Eurostar announces direct business travel routes to Frankfurt and Geneva

Eurostar has announced plans to operate new direct rail services from London to Frankfurt and Geneva from the early 2030s, supported by a €2 billion investment in a fleet of up to 50 new trains.

This news will be of significant interest to UK-based business travellers, particularly those with operations or clients in Germany or Switzerland. The direct services promise to streamline travel between key European commercial centres, reducing reliance on air travel and offering a more sustainable and potentially productive alternative.

Eurostar’s expansion plans were revealed alongside the company’s 2024 financial results, marking its third consecutive year of growth. Despite a challenging economic backdrop, including high inflation and rising fixed costs, the company reported EBITDA of €346 million. Passenger numbers grew to 19.5 million in 2024 — a 5% increase from 2023 — bringing Eurostar closer to its target of 30 million annual passengers.

The new direct services to Frankfurt and Geneva will form part of three planned routes:

• London – Frankfurt

• London – Geneva

• Amsterdam/Brussels – Geneva

Eurostar will begin working with partners to develop these routes, which will be served by the new trains capable of operating across the company’s entire network. These new trains will complement the current fleet of 17 e320s, increasing total capacity by 30% to 67 trains.

Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said: “We’re seeing strong demand for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to go further by rail than ever before and enjoy the unique experience we provide. Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future. Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality – notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time. A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.”

Eurostar is also strengthening its existing services. February 2025 will see the reinstatement of direct services between London, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. A fourth daily service will begin on 9 September, with a fifth added by mid-December.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the announcement: “I am pleased to welcome this exciting investment into Eurostar services, which is a huge step in promoting green travel across Europe and boosting our international rail connections. Last month, I signed a landmark agreement to deliver a direct rail link between London and Switzerland, paving the way for direct commercial services. Today’s announcement by Eurostar shows that the government’s plan for change is rapidly strengthening the links between major cities in countries across Europe, creating more opportunities to travel, work, and socialise.”

Alain Krakovitch, President of the Eurostar Group, added: “2024 is an exceptional year, crowned by the successes of the Olympic Games. Eurostar is in good shape to serve 30 million passengers and the ambition to develop our European services remains strong.”

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said: “Direct Eurostar services to Geneva and Frankfurt will be a game-changer for our clients. UK-based business travellers will gain seamless access to two of Europe’s most important financial and diplomatic hubs, combining convenience with a lower carbon footprint — all without needing to step inside an airport.”

If you would like further information about Eurostar’s new services or how this development may impact your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.