The project for services between London and Switzerland is on the right track. Eurostar, SNCF and CFF, the Swiss railways, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard, which provides for a feasibility study of a London-Geneva service by 2030. The three railway operators will thus be able to work on the best route, potential timetables, and the operating mode for this link... On this basis, the key steps and milestones for the potential introduction of such a direct link between Switzerland and London will be defined. », specify the three companies in a joint statement. While the journey will cross part of France to reach the Channel Tunnel (operated by Getlink), it could see some variations on the Swiss side with options being considered via Basel or Zurich.
An operation by Eurostar makes sense.
This agreement merely formalises the existing desires for connection already expressed by Switzerland and Great Britain, signatories to a memorandum of understanding in 2025. And above all, by Eurostar, which has announced its intention to open three continental routes, including this London-Geneva one, as well as an Amsterdam-Brussels-Geneva and a London-Frankfurt.
This expansion on the Old Continent is linked to the delivery of new train sets, from 2030, which will allow the international subsidiary of SNCF Voyageurs to develop its traffic and get ahead of any potential competitors. SNCF and CFF are already long-standing partners within TGV Lyria, whoseThe operating agreement has been renewed until 2032With the aim, here too, of increasing traffic, launching new routes and preparing for the arrival of competitors at Geneva station.
Reports expected from the aviation sector in favour of rail
To ensure the carriages are filled, the three partners are relying on the strong International rail travel enquiries » and the urge to travel created by this new route connecting Switzerland to London. Significant market shares would be taken from air travel, with London being “ the first air destination from Switzerland », observe the three partner companies; traffic between the two cities was 2.1 million passengers last year.
The shift towards rail transport would be significant, particularly among business customers, who are now seeking more environmentally friendly transport solutions for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reasons. Furthermore, journey times would be acceptable for business travellers, with London-Basel taking 5 hours, London-Geneva taking 5 hours 20 minutes or 5 hours 30 minutes, and London-Zurich taking 6 hours. By comparison, Paris-Nice takes 5 hours 48 minutes, Paris-Barcelona takes 6 hours 50 minutes, and Paris-Berlin takes 7 hours 50 minutes.
