The UK has come a “step closer” to having direct, high-speed rail connections to Germany, the Department for Transport has said.
A partnership between international train operator Eurostar and German national rail company Deutsche Bahn (DB) has “set the foundation” for a fast rail connection between Britain and Europe’s largest economy, the businesses announced on Thursday.
It means the companies are exploring options to offer direct services between London and Cologne and Frankfurt.
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Such direct services would mean reaching Cologne in four hours, and Frankfurt in less than five from the capital city.
At present, rail passengers have to change trains in Brussels to reach those cities. It takes at least five-and-a-half hours to reach Frankfurt, and four-and-a-quarter hours to arrive in Cologne.
The proposed services would use existing lines and infrastructure. Passengers would board a double-decker Eurostar in London, and be spared a change of trains on the continent.
The ambition to create such links had already been announced, as had a plan to allow direct rail travel from London to Geneva, but the partnership between DB and Eurostar had not.
Will it definitely happen?
Details and technicalities are yet to be worked out, with the German train company highlighting that any services are contingent upon “the necessary technical, operational, and legal prerequisites being met”.
“Implementation by individual railway companies is considered extremely difficult,” DB said.
“Joint partnerships are therefore crucial.”
What about Berlin?
Nothing was announced for a direct service to Berlin on Thursday, despite Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander singling out the benefits and prospect of journeys from London to the German capital in July.
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