Virgin Group to Launch London-Europe Rail Services by 2030

Virgin Group plans to launch high-speed rail services from London to mainland Europe by 2030. The company has ordered 12 trains from Alstom and intends to compete with Eurostar by integrating design and service elements from its airline, cruise, and hotel brands. The new service will feature social spaces inspired by Virgin Atlantic lounges and menus influenced by the company's cruise line.

The Office of Rail and Road has confirmed track access in the UK until at least 2040. An agreement is also in place for Virgin to maintain its fleet at the Temple Mills international depot in London.

Virgin will not be the only new entrant to the market. Italy's state-owned rail operator, Trenitalia, has ordered 19 new trains from Hitachi to run high-speed services through the Channel tunnel to London.