SBB, the Swiss national railway operator, SNCF Voyageurs, the French passenger rail operator, and Eurostar have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a possible direct rail link between Switzerland and London.
The document marks a new phase in the long-term planning of direct services to the United Kingdom. According to SBB, demand for international rail travel is high, and London is the top air destination for passengers departing from Switzerland.
Studies analyzed by the partners indicate a market potential for direct connections between Zurich and London with a travel time of approximately 6 hours, between Basel and London in about 5 hours, and between Geneva and London in approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.
A connection via France and the Eurotunnel
The agreement follows a cooperation protocol signed in March between SBB and SNCF Voyageurs to strengthen the partnership between the two companies and develop new international connections. These include potential services between Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Under the new framework, SBB, SNCF Voyageurs, and Eurostar will work together on a project for a direct connection between Switzerland and London. The partnership is significant because such a route would cross France, and Eurostar has been operating rail connections between continental Europe and the United Kingdom via the Channel Tunnel for over 30 years.
The next step will be to analyze possible schedules and operational concepts. Based on this, the main milestones for a potential launch of the service will be established.
Agreements and infrastructure are still needed
The three companies state that they want to propose the direct link to London as soon as possible, but several conditions must be met before the service can be launched.
These include preparing the formalities for entry into the United Kingdom, establishing the necessary infrastructure, concluding intergovernmental agreements, ensuring the availability of suitable trains, and securing rail routes.
For this reason, implementation could take place as early as the 2030s.
High Demand for International Trains
SBB claims there is strong passenger demand for a direct rail connection between Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Currently, rail travel between the two countries requires a train change, usually in Paris.
The project is part of a broader trend toward developing long-distance international rail links in Europe, driven by growing interest in alternatives to air travel for medium-haul journeys.
The initiative also builds on previous political steps. On May 8, 2025, Swiss Federal Councilor Albert Rösti and British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander signed a memorandum of understanding in London toward an intergovernmental agreement.
On this basis, SBB is continuing studies for the Swiss Federal Office of Transport, while Eurostar and SNCF Voyageurs are analyzing the development of new international connections.
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