to European cities in 2030 (Picture: Getty Images) The company’s first ‘major breakthrough’ came in October last year, when the ORR stated that the operator would be permitted to use the Temple Mills International rail depot to maintain their fleet of 12 trains. Temple Mills is currently the only depot that can be accessed from High Speed 1, the line that runs between London and the Channel Tunnel. Virgin Train’s submission to the regulator was the first significant challenge to Eurostar’s dominance of the route since it began operating in 1994. Alongside improving choice for passengers, Metro understands that the company’s aim is to inject some joy into their journey across the Channel, which suggests the onboard experience itself will be a priority. Careful, though… Virgin is not the only company keen on introducing international services between London and Europe via the Channel Tunnel (Picture: Getty Images) In an effort to win over longstanding Eurostar customers, Virgin will be sweetening the pot, with bookings connected to its Group-wide rewards programme, Virgin Red. While receiving track access was an ‘important next step’, the ORR has stressed that there is still a lot of work to be done before the new service can run. For example, Virgin Trains must secure access to other rail networks and obtain safety approvals from all relevant regulators in the EU. However, if all goes to plan, people in the North may also have easier access to Europe. In its submission to the ORR, Virgin outlined plans to extend its network beyond London, with stops in Birmingham and Manchester. Eurostar has been running services from the UK to Europe since 1994, without competition (Picture: Shutterstock) A Virgin representative previously told Metro that stopping at Kent is also a real possibility, after Eurostar services at Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations were suspended in 2020. They said: ‘Reopening the stations to be able to accommodate international services requires commitment and resources from all parties and potential competitors involved. ‘But if the stations are opened, Virgin will stop in Kent.’ An Italian railway is currently the biggest Eurostar rival While Virgin Trains may be making impressive strides forward, another competitor is currently pulling ahead. Italy’s state-owned railway — Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group) — is currently expected to launch its own London to Paris route by 2029. Through its subsidiary Trenitalia France, the railway has just put in a €2 billion (£1.7 billion) order with Hitachi Rail for 19 high-speed trains. In addition to the supply of the trains, announced on August 7, the agreement also covers the construction of an €80 million (£68 million) maintenance facility at Maisons-Alfort Pompadour near Paris. Gianpiero Strisciuglio, chief executive and general manager of FS Italiane Group, has said that the project is ‘central’ to the group’s vision of the ‘Metro of Europe,’ the ‘integrated high-speed network that will increasingly connect Europe’s major cities.’ Our Top Shopping Picks Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? 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