Eurostar, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and SNCF Voyageurs have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at developing a potential direct rail connection between London and Switzerland.
The agreement marks a significant step toward the long-discussed possibility of launching direct international rail services linking the United Kingdom with Swiss cities including Zurich, Geneva and Basel.
The companies said the memorandum follows a broader cooperation agreement signed in March between SBB and SNCF Voyageurs focused on strengthening cross-border rail partnerships and developing new international routes.
Direct London-Switzerland trains under study
The three rail operators believe there is strong demand for direct rail services between Switzerland and the UK, particularly as London remains the largest air travel market from Switzerland.
According to preliminary studies, a direct rail service between London and Zurich could operate in approximately six hours, while journeys to Basel and Geneva could take around five to five-and-a-half hours.
The companies said these travel times could make rail a competitive alternative to short-haul flights for many travelers.
“The demand for international rail travel is high,” the operators said in a joint statement.
Next steps focus on operations and infrastructure
Following the signing of the memorandum, Eurostar, SBB and SNCF Voyageurs will now begin analyzing possible timetables, operational concepts and the infrastructure requirements necessary to launch the service.
Several major hurdles still need to be addressed before trains can begin operating, including border control procedures, intergovernmental agreements, station infrastructure and the availability of suitable rolling stock and train paths.
Because any direct London-Switzerland service would pass through France and the Channel Tunnel, SNCF Voyageurs and Eurostar are considered key operational partners for the project.
Launch unlikely before the 2030s
The companies acknowledged that implementation remains a long-term objective and said the earliest realistic launch timeline would likely fall sometime during the 2030s.
The initiative also builds on a memorandum signed in London in May 2025 between Swiss Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander concerning future rail cooperation between the two countries.
The project reflects growing interest across Europe in expanding international high-speed rail as governments and transport operators seek lower-emission alternatives to short-haul air travel.
