Swiss Railways plans direct connection to the UK by 2030
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is exploring the possibility of new long-distance rail connections across Europe, including a direct high-speed link between Switzerland and London. If all goes according to plan, the service could be operational as early as 2030.
However, significant adaptations will be needed for Swiss stations and train routes to accommodate this ambitious project.
Could a high-speed Swiss-London rail link become a reality?
Under the proposed plan, direct trains from Zurich and Geneva would arrive at London’s St Pancras station. A recent agreement between St Pancras and Getlink—the company managing the Channel Tunnel—marks a key step toward making this vision a reality.
Both British and Swiss travelers have expressed enthusiasm about the project. "We feel so disconnected after Brexit. A direct rail link would be incredible,” one British passenger remarked.
Addressing infrastructure challenges
Swiss Federal Railways is optimistic about the initiative but acknowledges that station infrastructure will need upgrades.
“The challenge now is reserving a platform to create a terminal,” explains Vincent Ducrot, Director of Swiss Railways. “Initially, we may need to depart from peripheral stations in Geneva until the main station is upgraded.”
Choosing the best route
Determining the most efficient route remains a major consideration. Public transport specialists at Momentum Transport suggest several possibilities:
- Brussels and Germany Route: The train could pass through Belgium and Germany before reaching Switzerland.
- New TGV Section: A dedicated high-speed rail stretch between Lille and Reims in France could streamline the journey.
- Paris Connection: The most straightforward option, according to transport expert Claudio Borsari, would be a route from London via Paris—but without requiring passengers to switch stations.
“Avoiding the city center is key since changing stations can take over an hour,” Borsari explains. “Instead, we could use the high-speed line from Charles de Gaulle Airport, then travel south toward Dijon and the Swiss border.”
What’s next?
While many details still need to be finalized, the enthusiasm surrounding this project highlights Europe’s growing demand for sustainable, long-distance rail travel. If successful, a direct Swiss-London connection could transform cross-border mobility—offering a fast, seamless alternative to air travel. Photo by SOB Suedostbahn, Wikimedia commons.