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Virgin plans 20 daily trains from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030
Twelve new Alstom trains will be kept at Temple Mills depot in east London, and Virgin is looking at a stop in east London as well.
Key facts
- Virgin plans 20 daily return trains to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030
- 12 Alstom Avelia Stream trains running at up to 300km/h, kept at Temple Mills depot
- Almost 7.5 million extra seats a year and up to 1,000 jobs, Virgin says
- Virgin's UK track access is confirmed until at least 2040
Virgin plans to start running trains through the Channel Tunnel in 2030, with 20 return services a day between London and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. The company has confirmed an order for 12 new trains from Alstom and a deal to keep them at Temple Mills International depot in east London.
Virgin signed the depot agreement with Eurostar, and the Office of Rail and Road published it on Thursday. Virgin says no other would-be new operator through the tunnel holds UK track access. Its own access is confirmed until at least 2040.
Virgin’s London to Paris trains: what is planned
The Alstom Avelia Stream trains will run at up to 300km/h (190mph), the same top speed as Eurostar’s, and Alstom will maintain the fleet under a 30-year contract. Virgin expects the new services to add almost 7.5 million seats a year on cross-Channel routes and says up to 1,000 jobs could be created.
The company has shown its planned red and black livery. Social spaces before departure and on board will borrow from Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse lounges. Food and drink will draw on its Virgin Voyages cruise line, and Virgin Hotels will influence the seating. Passengers will be able to collect Virgin Points through the Virgin Red scheme. Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, said the aim was to create “something genuinely new”. More detail on the services and the facilities on board is expected in the coming months.
Calls for international trains to stop at Stratford
Virgin is also looking at a stop in east London and will consider whether its trains should call at Ebbsfleet and Ashford in Kent. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was working with the government to bring cross-Channel trains to East London. Rail minister Lord Hendy has said the government wants international services to stop at Stratford as well as St Pancras International. Stratford and Bow MP Uma Kumaran has said she backs the mayor’s call.
Key questions
When will Virgin trains run from London to Paris?
Virgin plans to launch its cross-Channel services in 2030.
Where will Virgin's cross-Channel trains go?
Virgin plans 20 return services a day between London and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Where will Virgin's trains be maintained?
At Temple Mills International depot in east London, under an agreement with Eurostar. Alstom will service the fleet under a 30-year contract.
Will Virgin's trains stop at Stratford?
Virgin is looking at a stop in east London and will also consider Ebbsfleet and Ashford. Sadiq Khan and the government have both said they want international trains to stop at Stratford.
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