Virgin unveils design of new Paris-London trains

Virgin has unveiled a first-look at the red-and-black train design for its planned Paris-London rail service, which it plans as another option to Eurostar for crossing the Channel.

The company plans to operate 13 daily return services between the two capitals, adding 4.75 million seats a year to the route, from 2030.

“We’re confident that more journeys between the UK and Europe will be made by train,”  said Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group.

The rail company said the trains will include spaces to work, relax and socialise with onboard areas inspired by its Virgin Atlantic airport lounges. Onboard food and drink offering will draw inspiration from its Virgin Voyages cruise business, while Virgin Hotels will influence the seating and interior design. 

Further details seating, dining facilities, ticket prices and travel classes have yet to be revealed. 

Virgin has signed an agreement with French rail manufacturer Alstom for 12 Avelia Stream trains. The trains will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 300km/h, similar to Eurostar. 

Virgin’s plans would increase the number of rail services available between the UK and mainland Europe. It aims to operate up to 20 daily return services connecting London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

“This new service opens a new chapter in Virgin's railway history and in strengthening connections between the UK and Europe,” Mr Bayliss said.

More competition on the Channel route

The new service would add another operator to the Paris-London route, where Eurostar currently provides the only direct rail service.

Italy’s Trenitalia is also planning to launch services between Paris and London in 2029, a year before Virgin’s proposed start date.

The arrival of new operators could give passengers more choice of departure times and put pressure on companies to offer more competitive fares.

Competition is also increasing on France’s domestic high-speed rail network. Velvet plans to launch services between Paris and Bordeaux, Nantes, Angers and Rennes in 2028, aiming to add around 10 million seats a year across the four routes.

Trenitalia already operates high-speed services between Paris, Lyon and Marseille, while other companies are developing plans to enter the French market.

Preparations for the new service

Virgin has also reached an agreement with Eurostar to maintain its trains at the Temple Mills International depot in east London.

The company said it had secured access rights to the British rail network, guaranteed until at least 2040.

Further details about the planned services, trains and passenger experience are expected to be announced in the coming months.