A new direct train route may soon connect the UK to one of Europe’s most scenic cities—Geneva, Switzerland—reducing the current travel time by around two hours.
At present, travelers journeying from London to Geneva by train must take the Eurostar to Paris and then change trains. This trip takes about seven hours in total.
However, under a new proposal, a direct high-speed rail link between London and Geneva could reduce this journey to just five hours.
The UK and Switzerland have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the possibility of launching this service. The agreement outlines joint efforts to tackle challenges such as Channel Tunnel rules and border checks.
Both nations also plan to share their railway expertise and meet with train operators who might run the route.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told PA news agency: “It’s not going to be within the next 12 months, but if we can make this happen I think it will be a fantastic thing for our two countries.”
Swiss Transport Minister Albert Rösti agreed that the route won’t be ready quickly, but said it could launch within the next five to ten years. “I’m convinced that it’s a good opportunity,” Rösti said. “It will be competitive with flights. If you can fill one train with 1,000 people, you can reduce the number of flights from Switzerland by five.”
The Geneva service is not the only potential new route for British passengers. London’s St Pancras station is undergoing expansion, which could allow for direct trains to other major European cities such as Frankfurt and Milan.
Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, welcomed the development. “This exciting announcement brings us one step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland,” he said. “It builds on the early work already done to ensure the right access and infrastructure are in place to make this a reality.”
If successful, the Geneva line would mark a significant step forward in connecting the UK to continental Europe by train, offering a greener and more convenient alternative to air travel.
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