Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a long-distance service between London and key German cities including Frankfurt and Cologne.
The route would offer a sustainable alternative to air travel, with direct journeys using Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet.
Heidi Alexander, UK transport secretary, said: “This partnership between Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn has the potential to transform cross-border rail travel in Europe for generations to come.
“I’m delighted that following productive discussions with my German counterpart in the summer, we are speeding ahead with our ambitions to change how millions of people travel between our two countries.
“A direct rail link will support the creation of jobs, strengthen vital trade links and build a sustainable connection that will make international travel easier and greener.”
The service is targeted for launch in the early 2030s, provided that the necessary technical, operational and legal conditions are met.
Michael Peterson, member of the management board for long-distance passenger transport at DB, said: “Europe is coming together ever more closely by rail.
“In cooperation with Eurostar, we also want to bring Germany and the UK closer together at high speed.”
Sir Keir Starmer, UK prime minister, welcomed the move and said: “This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism and investment.”
Ministries of both countries have set up a task force aimed at jointly addressing entry formalities and the necessary infrastructure and intergovernmental agreements for the project.
