Uber announces Channel Tunnel train to compete with Eurostar
The trains will link London with several European destinations
More competition on the route could see ticket prices fall
GERARD BOTTINO/Shutterstock
Transport multinational Uber, known for its ride-hailing app, has announced it is launching a new train service between the UK, France and Belgium.
Uber Trains aims to run 10 high-speed trains from London to Paris, Lille and Brussels using the Channel Tunnel.
The trains will depart from Stratford International Station in East London and are expected to initially focus on the London to Paris route.
Passengers would be able to book tickets via the Uber app.
Uber will partner with startup Gemini Trains to launch the new service, which could be operational as soon as 2029, subject to receiving the necessary permits.
Eurostar has long held the monopoly of cross-Channel trains. More companies servicing the route could mean a reduction in ticket prices – Gemini has spoken of offering a lower-cost of travel, and Eurostar could be forced to change its pricing policy to compete with new rivals.
Gemini, stressing it will focus on affordability for travellers, wrote on its website “We believe that an unashamed ‘customer first’ service culture, coupled with great value fares and truly innovative offerings, will help reinvigorate rail travel.”
It said that while rail competition was expanding significantly across Europe, “there remains only one choice for customers” on the Channel Tunnel route.
“We believe there is a significant opportunity for a dynamic and innovative operator offering mixed ‘economy’ and ‘business’ seats at a competitive price to Eurostar.”
Eurostar has long faced complaints of high prices and regular delays and cancellations.
In August, the cheapest one-way ticket for the next day cost £190.
A study in December 2024 by European campaign group Transport & Environment placed Eurostar as the worst-performing rail company in Europe, singling out ticket prices and reliability as particular flaws. Eurostar disputed the findings.
Uber Trains is not alone in making plans to compete with Eurostar.
Earlier this year, Virgin Trains received the go-ahead from the UK rail operator (Office of Rail and Road) to use Eurostar’s Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London.
Virgin said the decision would “unlock competition on the cross-Channel route for the benefit of all passengers”.
Virgin, as well as another potential competitor, Italy’s state-owned railway FS Italiane Group, is also aiming for 2029 as a possible start date for their new services.
