World Trade· August 17, 2026 at 04:41 p.m.
Virgin Trains Approved for Cross-Channel Services, Challenging Eurostar's Monopoly
Key takeaways
- Virgin Trains given track access by ORR
- Up to 20 daily return services possible from 2030
- Services to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam are in question
The UK rail regulator has given approval to Virgin Trains to operate services between London and major European cities from 2030. This move signifies a significant step towards breaking Eurostar's monopoly on the cross-Channel passenger route. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has granted access for up to 20 daily return services using the High Speed 1 line that connects London St Pancras with the Channel tunnel.
