Imagine stepping onto a train in London and gliding directly to cities like Milan, Zurich and Frankfurt — no airports, no delays, just smooth, scenic travel. Well, that dream could soon be a reality! London’s St Pancras International is preparing for a major upgrade, with plans to expand the station’s capacity and add new direct routes to these key European destinations.

This ambitious expansion will boost the station’s capacity from 1,800 to 5,000 passengers per hour, making it easier than ever to explore Europe by rail.

So, what’s behind this exciting development? The Channel Tunnel, which currently serves Eurostar’s routes to Paris and Brussels, has plenty of unused capacity. Now, that extra space could be used to introduce direct train services to other major cities in Germany, Italy and Switzerland, thanks to a partnership between St Pancras Highspeed (formerly HS1) and Eurotunnel.

At the moment, Eurostar connects London to Paris, Brussels, and a handful of other cities, but this expansion could pave the way for direct trains to Frankfurt, Zurich, Milan, and even Geneva. It’s a game changer for anyone looking to avoid the hassle of flying and enjoy a more relaxed journey across Europe.

Demand for international train travel has been steadily growing, and there’s growing interest from other operators, including Virgin Trains and Deutsche Bahn. If everything goes to plan, we could start seeing these new routes by 2030. However, the process will take time, as train operators will need to secure new trains and get the necessary approvals to operate on both sides of the Channel.

Robert Sinclair, CEO of St Pancras Highspeed, summed it up: “This partnership with Eurotunnel is a significant step in making high-speed rail the preferred option for travel to Europe.”

The future of travel looks brighter than ever, with the promise of smoother, more sustainable journeys across the continent. Whether you’re heading to Milan for its fashion, Zurich for stunning lakeside views, or Frankfurt and Cologne, for a taste of German culture, Europe could soon be just a train ride away.

Explore Europe's best cities on an Interail Adventure!

Ever dreamt of exploring Europe by train? Now’s your chance! Over four weeks, enjoy seamless rail travel, between Europe's best cities, your choice of accommodation, and 24/7 support. Plus, access an exclusive app with city guides and discounted tickets.

Plan your trip