UK business travellers to gain new rail option as Virgin enters the Channel Tunnel market

3 Nov

Virgin has been granted regulatory approval to launch a new international train service through the Channel Tunnel, creating a direct competitor to Eurostar and promising faster, greener, and more customer-focused rail links between London and major European business hubs.

For UK-based business travellers, this development could significantly improve travel options between the capital and cities such as Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. A new Virgin service would provide greater choice, flexibility and sustainability - vital considerations for corporate travel programmes seeking to balance convenience with environmental responsibility.

In a blog post on 30 October 2025, Sir Richard Branson confirmed that Virgin has received the green light to operate a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel. Sir Richard said:

“Today we received the news that Virgin has been given the green light to launch a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel… Our ambition is to connect London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with plans to expand even further across Europe.” He added: “I’ve always believed competition drives innovation, and that’s exactly what we will bring to the Channel Tunnel.”

The approval, granted by the Office of Rail and Road, allows Virgin to use the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London - a key step towards launching the service. Virgin has confirmed it is working with Alstom to order 12 state-of-the-art Avelia Stream trains, which promise an energy-efficient, high-speed and comfortable travel experience “unmistakably Virgin” in design and service quality.

Virgin’s re-entry into the European rail market marks another milestone in the company’s long history of challenging established players. Having previously disrupted the UK’s domestic rail, airline and ferry sectors, Virgin now aims to bring its trademark innovation and customer service ethos to international train travel.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented:

“For business travellers based in the UK, having an additional choice for cross-Channel journeys means we can offer more tailored, efficient and sustainable travel itineraries. A competitive rail market benefits everyone who travels for business.”

Virgin expects to begin operations before the end of the decade, offering high-speed services from London St Pancras International to multiple European destinations. The move is set to introduce much-needed competition on key business travel routes between the UK and mainland Europe.

If you would like further information about trips from London to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels or elsewhere, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.